Fenix has just come out with their second version of the E12.
Three connected tools:
1. Fenix E12 Version 2 Single AA flashlight on key chain (compared to the Teralux LightStar 100) at top.
2. Rambler Swiss Army Knife
2. Tritium (Wiki) key chain light - not glow in the dark, but rather on 24/7.
Three connected tools:
1. Teralux LightStar100 Single AA flashlight
2. Rambler Swiss Army Knife
YouTube: Best keychain multitool under $40 and 45g (1.5oz) for featherlight everyday carry (EDC), 14:30 - Rambler @5:23
2. Tritium (Wiki) key chain light - not glow in the dark, but rather on 24/7.
| Three connected tools. 1. AA Mini Mag with very efficient Teralux conversion to LED 2. Swiss Army Knife 2. Tritium (Wiki) key chain light - not glow in the dark, but rather on 24/7.  |
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Classic
I learned of these at a Harley-Davidson dealership in Oakland.
Great tool to keep in the glove compartment of your car.
I have used for numerous repairs both automotive and at home or visiting.
Pictured in the teeth is a Thumb Nut which was part of the terminals on a No. 6 Dry Cell. They were used for telephones, alarms, toys, flashlights, Western Union Clocks and many other applications. Probably the most common battery of the first 50 years of dry batteries.
YouTube: Inside Leatherman: Why America's Most Rejected Invention Changed the World, 24:05 -
4238862 Pocket multiple tool, Timothy S. Leatherman, 1980-12-16, 7/128; 81/424; 81/427.5 -
4744272 Foldable tool, Timothy S. Leatherman, Leatherman Tool Group, 1988-05-17, - handles have a 1:1 mechanical advantage to jaws
5697114 Folding multi-tool, Herman J. McIntosh, Ken E. Griffey, Greg Cook, Larry Hinchman, Leatherman Tool Group, 1997-12-16, -
Leatherman Free T4
The key feature is that you can open and close all the tools using only one hand. Leatherman tools with "FREE" in the name can be operated with one hand. A big part of this is the use of magnets.
Leatherman patents with magnets
Fig 1
Fig 2
Fig 3
Fig 4
20160176035 Multipurpose tool, Zach Heise, Leatherman Tool Group, 2017-06-20, - magnet option for classic tool
20170348830 Multipurpose tool having accessible tool members, Adam Lazenby, Benjamin C. Rivera, Jeffrey B. Castro, Leatherman Tool Group, 2022-04-05, -
20190381647 Tool having one or more rotatable tool members, Adam Lazenby, Matthew Brown, Leatherman Tool Group, 2021-02-23, -
20210127799 Watch Band
20230249321 ARC
Their web page shows ERROR 15 and there's no way to contact them.
Power Pliers
Patents -
5809599 Compound pliers tool with linked handles, Spencer Frazer, SOG Speciality Knives and Tools, 1998-09-22, - Handles have compound mechanical advantage to jaws. Handles marked:
Power Plier (R)
Compound Leverage
Pat. Pend.
SOG (R) Speciality Knives and Tools
Edmonds, WA
Although I own a number of multipurpose tools, I carry theClassicRambler Swiss army knife. It is very versatile and has been used for all kinds of useful tasks. Although many of the tools on this page will fit into your pants pocket they are much too heavy to carry all the time. TheClassicRambler Swiss army knife has an attachment point for a key ring and is light enough to actually carry.
The Rambler is the same length as the Classic but has an additional blade with a Philips screwdriver tip, a bottle opener and a notch for stripping wires.
Spyderco
Louis Sal Glesser of Spyderco invented (4347665) the hole in blade instead of the fingernail or post methods. The first knife with this feature was the CO1 Worker
Trailfinder (O.8463.MMW3)
This is based on a request from the German army that wanted the main blade to be opened by using only one hand. Note the Leatherman Free T4 allows opening and closing all the tools using only one hand.
Tools: Blade, large with wavy edge / Can opener | Screwdriver 3 mm / Bottle opener, lockable | Screwdriver 7 mm | Wire stripper / Reamer, punch / Wood saw / Phillips screwdriver 1/2 / Key ring / Can opener / Bottle opener, lockable
The box is marked O.8463.MMW3
The screwdrivers have a much stronger feel than those on the Rambler.
But this is a 111mm size, much much larger than the Rambler.
Forgot to open the Awl blade next to the Phillips screwdriver and the saw in the top photo.
Victorinox lists this in the "Large" class.
Models with the one hand main blade include: Hunter Pro, Ranger Boatsman NW Grip, Rescue Tool MW, Ranger 57 M Grip, Ranger 79 M Grip, Ranger 78 M Grip, Trailfinder, Skipper Pro, Swiss Soldier's Knife 08, Forester M Grip, Hunter XT Grip, Sentinel Clip, Hunter Pro M Alox, Sentinel One Hand, Alpiner Grip, Trailfinder (0.8463.MW94)
Spork (Wiki) combines spoon and fork.
