Patent Abstract:
A three-sided, multi-edged disposable cutting blade for use within a utility knife. The cutting blade features between three and six distinct cutting edges. The cutting blade may be rotated and flipped such that each cutting edge may be presented from the utility knife as the active cutting edge. Features of the cutting blade include a wear-coat indicator which is located at or near each cutting edge and indicates when an edge has been used; grippable locations on the body of the blade to increase the grippibility of the blade when removing and handling the blade; multiple mounting-hole orientations; and mass-reducing punch-outs which reduce cutting friction of the blade against the object being cut.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/018,113, filed Sep. 4, 2013, which claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/743,426, filed on Sep. 4, 2012, and which is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/199,206, filed Aug. 23, 2011, which claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/402,536, filed Sep. 1, 2010, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This application relates to utility knife blades, and more particularly, to unconventional utility knife blades with multiple defined individual cutting edges that allow the user to have available on one blade, multiple individual cutting edges that will be used with special designed utility knives. 
         [0004]    2. Background and Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Conventional disposable utility blades are well known in the art. These blades, along with their knives, have many industrial as well as home uses, such as for opening boxes, cutting cord or cutting wallboard. Typical utility blades are encased in a plastic or metal handle in either a fixed or retractable position. When in use, the blade is positioned to extend outwardly from the handle, exposing the cutting edge and one of the cutting points of the blade. 
         [0006]    Utility knife blades come in a variety of shapes depending upon the intended use. A conventional utility blade has a generally trapezoidal shape that includes a back edge, a cutting edge and two side edges. The trapezoidal shaped blades have two cutting edges or tips formed at the intersections between the side edges and the cutting edge. These sharp points or tips enable a user to puncture through a material which is desired to be cut, such as sealing tape or a cardboard box. Once the object has been punctured and penetrated, the user can slice open the material by dragging the knife along the surface of the material allowing the cutting edge to cut through the material. 
         [0007]    Existing prior art includes U.S. Pat. Nos.: 7,921,568; 5,557,852; 2,542,582; 4,592,113; 3,037,342; 5,636,845; and 4,745,653. 
         [0008]    Although trapezoidal-shaped utility blades are widely used, they have only two usable cutting edges. They have the disadvantage that when the two edges get dull, the blade has to be replaced. The two-edged blade, therefore, requires more frequent replacement after the two cutting edges are worn out. 
         [0009]    Break-off style blades with a multitude of cutting edges are not well suited for many applications and there is a greater safety or injury risk due to potential snap-off during usage when side loads are applied. 
         [0010]    There is a need for an improved utility knife blade that overcomes one or more of the above-described drawbacks and/or disadvantages of conventional prior art utility knife blades. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention provides a utility knife employing a blade having multiple cutting edges, and a means for quickly and simply swapping out one cutting edge for another. 
         [0012]    In a preferred embodiment, a six-cutting-edge featured blade is employed. Each point of the generally triangular-shaped, multiple-cutting-edge featured blade features two distinct cutting edges, for a total of six cutting edges located on a single blade. The blade can be rotated about a central axis to expose new cutting edges as old edges wear and dull. 
         [0013]    One embodiment of the present invention features a knife handle capable of holding a blade with multiple cutting edges, such that the blade can be turned or flipped to present a new cutting edge when the previous cutting edge has become dull. 
         [0014]    Another embodiment features a hinged flap which bolts against the handle, thereby making it even simpler to install, flip, or exchange blades. 
         [0015]    Another embodiment features a hinged flap and also a number of support pegs which provide additional support for the blade and may be used in situations where higher pressure is applied to the blade during the cutting process. The pegs may be removable or permanently attached to the handle. 
         [0016]    The blades feature several different aspects, including curved or straight cutting edges, hooked cutting edges, and a plurality of connecting features for connecting the blades to a handle in such a way as to ensure the blade is secure and provides the best cutting performance. 
         [0017]    Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent in view of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1A  is an isometric view of a three-sided blade. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1B  is a front elevational view thereof. 
