Sometimes I get ideas that amuse me, but then I build it and discover that it’s actually really useful! My Knifinger is one such creation.

Problem

Holding a knife securely with the middle of my hand gone is a sometimes dangerous proposition. If I’m not dropping it, then I’m straining my ring finger trying to use it safely. And trying to use my left hand would likely cost me another finger on my right hand!

Solution

I made my prototype Knifinger using a cheap pocketknife and some aluminum bar stock that I attached to my trusty carbon fiber plalmar orthosis (originally designed for my palmar hook). I’d had to cut the blade shorter to fit so it was too dull to cut well, but the concept showed promise. After all, I could cut things and express myself with the same device!

I made another version using a better, smaller knife and a carbon fiber bridge to attach to my orthosis. And when a friend offered to let me try out their hydro dipping kit, naturally this was the first device that came to mind!

When I used it to make dinner one night, I realized that what had started as a bit of a joke was, in fact, a very useful tool! Chopping veggies was faster and easier and there was no way I could accidentally drop the knife on my foot!

And as silly as it started out, having a short blade with a built-in light seems like the perfect tool to take hiking and camping!