Source: The Indian Express
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=28060
On February 6, 2004 The Indian Express reported, "For the first time, in a product initiative aimed at any religious community, [Swiss knife-maker] Victorinox is planning to have a world launch of a range of Khalsa merchandise, including kirpans, on the eve of Baisakhi on April 13. Victorinox has also jumped onto the bandwagon of India’s ‘feel good’ campaigners with the roll out of products bearing ‘India Shining’ logo. Says Victorinox area sales manager Michael Tschumperlin: 'Prototypes of kirpan are being developed in Switzerland with design inputs from Amritsar. In the next couple of months, we will be ready with our packaging and finer details. This is the first time that we’re creating a product for any religious community.' Beginning with the presentation of the exclusive kirpan — with handle made of solid gold and studded with diamonds and precious stones — to the Darbar Sahib at Golden Temple in Amritsar, Victorinox will simultaneously launch the Sikh range of merchandise in the UK, USA, Australia and India."