Cutting stuff that may bind with a Slipjoint?

G

GarageBoy

Joined
May 23, 2003
Messages
5,952
Quick question before I pull the trigger on a Slipjoint; how do you cut stuff that may potentially bind and drag on the blade as you're pulling it out? For example- cutting open a blister pack, the blade may bind in the plastic. You can pull up, but the blade may shut on your fingers.

Thanks!
 
Pull the blade straight out, not back out the way it came :) Thats easy work ( blister packs) for a slip joint...just use common sense ans it will become second nature!
 
Open the sheepsfoot blade of your new stockman slipjoint.
Use the tip of the blade to score the plastic.

As you will be using the first fraction of an inch to cut, the blade will not bind.
 
Been cutting blister packs with slipjoints for more than a decade without an issue.

1. keep the knife sharp.
2. cut each side (or two or three) until you reach air.
3. I have not had one bind, but if it does keep the pressure on the cutting edge of the knife as you withdraw it. The knife is not going to close if you keep the pressure on the cutting edge. ;).
 
I have come to the conclusion some blister packs were never designed to be opened.

i.e. kids toys.

1. Instead of taking a kid to fast foot joint to get a kids meal, which has that stupid toy in a blister pack that is not designed to be opened...

Use a a pocket knife to make a hot dawg fork and cook hot dawgs and roast marshmellows.
Whittle a sling shot fork after consuming hot dawgs

Skills sets and quality time are shared with kid and adult doing this.


2. The fine art of putting a blister pack on a curb, or porch step, and stomping the pack open.

This is useful skill set, as it replicates stomping sticks for the hot dawg roasting fire.
It furthermore supports the notion, some toys were never meant to be played with, as they are that cheesy.

Besides, a homemade sling shot is a whole lot more funner and will last a lot longer.

*smile*
 
Bastid said:
Been cutting blister packs with slipjoints for more than a decade without an issue.

1. keep the knife sharp.
2. cut each side (or two or three) until you reach air.
3. I have not had one bind, but if it does keep the pressure on the cutting edge of the knife as you withdraw it. The knife is not going to close if you keep the pressure on the cutting edge. ;).
Click to expand...

What Gus said. :thumbup::cool:

(emphasis mine)
 
Give the blister pack to a kid. They'll have it opened in no time flat.

Otherwise, wharncliffe and sheepsfoot type blades were made for opening blister packs.
 
RobbW said:
Give the blister pack to a kid. They'll have it opened in no time flat.

Otherwise, wharncliffe and sheepsfoot type blades were made for opening blister packs.
Click to expand...

Let me here an Amen on that. :D. You hit it dead on in my experience. :thumbup:
 
Sheepsfoot to the rescue again! I love my sheepsfoot.

As to the binding issue... locks are a nice "extra" safety feature, but I never rely on a lock working - even on a strong locking folder. Always keep the pressure against the cutting edge, and you won't have an issue with binding.

As to blister packs specifically, you're about 4000X more likely to cut yourself on the plastic than with the blade of your slipjoint. Ask me how I know.
 
I'm guessing SAKs have opened more blister packs than any other knife.
 
To me, cutting open a blister pack with a SHORT blade - like sheepsfoot or small pen feels way safer than cutting one open with a 3-4" long lockblade.

I've never really cut myself with a slipjoint closing up on me, but when I am cutting something that is difficult - like the blister pack - I use a short blade, and have much more control over it.
 
Another way to skirt the binding issue is to use the blade at a 45º angle to the medium being cut, instead of a 90º angle.
With the blade piercing the plastic at an angle it pushes the 2 sides apart instead of jamming between them.

one must be careful with the initial puncture, it requires a sharp point

Works well for cardboard too.
 
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