Modular tools

Abstract

A knife may include a blade and a handle connected to the blade. The knife may include a sharpening system connectable to and configured to form a portion of the handle. The sharpening system includes: a first half having an outer surface that is configured to form a portion of an outer surface of the handle and an inner surface having an abrasive surface; and a second half hingedly connected to the first half, the second half having an inner surface having an abrasive surface. The sharpening system is selectively disconnectable from the handle and the first and second halves are configured to pivot relative to one another to provide access to the abrasive surfaces.

Description

- 1 - Docket No. 22057.245bMODULAR TOOLSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63 / 691,563, filed September 6, 2024, and entitled “MODULAR TOOLS”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Knives are extremely useful tools for performing a wide range of tasks. Knives come in a variety of styles and sizes depending on the desired aesthetic and intended use. For instance, there are small folding knives that are intended to be carried in a user’s pocket and have one or more blades intended for meeting typical daily use needs (e.g., opening letters / boxes, etc.). There are also fixed blade knives that may be used for more demanding tasks, such as breaking down an animal on a hunt.

[0003] In many scenarios, there are often needs for additional tools that may be used to service the knife (e.g., sharpeners) or compliment or be used in conjunction with the knife (e.g., smaller blades, bit drivers, hex keys, flashlight, flint fire starter, etc.). However, carrying a knife and additional tools can be cumbersome and may increase the likelihood of misplacing one or the other or otherw ise not having the various desired tools when needed.

[0004] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.SUMMARY

[0005] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] In one example embodiment, a modular tool, including: a blade; and a handle connected to the blade; and a sharpening system connectable to and configured to form a portion of the handle, the sharpening system including: a first half having an outer surface that is configured to form a portion of an outer surface of the handle and an inner surface having an abrasive surface; and a second half hingedly connected to the first half, the second half having an inner surface having an abrasive surface, the sharpening system being- 2 - Docket No. 22057.245b selectively disconnectable from the handle and the first and second halves being configured to pivot relative to one another to provide access to the abrasive surfaces.

[0007] In one example embodiment, a modular tool, including: a blade; and a handle connected to the blade; and a sharpening system connectable to and configured to form a portion of the handle, the sharpening system including: a first half having an outer surface that is configured to form a portion of an outer surface on a first side of the handle and an inner surface having an abrasive surface; and a second half hingedly connected to the first half, the second half having an outer surface that forms a portion of the outer surface on a second side of the handle and an inner surface having an abrasive surface, the sharpening system being selectively disconnectable from the handle and the first and second halves being configured to pivot relative to one another to provide access to the abrasive surfaces.

[0008] In one example embodiment, a modular tool, including: a pocket or recess extending into a side of thereof, the pocket or recess having one or more retention features; and a tool selectively disposable within and removable from the pocket or recess, the tool having one or more corresponding retention features, the one or more corresponding retention features being configured to cooperate with the one or more retention features to selectively hold the tool within the pocket or recess.

[0009] In one example embodiment, a modular tool, including: a handle including a pocket or recess extending into a side of the handle; and a tool selectively disposable within and removable from the pocket or recess, the tool having an outer surface that forms a portion of the outer surface of the handle.

[0010] Additional features and advantages of exemplary’ implementations of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations. The features and advantages of such implementations may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary’ implementations as set forth hereinafter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Various objects, features, characteristics, and advantages of the invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims, all of which form a part of this specification. In the Drawings, like reference- 3 - Docket No. 22057.245b numerals may be utilized to designate corresponding or similar parts in the various Figures, and the various elements depicted are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein:

[0012] Figures 1A and IB illustrate perspective views of a knife according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 1C illustrates the knife of Figures 1A and IB with a sheath thereon.

[0014] Figure ID illustrates the knife of Figures 1A-1C with a sharpening system partially removed therefrom.

[0015] Figure IE illustrates the sharpening system of Figure ID.

