Switch blade: Two-in-one utility knife

 
I'm always impressed when a tool manufacturer takes a simple, everyday tool and completely redesigns it to create a much more versatile, useful tool. Case in point:

Stanley Tools just added the TwinBlade Utility Knife to its popular--and ever-growing--line of FatMax Xtreme hand tools.

At first glance, the TwinBlade looks similar to most other utility knives, but it's hiding a secret.

As its name implies, the TwinBlade houses two blades in one handle. On top of the tool, where you'd ordinarily find a single slide switch, there are two switches (below, left). That allows you to load the tool with one straight blade and one hooked blade, or two of the same type blades.

The TwinBlade also features an ergonomically designed handle with rubber grip, easy blade-changing system, and swing-open blade-storage tray (below).

However, the real genius behind the design of this new FatMax knife, is that it's no bigger than a regular utility knife, so it's comfortable to hold and--just as importantly--fits into standard tool-belt knife pouches.

The FatMax Xtreme TwinBlade Utility Knife costs about $11 and comes with two straight blades and two hooked blades.