Abstract: A pole saw, including a cutting assembly and a support assembly. The cutting assembly includes a serrated cutter and a sheath rotatably connected thereto. The sheath is provided with a groove for accommodating the serrated cutter. The serrated cutter can rotate with respect to the sheath to move into or out of the groove to be sheathed or exposed. The sheath is detachably arranged on the support assembly.

Abstract: A utility knife including a handle, a blade, a first blade holder, and a spare blade holder. The spare blade holder is pivotal with respect to the handle between an open position where the recess is exposed to allow a spare blade to be removed from the spare blade holder and a closed position where the recess is within a slot of the handle to inhibit removal of the spare blade from the spare blade holder. The spare blade holder further including a cam surface and the cam surface of the spare blade holder engages a cam surface of the handle when the spare blade holder is in the closed position to urge the spare blade holder in a direction from a first longitudinal side of the handle toward a second longitudinal side of the handle to allow the first blade holder to pivot between extended and folded positions.

Abstract: A utility knife includes a handle base and a neck connected to the handle base for pivotal movement relative to the handle base between a closed position and an open position. The knife also includes a utility blade holder slidingly carried by the neck for sliding movement relative to the neck between a retracted position and an extended position. A utility blade is carried by the blade holder such that movement of the utility blade holder between its extended and retracted positions moves the utility blade between an exposed position in which a cutting edge of the blade is exposed, and a protected position in which the cutting edge of the blade is protected by the neck.

Abstract: Provided is a tool that includes a handle assembly including a top portion and a bottom portion. The tool also includes a lock plate disposed between the top and bottom portions and having a deflectable arm having a free end biased towards the top portion, a fixed end opposite the free end, an inner edge, an outer edge, and a detent near the free end and the inner edge. The tool additionally includes a blade having first and second ends, an indent in a bottom surface of the blade near the first end for engaging the detent in a closed position, and a ramp on the bottom surface near the indent defining a reduced thickness portion of the blade that reduces in thickness from the indent towards an edge of the blade to reduce contact between the detent and the blade during rotation of the blade.

Abstract: The disclosed locking folding knife with clip actuator combines a locking mechanism with a clip mechanism. This results in a reduction of the number of required parts, simplifying the knife while maintaining functionality. The blade of the knife pivots with respect to the handle. In the preferred embodiment the blade rotates about a pin, the pin optionally surrounded by a bushing. The pin about which the knife rotates is an extension of one of the arms of the clip.

Abstract: A buckle, such as for a strap or belt, houses a compact multi tool that is removable from the buckle. The arrangement includes a retention mechanism so the removable multi tool stays secure even with excessive body motion. The buckle can be any type of buckle for a belt or other type of strap. The buckle can couple a belt or strap to itself to create a loop or can couple strap portions to one another. The buckle functionality can be provided by any suitable arrangement, such as a cam lock mechanism, a pin or post-in-hole arrangement or a snap-fit arrangement, for example and without limitation. The multi-tool can include one or more articulating (e.g., foldable) tool elements. In some configurations, the multi-tool comprises a sleeve that receives a body of the multi-tool. The sleeve can include tool features.

Abstract: A buckle, such as for a strap or belt, houses a compact multi tool that is removable from the buckle. The arrangement includes a retention mechanism so the removable multi tool stays secure even with excessive body motion. The buckle can be any type of buckle for a belt or other type of strap. The buckle can couple a belt or strap to itself to create a loop or can couple strap portions to one another. The buckle functionality can be provided by any suitable arrangement, such as a cam lock mechanism, a pin or post-in-hole arrangement or a snap-fit arrangement, for example and without limitation. The multi-tool can include one or more articulating (e.g., foldable) tool elements. In some configurations, the multi-tool comprises a sleeve that receives a body of the multi-tool. The sleeve can include tool features.