[0016] Figures 1F-1I illustrate example embodiments of tools that may be stowed within the handle of the knife of Figures 1A-1D.

[0017] Figures 2A and 2B illustrate perspective views of a knife according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2C illustrates the knife of Figures 1A and IB with a tool removed from a recess or pocket in the handle thereof.

[0019] Figure 2D illustrates the knife of Figures 2A-2C with a sheath thereon.

[0020] Figures 2E-2G illustrate example embodiments of tools that may be stowed within the handle of the knife of Figures 2A-2D.

[0021] Figures 3A-3C illustrate example securing mechanisms for holding a tool in a pocket or recess within a handle.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to chassis that have tools incorporated into or stowable therein. A chassis according to the present disclosure may include a wide variety of products, including, but not limited to, handles for knives, hatches, axes, hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, multi-tools, or other tools or implements. A chassis may also include accessories for such tools or implements, such as sheaths or cases. A chassis may also include other functional items that are configured to perform one or more primary functions but can also have additional tools incorporated or stowed therein. Such chassis may include carabiners and the like.

[0023] The additional tools that may be incorporated or stowed in a chassis may include sharpeners, smaller knives / blades, bit drivers, Allen keys, flashlights, storage containers, flint fire starters, or substantially any other desired tool or combination of tools.

[0024] Additionally, some embodiments include chassis that incorporate or are formed of a glow in the dark (“GID”) material.- 4 - Docket No. 22057.245b

[0025] While the present disclosure is directed to chassis that have additional tools incorporated or stowable therein, the following description will focus primarily on the chassis being in the form of a knife handle. It will be appreciated, however, that such description is merely exemplary and not limiting.

[0026] Figures 1A-1I illustrate an example embodiment of a knife 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The knife 100 includes a blade 102 and a handle 104 connected to the blade 102. As shown in Figure 1C, the knife 100 may also include a sheath 106 for selectively covering the blade 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the sheath 106 includes one or more securing elements 108 (e.g., straps, bands, etc.) that are configured to selectively secure a tool 110 to the sheath 106. Examples of the tool 110 will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0027] The knife 100 includes a tool in the form of a sharpening system 112 incorporated into the handle 104 thereof. In the illustrated embodiments, the sharpening system 112 is part of the handle 104 and can be removed from the rest of the handle 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the sharpening system 112 includes a first half 112a and a second half 112b that are hingedly connected together at a hinge 114. When connected to the knife 100, the first half 112a forms part of the handle 104, including part of an outer surface thereof on a first side of the knife 100 and the second half 112b forms part of the handle 104, including part of an outer surface thereof on a second side of the knife 100. The first and second halves 112a, 112b can be connected to the opposing sides of the handle 104 to selectively secure the sharpening system 1 12 to the rest of the knife 100. Conversely, the first and second halves 112a, 112b can be selectively disconnected from the rest of the knife 100 and pivoted relative to one another via the hinge 114 for use during a sharpening procedure.

[0028] The first half 112a may include an abrasive surface 116a on an inner surface thereof and the second half 112b may include an abrasive surface 116b on an inner surface thereof. The abrasive surfaces 116a, 116b may be used to sharpen an edge of the blade 102. In some embodiments, one or both of the abrasive surfaces 116a, 116b may include angle guides 118 adjacent to the abrasive surfaces 1 la. 116b to facilitate sharpening of the blade 102 at a desired angle (e g., 22 degrees).

[0029] At least a portion of the handle 104 may include or be formed of a glow in the dark ("GID") material. For instance, as shown in Figures 1A and IB. the handle 104 may include one or more stripes 120 or other patterns formed with a GID material. Alternatively, a substantial portion of the handle 104 may be formed with a GID material.- 5 - Docket No. 22057.245b

[0030] In some embodiments, the GID material is formed with a clear or transparent resin and a GID mica powder is mixed or otherwise suspended in the resin. Forming the GID material in this manner may allow for sufficient GID mica powder to be disposed within the resin to provide for high visibility of the handle 104 in the dark and for extended periods of time.

