The maker of the Swiss Army Knife is working on a new version of the classic multi-tool, which won’t have a blade.
“We are in the early stages of developing pocket tools without blades,” a spokesperson for Swiss firm Victorinox told CNN in a statement Tuesday, adding that they will compliment the existing range of multi-tools rather than replacing them.
“With innovation at the core of our brand, we are constantly listening to our consumers and their needs; and acknowledge that there is an appetite for the functionality, versatility, and craftsmanship the Swiss Army Knife is known for in more specialized fields and situations,” said the spokesperson.
CNN contacted Victorinox after company CEO Carl Elsener Jr. told Swiss media outlet Blick that he is concerned about increasingly stringent regulations on knives in many markets.
For example, increasing concern over the prevalence of knife crime means that the British government is considering new legislation on bladed articles, and Elsener himself referenced the country’s rules.
“In England or certain Asian countries, you are sometimes only allowed to carry a knife if you need to have it to do your job or operate outdoors,” said Elsener.
We already have a tool specifically for golfers in our range,” he said.
In recent years, the company has released new product lines such as socks, time pieces and fragrances as it attempts to counteract the pressures of Switzerland’s strong currency, the franc.
The company that creates the Swiss Army Knife is developing a new, non-bladed version of the iconic multitool.
According to a representative for the Swiss company Victorinox, “We are in the early stages of developing pocket tools without blades,” which will complement rather than replace the current line of multi-tools, CNN reported on Tuesday.
The spokesperson stated, “With innovation at the heart of our brand, we are constantly listening to our consumers and their needs and acknowledge that there is an appetite for the functionality, versatility, and craftsmanship the Swiss Army Knife is known for in more specialized fields and situations.”.
After the company’s CEO, Carl Elsener Jr., CNN reached out to Victorinox. expresses concern over the increasingly strict laws governing knives in many markets to the Swiss media outlet Blick.
For instance, the British government is contemplating new laws pertaining to articles with blades due to growing concerns about the incidence of knife crime, and Elsener mentioned the nation’s regulations.
According to Elsener, “you may not always be able to carry a knife in England or some Asian countries unless it is absolutely necessary for you to perform your job or go outside.”. However, carrying pocketknives into the city is strictly forbidden when going to the movies, school, or shopping. “.
The company is developing new tools for particular sports or outdoor activities, like cycling, according to Elsener, who also mentioned that knives are viewed as weapons rather than tools in some countries.
“I’m thinking of a neat gadget for cyclists. We already have a tool in our range that is designed especially for golfers,” he stated. “More often than not, special tools are needed by cyclists, but not always a blade. “.
Karl Elsener established the Victorinox dynasty in 1884, and the business, popularized by its cross within a shield logo, has been passed down through the years.
To offset the impact of the strong Swiss franc, the company has introduced new product lines in recent years, including socks, watches, and fragrances.
Meanwhile, Elsener Jr. told CNN’s Richard Quest that the company needed to be “more innovative than our competitors in the rest of the world” because a strong franc had eaten into margins. “.
Regarding its most recent product, no precise release date has been disclosed.
