# Safari Swiss Army Knives The Animal Pocket Knife is Better Suited to Play than Protection By Amelia Roblin | Published 2012-05-25 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/animal-pocket-knife References: [notcot.org](http://www.notcot.org/post/48071/) & [wix](http://www.wix.com/dsuhami/davidsuhami) It may be inspired by the [Swiss army knife](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/victorinox-alox-refined-collection), but the Animal Pocket Knife was not designed to whittle, to slice, to file or to lever. Its assembly copies that of the [utility knife](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kameta-edc-knife) but this particular knickknack is outfitted with wildlife figures that can be swapped and pivoted in behind the wooden body. Designer David Suhami says that 81 different animals can be arranged, all using different combinations of the rhinoceros, antelope and giraffe parts. You can make a rhino with long legs or a long-necked hybrid creature with stubby limbs. The purpose of the Animal Pocket Knife is not to carry out practical tasks, but rather to take advantage of the enjoyment of simple things. Photo Credits: [Novate](http://www.novate.ru/blogs/160412/20532/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.3/10 - Popularity: 57% | Activity: 64% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha - Top markets: Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Customizable Animal Knives:** Opportunities exist for companies to develop similar customizable products that bring enjoyment and playfulness to everyday tasks. - **Non-functional Utility Products:** A trend towards non-functional versions of everyday objects purposed solely for enjoyment could disrupt traditional concepts of utility and shift focus towards more playful designs. - **Whimsical Collectibles:** The Animal Pocket Knife reflects a larger trend towards whimsical collectibles that appeal to consumers' desire for unique and playful items. ### Where This Applies - **Toy Industry:** Toy companies could expand into customizable and non-functional products like the Animal Pocket Knife to provide innovative and engaging play experiences. - **Gift and Novelty Industry:** The Animal Pocket Knife could inspire new lines of non-functional novelties that appeal to consumers' playful and whimsical sensibilities. - **Outdoor Equipment Industry:** Revolutionary designs for outdoor equipment that blur the line between practicality and playfulness could be a disruptive innovation opportunity for outdoor equipment manufacturers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Limited Multi-Functional Pocket Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swiss-army-knife.md) - [Minimalist Multipurpose Pocket Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/victorinox-special-companion-damast-knife-2025.md) - [Elegant Everyday Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/damascus.md) - [Sleek Limited Pocketknives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/special-companion.md) - [Outdoor Lifestyle Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/opinel-no12-outdoor-explore-folding-knife.md) - [Sustainable Wood Pocket Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/opinel-no08-black-palm-wood.md) - [Wallet-Ready Pocket Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bison-gears-kiridashi-pocket-knife.md) - [Posh Pocket-Friendly Steak Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folding-steak-knife.md) - [Picnic-Ready Multitools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/victorinox-special-picknicker-damast.md)