Abstract: An assisted opening knife blade having a knife blade and at least two blade projections extending from the knife blade, wherein a proximal end of each blade projection extends beyond a side surface of the knife blade.

Abstract: A folding knife including a blade assembly; a first plate; a first member; a spacer connected to a first end of the first member; and a first button connected to the first member between the first end of the first member and an opposing second end of the first member; wherein the spacer is configured to be inserted into a slot of the blade assembly to lock the blade assembly into an open orientation with respect to the first plate. The first member is configured to be rotated with respect to the first plate by the first button to allow the blade assembly to be unlocked. The first plate has an arcuate slot; wherein the arcuate slot is located closer to a first end of the first plate than to a second end; and wherein the first button is located between the arcuate slot and the second end.

Abstract: A folding knife has a blade pivotably mounted between a first handle scale and a second handle scale and attached to a first pivot post and a second pivot post. A locking mechanism is slidably mounted in the first handle scale and is spring biased into contact with the first pivot post. The locking mechanism is spring biased into contact with a first groove on the first pivot post when the blade is in a closed position thereby preventing the blade from pivoting to the open position, and the locking mechanism is spring biased into contact with a second groove on the first pivot post when the blade is in an open position thereby preventing the blade from pivoting to the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power-assisted folding knife, comprising a handle, a blade, a locking mechanism, an assisting mechanism and a second assisting mechanism. The blade is rotatably connected to the handle. The locking mechanism and the second assisting mechanism are provided inside the handle. The assisting mechanism is connected to the handle and the blade respectively. When the blade is in a folded position, the assisting mechanism and the second assisting mechanism are used for locking or unlocking the blade. When the blade is in an unfolded position, the locking mechanism is used for locking or unlocking the blade. When the power-assisted folding knife is unfolded, the assisting mechanism and the second assisting mechanism provide assisting force for the blade and/or the handle.

Abstract: A folding tool including a handle having a first handle half and a second handle half held in a spaced apart relationship to form an implement groove therebetween. Two or more implements are pivotally connected between the first handle half and a second handle half by a pivot shaft and movable between an open position and closed position and lockable in the open position. The folding tool includes a closed blade retention system, with a detent feature (or hole) on each tang, a detent retainer spring, and a detent ball. When the implement is in the closed position, the detent aligns with the ball thereby retaining the blade in the closed position.

Abstract: A folding knife includes a handle having a pivot axis, a blade attached to the handle, a movable member that moves about the pivot axis, an urging spring, and a switching mechanism. The movable member has an engaging claw. When the blade is in a folded position, the switching mechanism holds the movable member in a disengaged state, in which the engaging claw is disengaged from an engaging portion of the blade. When the blade moves from the folded position to the switching position, the switching mechanism switches the movable member from the disengaged state to an engaged state, in which the engaging claw is engaged with the engaging portion, thereby moving the movable member in the open direction by the urging spring to move the blade from the switching position toward the open position by the movable member.

Abstract: A foldable knife, which can be a pocket knife, has a spine with a generally arcuate cutout or indentation, over which is secured a thumb bridge, leaving the indentation open between the spine and the bridge. To open the blade the user extends a thumb below the thumb bridge to pivot the blade out of a slot in the housing. With the blade fully opened, the thumb bridge provides an ergonomic engagement point for the thumb of the user when gripping the handle.

Abstract: A self-loading utility knife including an elongate handle having an internal chamber defining an axis and at one end is flat aperture for the passage of an active blade. The flat aperture defines a cutting plane extending through said handle along the axis. A blade-holder is slidably mounted in the chamber for movements in directions along the axis and is adapted to secure a single active blade for movement through the aperture when the blade holder is in the extended position. A blade-holder release button is coupled to the blade holder and is slidingly movable relative to the handle to move blade holder between retracted and extended positions. The handle has a blade compartment which is open to the chamber and can receive a stack of spare blades when a cover to the compartment is opened and blades can be shifted transversely relative to the axis into the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a folding knife handle, which includes a first housing pivotally connected to a blade and formed with an arcuate guide groove through which a stud of the blade passes, a pushing element movably located on the first housing and having one end exposed from the handle, a pressing element connected to the pushing element and having one end provided with a pressing plate, and a second housing assembled to the first housing to cover the pressing element. When the stud is located at a first end of the arcuate guide groove and the pressing plate doesn't press against the stud, the blade is fully received in the handle and, when the pressing plate presses against and moves the stud toward a second end of the arcuate guide groove, the stud is driven by a resilient member to move the blade fully out of the handle.

