16 Jul 2026
The Biel-based company Sknife, renowned for its premium knives, is the subject of a case study written by the School of Management Fribourg in collaboration with Marco Biscaro.
The case study has been published in HEC Montréal’s International Journal of Case Studies in Management and provides students with a practical analysis of the strategic challenges involved in the positioning, growth and internationalisation of an innovative Swiss company.
Founded in Biel a decade ago, Sknife has made a name for itself as a leading manufacturer of premium knives developed in collaboration with renowned chefs. Combining traditional craftsmanship, Swiss expertise and the precision inspired by Biel’s watchmaking heritage, its products are now used by leading restaurants and luxury hotels around the world and have received a number of prestigious design awards.
This case study, developed in collaboration with Marco Biscaro, Assistant Professor at the Universities of Applied Sciences (HES), offers an in-depth look at the strategic decisions involved in developing a Swiss luxury brand in competitive markets. It encourages students to examine the positioning of a premium product, the conditions for sustainable growth, and the role that renowned chefs can play in building a brand’s reputation.
Through this case study, students are invited to evaluate different growth scenarios, identify the associated risks, and discuss the conditions required to ensure the long-term sustainable performance of a company with significant technological, artisanal and commercial value.
To mark the publication of the case study, Michael Bach, Founder and CEO of Sknife, visited the School of Management Fribourg to share the entrepreneurial journey the Swiss manufacturer has undergone since its founding. He explained how the company combines traditional craftsmanship, aesthetic excellence and precision standards inspired by the Swiss watchmaking industry. Whilst he was here, he was also interviewed for a podcast.