We need pocket knife kits

Why doesn't someone market a kit that would allow you to assemble a pocket knife with a selection of blades useful to your life style?

I have numerous Swiss Army knives. They're beautifully constructed, nicely finished and strong. But I have yet to encounter an unopened bottle of wine in the wilderness so the corkscrew is just extra weight*. I have a fish scaler in my fishing tackle box but I have yet to need one while fixing the plug on the shop vac. That little hook - I'm told it's to be used to hang your shopping string bag so the knife provides a comfortable handle. Come on, give me a break! Even the can opener is a bit puzzling. Is the bottle of wine lying on the trail next to an unopened tin of pâté de foie gras? Ask yourself, when was the last time you opened a tin can outside of the kitchen (where, presumably, a can opener resides) using one of these WWII openers? One of my watch pocket version knives has a cuticle pusher and another has a specialized fruit peeler. Have you ever felt the need to peel your fruit with anything other than the long blade on the knife? The one with the cuticle pusher has a seam ripper too. I can't tell you how often I've felt the need to renovate my clothing while out for a walk.

None of these knives have a 1/4" socket capable of accepting the myriad fastener driver bits (slot, Phillips, Pozidrive, Torx, Robertson...) available today or slots in the scales to accept the bits the buyer uses more frequently.

I know no company is going to supply the perfect knife that exactly matches my needs. OTOH, that's probably true of lots of folks. The obvious solution is to market a knife skeleton and a variety of blades that can be easily fitted into that skeleton by the user sufficiently talented enough to operate say an Allen wrench.

Yet no one, at least to my knowledge, does this. It's a market niche that's dying to be filled.

[Leatherman tools come closer to what I want but there are still problems. My expensive Wave model has a WWII can opener and an eyeglass screwdriver. It has a socket to take flat, proprietary driver bits; the commonly available ones won't fit. Oh, and it's way too heavy to carry in one's pocket; a belt pouch is essential. It does have a metal file though, which most of the Swiss knives lack.]


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* The Fieldmaster...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

which I recently bought has replaced the corkscrew with a far more useful Phillips screwdriver but the hook is still there.

I carried a TL 29 lineman's knife for years about all I really needed at the time then someone gave me a Leatherman when they first came out nive handy tool but like you say some less than useful tools on it I've only owned 1 swiss army knife but that must have been 40 years ago I wasn't all that impressed with the blade quality and for the rest of the gadget tools in it I could have done without many of them. The leatherman as I recall didn't last all that long maybe the newer ones are better I know the last one I looked at had many different tools than what I remembered my first one having. I have carried this Kershaw every day since sometime in 88 it was given to me well it cost me a copper penny by a man I had known since I was a teenager the bone handles finally gave up the ghost about 15 years ago
Attachment 19910
Additionally I carry these 2 items in my pockets the Gerber Stratta which I like as well or better than any Leatherman I ever owned but it even has a coulple items I don't recall ever using I have used the can opener a few times though and it does real good the saw blade is not made for cutting steel but will hack off a good sized branch fairly quickly I've used the scissors for cutting gaskets and for cutting brass shims the Philips head needs replacing though and I somehow lost the screws that held the carbide cutters after I messed up and shattered them trying to cut a piece of stainless wire
Attachment 19911
the other little folding box cutter I picked up at tractor supply a while back I find that I use it more than either of the other 2 except for the pliers on the Gerber
I don't care to have one of those million change bit tools in my pocket because then I would want to carry the million different bits and sockets that fit them.

This is an incredible idea. Even if you're not so well positioned on the cutting edge of DIY culture and tools, it's obvious to see the advantages of such a tool. Of course my first move was to Google it to see if it had already been invented, and I couldn't find anything.

Such a pocketknife would represent the confluence of a lot of trends that are popular right now:

-everyday carry (recall the Scalpel Jones Kickstarter)
-replacing commodity tools with higher-quality ones (the "buy it for life" theme)
-modularity (add/remove/replace specific tools)
-the rise of 3D printing of metals and desktop metal fabrication; people could make their own pocket tool add-ons at home, and share design files online.

