The history of the so-called Swiss Army knives is longer than 130 years. They currently exist in roughly 400 versions and can contain 73 tools or functions. However, they all had one thing in common until now: they contained a blade, i.e. a knife. However, that is about to change.
“In some markets, the blade gives the impression of a weapon,” explained Carl Elsener, director of Victorinox, which makes the popular knives, to The Telegraph website. For these markets, the company wants to introduce a model that does not contain a knife, and Carl Elsener hopes that it will also find its customers. “For example, cyclists use specific tools and don’t necessarily need a blade,” the head of Victorinox hinted at the direction in which the developers’ thoughts are going. “By the way, we already have a tool for golfers,” he added.
Carl Elsener also stated that in some countries it is allowed to carry a knife only if it is needed for some work or while being in nature. For example, Austria has recently joined the trend of banning knives, and The Telegraph has specified that in Great Britain it is only possible to carry knives with a blade no longer than three inches (7.62 centimeters).
Even the attack on the twins didn’t bring the popular pocket gadget to its knees
Men
But at the same time, a number of exceptions apply in the British Isles. These include, for example, people who need a knife for their work, knives are also fine as part of various traditional clothes or costumes, and the ban does not even apply to religious traditions, where, for example, Sikhs carry a large curved kirpan knife.
It is also curious that a ban on the carrying of knives was considered some time ago also in Switzerland itself, i.e. the homeland of iconic knives. In 2016, there was a debate in the local parliament on whether carrying knives with blades longer than five centimeters should be banned.
However, this is not the first time that the world-famous manufacturer has faced problems. The Telegraph reports that after the terrorist attacks following September 11, 2001, sales of Swiss army knives fell by 30% in response to airlines banning sharp objects on board planes. But even that didn’t bring the popular pocket gadget to its knees. It is only now close to that.
“This event showed us that we must not be dependent on just one product sector,” concluded Carl Elsener, adding that today his company also produces watches and perfumes, for example. But “real” Swiss Army knives are certainly not going to disappear anytime soon. However, they will primarily be sold only where they have not yet banned their wearing.
Austria significantly restricts the carrying of knives in public
Europe