           [0020]      FIG. 1C  is a rear elevational view thereof, showing the blade edges located on the front face in hidden lines. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2A  is a side elevational view of a three-sided blade being fitted into a simplified knife handle and blade receiver head. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2B  is a second step in a series thereof. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2C  is a third step in a series thereof. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2D  is a top plan view thereof. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3A  is an isometric view of a three-sided blade of an alternative configuration. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3B  is a front elevational view thereof. 
           [0027]      FIG. 3C  is a rear elevational view thereof. 
           [0028]      FIG. 4A  is an isometric view of a three-sided blade of an alternative configuration. 
           [0029]      FIG. 4B  is a front elevational view thereof. 
           [0030]      FIG. 4C  is a rear elevational view thereof. 
           [0031]      FIG. 5A  is a side elevational view of a three-sided blade with notched receivers being fitted into a simplified knife handle and blade receiver head, the view including a cut-away view of the blade being contained within the handle. 
           [0032]      FIG. 5B  is a side elevational view thereof, showing the external face of the handle. 
           [0033]      FIG. 5C  is a top plan view thereof. 
           [0034]      FIG. 5D  is sectional view thereof, showing the blade being received by the handle in more detail. 
           [0035]      FIG. 6A  is an isometric view of a three-sided blade of an alternative configuration including hooked blade-ends. 
           [0036]      FIG. 6B  is a front elevational view thereof. 
           [0037]      FIG. 6C  is a rear elevational view thereof. 
           [0038]      FIG. 7A  is an isometric view of a three-sided blade of an alternative configuration including double-hooked blade-ends. 
           [0039]      FIG. 7B  is a front elevational view thereof. 
           [0040]      FIG. 7C  is a rear elevational view thereof. 
           [0041]      FIG. 8A  is an isometric view of a three-sided blade of an alternative configuration including notched receivers located between cutting edges which would be received by a handle as shown in  FIGS. 5A-5D . 
           [0042]      FIG. 8B  is a front elevational view thereof. 
           [0043]      FIG. 8C  is a rear elevational view thereof. 
           [0044]      FIG. 9A  is an isometric view of a three-sided blade of an alternative configuration including notched receivers located between cutting edges and an alternative mounting hole located centrally within the blade. 
           [0045]      FIG. 9B  is a front elevational view thereof. 
           [0046]      FIG. 9C  is a rear elevational view thereof. 
           [0047]      FIG. 10A  is an isometric view of a three-sided blade of an alternative configuration including notched receivers located between cutting edges and etched gripping surfaces located at various locations on the face of the blade. 
           [0048]      FIG. 10B  is a front elevational view thereof. 
           [0049]      FIG. 10C  is a rear elevational view thereof. 
           [0050]      FIG. 10D  is a more detailed view taken about the circle in  FIG. 10C . 
           [0051]      FIG. 10E  shows a blade featuring an alternative etching pattern from that shown in  FIGS. 10A-10D . 
           [0052]      FIG. 11A  is an isometric view of a three-sided blade of an alternative configuration including mass-reducing cut-outs. 
           [0053]      FIG. 11B  is a front elevational view thereof. 
           [0054]      FIG. 11C  is a rear elevational view thereof. 
           [0055]      FIG. 11D  is an isometric view of an alternative orientation thereof, featuring additional mass-reducing cut-outs. 
           [0056]      FIG. 11E  is a front elevational view thereof. 
           [0057]      FIG. 11F  is a rear elevational view thereof. 
           [0058]      FIG. 12A  is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment multi-edged blade. 
           [0059]      FIG. 12B  is a front elevational view thereof. 
           [0060]      FIG. 12C  is a rear elevational view thereof. 
           [0061]      FIG. 13A  is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment multi-edged blade including mass-reducing spaces. 
           [0062]      FIG. 13B  is a front elevational view thereof. 
           [0063]      FIG. 13C  is a rear elevational view thereof. 
           [0064]      FIG. 14  is a side elevational view of a handle receiving the blade shown in  FIGS. 6A-6C . 
           [0065]      FIG. 15  is a side elevational view of a handle receiving the blade shown in  FIGS. 7A-7C . 
           [0066]      FIG. 16  is an elevational view of an alternative blade. 
           [0067]      FIG. 17  is an elevational view of another alternative blade. 
           [0068]      FIG. 18  is an elevational view of yet another alternative blade. 