Light My Fire - Sweden
19 gramms (0.7 oz)
D633344 Spork, Joachim Nordwall, Light My Fire Sweden AB, 2011-03-01, -
as of 2026 Sep 12 the Ka-Bar web page shows no multi-tools.
Opinel
Low cost folding knifes.
No. 8 Mushroom Knife with Brush
Swedish company makes hand forged logging tools.
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| Gabriel
Branby (video)
CEO of Gränsfors
Bruks AB
Gränsfors make one the finest forged axes in the world. It has become more than just an axe. It is an icon for quality and a belief that there is another way of making things. |
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I've had this for some time and used it for cutting copper pipe, but then got the optional plastic cutting wheel E5272 (Ridgid chart) to make cutting PVC pipe much easier. I tried to grind down the metal cutting wheel but that did not work.
Fig 1
Fig 2
Fig 3
2630029 Combination tube working tool and reamer, George E Franck, Imperial Brass Manufacturing Co, 1953-03-03, -
Included this patent that explains why the rollers have a notch. Prior patents for pipe cutters show solid rollers.
"These rollers have grooves or notches 3' for receiving an external flange frequently formed on the end of a tube."
2871733 Reaming tool, William A Lauck, Ridge Tool Co, 1959-02-03, -
Note this pipe cutter does not have the fast open close ratchet mechanism.
3022575 Tubing cutter, Clyde E Wright, Ridge Tool Co, 1962-02-27, -
This example is marked Super VK-30 Japan.
The guillotine is faster than the pinch wheel pipe cutter above, but it can easily make an angle cut if the operator is not careful. Pipes that have thick walls and/or larger diameters require more hand strength.
Cap 38mm (1-1/2")
Blade marked VKS-30.
5129158 Plastic pipe cutter, John A. Campagna, Rex International, 1992-07-14, -
| I've had this pocket knife for many
decades. It's big and heavy so not practical to carry
in your pocket on a daily basis. The bail (like on a one gallon paint can) has fallen off (black hole in wood grip). The brass oval name plate says "Case". On the knife blade "Case XX, U.S.A." and on the other side "12031L" 3317996 Knife bolster assembly, Paolantonio Antonio, Colonial Knife Co, 1967-05-09, - bolster covers the pin that holds the knife together without showing pin Barlow (Wiki) pattern. |
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This is a well used & abused utility knife that has a number of useful features. Contemporary Utility Knives (Wiki)
Fig 1
Fig 2
Fig 3
Fig 4
Fig 5
Fig 6
Fig 7 Stanley Utility Blades 11-921L
50 blade wall mount dispenser.
2870537 Pocket safety knife, Ortner Samuel, 1959-01-27, - this is the general idea, but this one uses a blade with many holes and notches.
3316635 Scoring knife, George W Merrow, Robert F Mckee, Robert F West, Stanley, 1967-05-02, - "...knife handle which cooperates with an adjustable blade to break off the dull used sections thereof..."
3448518 Knife, Harry Sklar, 1969-06-10, - blades come all attached to each other, you break off the old blade - Segmented blade or "snap-off blade" - I remember using one of these.
3518758 Utility knife with movable and rotatable blade, Robert A Bennett, 1970-07-07, - almost the modern blade. Trapezoid shape with 3 notches.
3577637 Retractable blade knife, Paul A Braginetz, Philip Morris, 1971-05-04, - trapezoid blade with 2 notches. Handel stores spare blade.
3593417 Hand tool having a holder for spare blades and the like, Robert F West, Robert S Hyde, Stanley, 1971-07-20, - trapezoid blade with 2 notches, handle stores a number of blades. Classic thumb slide to expose blade.
While not really a pocket tool this is the closest web
page. After seeing a review by BigCliveDotCom on YouTube:
Fig 1 parts as received
Fig 2 Install the bar position screw
Fig 3 The overall bar length is 7-1/4"
(18.4cm).
The cutting length is 5-1/2" (14 cm).
The bar is marked: 18.5 cm/4"; 38 x 1/4" P
Fig 4
Some major brands are offering these one hand electric chain
saws & classical battery electric chain saws.
Bosch
EasyCut 12 with nanoBlade (AvE video)
Milwaukee
M12 Fuel Hatchet - 5-1/2" cutting length, but you can
install the Milwaukee pole saw b
Stihl
GTA 26 Pruner - (YouTube) - MSA-120,
12", (YouTube)
Makita
XCU06 18V 10" - (YouTube) - built-in
oiler and chain brake but not as powerful as other electric
chainsaws like the EGO 18" Cordless (YouTube).
EGO Power+ 14" CS1401 - uses the standard EGO 56 V battery that comes in different AH ratings.
Torque
Electric motors are capable of a lot of torque but to do that they need a lot of current. For an example where the battery, with plenty of Amp Hours, would not perform because it had limited current output see the Tamiya Grasshopper and the video "Duratrax Sprint 2 ESC Problem when Starting".
Milwaukee now has some of their batteries rated for High Output for just this reason.
It may be the case that a "high output" battery would allow the Makita XCU06 to be stronger.
