Reversible pliers

[Modern Garage]

I spent a buck on these pliers at the swap meet last week because I hadn't seen any like this, and discovered they're actually pretty functional. They're sprung to hold open in both configurations with a small sliding lock button to hold closed visible on one side.
No markings anywhere except the stylized "S" at the pivot. Just because they're new to me means little. I'm guessing someone here knows where they came from and how long ago. Just curious.
Joe

 

[Ton ton]

Tractor supply sells a modern version of these pliers. Maybe not exactly the same though.

 

[redragoon]

I've seen pliers like those since at least the 90s. They stay in production through various brand names.
Those are probably only a few years old and still in production.
https://neseattle.myturn.com/library/inventory/show/4878

 

[captain14]

Lowes had a couple of Kobalt plier sets like that last Xmas season.

The general GJ consensus was they were a gimmick. Still listed in their website at $25. Specials were down to about $10 for the pair a couple of times.

 

[Modern Garage]

So the presumption is the "S" logo is just some never to be known marketer. They've been laying on my workbench since I found them so they've actually had some use, and gimmick or not, they work reasonably well.
Certainly worth the buck I paid for 'em!
Joe

 

[IMCA38]

I acquired the same pliers in a miscellaneous auction box a couple years ago. They’ve been assigned to the utility room junk drawer. As the OP noted, they are totally usable, and you get the benefit of two pairs only taking up the space of one.

 

[KnurledNut]

Those are SwitchGrips by Allied Tools.
They still make them.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001AGNXC/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I have a pair and thought they were gimmicky at first but now use them quite a bit and they are surprisingly strong. The flat jaw is unique and very handy.
I know I've seen these relabeled for a few other brands too.



They also do a version with diagonals and wire strippers: