Abstract: A process for preparing produce includes a base having a cradle for receiving the produce which is to be processed, and a reciprocating head which cooperates with the cradle and which includes one or more blades for operating upon the produce which is positioned in the cradle. A single blade is positioned for alignment with center portions of the produce to sever the core membrane of the produce as the head is lowered onto the base. An opposing pair of blades are positioned for alignment with end portions of the produce for removal of the end portions of the produce as the head is lowered onto the base. The base of the apparatus further preferably includes a retaining element which extends over the cradle for receiving the produce, for maintaining the produce in the cradle during operations of the apparatus on the produce.

Abstract: A utility knife includes a holder having two mating halves which combine to develop a first cavity located at a proximal end of the holder, for receiving a blade for active use, and a second cavity located toward a distal end of the holder, for receiving a supply of replacement blades. The two mating halves are joined by a hinge located at the distal end of the holder, and a closure in the form of a captive screw extending between the mating halves at a position between the first cavity and the second cavity. Both the first cavity and the second cavity incorporate a magnet for directly engaging the active blade, and for additionally engaging one or more stored replacement blades.