Plastic packaging

Multitools are a great resource. I've had material I could not cut, so I gripped it with the pliers and twisted around and around till I tore off a chunk. Like a crocodile dismembering its prey. :)
 
There are a few different kinds of tools that are specifically designed for the job of opening clamshell packaging safely. Try googling “clamshell package opener.” Those would be your best bet, especially the kind that are stout shears offset to the side.

I have heard that you can also use a standard rotary can opener. I have used paramedic shears for this task to good effect. And any knife that is shaving sharp and has a large enough handle to put some well-controlled strength behind should work (I use my mini Griptilian). If you use a knife, take your time and proceed carefully. Think about where the blade will go if it slips out and how to keep the sharp tips and edges of the cut plastic from cutting you. Using a dull knife for this task is about the worst possible option.

In all cases, the idea is to trim the edges off of the package.
 
This entire thread provides another argument against excessive packaging, IMO. Requires unnecessary amounts of energy to produce, proper disposal poses a dilemma, and it's not even convenient to use most of the time (from the perspective of the end user/consumer).

That being said, I prefer stout kitchen shears for clampacks (although I seldom purchase products that are packaged that way). I have a nice pair of shears that came with a Vic Climber - in a clampack, ironically enough. :p They work quite nicely.
 
The new generation of ultra-secure packaging is intended to reduce shop lifting and pilfering and tampering with products in the store. When inconsiderate people can easily open packaging inside the store, it causes all kinds of problems for the retailer. Packaging that is practically impossible to open without tools saves the retailers money and reduces the chance of you buying a product and finding missing or broken parts when you get it home. This packaging may be a big hassle for us, but it helps keep prices down. This is not just about manufacturers being blind to environmental or customer convenience issues.
 
The Emerson LeGriffe works wonders on clamshell packaging. It cuts through that plastic like butter and is very easy to control due to the design.
 
Just opened one at lunchtime. I used a pair of shears. Knife blades work, but like someone said, can be dangerous.
 
I use a knife. Gotta be careful, though. On a side note, have you ever seen a two year old girl watching you open one of those infernal packages, with a doll inside? (Hurry, Grandpa, hurry!)
 
Just bite it and rip it open with your teeth...:D Or i use whatever is on hand, and thing that can puncture it and then just use your hands to rip it open....
Weirdo's...:eek::confused::cool:
 
One thing I've learned as of late, is that manufacturers are starting to use "Tear-away" type packaging on some of their items, such as razors. After cutting open the last razor I purchased, I looked at the empty package noticing (too late) that it had a perforated section on the back, which is used to tear the package open. So, we'll probably see more packages like that in the near future.

I generally use a retractable hobby knife with the break off blades, or whatever EDC Knife I'm carrying.
 
Lets see, once I tried using the blade on my SwissTool Spirit. Blade started bending..
Resorted to the wirecutters and pliers to rip it apart.

My fave, the spring loaded Fiskar scissors
 
I keep a pair of Fiskars shop shears at hand just for opening these annoying wastes of imported oil.
 
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