Abstract: A folding knife with an actuating system to interface with the blade to open the blade. The actuating system having a moving member to rotate the blade a different amount of rotation with respect to the movement of an interface portion of the actuating portion.

Abstract: A retractable blade knife includes a body, a handle lever and a blade holder assembly. The blade holder assembly is mounted to the distal end of the body to pivot between a retracted position in which a cutting edge is concealed within the body and an extended position in which a cutting edge is exposed. The handle lever is mounted to the body at a pivot joint that is located between the opposite ends of both the lever member and the body so that the handle lever can pivot between an open position and a closed position. A pin at the distal end of the handle lever is received for sliding movement by a slot in the blade holder assembly so that when the handle lever is urged from the open position to the closed position, the blade holder assembly rotates from the retracted position to the extended position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knife, comprising a blade carrier (14) for holding a blade (15), having at least one primary knife part (11) and a secondary knife part (12), which is configured to be movable relative to the primary knife part (11), wherein the primary knife part (11) is associated with first coupling means (20, 36), which can be detachably engaged with second coupling means (18, 38) associated with the secondary knife part (12) in order to move the blade carrier (14) by way of a motion of the primary knife part (11) relative to the second knife part (12) between a safety position, in which the blade (15) is retracted into a knife housing (11) configured by the primary knife part (11) and/or the secondary knife part (12) and inaccessible to the user, and an intermediate position, in which the blade (15) protrudes from the knife housing (11), wherein the blade carrier (14) is subjected to a load by a restoring force (21) in the safety position.

Abstract: A hand saw includes a saw blade, a handle, and a blade carrier. The saw further includes a blade clamp assembly having a locking member that removably couples the saw blade to the blade carrier so that the saw blade pivots with the blade carrier about a pivot axis. An actuating button is manually movable generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the saw blade by the user between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the actuating button engages the blade carrier to retain the blade carrier and the saw blade in one of an extended position and a folded position. In the disengaged position, the actuating button is disengaged from the blade carrier so that the blade carrier and the saw blade can be pivoted between the extended and the folded positions of the saw blade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a folding knife handle, which includes a first housing pivotally connected to a blade and formed with an arcuate guide groove through which a stud of the blade passes, a pushing element movably located on the first housing and having one end exposed from the handle, a pressing element connected to the pushing element and having one end provided with a pressing plate, and a second housing assembled to the first housing to cover the pressing element. When the stud is located at a first end of the arcuate guide groove and the pressing plate doesn't press against the stud, the blade is fully received in the handle and, when the pressing plate presses against and moves the stud toward a second end of the arcuate guide groove, the stud is driven by a resilient member to move the blade fully out of the handle.

Abstract: In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a folding knife has a biasing mechanism, such as a spring, that applies an opening force to the blade when the blade is in the closed, or folded, position (i.e., the force of the spring creates a moment in the opening direction of the blade). The folding knife includes a latching mechanism that holds the blade in a closed and latched position against the opening force of the spring. To open the blade, manual pressure is applied to the upper edge of the blade (the edge opposite the sharpened edge) to move the blade slightly to a closed and unlatched position to release the blade from being held from the latching mechanism whereupon the blade is then free to pivot under the opening force of the spring.

Abstract: A spring-assisted folding knife, including a one-piece knife blade having a proximal end and including a receiver on one side of its proximal end having a through bore; a blade insert made of a separate piece of material than the blade having a rear surface configured to be seated into the receiver, an opposite front surface, and a central bore extending between the rear surface and the front surface; and a coil spring received on the rear surface of the blade insert, the coil spring having a first end secured to the blade insert and an opposite second end secured to a fixed rigid surface of the knife.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a folding knife. The locking mechanism has a locking sleeve and an opposed locking bolt which are coaxial and biased to a locking position by a spring. In the locked position, either with the blade extended or folded, both a lug on the bolt and a surface on the sleeve engage a locking surface on the blade tang area. Simultaneous manual force must be applied by the user to oppositely release buttons on the opposite handles to move both the locking bolt and locking sleeve to positions to disengage them from the locking surface to allow the blade to be folded or unfolded.

