Skiva

A knife is a a great overall everyday use tool to carry on your person at all times. However, the average person is more comfortable with scissors than they are with a knife. Knives can be scary or hard to use. Scissors are approachable, safe, and intuitive. 

Skiva is a portable cutting device with all the functionality of a pocket knife but it has a friendlier form, and function.

The form of the tool is inspired by an average pocket knife. This acts as a gateway for users to be introduced to carrying a blade on their person to realize its potential utility.

This function is familiar to both the hand and mind by acting and feeling like scissors thanks to the secure finger loop.

A cutting device which does not sacrifice its intuitive function or comfort in trade of being portable

When fully deployed, the tool acts like scissors. By pushing the thumb piece down against its spring, the blades close and function in a familiar way.

After surveying 147 individuals, almost everyone claims they can use a knife, yet over 70% of people choose to not carry one.

How might we create a portable cutting device that feels familiar to new users, while educating and inspiring users to carry a knife by demonstrating utility?

When the thumb piece is pushed down, the sharp end of the blade is revealed, allowing the user to use the tool like a pocket knife.

10 total physical prototypes were user tested for ergonomics and intuitive functionality

17 total CAD models were used to ideate 3D forms, fine tune ergonomics and component tolerances, and for finalizing sliding blade mechanism.

Product Inspiration