           [0069]      FIG. 19  is an elevational view of yet another alternative blade. 
           [0070]      FIG. 20  is an elevational view of yet another alternative blade. 
           [0071]      FIG. 21  is an elevational view of yet another alternative blade. 
           [0072]      FIG. 22  is an elevational view of yet another alternative blade. 
           [0073]      FIG. 23  is an elevational view of yet another alternative blade. 
           [0074]      FIG. 24A  is a rear elevational view of a knife handle containing an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0075]      FIG. 24B  is a front elevational view thereof, showing the hinged panel in an open position. 
           [0076]      FIG. 25A  is a rear elevational view of another knife handle containing another slightly-altered embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0077]      FIG. 25B  is a front elevational view thereof, showing the hinged panel in an open position. 
           [0078]      FIG. 26A  is a rear elevational view of another knife handle containing another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0079]      FIG. 26B  is a front elevational view thereof, showing the hinged panel in an open position. 
           [0080]      FIG. 27A  is an elevational view showing an embodiment of the present invention which includes a wear coat shown in original condition. 
           [0081]      FIG. 27B  is an elevational view thereof showing the wear coat in a worn condition signifying that the blade should be rotated. 
           [0082]      FIG. 28A  is an elevational view showing an alternative embodiment of the present invention which includes a wear coat shown in original condition. 
           [0083]      FIG. 28B  is an elevational view thereof showing the wear coat in a worn condition signifying that the blade should be rotated. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     I. Introduction and Environment 
       [0084]    As required, detailed aspects of the disclosed subject matter are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
         [0085]    Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, base, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as oriented in the view being referred to. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the embodiment being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning 
         [0086]    A preferred embodiment features a generally planar blade featuring three distinct points, each point featuring at least one cutting edge. The blade is designed to be rotated amongst the cutting edges as the edges wear down from use. 
       II. Preferred Embodiment Knife Blade  3   
       [0087]      FIGS. 1A-C  show a typical three-sided knife blade  3  having six cutting edges  5 . Each edge can, in turn, be presented from a knife handle (see  FIGS. 2A-D ) by flipping or turning the blade within the blade retaining head of the handle. The handle in the preferred embodiment would include a right portion  10  and a left portion  20  which join together to form the handle with a head portion  9  having a blade receiver gap  50 . Each cutting edge is labeled by an edge label  11 . A blade cutting edge indicator  13  distinguishes the cutting edge from the body of the blade.  FIG. 1C  shows the gap  17  located between two separate cutting edges  5 . The gap can be a flat space, a notch, or it could be a continuous cutting edge. The purpose of the gap  17  is to designate between two separate cutting edges. 
         [0088]      FIGS. 2A-D  show how a blade  3  would be inserted into a blade receiver slot  50  within the receiving head  9  of a knife handle having a right half  10  and a left half  20 . A handle mounting hole  8  located in the handle is aligned with the central mounting hole  7  of the blade  3 , and a mounting bolt  6  secures the blade within the handle. 
       III. First Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade  53   
       [0089]      FIGS. 3A-C  show an alternative arrangement of the three-sided blade which includes a secondary ring of mounting holes  62  which provides additional stability to a blade secured by those holes in addition to the blade retaining hole  57 . Here also, the cutting edge  55 , cutting edge indicator  63  and cutting edge identifier  61  may be used. 
       IV. Second Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade  103   
       [0090]    As shown in  FIGS. 4A-4C , an alternative embodiment three-tipped blade  103  includes six cutting edges  105  each labeled with a cutting edge identifier  111  and defined by a cutting edge indicator  113 . A centralized mounting hole  107  is used for mounting this blade  103  into a handle. This blade features angled edges, forming a 6-sided planar blade. 
       V. Third Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade  153   
       [0091]    As shown in  FIGS. 5A-5D , an alternative embodiment three-tipped blade  153  includes six cutting edges  155  each labeled with a cutting edge identifier  161  and defined by a cutting edge indicator  163 . A blade notch  154  is located between the two cutting edges  155  defining each side of the blade  153 . This notch provides greater stability and secures the blade  153  within the mounting head  159  of the handle comprising a right half  160  and a left half  170 . A mounting pin  156  secures the blade  153  to the mounting head  159  via the central mounting hole  157 . 
