The company that makes the iconic Swiss Army Knife multi-tool is creating a new version without the knife. The multi-tool is made by Victorinox, whose CEO recently told Swiss media outlet Blick the company is working on new multi-tools that will not include a knife.
CEO Carl Elsener Jr. explained that lawmakers in Asia and Europe are cracking down on knives and bladed weapons, which could lead to some people being arrested or fined if they have a pocketknife.
"We are in the early stages of developing pocket tools without blades," a spokesperson for Victorinox told CNN. "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."
The company plans to make several different versions of the multi-tool with different sets of tools for different uses.
"For example, I have a cool tool for cyclists in mind. We already have a tool specifically for golfers in our range. Cyclists probably need special tools, but not necessarily a blade," Elsener said.
The company currently makes about 400 versions of the tool, including one that has 73 different functions, but until now, they all contained at least one blade.
Victorinox did not say when it plans to begin selling the new knife-free version of the Swiss Army Knife.