We knew about meat without meat, coffee without caffeine, beer without alcohol or cheese without milk. We will soon discover bladeless knives on the market. A concept that Victorinox, the manufacturer of the famous Swiss army knife, is currently working on. In an interview with the Zurich daily Blick, CEO Carl Elsener indicates that his company is currently working “on bladeless pocket tools”. A choice dictated “by the increase in regulation of knives due to violence in the world”, he assures.
The boss of Victorinox cites in particular the example of certain markets where “the blade reflects an image of a weapon”. This is particularly the case in England or in certain countries where only people who need it for their work or go for a walk in nature can carry a knife. “On the other hand, in the city, when we go to school, to the cinema, to go shopping, the carrying of a pocket knife is strongly limited,” underlines Carl Elsener.
500 million Swiss knives sold worldwide
Victorinox will of course continue to manufacture the Swiss knives with blade that have made its reputation. But to expand its range and comply with regulations, the cutlery company is also considering other multifunctional accessories. “For example, I have in mind a tool for cyclists,” explains the company’s CEO. We already have in our assortment a tool specially designed for golfers. Cyclists probably need a special tool, but not necessarily a blade.”
Since its founding in 1884, Victorinox has sold more than 500 million Swiss knives worldwide. With a turnover of 424 million Swiss francs (432 million euros) achieved in 2023, the company employs 2,200 employees, including 1,200 in Switzerland.