Swiss maker Victorinox has announced a significant change to the iconic Swiss Army Knife. The renowned multi-tool, known for its versatility and functionality, is undergoing a transformation that will see a key feature excluded: the blade.
“We are in the early stages of developing pocket tools without blades," CNN quoted a Victorinox spokesperson as saying.
The company believes the new innovation will complement the existing ones.
The spokesperson said, “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."
In 2012, the CEO of Victorinox, Carl Elsener Jr., told CNN that a strong franc reduced the company's profits, making it necessary for the company to be more innovative than its global competitors. For the latest innovation, the company hasn't given a specific release date for the product yet.
The new development comes as Elsener Jr. has expressed concerns about stricter regulations against knives. Elsener during an interview with Swiss media outlet, Blick, said that in some countries, knives are viewed more as weapons than tools. He spoke about countries like England or certain Asian countries, where people are allowed to carry a knife only if they need it to do their job or operate outdoors. He also mentioned that pocket knives are “severely restricted" in schools, shopping malls, and cinemas.
Elsener on Swiss pocket knife
“Our pocket knife gives people peace of mind. Those who have it with them are always well-prepared for everyday challenges. We have so far produced 500 million pocket knives and sold them all over the world," Elsener told the publication.