Abstract: A removable knife opening assist for a folding knife. The removable knife opening assist includes a hook and an attachment portion. The folding knife is configured to be stored in a folded condition in a container. The removable knife opening assist is configured to snag the container so that the folding knife is automatically opened for use when the folding knife is withdrawn from the container, without the need to manipulate the knife, other than the simple withdrawal of the folding knife from the container.

Abstract: A cutter apparatus includes a housing with an opening, a blade carrier coupled to and repositionable in relation to the housing, an actuator for repositioning the blade carrier to a deployed position, the blade carrier repositioning toward the deployed position in response to movement of the actuator toward an actuator blade deployment position, a push rod that is repositionable within the housing and coupled to the blade carrier such that a location of one or more portions of the push rod in relation to the housing determines the blade depth extending from the opening of the housing when the blade carrier is deployed, and a blade depth selector coupled to the push rod such that a user of the cutter apparatus can set the location to provide a desired blade depth by selectively repositioning the blade depth selector in relation to the housing.

Abstract: A folding knife is described herein with an actuating system configured to interface with the blade to open the blade. Wherein the actuating system has a moving member to rotate the blade a different amount of rotation with respect to the movement of an interface portion of the actuating portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a knife that includes a knife blade and a tang configured for cutting a material. The tang of the knife includes a slot configured therewithin. Further, the knife includes a first handle plate. The first handle plate includes a protruding member configured therewithin. The first handle plate also includes a first cavity portion configured therewithin. Furthermore, the knife includes a second handle plate. The second handle plate includes a second cavity portion therewithin. Further, the knife includes an integrated circuit board mounted within the second cavity portion of the second handle plate. The knife also includes a holding member. The holding member is configured to receive at least one power source therewithin that is electrically coupled with the integrated circuit board. Further, the knife includes a micro-switch disposed within the first cavity portion of the first handle plate. The knife also includes at least one light-emitting member.

Abstract: A folding knife having a back bar configured to engage the tang portion of a blade. A release member mechanism is utilized to engage the back bar to apply force thereto to at least partially disengage the back bar from the tang portion of the blade for purposes of repositioning the blade with respect to the handle.

Abstract: A folding knife includes a handle having a blade channel, a blade rotatably coupled to the handle, and annular blade seals coupled to either side of the blade between the blade and inner surfaces of the blade channel. A locking mechanism having first and second control pins coupled to the blade within the circumference of the blade seal so as to extend toward the first handle element. A lock plate is movably coupled to the handle and engages the first and second control pins when the blade is in the open and closed positions, respectively. A release knob coupled to the lock plate allows a user to move the lock plate to release the blade. A seal positioned between the release knob and the handle seals a space between the release knob and the handle.

Abstract: A guard for a folding knife which guard protects the fingers of the user when the blade is open. The guards may be lifted by the movement of the blade by a link, spring, lifting pin, gears, underside of the blade or hooked by thumb stud or back of blade or by a flipping motion due to the contour of the handles. The guards may be of various shapes and may be recessed in an out-of-the-way position when the blade is closed. The guards may extend at opposite sides of the blade and opposite sides of the handle. The guards are adaptable to a wide variety of folding knife styles.

Abstract: Techniques involving a kicker assist mechanism and other functionality are described. In one or more implementations, the techniques describe a device that includes a lever coupled to a stop-pin and configured to cause deployment of a blade from a handle of a folding knife. The lever may be configured to pivot about the stop-pin in response to a push or pull force directed at one end of the lever and engage the blade with an opposing end of the lever with a force to cause the deployment of the blade. The blade may be configured to deploy in a pivotal movement from a closed position of the folding knife to a deployed position in response to the force employed by the opposing end of the lever.