[0031] As shown in Figure ID, the handle 104 may include an interior compartment 122 that is configured to receive and hold a tool 110 therein. The tool 110 may be accessible when one or both halves 112a, 112b of the sharpening system 112 is disconnected from the handle 104. For instance, in Figure ID, the first half 112a has been disconnected from the handle 104 and pivoted away, thereby providing access to the interior compartment 122. With such access, the tool 110 may be inserted into or removed from the interior compartment 122. The tool 1 10 may be removed from the handle 104 and the sharpening system 112 may be reconnected to the handle 104 so that the knife 100 and tool 110 may be used simultaneously.

[0032] Figures 1F-1I illustrate examples of the tools 110 that may be held within the interior compartment 122 into the handle 104 and / or secured to the sheath 106. As can be seen, the tools 1 10 may be a waterproof storage container (Figure 1 F), screwdrivers (Figures 1G), knife and / or saw blades (Figure 1H), bottle opener, wrench, pry bar (Figure II), a fire starter kit, or substantially any other desired tool. In some cases, the tools 110 include a body with instruments that can pivot into and out of the body. In other cases, the body may open to provide access to the interior thereof.

[0033] Figures 2A-2G illustrate another embodiment of a knife 200. The knife 200 includes a blade 202 and a handle 204 connected to the blade 202. As shown in Figure 2D, the knife 200 may also include a sheath 206 for selectively covering the blade 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the sheath 206 includes a honing rod 207 attached thereto. The honing rod 207 may be used to sharpen or hone a cutting edge of the blade 204. In some embodiments, the honing rod 207 is permanently mounted in the sheath 206 and in other embodiments the honing rod 207 is selectively removable from the sheath 206.

[0034] The sheath 206 may be formed of or include a portion 208 that is formed of a GID material. As discussed above, the GID material may be formed of a clear or transparent resin with a GID mica powder mixed or otherwise suspended therein. The GID material may allow for the sheath 206 to be visible in the dark to reduce the chances of the sheath 206 being lost when the blade 204 is being used in the dark.- 6 - Docket No. 22057.245b

[0035] The knife 200 also include a tool 210 incorporated into the handle 204. The handle 204 includes a pocket or recess 212 extending into a side of thereof. The tool 210 is selectively disposable within and removable from the pocket or recess 212. When the tool 210 is positioned with the pocket or recess 212, an outer surface of the tool 210 forms a portion of the outer surface of the handle 204, as shown in Figures 2A and 2D.

[0036] As can be seen in the figures, the pocket or recess 212 opens to one side of the handle 204. As shown in Figures 2B and 2C. the handle 204 may also include one or more apertures 214 that extend from the pocket or recess 212, through the handle 204, and open to an opposite side of the handle 204. The one or more apertures 214 may facilitate cleaning of the pocket or recess 212, such as by providing drainage pathw ays out of the pocket or recess 212.

[0037] Figures 2E-2G illustrate example embodiments of tools 210 that may be disposed within the pocket or recess 212. For instance, Figure 2E illustrates a tool 210 that takes the form of a sharpening system similar to the sharpening system 112 described above. For instance, the sharpening system tool 210 may include hingedly connected first and second halves with abrasive surfaces on the interiors thereof. At least one of the halves may have an exterior surface that is configured to form part of the surface of the handle 204 when the tool 210 is positioned within the pocket or recess 212.

[0038] Figure 2F illustrates a tool 210 that takes the form of a waterproof storage container (similar to that of Figure IF). The waterproof storage container may have first and second halves that are hingedly connected together. When closed, the first and second halves may form an interior chamber for storing items (matches, fire starter, etc.). The waterproof storage container may include a seal between the first and second halves to prevent water ingress into the interior compartment. At least one of the halves may have an exterior surface that is configured to form part of the surface of the handle 204 when the tool 210 is positioned within the pocket or recess 212.

