The Swiss Army knife sculpture, officially known as "Knife Ship," is a remarkable piece created by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, two of the most influential artists of the 20th century known for their monumental sculptures of everyday objects. This particular work is a sea-worthy sculpture in the shape of a giant Swiss Army knife, complete with oars extending from its red-enameled hull, reminiscent of a Viking longship. The creation and exhibition of "Knife Ship" were part of "Il Corso del Coltello" (The Course of the Knife), a site-specific performance project in Venice, Italy, that Oldenburg and van Bruggen conceived and realized together with writer Germano Celant and architect Frank Gehry​ (Pace Gallery)​.

"Il Corso del Coltello" was an ambitious project that blurred the lines between art, performance, and architecture. The performance featured the "Knife Ship" as a central prop, around which the narrative and actions of the main characters revolved. Oldenburg, van Bruggen, and Gehry themselves played the roles of these characters, combining elements of reality and fiction, past and present, in a grand artistic spectacle. The project was not only a testament to the creative synergy between Oldenburg and van Bruggen but also highlighted their collaborative spirit with other artists and intellectuals of their time​ (Reina Sofía Museum)​.

After its initial voyage in Venice, the "Knife Ship" went on to be displayed in prominent venues such as the rotunda of the Guggenheim Museum in New York, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, capturing the imagination of the public and art critics alike. This work, along with other large-scale projects by Oldenburg and van Bruggen, has left a lasting impact on the world of public art, making their creations among the most recognizable and beloved artworks globally​ (Pace Gallery)​.