Abstract: A holder for a detachable blade has a handle part and a blade retaining part formed by a pair of body sections pivotally connected for movement between open and closed positions. A latch member supported within the hollow handle part, and which retains the body sections in closed position, is released by manually operating an associated push button disposed in an aperture in the handle part. Coengageable clamping surfaces on the blade retaining part cooperate in clamping engagement to retain a blade in the holder when the holder is closed. A thumb rest on the blade retaining part reduces risk of accidental contact with a blade secured in the holder.