[0039] Figure 2G illustrates a tool 210 that takes the form of a knife. In the illustrated embodiment, the knife includes a body 216 and a blade 218. The blade 218 may be pivotally attached to the body 216 (similar to a folding pocketknife). While a blade 218 is illustrated, it will be appreciated that substantially any other type of implement may be included as part of such a tool. The body 216 may include an exterior surface that is configured to form part of the surface of the handle 204 w hen the tool 210 is positioned within the pocket or recess 212.- 7 - Docket No. 22057.245b

[0040] Figures 3 A-3C illustrate one example embodiment for selectively securing a tool310 within a handle 304 of a chassis (e.g.. knife, hatchet, ax, carabiner, etc.). As can be seen, the handle 304 includes a pocket or recess 312 that extends into a side surface thereof. The pocket or recess 312 may include a shoulder 314 and a magnet 316. The tool 310 may include a corresponding projection 318 and a magnet 320.

[0041] The pocket or recess 312 may be longer than the tool 310 to enable the tool 310 to be slid or shifted between opposing ends of the pocket or recess 310. The magnet 316 in the pocket or recess 312 and the magnet 320 on the tool 310 may be positioned to bias the tool 310 to a locked position as shown in Figure 3B in which the projection 318 on the tool 310 engages with the shoulder 314 in the pocket or recess 312. The magnets 316, 320 and the engagement between the projection 318 and the shoulder 314 can hold the tool 310 within the pocket or recess 312.

[0042] The tool 310 can be removed from pocket or recess 312 by sliding the tool 310 within the pocket or recess 312 to disengage the projection 318 from the shoulder 314 and by pulling the tool 310 out of the pocket or recess 312. The tool 310 may include a finger grab 322 to facilitate removal of the tool 310 from the pocket or recess 312. The handle 304 may also include a depression 324 in an outer surface thereof adjacent to the pocket or recess 312. The depression 324 may provide access to the finger grab 322.

[0043] Following are some further example embodiments of the invention. These are presented only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Further, any example embodiment can be combined with one or more of the example embodiments.

[0044] Embodiment 1. A modular tool, comprising: a blade; and a handle connected to the blade; and a sharpening system connectable to and configured to form a portion of the handle, the sharpening system comprising: a first half having an outer surface that is configured to form a portion of an outer surface of the handle and an inner surface having an abrasive surface; and a second half hingedly connected to the first half, the second half having an inner surface having an abrasive surface, the sharpening system being selectively disconnectable from the handle and the first and second halves being configured to pivot relative to one another to provide access to the abrasive surfaces.

[0045] Embodiment 2. The modular tool of embodiment 1, wherein the second half of the sharpening system has an outer surface that forms a portion of the outer surface of the handle.- 8 - Docket No. 22057.245b

[0046] Embodiment 3. The modular tool of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the inner surface of the first half and / or the inner surface of the second half further comprises one or more angle guides.

[0047] Embodiment 4. The modular tool of any of embodiments 1-3, wherein at least a portion of the handle is formed of a glow in the dark material, wherein the glow in the dark material comprises a clear or transparent resin with a glow in the dark mica powder mixed or otherwise suspended therein.

[0048] Embodiment 5. The modular tool of any of embodiments 1-4, further comprising a recess or pocket in the handle.

[0049] Embodiment 6. The modular tool of embodiment 5. further comprising a tool selectively stowable within the recess or pocket.

[0050] Embodiment 7. The modular tool of embodiment 6, with at least one of the first half or the second half of the sharpening system is configured to selectively cover the recess or pocket to hold the tool therein.

[0051] Embodiment 8. The modular tool of any of embodiments 1 -7, further comprising a sheath configured to selectively cover the blade, the sheath comprising a glow in the dark material.

[0052] Embodiment 9. The modular tool of any of embodiments 1 -7, further comprising a sheath configured to selectively cover the blade, the sheath comprising one or more securing elements configured to selectively secure a tool to the sheath.

