Latching tool sheaths have a body defining an elongated sheath, the sheath adapted to receive the blade with the blade oriented in a blade plane, a latch element connected to the body, the latch element being movable between a first retention position and a second release position, an engagement element adapted to engage the retention facility when the latch element is in the retention position to prevent extraction of the knife from the holster, and the engagement element being adapted to disengage the retention facility when the latch element is in the release position to enable extraction of the knife from the holster. The retention facility may be a recess and the engagement element may be a protrusion. The retention facility may define a ledge surface facing away from the blade.

Latching tool sheaths have a body defining an elongated sheath, the sheath adapted to receive the blade with the blade oriented in a blade plane, a latch element connected to the body, the latch element being movable between a first retention position and a second release position, an engagement element adapted to engage the retention facility when the latch element is in the retention position to prevent extraction of the knife from the holster, and the engagement element being adapted to disengage the retention facility when the latch element is in the release position to enable extraction of the knife from the holster. The retention facility may be a recess and the engagement element may be a protrusion. The retention facility may define a ledge surface facing away from the blade.

The present utility knife provides a uniquely improved safety mechanism that increases safety, reliability, and reduces the cost of manufacturing. A shield is locked over the blade by a strut braced between the shield and a stop within the housing. The strut is biased to the locked position by an integrally molded sinuous spring that is designed to force the strut into engagement with the stop and to force the shield to cover the blade, allowing just one cut per actuator pull. The stop structure checks the motion of the strut when locked and closely guides the movement of the strut when unlocked through use of an L-shaped channel. These features reduce the complexity of the safety knife and increase the reliability of the safety mechanism under rough conditions.

The present utility knife provides a uniquely improved safety mechanism that increases safety, reliability, and reduces the cost of manufacturing. A shield is locked over the blade by a strut braced between the shield and a stop within the housing. The strut is biased to the locked position by an integrally molded sinuous spring that is designed to force the strut into engagement with the stop and to force the shield to cover the blade, allowing just one cut per actuator pull. The stop structure checks the motion of the strut when locked and closely guides the movement of the strut when unlocked through use of an L-shaped channel. These features reduce the complexity of the safety knife and increase the reliability of the safety mechanism under rough conditions.

An out-the-front knife comprises a handle having a blade channel, a slider channel, and an insert channel interposed between them. A blade in the blade channel and a firing mechanism in the slider channel configured to extend and retract the blade. The blade comprising a blade insert configured to contact the firing mechanism. The firing mechanism comprises a front slider arm, a rear slider arm, a front lock, and a rear lock. When the blade is in the open position, the blade insert is biased against the front slider arm and the front lock and when the blade is in the closed position, the blade insert is biased against the rear slider arm and the rear lock.

A multi-purpose tool or apparatus includes multiple mechanical tools. In one implementation, the multi-purpose tool includes an elongated handle, a folding axe, and a folding shovel or spade, as well as a hammer or hammer-head. The folding axe is foldable between an open position and a closed position. The folding shovel is foldable among three positions, which are a closed shovel position, a 90-degree open shovel position, and a 180-degree extended shovel position. The elongated handle is hollow and includes an elongated cavity. A folding saw, as well as a knife and a sheath to protect the knife, are stored within the elongated cavity and can be removed therefrom.

A multi-purpose tool or apparatus includes multiple mechanical tools. In one implementation, the multi-purpose tool includes an elongated handle, a folding axe, and a folding shovel or spade, as well as a hammer or hammer-head. The folding axe is foldable between an open position and a closed position. The folding shovel is foldable among three positions, which are a closed shovel position, a 90-degree open shovel position, and a 180-degree extended shovel position. The elongated handle is hollow and includes an elongated cavity. A folding saw, as well as a knife and a sheath to protect the knife, are stored within the elongated cavity and can be removed therefrom.

An out-the-front knife comprises a handle having a blade channel, a slider channel, and an insert channel interposed between them. A blade in the blade channel and a firing mechanism in the slider channel configured to extend and retract the blade. The blade comprising a blade insert configured to contact the firing mechanism. The firing mechanism comprises a front slider arm, a rear slider arm, a front lock, and a rear lock. When the blade is in the open position, the blade insert is biased against the front slider arm and the front lock and when the blade is in the closed position, the blade insert is biased against the rear slider arm and the rear lock.

A knife and sheath system includes a knife with a protrusion on its blade and a sheath having a blade guard with a pocket for the knife blade and a protrusion that extends in to its pocket and cooperates with the knife's protrusion. Additionally, a resilient action is positioned on the blade guard across from the protrusion and attaches to the blade guard at one end. When removing or inserting the knife, the action temporarily displaces, returning to its original shape once the knife is fully seated in the sheath or entirely removed. When fully seated in the sheath, the action locks the knife in place by applying force on the knife in the direction of the sheath protrusion. The sheath optionally also includes sheath supports on opposing sides so that a user can attach the sheath to his gear on either his left or right side.