KNOXVILLE — To many, the Dopp kit is an everyday item and a household name.
To Morton Doppelt, it's simply the kit his uncle invented.
“Ever since I can remember I had a Dopp kit," said Doppelt. “They’re fairly expensive as far as toiletry kits go but they’re well worth the price.”
In 1919, Charles Doppelt released the original kit, flimsy and made of canvas. It was meant to carry men's toiletries.
During World War II, Doppelt was in the leather business and invented a leather version with a collapsible hinge. The U.S. military liked the idea so much, it issued Dopp kits to every soldier in the Army and all of the Air Force.
“It was very easily transported, it didn't take up a bunch of room and it was really very good," said Doppelt.
The kit and patent has since been bought out by Samsonite, which still sells the product. While many do not know the history behind the product, Doppelt says it will always hold a place in his heart.
“Every Dopp kit that you purchase has a family history attached to it," he said.