You could sell a base unit with say, six attachments for tools, plus twelve tools that can be attached. Flying commercially? Just remove the knife. Hardware store? Add stuff like your pocket tools.

This solves the Swiss Army Knife conundrum - we all want more tools, but we just don't want to carry them around all the time:

https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/h...nger_knife.jpg

Some other thoughts on the subject...

The scales of the knife could be part of the package. Exotic materials for the vain and useful ones for the practical. Clips to hold stuff better-used detached from the knife, e.g., magnifier, hex bits, compass, or pockets to hold tiny stuff like eyeglass screwdrivers or sewing needles. Or scalpel blades to fit the scalpel handle blade. And, of course, 3D printing of user-specific scales not sold by the maker.

Some of the tools could be multipurpose... A fold-out hollow rod. Unscrew the end, dump out the hex bits contained inside, mount the end other way around to expose the hex receiver for the bits. Or use the rod to house a fire starter or a cylindrical diamond sharpener (fish hooks and scallop-edge knives). The point is that the "tool" could be a container for smaller tools and still be usable itself.

Electronics...a thumb drive (one of the Victorinox models already has this), an audible continuity tester

A brainstorming thread on this forum would probably turn up a whole basket of useful ideas.

BTW, do I see a cigar cutter on that Wenger in the picture? [The end of the Allen wrench is sort of pointing to it.] If it is, it's a perfect example of useless blades.

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Originally Posted by Jon

This is an incredible idea. Even if you're not so well positioned on the cutting edge of DIY culture and tools, it's obvious to see the advantages of such a tool. Of course my first move was to Google it to see if it had already been invented, and I couldn't find anything.

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I've looked it over. it seems to be missing the fifth wheel or pintle hitch and towing lights...

Well the cigar cutter may not be as useless as all that I'n sure it could be used as an amputation device for one's pinky finger. Any cigar smoker I ever knew juat bit the tips off the cigar but they chewed more than smoked them any way..
I didn't notice a mariner's spike though so as a riggers tool this hand full of multiple choice tools would not be any use to yachtsman nor is there a turnbuckle key
But for sure the ubiquitous cork screw is there although it would be far too short to pull the cork out of a battle of vintage Merlot but you would have plenty of handle for leverage

I don't even know if this is a joke or a clever idea:

https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/h...cket_knife.jpg

Regarding a pocket knife kit - seems like the critical part would be the tool attachment method. Tools need to attach and detach fairly reasonably, but still be very secure during use.

I've seen plenty of people finger-farking-fones while eating so the idea of attaching a spoon to the smart phone makes sense. (Most smart phone users aren't smart enough to use a fork nor careful enough to be trusted with a knife.)

As to attaching knife blades, I would consider something like a male-female nut system, e.g.,...

https://www.alibaba.com/product-deta...897481361.html

or just an Allen bolt with suitable spacers sold with the blade.

I'm assuming that one wouldn't reconfigure his knife often so a bit of fiddling to do it wouldn't be a deal breaker.

This would be a potentially epic Kickstarter project. It has all the elements of not only a genuinely useful tool, but a strong potential for virality. It's also reasonable to manufacture the first 100 units one-by-one, so that there is no momentum-losing delay after the project is funded but before the first round of funders get their tool. Just needs a cool name.

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Originally Posted by Jon

Just needs a cool name.

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How about "Switch-blade"?

Interesting. Furthering the "switch" wording:

Switch Army Knife

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Originally Posted by mklotz

How about "Switch-blade"?

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The problem with a name like switch blade would be the stigma associated with of the button activated knife in which the blade was extended by pressing a button or lever on the handle allowing a compressed spring to propel the blade out of its sleeve then locking in place.

I'm biased of course, but I think Switch Army Knife is excellent. Interesting how I thought about this for a while, but I needed mklotz's "switch" idea as a creative spark. Quick trademark, patent, and Google searches for the phrase "Switch Army Knife" aren't turning up anything of consequence.

