Modular pocketknife

A pocketknife having a handle and at least one blade, wherein the improvement comprises;

• first and second cover modules;
• intermediate modules disposed between said first and second cover modules said intermediate modules including at least a first outer intermediate module and an opposite second outer intermediate module;
• each of said intermediate modules including first and second side plates disposed on opposite sides of each of said intermediate modules, said first and second side plates of at least one of said intermediate modules being connected to each other and being spaced apart from each other by an arbor extending transversely through one end of said at least one intermediate module, said one blade being contained in said at least one intermediate module between said first and second plates thereof and being pivotable about said arbor;
• said intermediate modules each having first connecting means for providing a detachable sliding connection thereof either to an adjacent one of said intermediate modules or to an associated adjacent one of said cover modules, said first and second cover modules each having second connecting means for providing a detachable sliding connection thereof to an associated adjacent one of said first and second outer intermediate modules;
• said first and second connecting means slidingly connecting said first and second outer intermediate modules and said first and second cover modules together;
• said first and second connecting means also permitting said first and second outer intermediate modules and said first and second cover modules to be slidingly separated apart from each other after having been connected together;
• said first connecting means of said first and second outer intermediate modules being provided on said first and second side plates, respectively;
• said first connecting means of said first side plate of said first outer intermediate module and said second connecting means of said first cover module being a longitudinally extending dovetail undercut, groove-like recess;
• said first connecting means of said second side plate of said second outer intermediate module and said second connecting means of said second cover module being a protruding dovetail shaped connection element corresponding to each said recess so that each said protruding connection element is detachably slidingly received in an associated said recess for connection therebetween;
• and
• said intermediate modules and said first and second cover modules forming the handle of the pocketknife when the blade is pivoted outwardly from said at least one intermediate module.