That too
A previous version of the Swiss army knife, currently with an accompanying knife. — © Manfred Bail/imagebroker
Victorinox, the company behind the famous Swiss army knife, is working on a new version of its best-known product. A version that will no longer contain a knife. The company says it is forced to do this by stricter legislation in many countries.
The Swiss Army Knife has been an essential tool for picnickers and backpackers for over a hundred years. It is probably difficult for them to imagine that the gem would not contain a knife, and yet that is precisely the plan that maker Victorinox has come up with. The company confirms that it is in the early stages of development of a bladeless pocket tool.
According to CEO Carl Elsener, this new variant is necessary, given the increasingly strict regulations for knives in many markets. For example, the British government is considering new laws on the sale of knives, given the high rates of crime involving knives. “In England and certain Asian countries you are sometimes only allowed to carry a knife if you need it to do your job,” says Elsener. “In the city, however, carrying pocket knives is severely restricted when going to school, the cinema, or shopping.”
Cyclists and golfers
The new version of the Swiss army knife is specifically developed for activities that do not require a knife. “In some markets, the knife gives the tool the image of a weapon,” Elsener explains. “I want to create tools that can be used by cyclists. They need specific aids, but do not need a knife. We already have similar tools for golfers.”
The Swiss Army Knife was first made in Ibach, Switzerland in 1891. Originally it was a Officer’s messer mentioned, as the company had a contract to supply knives to the military.