Another option is to work off of "pocket knife", perhaps using something that rhymes with "pock", and then adding "-it". Like "Lock-It Knife", because various accessories "lock" into place in the base unit.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jon

I'm biased of course, but I think Switch Army Knife is excellent. Interesting how I thought about this for a while, but I needed mklotz's "switch" idea as a creative spark. Quick trademark, patent, and Google searches for the phrase "Switch Army Knife" aren't turning up anything of consequence.

Another option is to work off of "pocket knife", perhaps using something that rhymes with "pock", and then adding "-it". Like "Lock-It Knife", because various accessories "lock" into place in the base unit.

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Pick-it Knife as in Pick the blades you want/need, perhaps?

Your way knife or my way knife
Hey dude what kind of knife is that? It's a "MyWay" I can customized it in a 100 different configurations with a simple change out of the tools and blades of my choice it even has an led torch in the handle to light up those dark areas

Some more random thoughts on the subject...

In addition to the 1/4" hex receiver for various screwdriving bits, another useful tool would be something along the lines of the chuck used on X-acto knives, This would allow the user to insert whatever shape blade fitted his application. Spare blades could be carried in a slot in the knife scales. [Scales should come in a variety of configurations to accent certain blade choices.] Obviously, a similar holder to accept box-cutter blades would be useful too. A fold-out scalpel (in the field castrations?) is possible but I doubt there would be much call for it. A socket to take standardized jigsaw blades, e.g.,

https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-T14CPSC...blades+t+shank

would be extremely useful.

[Neither the X-acto chuck or the device that holds box-cutter blades seems to be patented. I have a variety of both from different manufacturers.]

Locking systems for the variety of interchangeable blades needs a bit of thought. Eliminating the springs used in a conventional pocket knife would be a good simplification if a simplistic lock can be designed.

Having the ability to lock various tools at the 90° position and being able to split body butterfly style to form a "T" handle for some applications might be nice as well
That might really help with Marv's favorite tool the cork screw.
OK that was rude but I couldn't resist the dig
Actually the cork screw is handy if sharpened properly to a long slender sharp point. for removing packing and hydraulic seals it is just too short in most cases.

Elizabeth, Queen of England, is almost never seen in public without her handbag. Folks have often speculated over what she carries in that bag. After all, she doesn't need a driver's license, passport, or even money (well she does carry a £5 note for the church collection plate).

A documentary I watched last night revealed that among expected things such as compact, lipstick, fountain pen and reading glasses, she carries dog treats for her beloved Corgis and an S-shaped hook which she uses to suspend the purse from a table so she doesn't need to bend over to pick it up.

But the most amazing revelation was that, harking back to her days as a Girl Guide, she carries a combination pocket knife! (The picture showed something that looked similar to the Victorinox Tinker model.) Sadly, the show did not elaborate on what the Queen intends to do with this knife or has done with it in the past.

I was immediately struck with the thought that this fine lady would probably appreciate a knife she could customize to the particular demands of her singular job. Things like a small sable brush for crown dusting or a miniature scepter for opening impromptu meetings of Parliament.

Another interesting thing learned from the documentary was the fact that she uses the purse as a signaling tool for her staff. If the Queen places her handbag on the table at dinner, it signals that she wants the event to end in the next five minutes. If she puts her bag on the floor, it shows she’s not enjoying the conversation and wants to be rescued by her lady-in-waiting. On walkabouts, Her Majesty may choose to "drop the bag to one side in a certain manner, telling her staff it's time for her to move on". A lady-in-waiting will then join the conversation, allowing the monarch to slip away without causing offence.

Not a pocket knife, but a relevant Kickstarter. Behold "The bitTender" - a pocket-sized bit driver. $2,960 pledged of $8,705 goal, with 19 days to go. I just invited the inventor to post about it here. GIF and photo below.

https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/h.../bittender.gif

https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/h...bittender1.jpg

More: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...zed-bit-driver

Well thought out. The user can choose which bits he wants to carry in the device. Incorporating the cross hex hole so the other bits can be used as a T-handle is clever. I'd buy one.

Like Marv said, also especially useful for those tight places where there just is not enough height to get a standard nut or screw driver

I backed it. $14 with shipping. I thought the campaign was presented well too. They also have a website at Bit-Tender.net .

Very interesting.

