Abstract: A device having a surface which is adapted to be gripped by a user wherein the surface reduces slippage at the user's hand. The surface geometry of the handle portion substantially reduces slippage that can occur when an instrument is in use. Preferably, the hand held instrument is a knife. The surface of the handle is covered with protuberances having angled planar upper surfaces which create a plurality of edges designed to minimize hand slippage.

Abstract: A cam lock for the folding blade of a knife is disclosed herein wherein the heel of the knife is pivotally carried between opposite sides at one end of a handle. The handle includes an elongated slot defined between opposing surfaces of the handle for receiving the blade in its folded or storage position. A self-biasing cam lock assembly having components carried on the heel of the blade and the handle maintains the blade in its operative extended, unfolded position or in its folded storage position. The cam lock assembly includes an L-shaped cam member secured to the blade heel having an arcuate surface terminating at one end in a linear surface and a cut-out at its opposite end. Rectilinear slide members are carried on the handle having a spring bias yieldably urging the pin and slide member into engagement with either the cut-out or the linear surface respectively to maintain the blade in either of its two positions.