I need a cardboard knife

Thin blades, high hardness, keen geometry and a good amount of carbides will be your friends when cutting a lot of cardboard, strapping and so on. It really depends on your budget, and finding a knife you like in the appropriate steel. All the alloys mentioned above will work well. I would also consider CPM-154, Elmax and 3V at 60 or 62Rc.
 
I use a Sheffield box cutter at work, nothing else comes close. It's really well made:

one hand opening
sturdy pocket clip
ultra thin
quick changing blade

It's really more like a nice folder than an ordinary box cutter, and if you go through alot of fibrous material it's alot easier than constantly sharpening your knives.
 
^ good add. I like the tool-less blade change model. Plus I've got plenty of boxes that need to be cut down from the holidays -
 
I love my knives and wish I could cut with them every day...but for cutting open boxes at work I choose my Leatherman using the serrated blade.
I also use the Leatherman for other tasks so the pliers come in handy.
 
I would go with a Spyderco Yojimbo 2. Michael Janich the designer said it was inspired by a Stanley knife. It has a keen edge, S30V steel, and a compression lock.
 
I have a Spyderco Military in M390 that has cut quite a bit of cardboard and still shaves hair. I've been using it steady at work since I received it. (6 mos or so?) For fixed blades I would look no further than a Big Chris custom (pretty affordable) in 3V. I have several, and they blaze through cardboard like a lightsaber. I use my Camp Knife for breaking down gaylord boxes at work (because no one else will...& I enjoy cutting things :D) and it will also still shave hair. Ankerson tested one not too long ago if you look up his started threads you should be able to see his tests.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1022174-2-From-Big-Chris-Customs-Testing
 
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If i owned one i would be very happy to use a Spyderco Southfork, but most of the time i use a Superknife fitted with a Lenox Gold blade for cardboard.
Initial sharpness is just a little below your standard Stanley blades (due to the TiNi coating), but they more than make up for it with their longevity in performance.
2 of my carpenter friends who work a lot with drywall also swear by these.

http://www.amazon.com/Lenox-20351-G...c_0/175-0006524-3347644?ie=UTF8&n=228013&s=hi

Product info:

"The Lenox Gold Titanium Edge Utility Blade has a high-speed steel edge with titanium coating that keeps the blade cutting after others have quit.
The patented bi-metal construction allows the blade to bend and flex without breaking, and its four-notch system allows the blade to extend further.
The Lenox Gold Titanium Edge Utility Blade fits all standard utility knives and is great for cutting drywall, insulation, flooring, roofing, and more.
There are 50 blades per pack, which also includes a handy, easy-to-use dispenser to dispense the utility blades directly into the Lenox knives without touching the blade.
The dispenser dispenses either one or five blades at a time and also safely holds used blades. The tool is covered by a 90-day limited manufacturer's warranty.
 
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I understand wanting a new knife, but if you are serious about cutting cardboard on the job site, go with an Olfa.
Worktools.jpg


The OP mentioned a box cutter if it was unique... Olfa makes a model that holds 6 blades in the handle.
When you have dulled the last section on one blade, use the push button to extend it all the way, pluck it out, retract the button fully to pick up the new blade.
You can see it here:
http://www.olfa.com/UtilityKnivesDetail.aspx?C=69&Id=117 *I hope this isn't deal spotting... it is the manufacturer's website*
GetFile.download

I use an Olfa in the art studio about all day everyday and they are hard to beat. Grab the multi blade model when I go off to other floors in the agency.

A nifty trick for cutting cardboard (especially with a thick knife like a pocket knife) is to angle the blade so that it doesn't bind.
The dashed line represents the cardboard when viewed from the top looking down. The small solid line is the knife blade.

----------------/----------------

Hope that helps some :)
 
dantes inferno said:
Anyone have a suggestion, I don't like box cutting knives unless its something innovative. I enjoy using my folders.

Thanks.
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To be honest I would suggest a box cutter. But since you don't want to use one then you should check out the Spyderco Para 2. It's a pretty good cutter. And it will preform draw cuts well even when relatively dull because of the blade profile.
 
Thanks for the input guys. I don't know if m390 is in the budget right now, but the bm710 or the spydie military in d2 sound great. I really dig spyderco and have been happy with my bm barrage.

I usually carry 2-3 knives so subbing in a my "cardboard" knife on days when I expect deliveries should become even more enjoyable.
 
OPI2-1.jpg


:pReal men modify their own box cutters!:D
I modded these Opinels as I wanted a no nonsense box cutter - they eats cardboard boxes with a vengeance.
Opis are cheap, so it wont matter if you use them for hard work, though the Opi is rugged and will shake off most abuse.
Absolutely no blade play.
Easy to open, yet blade stays just fine in the open position, as its held just right by the pressure of the knife handle.
You can pry the metal ring apart or adjust it by pressing it together with the pliers of your Letherman, should you so desire.
Carbon steel Opinals gets very sharp and will shred cardboard all day long.

A very easy mod/conversion to make, pop off the ring lock with pliers* (or keep it, if you want the added safety feature, which might be a good idea for your use), cut down the blade to the desired size and shape, apply nail nick with the Dremel at an angle as well, if you need a nail nick, patina can be made with mustard or vinegar etc - and presto; you have cardboard cutters just as you like them.

Innovative enough for ya'?:D


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Opi5.jpg

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Opi2.jpg

Opi1.jpg


*or just remove ring lock by closing the knife blade and turning the ring lock to the closed and secured position, then simply force the knife open with pliers. The ring lock will pop off and fly across the room (wear safety glasses).
 
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