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classic manufacturer swiss army knife is developing a new model without a blade to address regulatory barriers that prevent access to knife-based multitools.
Karl Elsner, CEO of Victorinox, which owns the Swiss Army Knife brand, said in an interview. Swiss media “Brick”“I’m concerned that the violence around the world will lead to stricter knife regulations.”
“We’re actually working on a pocket tool that doesn’t have a blade,” Elsner explained. “For example, we have cool tools in mind for cyclists.”
“We already have tools specifically for golfers in our products. Cyclists probably need special tools, but not necessarily blades. In some markets, blades create the image of a weapon. ” he said. The new version of the tool is expected to complement, rather than replace, the classic Swiss Army knife.
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Victorinox is planning a new model of its Swiss Army knife without a blade. (Adrian Moser/Bloomberg via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Elsner explained that many countries restrict the general public from carrying pocketknives and other bladed weapons unless necessary for work or outdoor activities.
“In England or somewhere. Asian countries“You may only be allowed to carry a knife if you need to work or do outdoor activities,” he explained. “However, in cities, carrying a pocket knife is severely restricted when going to school, going to the cinema, or going shopping.”
In the UK, you can only carry knives with folding blades that are less than 3 inches long.
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Some countries have restrictions on carrying knives, such as pocket knives. (Michele Limina/Bloomberg via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Knife regulations have been tightened following the incident. September 11, 2001, terrorist attack Elsner said sales of the company’s pocket knives have fallen by more than 30% as a result.
“9/11 was a stark reminder that we cannot depend on just one thing. business area” he told the outlet.
Victorinox did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.
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Victorinox patented the Swiss Army knife in 1897. (Valera Golovniv/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images/Getty Images)
The company was founded in 1884 by Karl Elsner and began manufacturing the original version of what was known as the Swiss Army Knife in 1897.
Victorinox acquired competing Swiss Army Knife maker Wenger in 2005 and continues to operate the brand with a focus on watches and timepieces. travel supplies.