If any of that is true it is certainly most interesting. It also highlights the problem with many people in politics in that they are often involved in laws they don't or won't obey. For example carrying a knife in England, Ireland and some other places over there can be illegal. Last I knew a kid can leave home to go out on his own at 18, but yet can't buy a set of knives for his new apartment.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mklotz

Elizabeth, Queen of England, is almost never seen in public without her handbag. Folks have often speculated over what she carries in that bag. After all, she doesn't need a driver's license, passport, or even money (well she does carry a £5 note for the church collection plate).

A documentary I watched last night revealed that among expected things such as compact, lipstick, fountain pen and reading glasses, she carries dog treats for her beloved Corgis and an S-shaped hook which she uses to suspend the purse from a table so she doesn't need to bend over to pick it up.

But the most amazing revelation was that, harking back to her days as a Girl Guide, she carries a combination pocket knife! (The picture showed something that looked similar to the Victorinox Tinker model.) Sadly, the show did not elaborate on what the Queen intends to do with this knife or has done with it in the past.

I was immediately struck with the thought that this fine lady would probably appreciate a knife she could customize to the particular demands of her singular job. Things like a small sable brush for crown dusting or a miniature scepter for opening impromptu meetings of Parliament.

Another interesting thing learned from the documentary was the fact that she uses the purse as a signaling tool for her staff. If the Queen places her handbag on the table at dinner, it signals that she wants the event to end in the next five minutes. If she puts her bag on the floor, it shows she’s not enjoying the conversation and wants to be rescued by her lady-in-waiting. On walkabouts, Her Majesty may choose to "drop the bag to one side in a certain manner, telling her staff it's time for her to move on". A lady-in-waiting will then join the conversation, allowing the monarch to slip away without causing offence.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jon

Not a pocket knife, but a relevant Kickstarter. Behold "The bitTender" - a pocket-sized bit driver. $2,960 pledged of $8,705 goal, with 19 days to go. I just invited the inventor to post about it here. GIF and photo below.

https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/h...bittender1.jpg

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That is pretty neat but really needs to be expanded into a larger tool. Sort of like mixing this with some of the concepts mentioned in this thread.

My biggest problems with knives, multitools and combo tools, is that they go missing far too often. Usually right inside my home.

As for a multi tool that is more flexible consider the various handles one can buy for Sawzall blades. These can be from a couple of vendors usually in daily hefty form. In my case I have one from Milwaukee that I keep in the truck for emergency. What is desirable here is the ability to take a number of blades that can cut just about anything (with enough manual effort) and more importantly in blade lengths that are actually usable. A 3" sawtooth saw blade doesn't appeal to me much.

Now its the context of making a useful multipurpose tool, an adapter that supports such blades is very desirable

bitTender was not funded on Kickstarter; €3,370 raised of €7,500 goal. However, I just got an email from the creator saying that "The end of the project is not the end of our idea." They're shipping out the bitTenders in their pre-production run, which you can order by emailing them at order@bit-Tender.net.

This is a clever solution to an unsuccessful Kickstarter campaign, and a good idea to fuel the next step of their project.

Last year, I bought a chinese mini pliers，Some of its tools are totally useless，they are easy to replace,You can create some，But they are too small。
Attachment 20742
Attachment 20743

Where's the Langstrom 7" gangly wrench (for Finley sprockets - errr...sockets)?

Just got an email from bitTender notifying me that the first units are ready to ship, and they attached a few pics to the email:

https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/h..._shipping1.jpg

https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/h..._shipping2.jpg

https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/h..._shipping3.jpg

It's interesting to see how a project that wasn't funded on Kickstarter is moving more rapidly than successfully-funded projects. For example, I'm still waiting on my Maker's Vise, although I'm reasonably confident in that one being delivered. However, I've now been waiting 5 years for my Cole-Bar Hammer! I can't even tell if it's just taking forever, or if Cole-Bar is just a great scam.

Just documenting that I received my bitTender, shipped from Slovenia, and it was everything that was promised.

Communication from the inventors was very professional, and the package included a non-cheesy little keychain connector free gift that works with the bitTender.