Abstract: A wearable device is disclosed. A wearable device according to an embodiment relates to a mechanism, including: a wearing unit configured to be mounted on any one of a human, an animal, and a mechanical device; a housing configured to be coupled to the wearing unit and to accommodate a tool having a predetermined function; and a power transmission unit configured such that one end thereof is coupled to a part of the wearing unit and the other end thereof comes into contact with the tool, thereby moving in conjunction with movement of the human, animal or mechanical device and transmitting force to the tool; wherein when a part of the human, animal, or mechanical device moves, the tool receives force from the power transmission unit and projects out of the housing, and to the utilization of the mechanism.

Abstract: Folding knife embodiments are disclosed herein comprising a blade operable to pivot relative to a handle, between an open position and a closed position, a blade-locking member disposed in the handle and being moveable in a first direction between an unlocked position and a locked position to retain the blade in at least one of the open or closed positions. The folding knife may further comprise a safety member mounted on the blade-locking member and being moveable relative thereto in a second direction between a release position and a safety position. Wherein when the safety member is in the safety position, the safety member and the blade-locking member are blocked from moving in the first direction, and wherein when the safety member is in the release position, the safety member and the blade-locking member can be moved in the first direction to move the blade-locking member to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A folding knife, including a handle, with at least two parts connected to form a cavity therebetween, and a blade having a sharpened edge and a tang. The blade is rotatable between an open position and a closed position. The blade defines a first plane inside the cavity. The tang includes a step protrusion and a rounded protrusion. A stop pin restricts movement of the blade in an opening direction. The folding knife also includes a locking member rotatable from a first position, allowing the blade to rotate, to a second position blocking rotation of the blade by engaging one of the tang's protrusions. The engagement of the locking member with the step protrusion of the tang locks the blade in its open position, and the engagement of the locking member with the rounded protrusion of the tang locks the blade in its closed position.

Abstract: A folding knife has mechanisms for facilitating dual operational modes for opening the blade. In a first modality, the knife is opened and closed manually. In a second modality, the knife is fully automatic. When the blade is in the closed position the user may use either mode, manual or automatic, without any switching mechanism. A lock securely locks the blade in the open position when either opening modality is being used. To open the blade manually, the user rotates the blade from the closed to the open position—the lock automatically locks the blade open when the blade is fully open. To open the blade automatically, the lock mechanism functions as the trigger mechanism; the user slides the lock mechanism to actuate the automatic open mechanism. When the blade is in the fully open position the lock secures the blade open. A torsion spring around the pivot shaft that connects the blade to the handle and which is retained in a bushing drives the blade open in the automatic mode.

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. An assisted opening mechanism is operatively coupled between the blade and the handle, and is configured to provide an opening-assist to the blade. An engagement mechanism is also provided, which is switchable between an engaged condition, in which the assisted opening mechanism is enabled, and a disengaged condition, in which the assisted opening mechanism is disabled such that it does not provide an opening assist to the blade.

Abstract: A folding tool with improved locking features is provided. The locking feature comprises a substantially rigid member disposed between or proximal to a handle portion of the tool. The substantially rigid member comprises a bifurcated end forming at least one biased member for contacting a tang of the tool and securing the tool in at least one of a closed and an open position with additional locking features.

Abstract: A folding tool with an improved locking mechanism is provided. The locking mechanism includes a biasing member interconnected to a handle of the tool and coupled to an engagement member, which may be a push button. In various embodiments, the biasing member biases the engagement member towards a locked position in which a portion of the engagement member interacts with a tang of an implement to prevent rotation of the implement.

