A Gloucestershire-based manufacturer has unveiled a vision for the safe sales of knives.

An innovative up-market manufacturer from Gloucestershire has launched an initiative it hopes will help tackle the threat of knife crime.

Chipping Campden-based family-run business Robert Welch launched a 'try me, buy me' initiative at the Exclusively Housewares 2019 show in London.

The initiative features 'try me' knives with guidance on the intended purpose of each item from dicing, slicing and peeling to trimming, boning and fileting.

For safety and security the new display has triple-locked 'Try Me' knives which have no blade edge, encased in a toughened plastic sleeve and tethered to the display.

Consumers can handle the knives, feel the weight and comfort in the hand, before taking a 'buy me' card to the till for purchase, meaning there is no stock held on the shop floor, reducing the risk of theft.

Alice Welch, joint managing director, said: "We're very conscious of the issues surrounding knives and we want to support retailers in their efforts to have kitchen knives on sale in store, safely and securely.

"It's vital for consumers to be able to hold our knives and the 'Try Me' knives allow people to feel the qualities of the design."

Alyson Corney, sales manager, UK Retail, said: "The introduction of 'Buy Me' cards allows retailers to eliminate the requirement for stock the shop floor, and they also provide all the consumer information required for self-select and easy purchase."

With discussion already under way with national retailers, the new displays could be in stores before Christmas.

Robert Welch is a British cutlery specialist headquartered in Chipping Campden since 1955.

For more information on Robert Welch, visit www.robertwelch.com