Sacrilege and Blasphemy - the Folding Utility Knife

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mamba-man

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I'm new here and maybe this has been discussed before, but I'm reading an amazing amount of posts in which guys talk about how they use their expensive knives for cutting packaging and other mundane tasks. :eek:

In my world, I find that carrying a folding utility knife (<$10) does all basic cutting chores for me and has cheap, replaceable blades too! These knives have become popular in the last few years.

I know this sounds like blasphemy in this forum, but isn't it just common sense?

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asimmons500 said:
what do you do with your expensive knives then? :confused:
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Use them for special reasons; in my case I carry an expensive knife in case I get attacked by an animal (happened to me several times already).

Or just collect them at home, because they're, well, nice :o
 
mamba-man said:
I know this sounds like blasphemy in this forum ...
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The "Super Knife" is a semi-recent take on a very old tool. I prefer Olfa's as you can extend the blade for longer cuts. For general utility a folding knife with a more traditional blade has advantages. For pure paper and cardboard (and styrofoam/fibreglas insulation) the Olfa knives are very nice. You can find threads on these subjects, though "tactical" knives tend to dominate here though there is a traditional sub-forum.

-Cliff
 
I don't think the Olfa snap-off blades are nearly as sturdy as these Stanley-style blades though. The Stanley blades have tremendous strength ... I can think of few everyday cutting tasks they can't perform.
 
I've seen these, i decided to pick one up for the hell of it. It will NOT open with one hand. I apply as much force to the stud as i possibly can but it will only move a fraction of an inch. I often need to depress the backlock to make it easyer to open, but the razor gets in the way. I cannot grasp it from the side because the latch will open and the razor will fly out all over the place...

Maybe i picked the wrong kind...but it's goin' back for a refund.
 
The regular models are 0.3 mm thick and are made for paper and similar, however the heady duty (0.5 mm) and extra heady duty models (0.7 mm) thick are made for heavier cutting. It is hard to break off the thickest ones unless you are prying with them. They don't work well for that and are scored to break intentionally so as to provide fresh tips when the edge gets worn.

-Cliff
 
Funny, the one I got from Home Depot works fine, although the one I bought for my son at Lowe's had to be exchanged because the blade lock was loose.

With mine, I sprayed it thoroughly with silicone lube and I find one-hand opening is possible (but I have big, strong hands). If one hand opening does not work for you, who cares? This is not a fast-to-ready weapon, it's a cheap way of always having a razor-sharp cutting edge while preserving your $100+ folder.:)

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What is your definition of an expensive knife?

I enjoy using all my knives, and they are comfortable to use, operate smoothly, and they hold an edge and are easily resharpened.

A knife unused is a knife abused.
 
I understand your views, Rat Finkenstein, but not everyone has the equipment or ability to re-sharpen knives. I define anything over $30 as expensive when compared to a utility folder (currently ~$6 on sale at harbor freight).

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mamba-man said:
I understand your views, Rat Finkenstein, but not everyone has the equipment or ability to re-sharpen knives. I define anything over $30 as expensive when compared to a utility folder (currently ~$6 on sale at harbor freight).

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Anyone who owns a knife should learn how to sharpen it, it is not difficult, nor is it expensive.
 
mamba-man said:
If one hand opening does not work for you, who cares? This is not a fast-to-ready weapon, it's a cheap way of always having a razor-sharp cutting edge while preserving your $100+ folder.:)
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The thing is, even two handed opening puts me dangerously close to flipping open the latch and having the razor fall out. I'd rather just use my folder.
 
Thanks for the link. Wow, the Camillus one mentioned in that thread looks great, and only $20!

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I recently bought a SuperKnife SK2, with an assortment of different blade shapes, and the sheath. Well-designed, well-made, a great idea, especially for commercial or industrial use.

But we do have some variant of this argument frequently: why buy expensive knives when a SAK or an Opinel or a boxcutter will do? Obviously, there are some things they will NOT do. AND because we can afford better and don't mind using them.

A SuoerKnife or a Sebenza will cut string and cardboard. The Sebenza is better at opening envelopes. The SuperKnife is useless for clearing thorns and vines.
 
Just a note: for years I carried one of these, cost 45c, did a ton of cutting work for me, including opening blister packs.

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