Abstract: A folding knife has a handle portion and a safety liner with a spring biased portion that slides laterally lodging the end of the spring biased portion under the tang of the knife blade to hold the blade in a safe open position. An adjustment screw has an extended ball surface disposed in a sleeve extending through and attached to one side of the handle and the safety liner. A rotational safety has a safe on detent and a safe off detent for receiving the ball is disposed between the safety liner and the tang of the blade. The blade is secured in the open position by rotating the rotational safety to a safe on position, lodging a safety engagement end under an edge of the spring safety portion of the safety liner and lodging the ball surface into the safe on detent. The adjustment screw is adjusted by to maintain the safety of the knife over time.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a folding knife, which includes a handle provided therein with first and second slots, wherein the first slot extends slantingly from a first end toward a second end of the handle; a pushing element formed with a third slot slantingly extending in a direction opposite to the first slot and at least one post; and a pressing element having one end pivotally provided in the handle and another end provided with at least one sliding block capable of moving in the first and third slots and an abutting portion capable of abutting against the blade. When the pushing element is pushed, the post moves along the second slot and drives the sliding block to move along the first and third slots, thereby enabling the abutting portion to apply force to the blade and rotate the blade out of the handle to a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A folding knife with a handle and blade connected at a axle pin, with a tension spring within the handle pinned to the handle on one end and pinned to a flexible tendon in the form of a chain on the opposite end. The flexible tendon in the form of a chain is pinned at opposite ends to the spring and the blade at a distance from the blade axle pin. When the blade is folded about the axle pin energy is stored in the tension spring by force transferring from the blade through the flexible tendon in the form of a chain to the spring. When the blade is folded a catch blocks the blade from unfolding, and when the user actuates this blocking catch the stored energy in the tension spring is released thus causing the blade to rotate about the axis point and deploy to the opened position.

Abstract: A modular spring assembly configured for interconnection with a folding tool is provided. The modular spring assembly may be positioned coaxially with a pivot axis of the folding tool and interconnected to the folding tool. In one embodiment, the modular spring assembly includes a cup and a torsion spring.

Abstract: A folding knife with a handle and blade connected at a axle pin, with a tension spring within the handle pinned to the handle on one end and pinned to a flexible tendon on the opposite end. The flexible tendon is pinned at opposite ends to the spring and the blade at a distance from the blade axle pin. When the blade is folded about the axle pin energy is stored in the tension spring by force transferring from the blade through the flexible tendon to the spring. When the blade is folded a blade release catch blocks the blade from unfolding, and when the user actuates the blade release catch the stored energy in the tension spring is released thus causing the blade to rotate about the axle pin and deploy to the opened position.

Abstract: An assisted opening mechanism for folding knives, which helps hold the blade in the closed position, as well as, assists in moving the blade toward the open position. The mechanism includes a bar spring seated within one of the handle sides and a contact pin extending from the blade. The bar spring is seated within a recessed cavity formed on one side of the knife handle and engages the contact pin, which extends outward from one side of the blade through an arcuate slot in the handle side.

Abstract: A folding tool includes a handle and an implement pivotally coupled to the handle. The implement is adapted to travel between a closed position and an open position. The implement includes a tang having a contoured surface. The folding tool also includes a locking device movable between a locked position and an unlocked position along an axis that is transverse to a plane defined by the implement. The folding tool further includes a cantilever spring having a first end coupled to the handle and a second end adapted to interact with the tang of the implement. The spring exerts a closing force on the implement when the blade is in a closed position. The spring exerts an opening force on the implement during at least a portion of the travel of the implement between the closed position and the open position.

Abstract: A folding knife includes a handle, a pivot axle, a knife blade, a spring and a catch mechanism. The handle has an elongate opening and the pivot axle is adjacent one end of the handle. The knife blade has a tang at one end thereof that is pivotally mounted to the handle for pivotal movement about the pivot axle. The spring is at least partially fitted within the handle and fitted about the pivot axle for urging the knife blade from a closed position toward an open position. The catch mechanism releasably secured the knife blade at or near its closed position despite the urging of the spring.

Abstract: A method of operating a spring assisted folding knife includes the steps of: providing a spring assisted folding knife including a handle, a blade, a transfer bar assembly contained in a transfer bar assembly recess, a helical spring, and a coiled torsion spring; and pivotally moving the blade to overcome a blade closed bias force provided by the helical spring pressing against the transfer bar assembly followed by a blade opened bias provided by the coiled torsion spring, or to overcome a blade opened bias provided by the coiled torsion spring followed by a blade closed bias force provided by the helical spring pressing against the transfer bar assembly.