Abstract: A utility knife has a counter-reciprocating blade and blade guard. Preferred utility knifes have an internal mechanism comprising several components that are advantageously coupled via one or more pivot points. Though an appropriate arrangement of pivot points, both stationary pivot points and translating pivot points, the blade and guard counter-reciprocate such that forced retraction of the guard results in forced extension of the blade. While the internal mechanism is in a locked position, the guard locked. Actuation of a trigger can unlock the internal mechanism, which releases the blade guard. Preferably a single actuation of the trigger provides for a single use of the knife.

Abstract: The folding knife of the present invention includes a handle having first and second handle members that are maintained in spaced, parallel relation to one another by spacing elements that define a groove therebetween. The blade is pivotally attached to the handle at its tang portion and is movable into and out of the groove between its fully open and fully closed positions. A coil spring, or equivalent, may be interconnected between the tang and handle to provide an assisted opening mechanism. A blade lock includes a user actuated button that passes through an elongated slot formed through one of the handle members and through a circular opening formed through a bias plate that is positioned within the handle, and a plunger element that is spring biased in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the blade.

Abstract: A knife opening assist removably attached to a folding knife blade. The assist is comprised of an attachment element with a channel formed therein for positioning over a portion of any blade edge opposite to the sharp blade edge. The element is attached to the blade by attachment means through apertures formed in the attachment element sides. The top of the attachment element has a hook-shaped element hooking toward the forward end of the blade. The hook is adapted to snag a pocket, holster or other container as the pocket knife is being drawn out for use.

Abstract: A folding knife includes a handle, a blade, a resilient element and a poking element. The blade can be turned into or out from the handle. The resilient element has an end fixed to the handle and another end extended to a position of connecting the handle and the blade. If the blade is stored in the handle, the resilient element produces a torque to turn the blade into the handle. When a force is applied to turn the blade out from the handle, the resilient element produces a torque to pop the blade out from the handle automatically. The poking element is provided for turning the blade. When the blade is in the handle, the poking element presses against the blade, such that if a user pokes an end of the poking element, another end of the poking element turns the blade out from the handle.

Abstract: A knife includes a handle and a blade coupled to the handle so as to be movable between an open position in which the blade extends from the handle, and a closed position, in which the blade is received within the handle. A detent mechanism is configured to resist movement of the blade from the closed position toward the open position while less than a threshold bias is applied to the blade toward the open position, but to release the blade to move toward the open position when at least the threshold bias is applied to the blade toward the open position. The threshold bias is of such a degree that, when the blade is released by the detent mechanism, sufficient energy is imparted by the bias to the blade to carry the blade from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: The folding tool has one side-plate (1a) and the other side-plate (1b). A part of the rear side of the other side-plate (1b) or an arm-like plate (2) attached as a separate body is used as an inwardly pressing member, and a projection (3) is provided at the head of the arm-like plate (2). The base end of the body (5) having at its end a rear recess (6) is foldably pivotally attached by means of a support shaft (4) to the base ends of both the one side-plate and the other side-plate. The projection (3) and the recess (6) of the body (5) are engaged with and locked to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knife, comprising a blade carrier (14) for holding a blade (15), having at least one primary knife part (11) and a secondary knife part (12), which is configured to be movable relative to the primary knife part (11), wherein the primary knife part (11) is associated with first coupling means (20, 36), which can be detachably engaged with second coupling means (18, 38) associated with the secondary knife part (12) in order to move the blade carrier (14) by way of a motion of the primary knife part (11) relative to the second knife part (12) between a safety position, in which the blade (15) is retracted into a knife housing (11) configured by the primary knife part (11) and/or the secondary knife part (12) and inaccessible to the user, and an intermediate position, in which the blade (15) protrudes from the knife housing (11), wherein the blade carrier (14) is subjected to a load by a restoring force (21) in the safety position.

Abstract: One embodiment of folding knife using a mechanical linear slide action blade deployment system housed in a predetermined shaped cavity (28). Said slide action blade deployment system is comprised of a sliding member (1) made of a heat treated steel alloy and coated for low friction and high wear. Sliding member (1) is actuated by short linear thumb pressure on a sloped tab (5) located on top handle (2), thus transmitting sliding force from sliding member leading edge to blade opening pin (13) made of heat treated and coated for low friction and high wear attached to blade (3) axle at a predetermined location. This action causes blade top rotate out of handle to the locked open position. Thumb actuated sloped tab on top handle returns to starting position via a sloped tab return spring (16) housed in a cavity between inside top handle and top liner (11).