         [0092]    The blade notches relieve pressure on the cutting blade  153  when the blade is actively cutting an object. This prevents the edge of the blade from being pressed against the interior of the utility knife receiving head, which can cause inactive cutting edges to become dulled. The receiving head of the utility knife handle includes notched posts which receive the blade notches  154 . These notches also assist in manufacturing purposes, indexing, and assuring that the blade is properly located within the knife handle. 
       VI. Fourth Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade  203   
       [0093]      FIGS. 6A-6C  show another embodiment of a knife blade  203  having a generally planar shape and featuring three hooked tips  204  each having a cutting edge  205  located along the inside of the hook feature. Each cutting edge is identified by a cutting edge identifier  211 . Blade notches  206  help to secure the blade to a blade handle (not shown). A central mounting hole  207  features multiple radiating arms which help to lock the blade in place when mounted within a blade handle. Additional mounting holes  212  are located around the central mounting hole  207  to receive mounting pegs or other securing elements when the blade is inserted into a handle. 
         [0094]      FIG. 14  shows a handle  210  receiving the blade  203 . Three pegs  220  are inserted through the secondary mounting holes  212 . A panel  214  closes over the blade  203  once it is inserted into the handle. The panel has peg receivers  218  and a central locking element receiver  216  which secure the blade between the panel and the handle  210 . 
         [0095]    The mounting pegs relieve pressure on the cutting blade  203  when the blade is actively cutting an object. This prevents the edge of the blade from being pressed against the interior of the utility knife receiving head, which can cause inactive cutting edges to become dulled. The mounting holes which are associated with the pegs also assist in manufacturing purposes, indexing, and assuring that the blade is properly located within the knife handle. 
       VII. Fifth Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade  253   
       [0096]      FIGS. 7A-7C  show another embodiment of a knife blade  253  having a generally planar shape and featuring three double-hooked tips  254  each having two cutting edges  255  located along the inside of the hook feature. Each cutting edge is identified by a cutting edge identifier  261 . Blade notches  256  help to secure the blade to a blade handle (not shown). A central mounting hole  257  features multiple radiating arms which help to lock the blade in place when mounted within a blade handle. Additional mounting holes  262  are located around the central mounting hole  257  to receive mounting pegs or other securing elements when the blade is inserted into a handle 
         [0097]      FIG. 15  shows a handle  260  receiving the blade  203 . Three pegs  270  are inserted through the secondary mounting holes  262 . A panel  264  closes over the blade  253  once it is inserted into the handle. The panel has peg receivers  268  and a central locking element receiver  266  which secure the blade between the panel and the handle  260 . 
       VIII. Sixth Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade  303   
       [0098]      FIGS. 8A-8C  show another embodiment of a knife blade  303  having a generally planar shape and featuring three tips each having two cutting edges  305 . Each cutting edge is identified by a cutting edge identifier  311  and a cutting edge indicator  313 . Blade notches  304  help to secure the blade to a blade handle (not shown). A central mounting hole  307  features multiple radiating arms or spokes which help to lock the blade in place when mounted within a blade handle. Additional mounting holes  312  are located around the central mounting hole  307  to receive mounting pegs or other securing elements when the blade is inserted into a handle 
       IX. Seventh Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade  353   
       [0099]      FIGS. 9A-9C  show another embodiment of a knife blade  353  having a generally planar shape and featuring three tips each having two cutting edges  355 . Each cutting edge is identified by a cutting edge identifier  361  and a cutting edge indicator  363 . Blade notches  354  help to secure the blade to a blade handle (not shown). A central mounting hole  357  features a large geometric opening having three long sides and three short sides to lock the blade in place when mounted within a blade handle. Additional mounting holes  362  are located around the central mounting hole  357  to receive mounting pegs or other securing elements when the blade is inserted into a handle. 
       X. Eighth Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade  403   
       [0100]      FIGS. 10A-10D  show another embodiment of a knife blade  403  having a generally planar shape and featuring three tips each having two cutting edges  405 . Each cutting edge is identified by a cutting edge identifier  411  and a cutting edge indicator  413 . Blade notches  404  help to secure the blade to a blade handle (not shown). A central mounting hole  407  and secondary mounting holes  412  receive mounting pegs or other securing elements when the blade is inserted into a handle. A grip surface  416  including a hole  417  is located in proximity to each of the three points of the cutting blade  403 . The grip surface enhances the ability to grasp the blade for replacement or when turning the blade to use a new cutting edge. 
