Victorinox, the renowned maker of the Swiss Army Knife, has announced its intention to develop pocket tools that do not contain blades. CEO Carl Elsener revealed in an interview with Swiss news outlet Blick that increasing incidents of violence in certain regions have led several governments to impose stricter regulations on the carrying of bladed tools in public. This could potentially hinder consumers from possessing the iconic red multitools produced by the company.

Elsener highlighted that England and various Asian countries, for example, only allow individuals to carry knives if they are required for their profession or outdoor activities. Carrying pocket knives within urban settings, such as schools, cinemas, or shopping areas, is heavily restricted. Consequently, Victorinox has commenced the development of new pocket tool products that eliminate blades to cater to these regulations.

Responding to inquiries from NPR, Victorinox clarified that the new bladeless offerings will not replace their existing range of Swiss Army Knives. Rather, they will offer "smart and masterful solutions" to ensure consumers are adequately prepared for any situation.

The alarming rise in knife-related crimes has further intensified pressure on politicians in the United Kingdom to address the issue. According to the United Kingdom's Office of National Statistics, there were approximately 50,500 offenses involving sharp instruments in England and Wales in the year ending March 2023. This represents a significant increase from approximately 28,900 offenses recorded a decade earlier.

Last week, an English judge publicly criticized the "plague of knife crime" while sentencing three teenagers to jail for their involvement in the stabbing death of Mikey Roynon at a birthday party in 2023. Existing U.K. legislation permits individuals to carry a knife in public only if its blade is foldable and shorter than 3 inches, with some exceptions considering work and cultural or religious reasons, as reported by The Guardian.

Elsener disclosed that Victorinox is currently developing bladeless pocket tools tailored for cyclists, and already has one available for golfers. This expansion aligns with the company's commitment to providing innovative solutions for various activities and lifestyles.

Founded by Karl Elsener in 1897, Victorinox has achieved remarkable success with the Swiss Army Knife, producing over 500 million units by 2017. The introduction of bladeless pocket tools reflects the company's responsiveness to evolving global regulations and their dedication to meeting the diverse needs of their customers.