Abstract: A folding knife includes a handle element, a blade rotatably coupled to the handle element, and a locking mechanism operatively coupled between the blade and the handle element. The locking mechanism includes first and second pairs of toggles positioned, respectively, on first and second sides of the blade, each pair of toggles being configured to move into a locked position when the blade is rotated to an open position. A handle of the knife may include the handle element and the first and second pairs of toggles.

Abstract: A levered actuator in a knife controls movement of the blade between open and closed positions. The knife includes a blade having a tang pivotally fixed to a liner of the knife handle. The blade is operatively coupled to a levered actuator by a blade pin which rides in a groove formed in the liner and an actuator groove formed in the actuator. A digit tab extends away from the back of the knife handle for operation of the actuator. The pivoting actuator moves the blade by moving the blade pin.

Abstract: A multi-tasking utility tool comprising a body; a knife compartment coupled to the body, wherein the knife compartment contains a cutting tool, the cutting tool configured to extend out from the knife compartment; and a cartridge unit coupled to the body, the cartridge unit having a first writing instrument and a second writing instrument, wherein the first writing instrument and the second writing instrument are positioned opposite from one another, the cartridge unit rotatable between a first position and a second position, further wherein the first writing instrument is positioned within the body in the first position and extends away from the body in the second position.

Abstract: The folding knife of the present invention includes a handle having first and second handle members that are maintained in spaced, parallel relation to one another by spacing elements that define a groove therebetween. The blade is pivotally attached to the handle at its tang portion and is movable into and out of the groove between its fully open and fully closed positions. A coil spring, or equivalent, may be interconnected between the tang and handle to provide an assisted opening mechanism. A blade lock includes a user actuated button that passes through an elongated slot formed through one of the handle members and through a circular opening formed through a bias plate that is positioned within the handle, and a plunger element that is spring biased in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the blade.

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: A guard for a folding knife which guard protects the fingers of the user when the blade is open. The guards may be lifted by the movement of the blade by a link, spring, lifting pin, gears, underside of the blade or hooked by thumb stud or back of blade or by a flipping motion due to the contour of the handles. The guards may be of various shapes and may be recessed in an out-of-the-way position when the blade is closed. The guards may extend at opposite sides of the blade and opposite sides of the handle. The guards are adaptable to a wide variety of folding knife styles.

Abstract: A self defense tool comprising a generally S-shaped tool having at one end thereof a ring portion for finger placement. The handle portion is used for holding the S-shaped tool and the handle portion is located between the ring portion and a blade portion. The blade portion has a tip portion at an opposite end of the S-shaped tool, which is used to apply pressure to specific areas of a person's body. The blade portion further comprises an inside curve portion near said handle portion for trapping and hooking capabilities. The tool can be in a solid form or in a foldable version such as a folding knife. Additional embodiments include LED strobe and/or steady-on lights and shock voltage capabilities and an automatic blade release trigger and locking mechanism.

Abstract: A levered actuator in a knife controls movement of the blade from a closed position to an open position. The knife includes a blade having a tang pivotally coupled to a knife handle or a liner within the knife handle. The blade is operatively coupled to a levered actuator by a blade pin which rides in a groove formed in the handle or liner and an actuator groove formed in the actuator. A digit tab extends away from the knife handle for operation of the actuator. The pivoting actuator moves the blade by moving the blade pin.

Abstract: In a folding knife in which a release button is used to lock the blade in the open and/or closed positions, and to release the blade from being locked, the release button has a shank portion that does not extend past the axial centerline through the button. The tang of the blade may therefore be made long enough that the lockup between the tang and the release button is more secure.