Abstract: An assisted opening mechanism for folding knives, which helps hold the blade in the closed position, as well as, assists in moving the blade toward the open position. The mechanism includes a bar spring seated within one of the handle sides and a contact pin extending from the blade. The bar spring is seated within a recessed cavity formed on one side of the knife handle and engages the contact pin, which extends outward from one side of the blade through an arcuate slot in the handle side.

Abstract: A single spring arm assisted knife includes a base frame and a blade. A spring arm is formed as an integral portion of the base frame. A frame lock is also formed as an integral portion of the base frame. One end of the blade is pivotally retained by one end of the base frame at a blade pivot point. A thumb stud is secured to the blade. A stop pin is pressed into the base frame, adjacent the blade pivot point. A roller is pivotally retained on one end of the spring arm. An assist cam surface is formed on the one end of the blade to receive the roller. A second embodiment of the single spring arm assisted knife includes a spring arm which is not an integral portion of the base frame, but is attached to the base frame.

Abstract: A folding knife incorporates an opening assist mechanism that functions to drive the blade from the closed to the open position. A torsion spring is retained axially on the blade axis pin and within a bushing that is stationary relative to the knife handle. One leg of the spring is fixed relative to the handle. The opposite leg of the spring extends through and rides in a partial annular groove in the bushing and acts on the blade as it is moved between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A modular spring assembly configured for interconnection with a folding tool is provided. The modular spring assembly may be positioned coaxially with a pivot axis of the folding tool and interconnected to the folding tool. In one embodiment, the modular spring assembly includes a cup and a torsion spring.

Abstract: A folding knife includes a lock blade and a handle. The handle includes a transfer bar assembly and a blade opener spring. When the lock blade is closed, a spring working in conjunction with the transfer bar assembly biases the lock blade closed. When the lock blade is opened past a certain point, a blade opening spring assists in moving the lock blade into its open locked position.

Abstract: An assisted opening multitool handle comprising a handle housing having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis, the handle housing having first and second longitudinal regions, the handle housing having an interior surface defining a channel region. The assisted opening multitool handle further comprises a tool member pivotally attached to the handle housing and operatively configured to be positioned in a closed orientation within the channel region and configured to rotate in an opening direction to an open orientation.

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: The invention discloses a folding knife, comprising: a blade, whose upper part is configured with a lockup switch mounting hole; a handle, whose lower part is configured with a stopping slot; a lockup switch provided in the lockup switch mounting hole and having a lockup part located on the first side of the blade, the lockup part has a lockup position at which it is clapped in the stopping slot when the blade and the handle are buckled up and an unlock position at which it is released from the stopping slot when the blade is separated from the handle. The folding knife of the invention enables safe locking after the blade is folded in the handle by making use of the lockup switch having a lockup part, the structure of the folding knife is simple and easy to implement, and safety performance of the folding knife is improved.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an assisted-opening folding knife, which includes a handle having a first positioning groove and a first recess, a blade capable of pivotally springing out of the handle, and a pushing device. A first post on the blade is moved along the first recess while being rotated into the handle, and a second post on the blade is exposed outside the handle while being received in the handle. The pushing device includes a pushing element located in the first positioning groove and a second spring provided between the pushing element and the first positioning groove, so as for the pushing element to move along the groove. Thus, while the blade is rotated into the handle, the first post presses and passes the tip of the pushing element and is then blocked by the pushing element, thereby preventing the blade from springing out of the handle.

