Swiss Army Knife blade ditched over crime rise however will likely be helpful for cyclers

The blade on the Swiss Army Knife has been given the chop after bosses dropped it from the gadget.

The makers of the infamous tool – used by campers, hikers and adventurers for years – made the decision due to the global rise in knife crime. Victorinox said it needed to act as countries brought in tougher knife regulations on the carrying of knives to combat stabbings.

They said they hope the iconic piece of kit will still appeal to other customers, including cyclists and golfers. Carl Elsener, the fourth-generation CEO of the family-run Swiss company, said: “We’re concerned about the increasing regulation of knives due to the violence in the world.

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“In some markets, the blade creates an image of a weapon.

“I have in mind creating a tool that would be useful for cyclists.

“Cyclists have a need for specific tools but not necessarily a blade.

“We already have a tool specifically for golfers.”

The firm is in the early stages of product development and does not yet have a launch date for the new range of products.

Mr Elsener said in England and certain Asian countries “you are sometimes only allowed to carry a knife if it is needed to carry out a job or if you are in the outdoors”.

He added: “Victorinox wants to counteract this trend with the development of blade-less tools for specific outdoor activities or sports.”

Swiss Army Knife was started by Mr Elsener’s great-grandfather, a self-employed cutler, who landed a contract to supply knives to their army in 1891.

Six years later he patented the original soldier’s knife and called it the Swiss Army Knife.

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