[0053] Embodiment 10. The modular tool of any of embodiments 1 -7, further comprising a sheath configured to selectively cover the blade, the sheath comprising a honing rod.

[0054] Embodiment 11. A modular tool, comprising: a blade; and a handle connected to the blade; and a sharpening system connectable to and configured to form a portion of the handle, the sharpening system comprising: a first half having an outer surface that is configured to form a portion of an outer surface on a first side of the handle and an inner surface having an abrasive surface; and a second half hingedly connected to the first half, the second half having an outer surface that forms a portion of the outer surface on a second side of the handle and an inner surface having an abrasive surface, the sharpening system being selectively disconnectable from the handle and the first and second halves being configured to pivot relative to one another to provide access to the abrasive surfaces.- 9 - Docket No. 22057.245b

[0055] Embodiment 12. The modular tool of embodiment 11, wherein the inner surface of the first half and / or the inner surface of the second half further comprises one or more angle guides.

[0056] Embodiment 13. The modular tool of embodiment 11 or 12, wherein at least a portion of the handle is formed of a glow in the dark material, wherein the glow in the dark material comprises a clear or transparent resin with a glow in the dark mica powder mixed or otherwise suspended therein.

[0057] Embodiment 14. The modular tool of any of embodiments 11-13, further comprising: a recess or pocket in the handle; and a tool selectively stowable within the recess or pocket.

[0058] Embodiment 15. The modular tool of embodiment 14, with at least one of the first half or the second half of the sharpening system is configured to selectively cover the recess or pocket to hold the tool therein.

[0059] Embodiment 16. The modular tool of any of embodiments 11-15 further comprising a sheath configured to selectively cover the blade, the sheath comprising: aglow in the dark material; one or more securing elements configured to selectively secure a tool to the sheath; or a honing rod.

[0060] Embodiment 17. A modular tool, comprising: a pocket or recess extending into a side of thereof, the pocket or recess having at least two distinct types of retention features; and a tool selectively disposable within and removable from the pocket or recess, the tool having at least two distinct types of corresponding retention features, the at least two distinct types of corresponding retention features being configured to cooperate with the at least two distinct types of retention features to selectively hold the tool within the pocket or recess.

[0061] Embodiment 18. The modular tool of embodiment 17, wherein the one of the two t pes of retention features comprises a shoulder and the one of the two types of corresponding retention features comprises a projection configured to selectively engage the shoulder.

[0062] Embodiment 19. The modular tool of claim 17 or 18, wherein the one of the two types of retention features comprises a magnet and the one of the two types of corresponding retention features comprises a magnet.

[0063] Embodiment 20. The modular tool of any of claims 17-19, wherein the pocket or recess is longer than the tool such that the tool can slide within the pocket or recess between opposing ends thereof.- 10 - Docket No. 22057.245b

[0064] Embodiment 21. The modular tool of any of claims 17-20, wherein the tool comprises a foldable knife, a storage compartment, and / or sharpening system with first and second halves that are hingedly connected together.

[0065] Embodiment 22. The modular tool of claim 17, wherein the two types of retention features comprise a shoulder and a magnet.

[0066] Embodiment 23. The modular tool of claim 22, wherein the two types of corresponding retention features comprise a projection and a magnet.

[0067] Embodiment 24. The modular tool of claim 23, wherein the magnets are configured to urge the projection into engagement with the shoulder.

[0068] Embodiment 25. A modular tool, comprising: a handle comprising a pocket or recess extending into a side of the handle, the pocket or recess comprising a retention feature and a biasing member; and a tool selectively disposable within and removable from the pocket or recess, the tool comprising: an outer surface that forms a portion of the outer surface of the handle; a corresponding retention feature that is configured to selectively engage with the retention feature to selectively hold the tool in the pocket or recess; and a corresponding biasing member that is configured to bias the tool within the pocket or recess to cause the corresponding retention feature to engage the retention feature.

