(CNN) — The manufacturer of the Swiss army knife is working on a new version of the classic multitool, which will not have a blade.
“We are in the early stages of developing bladeless pocket tools,” a spokesperson for Swiss firm Victorinox told CNN in a statement on Tuesday, adding that they will complement the existing range of multi-tools rather than replace them.
“With innovation at the core of our brand, we are constantly listening to our consumers and their needs; and we recognize that there is an appetite for the functionality, versatility and craftsmanship that the Swiss Army Knife is known for in more specialized fields and situations,” the spokesperson said.
CNN contacted Victorinox after the company’s CEO, Carl Elsener Jr., told Swiss media outlet Blick that he is concerned about increasingly strict knife regulations in many markets.
The Victorinox factory in Ibach, Switzerland. (Credit: Adrian Moser/Bloomberg/Getty Images)
For example, growing concern about the prevalence of knife crime means the British government is considering new legislation on bladed items, and Elsener himself referred to the country’s rules.
“In England or some Asian countries, sometimes you’re only allowed to carry a knife if you need to have it to do your job or perform outdoors,” explains Elsener. “In the city, however, when you go to school, the movies or shopping, carrying knives is very restricted.”
Elsener cited the fact that in some countries knives are considered weapons and not tools, and revealed that the company is working on new tools for specific sports or outdoor activities, such as cycling.
“I have a great tool in mind for cyclists. We already have a specific tool for golfers in our range,” he said. “Cyclists probably need special tools, but not necessarily a knife.”
A Victorinox factory worker in 2012. (Credit: Arnd Wiegmann/Reuters)
The Victorinox dynasty was founded in 1884 by Karl Elsener and the company – famous for its emblem of the cross on a shield – has been passed down from generation to generation.
In recent years, the company has launched new product lines, such as socks, watches and fragrances, in an attempt to counter the pressures of Switzerland’s strong currency, the franc.
In 2012, Elsener Jr. told CNN’s Richard Quest that the strong franc had squeezed margins, forcing the company to be “more innovative than our competitors in the rest of the world.”
No specific timeline has been announced for its latest product.
— Christian Streib contributed to this report.
