Patent ID: 7096586

Claim:
A multi-purpose cutting implement for enabling a user to achieve a wide range of independent tasks, said cutting implement comprising: A. a first arm member comprising a first blade portion and a first handle portion; B. a second arm member comprising a second blade portion and a second handle portion; C. said first and second arm members being cooperatively associated with each other for enabling the blade portions thereof to provide a desired cutting action; D. a separate and independent cutting element a. mounted to said first handle portion; and b. movable between a first stowed position and a second deployed position wherein said cutting element is maintained outwardly from the first handle portion in position for use; and E. trigger means controllably connected to the cutting element and responsive to the receipt of an activation force for moving the cutting element from its stowed position to its deployed position and maintaining the cutting element in its deployed position until the activation force is removed to automatically move the cutting element to its stowed position; whereby a multi-purpose cutting implement is attained which is capable of providing conventional cutting or shearing action while also providing a separate and independent cutting element which is easily activated for independent use.