YouTube: Best Cordless Chainsaw - Head-2-Head Test -
Fig 1 |
I made a cardboard box to store the saw, it's
manuals, tools and oil for the chain (gallon jug) and gas
(small bottles). |
Hollow Ground Ward Screw Drivers
made by
Hand Tool Rescue
Large, Medium & Small sizes.
Noticed that these were hollow ground in the YouTube: Bird Cannon [Restoration], 34:28 - B. M. Lawrence & Co - so found them.
Note most flat blade screwdrivers and not "hollow ground" (Wiki) and so are a poor choice for removing stubborn screws, like in this video.
The "Perfect Handle" (Wiki) was patented by William Ward for H D Smith & Co.
Available from Hand Tool Rescue (YouTube).
They also make the Charles E. Billings D26111 Adjustable Wrench.
737179 Screw-driver, William S Ward, H D Smith & Co, 1903-08-25, -
D37214 screw-driver, William S Ward, H D Smith & Co, 1904-11-08, - From their web page: "The blade on the screwdriver is now a consistent width, unlike the tapered design of most modern screwdrivers, to assist in removal of countersunk screws. The blade tip also has a hollow-ground design ensuring 1/10in/2.5mm of the tip is parallel, allowing for maximum engagement with the fastener. The handle has been re-positioned so that it is perpendicular with the blade to allow for increased strength when using the screwdriver for prying. The handle has also been designed to encapsulate the handle scales, so that even without brass pins, the wooden (solid cherry) scales will stay in place. The square shaft allows you to use wrenches to increase the amount of torque you can apply to the fastener if they are really stuck!"
YouTube: Is this the greatest screwdriver of all time?, 2:46 - Making this screwdriver - and a description of the features.
Inspired by YouTube: America Copied Germany’s WWII Shovel — But Missed The Genius One feature Every Soldier Needed, 19:12 - The german tool used a Bakelite nut and the US version used an Aluminum nut. The aluminum galled and was smaller in diameter so harder to tighten.
2830307 Entrenching tool, Richard R Worden, 1958-04-15, - US M-1951 has pick and shovel blades.
3401971 Intrenching tool, Robert W Cronquist, True Temper Corp, 1968-09-17, - Ames tri-fold
As received the blade opens like any other folding knife, BUT, it is almost impossible to close. I could not push hard enough to get it to close. Needed to press into the corner of a table top. Not at all a safe thing to do. Sent back to factory on 2026-09-08 including their Knife Repair Form (pdf) and SPA (Sharpen/Polish/Adjust). More later when it comes back.
Inspired by The Metallurgist Who Warned America About the Buck 110, 23:56 -
History of the 110 -
The first foldable hunting knife that was as strong as a non-foldable. More than 15 million have been made.
Leather pouch stamped: BUCK, 110
110 Knife:
First Version
---- 2 Dot ---
BUCK
*110*
U.S.A.
-----
Variation: V5V5 ~GS:V4T1
Handle Pins: 3
Four blades stainless steel multi-tool (Wiki).
Called "Demo" (was issued in Demolition kits), "Milk" (pronounce the acronym MIL-K), "Soldiers Knife"
449499 Pocket Knife, William Schmachtenberg, 1891-03-31, -
584077 Lock-blade knife, Joseph P. Jackson, 1897-06-08, - finger on spring fits notch on blade. Snaps closed after 90 degree rotation.
3317996 Knife bolster assembly, Paolantonio Antonio, Colonial Knife Co, 1967-05-09, -
3568315 Folding knife having closure arresting means, Franklin G Smith, Gerber Legendary Blades, 1971-03-09, - does not snap shut like 584077. Cutting edge is not part of what stops blade.
4040181 Locking blade knife, Lawrence P. Johnson, Western Cutlery, 1977-08-09, - a totally enclosed and protected spring mechanism,
4347665 Pocket knife, Louis S. Glesser (Wiki: Spydeerco), 1982-09-07, - instead of a fingernail notch or post, the blade has a hole to allow one hand opening. Spyderco
also used on the
Trailfinder (O.8463.MMW3)
The Spyderco and Wiki web pages say the founder was Sal Glesser, but the patent is to Louis S. Glesser. The "S." stands for Sal.
The German patent DE3834295C2 also shows Louis S. Glesser as do many other patents for knife related inventions.
D333253 Handle for a folding knife, Lonnie C. Pogue, Buck Knives, 1993-02-16, -
5511310 Folding knife, George C. Sessions, Bradford J. Parrish, Fiskars Brands, 1996-04-30, - wire spring separate from solid locking bar
9943970 Rotational wedge locking mechanism for a folding knife, Louis Sal Glesser, Spyderco, 2018-04-17, -
The History of Pocket Knives: The Last 50 Years of Innovation, 8:12 - @3:08 2001 Spyder Para-military
Bayonets -
Flashlight Patents
Global cutting knife
Knife Sharpening
Ontario 10-76 Air Force Pilot Survival Knife -
Rigging Marlinspike - Pedometers -
FN FAL Solingen Bayonet
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