Abstract: A multipurpose tool is provided that includes a carabiner and that is designed to fold into a closed position that is relatively compact. As such, the carabiner of the multipurpose tool can be utilized to secure the multipurpose tool to a user, such as to a belt loop or the like, while permitting the multipurpose tool to be folded into a compact form. A handle that includes a carabiner and that can be utilized by such a multipurpose tool as well as a method of forming the handle are also provided. Still further, a multipurpose tool is provided that includes a handle defining a pocket for storing at least one bit in instances in which the bit is not engaged by the bit driver, thereby reducing the likelihood that the bit will be lost or otherwise separated from the multipurpose tool.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool is provided that includes a carabiner and that is designed to fold into a closed position that is relatively compact. As such, the carabiner of the multipurpose tool can be utilized to secure the multipurpose tool to a user, such as to a belt loop or the like, while permitting the multipurpose tool to be folded into a compact form. A handle that includes a carabiner and that can be utilized by such a multipurpose tool as well as a method of forming the handle are also provided. Still further, a multipurpose tool is provided that includes a handle defining a pocket for storing at least one bit in instances in which the bit is not engaged by the bit driver, thereby reducing the likelihood that the bit will be lost or otherwise separated from the multipurpose tool.

Abstract: A folding hand tool with an open-assist mechanism that is not mechanically linked to a folding knife blade is disclosed. The open-assist mechanism is allowed to rotate around the same pivot used by the blade, and includes a lug that interacts with the kick of the blade when rotated. Because the open-assist mechanism is not mechanically linked to the blade, it has a range of free motion that promotes safety, and allows the mechanism to rotate into the blade cavity when the blade is extended. The folding knife also may have a carabiner that shares the blade cavity with the blade, with the blade nesting into the carabiner to save space, thereby giving the folding knife a smaller profile.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a knife with a handle, a blade pivotally coupled to the handle, and a lanyard releasably coupled to the handle. The handle includes two panels that define a blade cavity for receiving a portion of the blade in an initial closed position. The knife further includes a pivotal blade locking arm and a pivotal lanyard locking arm. The blade is locked by selectively moving a portion of the blade locking arm into and out of a locking recess on the blade. The blade locking arm is an open frame. Preferably, the lanyard locking arm is disposed within the open frame of the blade locking arm. The lanyard locking arm can be moved to release the lanyard from the handle by squeezing the blade inward into the handle. The blade locking feature and the lanyard locking feature can be used alone or in combination.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool includes bypass shears with handles that fold around the shears into a compact configuration in which the blades of the shears are hidden. A sharp-edged cutter is removable from the shears for resharpening or replacement, in one version of the tool. A blade safety lock holds the blades closed and is automatically engaged as the handles are folded. The handles are comfortably shaped and may include overmolded elastomeric cushioning portions.