[0069] Embodiment 26. The modular tool of claim 25, wherein the retention feature comprises a shoulder and the biasing member comprises a magnet and the corresponding retention feature comprises a projection and the corresponding biasing member comprises a magnet.

[0070] Embodiment 27. The modular tool of claim 26, wherein the magnets are configured to urge the projection into engagement with the shoulder.

[0071] Embodiment 28. The modular tool of any of claims 25-27, wherein the pocket or recess is longer than the tool such that the tool can slide within the pocket or recess between opposing ends thereof.

[0072] Embodiment 29. The modular tool of claim 25, wherein the tool comprises a foldable knife, a storage compartment, and / or sharpening system with first and second halves that are hingedly connected together.Conclusion

[0073] While certain embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, with reference to specific configurations, parameters, components, elements, etcetera, the descriptions are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed invention.- 11 - Docket No. 22057.245b

[0074] Furthermore, it should be understood that for any given element of component of a described embodiment, any of the possible alternatives listed for that element or component may generally be used individually or in combination with one another, unless implicitly or explicitly stated otherwise.

[0075] In addition, unless otherwise indicated, numbers expressing quantities, constituents, distances, or other measurements used in the specification and claims are to be understood as optionally being modified by the term "about” or its synonyms. When the terms "about,” "approximately,” "substantially,” or the like are used in conjunction with a stated amount, value, or condition, it may be taken to mean an amount, value or condition that deviates by less than 20%, less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 1%, less than 0.1%, or less than 0.01% of the stated amount, value, or condition. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0076] Any headings and subheadings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims.

[0077] It will also be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” do not exclude plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, an embodiment referencing a singular referent (e.g., "widget”) may also include two or more such referents.

[0078] It will also be appreciated that embodiments described herein may also include properties and / or features (e.g., ingredients, components, members, elements, parts, and / or portions) described in one or more separate embodiments and are not necessarily limited strictly to the features expressly described for that particular embodiment. Accordingly, the various features of a given embodiment can be combined with and / or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific embodiment. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can also include such features.

Claims

1. - 12 - Docket No. 22057.245bCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A modular tool, comprising: a blade; and a handle connected to the blade; and a sharpening system connectable to and configured to form a portion of the handle, the sharpening system comprising: a first half having an outer surface that is configured to form a portion of an outer surface of the handle and an inner surface having an abrasive surface; and a second half hingedly connected to the first half, the second half having an inner surface having an abrasive surface, the sharpening system being selectively disconnectable from the handle and the first and second halves being configured to pivot relative to one another to provide access to the abrasive surfaces.

2. The modular tool of claim 1, wherein the second half of the sharpening system has an outer surface that forms a portion of the outer surface of the handle.

3. The modular tool of claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner surface of the first half and / or the inner surface of the second half further comprises one or more angle guides.

4. The modular tool of any of claims 1-3, wherein at least a portion of the handle is formed of a glow in the dark material, wherein the glow in the dark material comprises a cl ear or transparent resin with a glow in the dark mi ca powder mixed or otherwise suspended therein.

5. The modular tool of any of claims 1-4, further comprising a recess or pocket in the handle.

6. The modular tool of claim 5, further comprising a tool selectively stowable within the recess or pocket.

7. The modular tool of claim 6, with at least one of the first half or the second half of the sharpening system is configured to selectively cover the recess or pocket to hold the tool therein.

8. The modular tool of any of claims 1-7, further comprising a sheath configured to selectively cover the blade, the sheath comprising a glow in the dark material.

9. The modular tool of any of claims 1-7, further comprising a sheath configured to selectively cover the blade, the sheath comprising one or more securing elements configured to selectively secure a tool to the sheath.- 13 - Docket No. 22057.245b10. The modular tool of any of claims 1-7, further comprising a sheath configured to selectively cover the blade, the sheath comprising a honing rod.