Abstract: A utility knife has a counter-reciprocating blade and blade guard. Preferred utility knifes have an internal mechanism comprising several components that are advantageously coupled via one or more pivot points. Though an appropriate arrangement of pivot points, both stationary pivot points and translating pivot points, the blade and guard counter-reciprocate such that forced retraction of the guard results in forced extension of the blade. While the internal mechanism is in a locked position, the guard locked. Actuation of a trigger can unlock the internal mechanism, which releases the blade guard. Preferably a single actuation of the trigger provides for a single use of the knife.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fold knife comprising a handle and a blade hinged to the handle. The fold knife further comprises a switch mechanism for manual and semi-automatic operation which is positioned in the inner chamber of the handle. The switch mechanism for manual and semi-automatic operation has a first position in which it is allowed to manually open the blade from the handle and a second position in which it is allowed to automatically open the blade from the handle. The fold knife according to the present invention is capable of easily switching between the manual operation condition and the semi-automatic operation condition by means of the switch mechanism for manual and semi-automatic operation, so as to satisfy various requirements of a user where, on one hand, it can guarantee the safety in use for the users such as a kid and on the other hand it can obtain the facilitation in the opening procedure.

Abstract: A folding knife having a blade-opening mechanism incorporated in the handle of the knife. The blade-opening mechanism in one form can be used to pivot the blade from the closed position to the open position by manually applying pressure to the blade-opening mechanism rather than to a portion of the blade. The blade-opening mechanism in one embodiment also can be adapted to function as a closing mechanism for pivoting the blade closed without applying pressure to the blade. In particular embodiments, the handle desirably includes a pivotable side portion that is coupled to the tang portion of the blade such that manually pivoting the side portion is effective to cause pivoting movement of the blade.

Abstract: A cutting system that includes a rotary blade cartridge that can be interchangeably used with a variety of cutting tools is disclosed. The cartridge houses a rotary blade assembly that is maintained in a secure and safe retracted state and that can be activated when the cartridge is inserted into a cutting tool. Activating a plunger of any of the cutting tools causes a piston of the rotary blade assembly to move the blade to an operative cutting position protruding from an aperture provided in the cartridge housing. Deactivating the plunger causes the blade to be return to its retracted and inoperative position within the housing. Cutting tools of the invention include rail cutters such as a primary workstation and a compact workstation, circle cutters, elliptical cutters, and freeform cutters. Each cutting tool is capable of receiving a rotary blade cartridge. Cartridges are freely interchangeable between the cutting tools.

Abstract: A folding knife is disclosed. The folding knife includes a handle; a blade connected to the handle in a manner allowing pivoting of the blade between a closed position in which the blade extends along the handle, and an open position in which the blade extends away from the handle; and a blade-assisting mechanism including a biasing assembly and a housing, wherein the biasing assembly is configured to urge the blade towards at least one of the open position and the closed position over at least a portion of the blade travel between the closed position and the open position, and the housing encloses at least a portion of the blade-assisting mechanism, and wherein the blade-assisting mechanism is configured to be removably mounted between the blade and the handle.

Abstract: A folding knife having a handle and a blade pivotally attached to the handle for pivoting between a retracted position and an extended position. A cantilever member is connected to the handle, and the cantilever member includes a free end. The blade includes a first stop and a second stop, and the first stop and the cantilever member are configured such that upon the blade being in the retracted position, the free end of the cantilever member bears against the first stop to selectively maintain the blade in the retracted position.

Abstract: A folding knife assembly includes a knife handle, a knife body, and a brake portion, wherein the knife body can be turned into or out of the knife handle, and the brake portion is movably coupled to a pivotal position of the knife handle and the knife body. If the knife body is folded completely into the knife handle, an end of a resilient element will press precisely on the periphery of the brake portion, such that the resilient element produces a torque to turn the brake portion into the knife handle. If the knife body is turned gradually out from the knife handle, the resilient element will produce a torque to turn the knife body out from the knife handle, and the knife body will be popped out automatically from the knife handle, so as to effectively prevent the knife body from being popped out accidentally by vibrations.

Abstract: A locking tool includes a handle and an elongated tool blade having a body and a tang. The tool blade has a tang spline opening formed therein which defines an annular array of alternate spline teeth and splined slots. A transversely-extending lock member has a spline ring with an annular array of alternate spline ribs and spline grooves formed thereon complementary to the tang spline opening, and is translatable between a locked position and a released position. The tool blade is attached to the handle by the locking member such that when the lock member is in the released position, the tool blade is freely pivotable about the locking member. When the lock member is in the locked position, the spline ring engages the tang spline opening such that the tool blade is retained in one of a plurality of predetermined angular positions relative to the handle.