         [0101]      FIG. 10E  shows a slightly altered version wherein the pattern of the grip surface  420  is based upon concentric rings instead of the pattern shown in  FIGS. 10A-10D . 
       XI. Ninth Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade  453   
       [0102]      FIGS. 11A-11C  show another embodiment of a knife blade  453  having a generally planar shape and featuring three tips each having two cutting edges  455 . Each cutting edge is identified by a cutting edge identifier  461 . Blade notches  454  help to secure the blade to a blade handle (not shown). A central mounting hole  457  and secondary mounting holes  462  receive mounting pegs or other securing elements when the blade is inserted into a handle. A number of mass-reducing cutouts  466  are punched through, cut out, or otherwise removed from the body of the blade  453 . An example pattern is shown in  FIGS. 11A-11C  and an alternative pattern is shown in  FIGS. 11D-11F  featuring additional mass-reducing cutouts  466 ; however, any pattern, shape, or variation of mass-reducing cutouts could be used to reduce the weight of the blade  453 . The purpose of the mass-reducing elements is to reduce friction while cutting using the blade. 
       XII. Tenth Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade  503   
       [0103]    FIGS.  12 A- 12 DC show another embodiment of a knife blade  503  having a generally planar shape and featuring three tips each having two cutting edges  505 . Blade notches  504  help to secure the blade to a blade handle (not shown). A central mounting hole  507  for mounting the blade to a handle (not shown) is centrally located in the blade  503 . 
       XIII. Eleventh Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade  553   
       [0104]      FIGS. 13A-13C  show a slightly altered embodiment of a knife blade  553  having a generally planar shape and featuring three tips each having two cutting edges  555 . Blade notches  554  help to secure the blade to a blade handle (not shown). A central mounting hole  557  for mounting the blade to a handle (not shown) is centrally located in the blade  553 . Mass-reducing cutouts  566  are shown removed symmetrically from each point of the blade  553 , but the cutouts could be any shape and located anywhere on the blade&#39;s surface. 
       XIV. Additional Alternative Embodiment Knife Blades  603   
       [0105]      FIGS. 16-23  present additional knife blade  603  variations to those blades described in detail above. Each includes blade cutting edge identifiers, many ( FIGS. 16-21 ) include cutting edge indicators, and all present three or six cutting edges.  FIG. 23  shows a knife blade  603  featuring a blade notch. 
         [0106]      FIG. 16  presents a knife blade  603  having a 3-spoke center mounting hole  606 .  FIG. 17  presents a knife blade  603  having a triangular shaped center mounting hole  608 .  FIG. 19  presents a knife blade  603  having a six-pointed star shaped center mounting hole  610 .  FIG. 20  presents a knife blade  603  having scalloped cutting edges  616  and a six-spoked center mounting hole  612 .  FIG. 21  presents a knife blade  603  having a triangular-shaped center mounting hole  614  with rounded points. 
         [0107]    Any variation of a three-pointed blade, from the general shape, placement of cutting edges, location and/or shape of mounting holes, and type of cutting edge surface, could be possible in an embodiment of the present invention. 
       XV. Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade  653  and Knife Handle  660  Assembly 
       [0108]      FIGS. 24A-24B  show a handle  660  including a hinged panel  664  receiving another embodiment of a three-pointed knife blade  653  of generally planar shape. The blade  653  includes six cutting edges  655  each having a cutting edge identifier  661  and a cutting edge indicator  663 . A central mounting hole  657  and three surrounding mounting holes  662  are used to secure the blade within the handle. The panel includes peg receiver holes  668  which receive pegs  670  passing through the secondary mounting holes  662  of the blade  653 . A center mounting bolt receiver  666  is also located in the panel and is aligned with the center mounting hole  657  of the blade  653 . In this orientation, the secondary mounting holes  662  closest to the two points not exposed from the handle are engaged with pegs  670 , and the third secondary mounting hole associated with the point of the blade exposed from the handle is not engaged with a peg. 
