Abstract: The present invention provides a package opener including an elongated body having a first cutting blade fixedly attached thereto and a second cutting blade rotatably coupled to the body adjacent the first cutting blade. The first and second cutting blades defining opposing first and second cutting edges respectively and movable relative to each other between open and closed positions. The first and second cutting blades cooperating in the open position to define a blade opening between the cutting edges thereof for receiving an object to be cut in a cutting process. The package opener including a lever attached to the second cutting blade for moving the second cutting blade towards the closed position, the lever biased for urging the second cutting blade towards the open position. The first and second cutting edges being disposed generally perpendicular to the length of the body.

Abstract: A reducer block for effecting the transition, in a block wall, between a course of first blocks which have a first front-to-back thickness, and a course of second blocks which have a second front-to-back thickness that is less than the first thickness, wherein the reducer block has a slanted rear face, whereby the reducer block has a thickness at its bottom surface substantially equal to the first thickness, and a thickness at its top surface substantially equal to the second thickness. A method of constructing a wall with the reducer block comprises the steps of (a) constructing a base portion comprising at least one course of the first blocks; (b) laying a plurality reducer blocks in a single course on top of the uppermost course of the first blocks, so that the bottom surfaces of the reducer blocks are joined to the first blocks; and (c) laying a course of the second blocks on top of the course of reducer blocks, so that the top surfaces of the reducer blocks are joined to the second blocks.