This is an issue, because the locking mechanism incorporates a spring that keeps the tools in the folded position, but also makes it difficult to open the tools. The good news is that this means that when you pull up one a tool, the rest don't come with it. The bad news is that it does take some leverage to unfold the tool. The slot is effective on all but the shortest tools where is just barely effective. Of greater concern were all the split finger nails incurred by those who tried the tool.
Users tend to be a lot more careful with the second one.
The slot has another minor drawback. The added bulk above the blade shortens the effective reach of the already short screwdrivers into a tight space. The Phillips screwdrivers incorporate a unique design. In order to fit them into a compact package, Buck slices them in half. While it looks pretty weird, they appeared to work satisfactorily, though it isn't as secure in the slots as a conventional Phillips head is, you must hold the tool perfectly aligned or the bit may slip.