cheap work knife recomendation.

[robgmn]

It may sound snarky, but using the right tool for the job seems to be the way to go.
The "box cutter" has that name for a reason, and seems to make much more sense than hoping to find a knife that will do the job as well as the box cutter does.

I have the same one as Hickory (including the twine notch), and can almost guarantee it will outcut any pocket knife during the course of work.
If it gets dull, I can rotate the blade to the fresh edge or replace if necessary in a few seconds.
I can also expose only as much blade as needed to cut (reducing chance of snapping and giving me longer like by allowing me to expose fresh cutting edge).
For the same job, a pocketknife (or small fixed blade) will be nowhere near as versatile.

Some people use their knives when it seems other tools (like hatchet, saw, etc.) would make much more sense and be more efficient.
I can see the fun in it (buschcrafting, etc.), but personally would avoid it when it didn't make sense.

Oops, my soapbox just collapsed...

 

[Neko2]

View attachment 647123

I've carried this lockback box cutter for about 20 years and it's still going strong. I get to have my lockback, (faux) wood handles and pocket clip and also an instantly sharp blade whenever I want. I use the Irwin Bi-Metal or Dewalt Carbide and it will outslice darn near anything. I use it as an exacto for layouts and mockups as well.

I also carry a SAK or traditional for food and other stuff that they're better suited for.

 

[bt93]

Boxcutter all the way for cutting that much cardboard. For what you'd pay for a knife that could last two days atleast (you mentioned you don't want to have to touch it up everyday) you could get a boxcutter and about 10 lifetimes worth of blades. Seriously, right tool for the job, save your knives.

 

[jaypowell0185]

Buck bantam series

 

[22-rimfire]

I'd get the RAT 2 since you sort of singled it out, and a good comfortable (long handled) box cutter/utility knife.

 

[billym]

+1 for box cutters and other utility knives. Like others said use the right tool for the right job. If you were going to open a box or two at work any knife you edc will work. But if you open boxes, cut cardboard and packing straps all day every day then a utility knife/box cutter is the way to go. Save your edc for other tasks.

 

[Hickory n steel]

Wow, you have the the kind with the twine notch. I'm jealous. Mine's about 40 years old, so no 'modern' touches for me!

I also get a lot of use out of the cheap stamped sheet metal box cutter that uses a single edge razor blade. Why screw up a nice edge on a knife when a semi disposable razor knife or box cutter works?

[/url]Untitled by Carl Levitan, on Flickr[/IMG]

I love mine, I'm not sure how old is ( probably 20yrs old as my dad gave it to me )
I've also got this one that I use often ( the original yellow paint was badly worn so I took a rattle can to it )

As you can see I'm a fan of tool free blade changing.

 

[znapschatz]

If you do a little research or shop around here on the forums for your price range you may find a Buck Vantage Pro with S30V and if not you can find a Spyderco Delica FFG here on the forums for that price range. I think either would serve you well if you don't want AUS 8. Good Luck. Kevin 👍👍

Unbeatable for the price, IMHO. It kicked the others out of my pocket. That's the only folder I've been carrying for a long time. Touchups are easy, just a few wipes on a steel or strop. Highly recommended.

 

[smith357]

I have done plenty of warehouse work, and ruined many a knife cutting boxes all day every day. I recommend a razor knife. I have used many and lost many more. the best I have used over the years would be the new $8 Kobalt ones from Lowes. It has a solid easy to use blade locking system, with a push button open/close that you can use with the heaviest gloves. OH yeah it tactikewl black too. I buy them for all guys in my dept.

http://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-11-Blade-Utility-Knife/50289429

 

[Colorodo]

Kershaw Link and a box cutter.

 

[Hickory n steel]

I have done plenty of warehouse work, and ruined many a knife cutting boxes all day every day. I recommend a razor knife. I have used many and lost many more. the best I have used over the years would be the new $8 Kobalt ones from Lowes. It has a solid easy to use blade locking system, with a push button open/close that you can use with the heaviest gloves. OH yeah it tactikewl black too. I buy them for all guys in my dept.

http://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-11-Blade-Utility-Knife/50289429

Does the blade lock work itself open like a lot of them do, because I've always liked the folding ones but the blade locks often work their way open

 

[smith357]

Does the blade lock work itself open like a lot of them do, because I've always liked the folding ones but the blade locks often work their way open

Not that I have seen or heard, the blade lock is a good design, I have had that issue with many quick change systems. Nothing worse than getting halfway through a double layer box and having the blade pop out.

 

[abcdef]

The answer is always opinel, sak, mora.

 

[deltaboy]

I just restored Grandpa's Montgomery Wards Brand Razor Blade knife . You can find them in Estate and Garage sales for a Dollar.

 

[JamesofArc]

I have done plenty of warehouse work, and ruined many a knife cutting boxes all day every day. I recommend a razor knife. I have used many and lost many more. the best I have used over the years would be the new $8 Kobalt ones from Lowes. It has a solid easy to use blade locking system, with a push button open/close that you can use with the heaviest gloves. OH yeah it tactikewl black too. I buy them for all guys in my dept.

http://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-11-Blade-Utility-Knife/50289429

I like this but does it have a clip to clip to my belt?

 

[ATJ999]

Id get a D2 RAT and a razor knife. Use them for different tasks.

 

[NJBillK]

As long as you have diamond or ceramic to cut it, I would suggest a Dustar Cutterjack, and as a plus, it is under your lower limit.

Dustar Model CutterJack Folding 2.9" Wharncliffe M2 Plain Blade, FRN Handles - DSCUTTERJACK

Inexpensive and M2 steel ran to 61hrc.
While it is a little soft for M2 (64ish possible while not chipping extensively on sudden impacts), it will hold and edge just fine and I am sure not many in your work environment would label it as a "weapon".

M2 takes a Great edge, be it toothy or polished, it will serve you well.

 

[adnj]

For cardboard, I use a utility knife. The folding Milwaukee with a button lock is great with gloves on.

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[blade dude]

Sharpening a knife every night will be cheaper long term than buying hundreds of disposable blades fyi and only takes minutes


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[deltaboy]

Sharpening a knife every night will be cheaper long term than buying hundreds of disposable blades fyi and only takes minutes


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You can buy Blades on Clearance and never run out , plus after work I don't want to spend my free time maintaining a tool.