New versions of the iconic Swiss Army Knife could soon be missing a key component: an actual knife.
Victorinox, the maker of the iconic red-handled Swiss Army Knife, said in an email to CBS MoneyWatch that it's in the "early stages of developing new pocket tools without blades." It stressed that the new products won't replace its existing lineup, which include at least one blade as well as numerous other tools, ranging from toothpicks to screwdrivers.
The development of the new tools come as Victorinox CEO Carl Elsener Jr. told Swiss media outlet Blick that he was concerned about laws in some countries that prohibit people from carrying knives.
Victorinox said it hasn't yet announced a time frame for when the new products will be introduced. It added that the goal is to create new multi-tool devices that will help customers be "best-prepared through smart and masterful solutions for any life situation."
"A potential solution for cyclists in need of a bladeless tool is in development," a spokesperson mentioned in a recent communication.
The Swiss Army Knife, originally invented and patented by Karl Elsener in 1897, has a rich history within the company. The current CEO is actually Elsener's great-grandchild. Besides the iconic knife, the company also manufactures watches, apparel, travel accessories, and kitchenware.
