Perfect Plastic Package Piercer

Sulaco

Sulaco

Gold Member
Joined
Nov 15, 2003
Messages
2,422
Say that 3 times fast! :p

I open a lot of packages. Most of them are cardboard boxes and a good many are plastic bags. The bags can sometimes be pretty thick, but because they are so pliable, can prove difficult to open for anything without a very pointy and very sharp tip. Knives with deep bellies are just wasted.

Right now I am using my Bark River Northstar EDC in CPM-3V. It's just about perfect for this, being pointy and crazy strong (3V) with good edge retention, But, I don't like having to pull it out of and put it back in the sheath all the time. It's just not as convenient as a folder with a pocket clip. Plus 3V can be a bit of a pain to keep as sharp as I need it if I use it a lot and don't keep it stropped. M390 would be great, or maybe CPM-M4, etc.

I prefer Benchmade but need something smaller than my favorite, a 710. I really need something I can get my pointer finger on top of the spine and almost all the way to the point. Is the 707 that knife? Any recommendations? With so much on the market, I want to make sure I don't miss anything. The mini grip would be great but it's too small for me. I wish I could get something with a large handle and short blade in an AXIS lock (lefty).
 
wharncliffe blades and sharp hawkbills are the kings of package openers.

they bring that tip in line with the mechanics of your arm so you don't have to twist the point down or the package up just to pierce it like you have to with a traditional drop point style...

something like the Yojimbo 2. notice the spine design also gives great control by putting your finger far out there. if you've never used a good wharncliffe, you owe it to yourself to try one.

img_1561.jpg
 
Looks like an expensive razor blade! :P Just kidding. Very nice!
 
It's not very sexy, but I actually like my Leatherman Wingman mostly for the package opener. I have a toddler, so clamshell packaging is a way of life. The little hook on the Wingman zips through pretty much all thicknesses and even cleanly severs those twine ties they use so often in kid's toys.
 
Sulaco said:
Looks like an expensive razor blade! :P Just kidding. Very nice!
Click to expand...

I don't actually own that, I have a discontinued spyderco with a wharncliffe and a traditional slipjoint. but yeah, you can think of them as fancier utility blade, they became my favorite blade profile for awhile. sharpest, most usable tips in the business. if I had to do a lot of clam shell packages they win out easily.
 
Leek. Particularly the composite blade version with the D2 cutting edge. Looks nice, carries well, and would do great as a package opener (or just about any other EDC task).
 
I work in the receiving dept at work and for opening boxes the awl on the alox saks has been BY FAR the best thing going. The runner up is a spydie pm2. The reason the pm2 works is the choil. It allows you to choke up and orients the blade a little differently for great tip control. If you want a one hander with a pocket clip this would be my pick.
 
Victorinox Pioneer Rancher.

!CDe+f!QEWk~$%28KGrHqMOKjkE0cQ5Ph5GBNO%29E7qwjw~~_35.JPG


Or any other traditional slipjoint with a sheepsfoot/wharncliffe/coping blade. A short, straight blade gives you lots of control at the tip and the thin blade cuts easily. Bigger isn't always better.
 
I was a cable matainenance tech. at the local telephone company. The splicing scissors I used are great for bags, clamshell packs, and other stuff. Not to good for boxes, but very handy. I think they were made by Kline.
 
Like goodeyesniper says, wharneys and hawks. May not agree with everyone's eyes, but worth a look because they excel at this.

CS Tuff lite, Schempp Balance, Yojimbo to name a few

I find that my Dragonfly and Manbug are very good at utility cutting because they are so small. They are like material zippers lol. Guide the blade tip with your index finger on them little knives and see what I'm saying.
 
Kershaw Needs Work would by my reccomendation. The tip is extremely pointy, works great for opening packages in my experience.
 
I know this isn't the answer you're looking for, but if I had to cut open boxes all day, I'd go with this.

$(KGrHqR,!i!F!L9!)03uBQR8MsongQ~~60_35.JPG
 
Im loving my benchmade barrage 581 in m390. I recommend you get one. They might be one of the most cost effective knives in m390, can be found around 150 if you look.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top