         [0109]      FIGS. 25A-25B  show a slightly altered embodiment of the same knife blade  653  wherein the secondary mounting holes  662  are oriented such that all three are engaged with pegs  670  whenever the panel  664  is closed over the blade  653 . 
       XVI. Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade  703  and Knife Handle  710  Assembly 
       [0110]      FIGS. 26A-26B  show a handle  710  including a hinged panel  714  receiving another embodiment of a three-pointed knife blade  703  of generally planar shape. The blade  703  includes six cutting edges  705  each having a cutting edge identifier  711  and a cutting edge indicator  713 . A central mounting hole  707  is used to secure the blade within the handle. The central mounting hole is of an abnormal shape featuring three short sides interspaced amongst three long sides which matches a similarly-shaped peg located on the handle. The shape of the mounting hole  707  and the peg does not matter, as long as it allows for the blade  703  to be rotated amongst the cutting edges and secures the blade from rotating when the peg is placed through the mounting hole. A mounting bolt receiver  720  is located in the center of the peg. The panel  714  includes a peg receiver  716  and a mounting bolt receiver hole  717 . 
       XVII. Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade  753  Featuring a Wear Coat Layer  768   
       [0111]      FIGS. 27A-27B  show a handle  760  including a blade receiver head  761  receiving another embodiment of a three-pointed knife blade  753  of generally planar shape. The blade  753  includes three or six cutting edges  755 . A central mounting hole  757  is used to secure the blade within the handle. 
         [0112]    The wear coat  768 , possibly of an ink-like substance or other semi-permanent marking agent, may cover any or all portions of the blade  753 . This would include the cutting edges  755  and any portion of the blades that would come in contact with the already cut material. The wear coat may be designed in any configuration, such as a circle, square or others. The wear-coat may consist of a Logo or company name, or may include cutting edge indicators in the forms of letters or numbers. 
         [0113]    The wear-coat will allow the user the ability to distinguish between the used and the unused cutting surfaces  755  of the blade  753 . As the blade is cutting through material, only that portion of the blade&#39;s wear-coat will sustain and visually show wear. Once the wear coat has been worn significantly away to a clean, smooth surface  770 , it will be an indication to the user that the cutting edge should be swapped for a new cutting edge. Of course the user will make the ultimate determination based upon the dullness of the blade. Unused cutting edges on the blade will be immediately recognizable by the un-worn finish of the wear coat along those particular edges. 
         [0114]    In some embodiments, the wear coat could double as a lubricant which would reduce the friction of the knife blade against the cutting surface. This could be particularly useful in certain fields of industry. The wear coat indicates both when the blade is likely becoming dull and when the lubricant is running low. 
       XVIII. Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade  803  Featuring a Wear Coat  818   
       [0115]      FIGS. 28A-28B  show an alternative method of establishing a wear coat, wherein the wear coat  818  consists of a raised or otherwise altered surface of the knife blade  803  along the cutting edge  805  of the blade. The blade  803  is mounted to a knife handle  810  via a central mounting hole  807  and multiple secondary mounting holes  812  using features disclosed elsewhere above. As the cutting edge is used, the surface area of the wear coat  818  becomes worn down and wears away to a smooth surface  820 , indicating that the cutting edge is dull and should be switched. 
         [0116]    For all of the above-mentioned embodiments, simple variations may be incorporated. For example, the blade&#39;s cutting edge can be straight, serrated, wave shaped or can have micro serration&#39;s and other shapes as needed. The blade can be of different materials such as steel alloys, bimetallic, tri-metallic, and ceramics and it can have different types of coatings to enhance its surface properties, hardness and to resist corrosion. The blade can be of different sizes and thickness. 
         [0117]    All of the blade variations introduced in this application could be made of any appropriate material, such as stainless steel. However, these blades are also suitably made of carbide, ceramic, powder metal, or other non-typical materials. This is due to the novel features as discussed, such as the mounting pegs and mounting notches which relieve pressure on the actual blade during cutting action, thereby increasing the cutting edge&#39;s durability. 
         [0118]    It is to be understood that while certain aspects of the disclosed subject matter have been shown and described, the disclosed subject matter is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8