What do the *REAL* Operators use?

Spyderco Manix.

Best box cutting production knife IMO, is the Spyderco Ronin. I carry mine sometimes, but I find having some belly on a knife is better for other tasks.
 
That's the first time I saw the Ronin, that knife looks cool. It reminded me that I want a Yohimbo also.
 
When I worked on the shipping dock I carried a lock back but used a box cutter.

Now as fireman I have carried many knives over the years, I find myself carring an Endura most days.
 
For those who cut boxes routinely, you'd really like the Spyderco Harpy or Tazman in a serrated blade. Insert tip and pull. They cut like nothing I've ever used before. Very little leverage or pull is necessary. And they hold an edge very, very long. :D
 
allenC said:
Since we're on the subject, here are my two favorite box-cutters....

knives024.jpg
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That is one really cool box-cutter.:thumbup:
 
As a downhole seismic operator, I used a med. CS Voyager. Mostly manila hemp, electrical tape, cable ties, high pressure hose, and o-rings.
 
Working in a retail store, doing night shift unloading pallets of goods, opening them and stocking the shelves, I used a Delica 4 at first. I bought it new to use as a work knife. The knife chores consisted mainly of cutting cardboard, thick plastic films and bands and the usual lunch chores like apples, pears and carrots.

After using the Delica for a while I decided the blade wasn't very optimal for what I was using my knife for. I used a SAK for a while and it did well, but eventually brought an Opinel which became my work knife. Pointy enough to poke through tape and cardboard with ease and the blade was much better suited for slicing open cardboard boxes 8 hours a night.

I was issued a box cutter but they didn't have replacement blades. Mine dulled quick and required lots of force on the cardboard and was prettymuch hopeless on the plastic banding. That plastic was what made me go buy my own knife in the first place.
 
I'm a Firefighter. Also an apparatus "operator" so I guees I qualify.

TAD gear edition Strider AR on duty every shift. Use to carry a Strider tanto SnG, but upped it to an AR a couple years ago.

Cut everything and anything that needs cuttin' with it.

I have cut through a ton of bad fire hose that failed annual testing. We salvave the couplings and cut them off the hose. The AR zips right through. From 1" booster hose, to double jacketed 3" to 5" LDH.

Hundreds of boxes of EMS supplies have been opened and reduced with my AR.

A couple seatbelts on emergencies (i prefer a dedicated seat belt cutter because it is safer for the patient), peeled back some auto interior head liners, cut open some burning mattreses, auto upholstery etc.

It's big, it works, I like it, it scares my buddies. :D

John...
 
By far the most popular knife where I work is the folding box cutter available at Home Depot and Lowes. Most of the employees at work who use their own folding box cutter will take care of them. If I give an employee a company issued plastic handled box cutter they usually lose them in a day or two. :confused: I always keep a good supply of replacement blades on hand and I give my employees a lecture if I catch them trying to cut something with a dull blade.
 
I am an "operator" as well (Veterinarian). When doing operations, I am usually using a scalpel with a #10 blade. Sometimes I will use a laser or radiosurgery unit.

When not in surgery, my EDC knives are a Gerber Covert, and a Benchmade 710. I also carry a Leatherman Wave. I use the Gerber and Leatherman countless times every day. The Benchmade I keep "pristine".
 
Sound and lighting equipment operator at school and a grip when I can find work. I use a Tasman and a LM Wave that can cover everything and do it well. The work is fairly mixed; rope, cardboard, cloth, light prying, the odd lunch burrito, it's unpredicable.
 
I am a contract agent with Homeland Security so maybe i should not say my EDC of choice. Some of you seasoned forumites might be able to guess:rolleyes: . Did ya ever think I'd be looking out for all you good citizens. ............your friend> The Fox
 
Usually my edc, a bm610 or bm5500 (or kershaw 1600) for most tasks. I have a s&w hrt3 in the drawer in case I forgot to grab a knife while running out the door, and I used one of these neat things for a while: sheffield utility knife.

I was just noticing today how poorly the kershaw 1600 stands up to cardboard.
 
I am fortunate enough to have a profession that allows me to work in the field (literally: corn, soybeans, wheat, ryegrass, etc.). The downside is that I do have office work, and I spend more time in the office than I do the field. When I'm in the office I keep it fairly subdued with a couple of saks in my pocket: rambler and scientist. Cutting chores in the office are routine: opening boxes, cutting straps on packages, etc.

However, when I'm out in the field anything goes. I especially like to strap my Buck 112 on to my belt. Cutting chores in the field rock! I have used my knives to cut plants out of fields for laboratory analyses, cut out narrow alleys in certain fields, cut zip ties on our research equipment, cut tarp to cover certain pieces of equipment, 'pick' at a soil profile for classification, strip the bark off certain trees for disease/insect examination. I love the field-part of my job!

Andy
 
I'm a professional house painter and daily use a Sears Craftsman lockback, using standard contractor's grade blades. I use it for trimming plastic, cutting tape and boxes, and as well for those loose bristles that get on a paint brush after some use.

I also carry an old and well used Benchmade 940 in a custom leather sheath when I need the services of a longer blade. My friends think I'm a "knife nut", and it may be true, but I just hate those cheap break off razor things that go for 75 cents.

Joe K.
 
I work in the pharmaceutical industry, and use a PE Delica and a Leatherman Wave. I usually cut zip ties, plastic bags, tubing, etc with the Delica. The Leatherman is used mostly when I don't feel like looking around for an hour to find a screwdriver or a pair of pliers. I really like the Delica because it takes and holds and excellent edge. If I end up destroying it, I'm not out a lot of cash. This is the 3rd year I've been using it on the job, and it still works great.
 
I am a commercial fisherman on a lobster boat, and currently carry and use a PE atlantic salt. I've used a dyad, a SE FRN endura, a buck 110 and a byrd raven over the course of my career. before that i worked on a party/charter fishing boat. over 12 years i've used more knives than i can count, and have worn a few out. the most used knives I would have to say are a victorinox spartan, which I've all but worn out the main blade, and between seven to ten dexter russel carbon steel boning knives, used as fillet knives, bait knives, and "rippers". these tend to go overboard or get stolen when cutting fish, but they are inexpensive, and excellent for the job.
I would have to think a while to remember all of the styles and brands of knives I've used at work, but they range from no name cheap folders to expensive collectibles like the lg dyad!

pete
 
I am a cabinetmaker/installer. I carry a Superknife (Lenox blades) and a Leatherman Wave or Charge xti at all times. I open boxes, cut strapping, cope trim and on and on with my SK. I keep one in every BOB, toolbag and vehicle. Inexpensive and sturdier than any other similar make (I've done the research and testing). I have used many different folders at work, from Benchmade, Cold Steel, Spyderco and CRK&T. I like that I can just change a blade and I'm not heartbroken if I leave behind or break a Superknife.
I also carry a CRK&T M-21, just cuz. And I have a Busse or two in the vehicle when I'm out and about further from town.
 
Hair said:
One carries a Kershaw Leek that I gave him... . Another carried a no-name lockback. He lost it so I gave him a Buck stockman. Another carries a Kershaw Vapor I gave her...
Click to expand...

BTW, Hair, nice job spreading the gospel of the value of carrying a good knife! :thumbup:
 
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