It is a widespread belief that it was the Swiss who invented the utility knife. Nothing could be further from the truth. The proof is a Roman piece that is exhibited in the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge (United Kingdom), and that can also be seen online on its official website, which is also the most visited.
The design includes a spoon, fork, spatula, awl and nail cleaner, and is made of silver. For this reason, it is believed that it must have been a luxury item in ancient times, probably the possession of a wealthy person who traveled frequently. For example, an army commander or a historian.
The blade of the knife is completely rusted, but the other utensils have the hinges in good condition. It is not a common piece. Yes, small bronze knives and spoons from Roman times have been found, designed to be carried or transported, but a contraption with so many elements combined is unusual.
Other than this one from Cambridge, only a few other similar pieces exist, one in a private collection in Switzerland, and others found in a tomb in Bulgaria and northern Italy.
The use that it must have had 2000 years ago is clear for some of the elements, but for others there is only speculation. It was probably used to crack open nuts or extract the meat from inside crabs, snails, and other crustaceans.
As for the time it was made, experts date it between 201 and 300 AD. By the way, you can buy reproductions online at a price of about 60 euros.