Abstract: A folding knife includes a handle, an axle coupled to a first end of the handle, and a blade rotatably coupled to the axle. The blade includes a working portion and a tang, the blade having an open position in which the working portion extends from the handle and a closed position in which the working portion is substantially received within the handle. The folding knife further includes a lock having a locked position in which the lock prevents rotation of the blade and an unlocked position in which the lock permits rotation of the blade. The knife further includes a spring arm in the handle and a safety coupled to the handle, the safety having a first position in which the safety deflects the spring arm into the path of the lock to maintain the lock in the locked position and a second position in which the safety permits the lock to move from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an assisted folding knife, which includes a handle; a blade having a first end pivotally connected to a first end of the handle; a first resilient element having a first end positioned proximate to a second end of the handle and a second end extending to the pivotally connecting position of the handle and blade, such that when the blade has been rotated out from the handle by a predetermined angle, the first resilient element produces a torque tending to rotate the blade out of the handle; a post fixed on the blade, and exposed outside the handle when the blade is completely received in the handle; and a poking element pivotally provided in the handle and having a first end lying outside rotation of the blade, and a second end pressed against the post when the blade is completely received in the handle.

Abstract: A folding knife incorporates an opening assist mechanism that functions to drive the blade from the closed to the open position. A torsion spring is retained axially on the blade axis pin and within a bushing that is stationary relative to the knife handle. One leg of the spring is fixed relative to the handle. The opposite leg of the spring extends through and rides in a partial annular groove in the bushing and acts on the blade as it is moved between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A folding tool includes a handle and an implement pivotally coupled to the handle. The implement is adapted to travel between a closed position and an open position. The implement includes a tang having a contoured surface. The folding tool also includes a locking device movable between a locked position and an unlocked position along an axis that is transverse to a plane defined by the implement. The folding tool further includes a cantilever spring having a first end coupled to the handle and a second end adapted to interact with the tang of the implement. The spring exerts a closing force on the implement when the blade is in a closed position. The spring exerts an opening force on the implement during at least a portion of the travel of the implement between the closed position and the open position.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an assisted-opening folding knife, which includes a handle having a first positioning groove and a first recess, a blade capable of pivotally springing out of the handle, and a pushing device. A first post on the blade is moved along the first recess while being rotated into the handle, and a second post on the blade is exposed outside the handle while being received in the handle. The pushing device includes a pushing element located in the first positioning groove and a second spring provided between the pushing element and the first positioning groove, so as for the pushing element to move along the groove. Thus, while the blade is rotated into the handle, the first post presses and passes the tip of the pushing element and is then blocked by the pushing element, thereby preventing the blade from springing out of the handle.

Abstract: A biasing system for the blade of a folding knife includes one component or assembly applying a force tending to move the knife blade from a closed position, nested in the handle, to an open position, extending from the handle. A second component or assembly resists opening of the blade, particularly when the blade is in or near the closed position. The resisting force is overcome by the opening force after the blade has been moved through a predetermined angle relative to the handle, so that the blade then opens automatically. A safety can be actuated to block opening and/or closing of the blade. The blade can have a blunt projection upon which a user may press to move the blade through the predetermined opening angle. A clip can be provided for convenient attachment of the folding knife to an object such as a garment.

Abstract: A folding knife incorporates an opening assist mechanism that functions to drive the blade from the closed to the open position. A pair of torsion springs held axially on the blade axis pin and within a pair of bushings are stationary relative to the knife handle. One leg of each spring is fixed to a bushing. The opposite leg of the spring rides in a pocket formed in the surface on the blade axially around the opening through which the blade axis pin is inserted. As the blade rotates from the closed position toward the open position, the legs of the springs rotate through and cooperate with structures formed on the bushings to transfer the spring pressure instantly to the blade to drive the blade open.

Abstract: An assisted-opening knife has a spring tied to a front of a blade carrier and a movable slider assembly within a slot formed through the blade carrier, so that a blade can be rapidly extended by the elastic force without going through stepwise movement. An expanded portion of the slot engaging the slider assembly allows the blade to be received in a holder and ejected only when the slider assembly fully disengages from the expanded portion, thereby generating no sudden ejection of the blade. Additionally, a safety latch securely locks the blade when the blade is fully retracted. When the blade is fully extended, a stopper engages the slider assembly to prevent the blade from being retracted during cutting and stabbing. Accordingly, the assisted-opening knife addresses a solution to rapidly extend the blade for cutting and stabbing without compromising the safety considerations.

