Hasta La Ideas

Cutting tool manufacturer Olfa’s CK-2 features a blade shaped like a kiridashi, or Japanese wood carving knife.

The blade is held in place by a thumbscrew. The butt end of the handle features a hole, which one might assume is to attach a lanyard. But London-based industrial designer Cairn Young makes the following observation:

“[I] always thought the hole in the handle was for a lanyard, but it was only when I misplaced my blade that I realised it was a parking place for the T-bolt and nut so you don’t lose them. Simple, perfect.”

“I love to design difficult and deliberately complex pieces, but when I design things for utility, this is the standard I aspire to.”