11. A modular tool, comprising: a blade; and a handle connected to the blade; and a sharpening system connectable to and configured to form a portion of the handle, the sharpening system comprising: a first half having an outer surface that is configured to form a portion of an outer surface on a first side of the handle and an inner surface having an abrasive surface; and a second half hingedly connected to the first half, the second half having an outer surface that forms a portion of the outer surface on a second side of the handle and an inner surface having an abrasive surface, the sharpening system being selectively disconnectable from the handle and the first and second halves being configured to pivot relative to one another to provide access to the abrasive surfaces.

12. The modular tool of claim 11, wherein the inner surface of the first half and / or the inner surface of the second half further comprises one or more angle guides.

13. The modular tool of claim 11 or 12, wherein at least a portion of the handle is formed of a glow in the dark material, wherein the glow in the dark material comprises a clear or transparent resin with a glow in the dark mica powder mixed or otherwise suspended therein.

14. The modular tool of any of claims 11-13, further comprising: a recess or pocket in the handle; and a tool selectively stowable within the recess or pocket.

15. The modular tool of claim 14, with at least one of the first half or the second half of the sharpening system is configured to selectively cover the recess or pocket to hold the tool therein.

16. The modular tool of any of claims 11-15 further comprising a sheath configured to selectively cover the blade, the sheath comprising: a glow in the dark material; one or more securing elements configured to selectively secure a tool to the sheath; or a honing rod.- 14 - Docket No. 22057.245b17. A modular tool, comprising: a pocket or recess extending into a side of thereof, the pocket or recess having at least two distinct types of retention features; and a tool selectively disposable within and removable from the pocket or recess, the tool having at least two distinct ty pes of corresponding retention features, the at least two distinct types of corresponding retention features being configured to cooperate with the at least two distinct types of retention features to selectively hold the tool within the pocket or recess.

18. The modular tool of claim 17, wherein the one of the two types of retention features comprises a shoulder and the one of the two types of corresponding retention features comprises a projection configured to selectively engage the shoulder.

19. The modular tool of claim 17 or 18, wherein the one of the two types of retention features comprises a magnet and the one of the two types of corresponding retention features comprises a magnet.

20. The modular tool of any of claims 17-19, wherein the pocket or recess is longer than the tool such that the tool can slide within the pocket or recess between opposing ends thereof.

21. The modular tool of any of claims 17-20, wherein the tool comprises a foldable knife, a storage compartment, and / or sharpening system with first and second halves that are hingedly connected together.

22. The modular tool of claim 17, wherein the two ty pes of retention features comprise a shoulder and a magnet.

23. The modular tool of claim 22, wherein the two ty pes of corresponding retention features comprise a projection and a magnet.

24. The modular tool of claim 23, wherein the magnets are configured to urge the projection into engagement with the shoulder.

25. A modular tool, comprising: a handle comprising a pocket or recess extending into a side of the handle, the pocket or recess comprising a retention feature and a biasing member; and a tool selectively disposable within and removable from the pocket or recess, the tool comprising: an outer surface that forms a portion of the outer surface of the handle; a corresponding retention feature that is configured to selectively engage with the retention feature to selectively hold the tool in the pocket or recess; and- 15 - Docket No. 22057.245b a corresponding biasing member that is configured to bias the tool within the pocket or recess to cause the corresponding retention feature to engage the retention feature.

26. The modular tool of claim 25, wherein the retention feature comprises a shoulder and the biasing member comprises a magnet and the corresponding retention feature comprises a projection and the corresponding biasing member comprises a magnet.

27. The modular tool of claim 26, wherein the magnets are configured to urge the projection into engagement with the shoulder.

28. The modular tool of any of claims 25-27, wherein the pocket or recess is longer than the tool such that the tool can slide within the pocket or recess between opposing ends thereof.

29. The modular tool of claim 25, wherein the tool comprises a foldable knife, a storage compartment, and / or sharpening system with first and second halves that are hingedly connected together.

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