Knife recommendation--cardboard cutter

M

MassMatt

Joined
Apr 2, 2006
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OK many requests for recommendations get posted with very vague requirements, here is what I am looking for: A "garage knife", used primarily for cutting/breaking down cardboard, maybe some twine etc. I am thinking fixed blade and price under $50, but really the main thing is that it be able to cut cardboard well. I am not a penny pincher but I would like to be able to leave this in the garage without worrying about it so either low maintenance or low cost is a plus.

Thanks!
 
Sounds like a box cutter is what you want. If you want something that offers a bit more pride in ownership get an Opinel.
 
Honestly, this may be the perfect place for one of these.


image_56964.jpg
 
Check out CRKT Folts S.P.E.W. Nice little wharncliffe blade perfect for the task and it carries really well.

crkt.jpg


Not my pic
 
A utility knife (box cutter) and a bunch of spare blades will work at least as good as anything else. No sense spending 50 bucks on a knife for that kind of work.
 
Hmm, I have used both snap-off and stanley type cutters and actually thought they didn't hold up well, and got caught up in the cardboard. I used a Spyderco Manix once and was amazed how much easier the cuts were.
 
BOx knife. Don't waste a good blade for cutting cardboard when a $2 razor knife will work better.
 
Dan57 said:
It's hollow ground, FFG or Convex is better on cardboard.
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Sorry I used the word "perfect" but I'll stick with my suggestion. Thanks for your input.

It's a convenient pocket fixed blade that is <$30 with great reviews and easy to sharpen steel so there's that.

What would you recommend? Or are you just going to post snobby remarks about other people's recommendations?
 
Get yourself 2 or 3 Opinel #6 carbon blades. $10,$12 apiece and razor sharp. Can resharpen on the bottom of a coffee cup in 2 minutes. Use one and have another on standby. If you loose one, you won't have to mortgage your house to buy another one. Blade locks so it won't fold up on you when using. Problem solved! Enjoy your Opies. Try one and you will be hooked for life. :o

Blessings,

Omar
 
Kershaw fixed blade Skyline would work well
If you do go for a folder , a good old Case Sodbuster cv
I can not remember the name of the knife but it is a folder with basicly replaceable scalpel blades (used for hunting I think) maybe someone with a better memory than I will chime in.
 
OHALLUM said:
Get yourself 2 or 3 Opinel #6 carbon blades. $10,$12 apiece and razor sharp. Can resharpen on the bottom of a coffee cup in 2 minutes. Use one and have another on standby. If you loose one, you won't have to mortgage your house to buy another one. Blade locks so it won't fold up on you when using. Problem solved! Enjoy your Opies. Try one and you will be hooked for life. :o

Blessings,

Omar
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This.
 
I always use a box cutter for this. I make sure that I have an extra box of single edged razor blades handy, and I am good to go. I have been doing lots of this lately, and this is the best tool for the job.
 
If you don't want to use a box cutter or a Opinel, go for traditional style knife like a sodbuster or the like. Most will have thin, carbon steel blades that will sharpen easy and slide through cardboard with less effort than a thicker blade for the most part.

Edited to add: Sorry didn't see that you were looking for a fixed blade. Keep an eye out in the Maker's for sale area. DFarmer comes out with runs of small, inexpensive fixed blades in L6. Sometimes they have cord wrap, some have wooden scales. These things are nice and thin and redefine 'sharp'.
 
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jimh0220 said:
BOx knife. Don't waste a good blade for cutting cardboard when a $2 razor knife will work better.
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There is nothing better for that job than the Stanley Model 99. I use them all the time. I even sharpen them for a while with a ceramic hone at my leatherworking table. A few strokes prior to making a cut, keeps the blade sharp for a long time. I wouldn't bother in the garage and don't.

It's the original one handed opener too. I like the original better than those clip knives for many reasons. For one the orginal is easier to open and you can carry that in a sheath everywhere (but airplanes and court rooms) and nobody'll give you a sideways glance.
 
I cut down two cheapo carbon Opinel #12s with a Dremel in order to specifically use them for cutting cardboard.

They work perfectly and are razor sharp.

They are absolute cardboard killers!

I could not have asked for a better tool for the job.

A huge plus in my book, is that they are not pointy thus dont poke into whats underneath the cardboard.

If/when cutting a cardboard box, thats imperative, if you dont want to cut the content of the box.


Opi2.jpg


Opi5.jpg
 
I know you said fixed but I use a cold steel recon 1 for boxes and it does a hell of a job. If you want cheaper try a voyager. I'm not a huge fan of cs designs but it is a beast and you don't have to worry about putting a beating on it.
 
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