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: A folding knife incorporates an opening assist mechanism that functions to drive the blade from the closed to the open position. A torsion spring is retained axially on the blade axis pin and within a bushing that is stationary relative to the knife handle. One leg of the spring is fixed relative to the handle. The opposite leg of the spring extends through and rides in a partial annular groove in the bushing and acts on the blade as it is moved between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A foldable knife comprises a blade having an end pivotally connected to an end of a handle, and a spring having two ends connected to the handle and blade respectively, so that the spring can apply a torque to the blade to rotate the blade out of the handle. A blocking element is provided at an inner portion of the handle. A switch element pivotally connected to the inner portion of the handle has a first end extended out of the handle. When the blade is completely received in the handle, a second end of the switch element bears against the blade. When the user pushes the first end of the switch element, a positioning portion formed on the blocking element is disengaged from an engaging portion formed on the blade, so that the torque of the spring drives the blade to spring out of the handle.

Abstract: A folding knife includes a handle, an axle coupled to a first end of the handle, and a blade rotatably coupled to the axle. The blade includes a working portion and a tang, the blade having an open position in which the working portion extends from the handle and a closed position in which the working portion is substantially received within the handle. The folding knife further includes a lock having a locked position in which the lock prevents rotation of the blade and an unlocked position in which the lock permits rotation of the blade. The knife further includes a spring arm in the handle and a safety coupled to the handle, the safety having a first position in which the safety deflects the spring arm into the path of the lock to maintain the lock in the locked position and a second position in which the safety permits the lock to move from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A folding knife has a slot disposed in the thickness of the tang with a roller cam extending outside of the perimeter of the tang and rotatably attached within the slot. A safety assembly disposed within the handle has a stud extending through a slot in the handle and moves the assembly between a safe and an unsafe position. In the safe position the safety assembly is forced against the tang thereby preventing opening. An adjustable bias element assists the blade in exiting the blade slot. The bias element is in spring communication with the roller cam. Applying pressure to the stud urges the blade from the closed position as the bias element is centered with the roller cam and the blade is forced to an open position by the spring force of the bias element on the roller cam.

Abstract: A low friction folding knife has a blade with a distal end and a tang. The tang has a slot disposed in the thickness of the tang with a roller cam extending slightly outside of the perimeter of the tang and rotatably attached within the slot. There is a safety assembly disposed within the first outer handle that has a safety stud extending through a safety slot in the first outer handle for moving the safety assembly between a safe position and a safe off position. There is an adjustable bias element disposed between the first liner and the second liner. The adjustable bias element is positioned to assist the blade in exiting the blade slot.

Abstract: A folding knife has a slot disposed in the thickness of the tang with a roller cam extending outside of the perimeter of the tang and rotatably attached within the slot. A safety assembly disposed within the handle has a stud extending through a slot in the handle and moves the assembly between a safe and an unsafe position. In the safe position the safety assembly is forced against the tang thereby preventing opening. An adjustable bias element assists the blade in exiting the blade slot. The bias element is in spring communication with the roller cam. Applying pressure to the stud urges the blade from the closed position as the bias element is centered with the roller cam and the blade is forced to an open position by the spring force of the bias element on the roller cam.

Abstract: A folding knife incorporates an opening assist mechanism that functions to drive the blade from the closed to the open position. A pair of torsion springs held axially on the blade axis pin and within a pair of bushings are stationary relative to the knife handle. One leg of each spring is fixed to a bushing. The opposite leg of the spring rides in a pocket formed in the surface on the blade axially around the opening through which the blade axis pin is inserted. As the blade rotates from the closed position toward the open position, the legs of the springs rotate through and cooperate with structures formed on the bushings to transfer the spring pressure instantly to the blade to drive the blade open.