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The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge

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Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #210 on: December 12, 2024, 06:43:35 AM
Day 12

Coin delivery with the EAB.
Metal meeting metal.  :like:


Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #211 on: December 12, 2024, 06:46:04 AM
Day 10:

Those easy-pull seals quite often aren't--so I end up just slitting them and then pulling them out.

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My wife hates it when I open any food packages with a utility cutter/knife. Suppose the blade has some kind of lub or oil to keep it from rusting and she doesn't like any to have a slightest of chance to get to our food.

That's when I pull out a stainless steel blade cutter.  :whistle:

I cut my food with any cutter regardless of blade material :woohoo:


au Offline ReamerPunch

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #212 on: December 12, 2024, 07:42:55 AM
More Day 12

Christmas shopping.


us Offline Alan K.

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #213 on: December 12, 2024, 09:50:48 PM
Day 12
Carried but not used. :twak:


us Offline cody6268

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #214 on: December 13, 2024, 12:17:06 AM
Day 11:

Chose a knife a bit out of the ordinary--the Valet Auto Strop Razor Utility knife advertising Cudahy Packing Co. Kind of a multitool as well, as it has a tape slitter and cigar cutter built in. also weighs near nothing and is paper-thin.

If I'm not mistaken, it's one of the first utility knives ever marketed. It takes a single-edge razor blade WITHOUT the reinforcement. These were marketed as a way to get more use out of blades too dull to shave with. Finding replacement blades isn't easy. A few companies (i.e. Feather) do, but they're hard to find.  Besides, I think the included blade was the original Valet, so I've left it in as to preserve it. I sharpened it up to the best of my abilities. Whatever steel Valet used was amazing stuff.

I'm not exactly sure of age. The Auto-Strop line was produced between 1901-1946. The "Auto Strop Razor" trademark was first used in 1919, and the company had a merger with Gillette in 1930. So, there's a good chance this is 100 years old.

https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/threads/autostrop-valet-razors-a-typology-in-13-parts.521932/

And the company advertised. They were, at one point, huge. Heck, they were one of the first S&P 500.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cudahy_Packing_Company

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« Last Edit: December 13, 2024, 12:22:26 AM by cody6268 »


us Offline Farmer X

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #215 on: December 13, 2024, 12:19:01 AM
@BPRoberts: the ST300 is probably better suited to my work uniform. And how well does the Sharpmaker work for you?

@kaevin: blade replacement seems a little fiddly. But the OLFA looks pretty neat!

@ReamerPunch: a cool and interesting group of coins! (I could probably send a few American ones if you'd like.)

@cody6268: I've had a few of those seals that didn't work as promised. They're a decent enough idea that was horribly executed.

@Alan K: no worries about lack of use. Great shot!

Day 12

Paracord is another challenge staple for me.

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Both blades cut the paracord in one pass. They did better the farther I got from the tip. The Stanley cut slightly easier and neater.

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Utility knife record: 9-0.
Stanley record: 1-1.
DeWalt record: 1-1.
USN 2000-2006

Culling of the knife and multi herds in progress...

If I pay five figures for something, it better have wings or a foundation!


us Offline Alan K.

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #216 on: December 13, 2024, 01:39:24 AM
Cody, I've been shaving with safety razors for years, and to think I've been throwing the blades away when they got too dull to shave with.  That tool seems like a great idea and I'm now going to have to hunt one up.  How does it retain the blades?  Safety razor blades are available on Amazon for as low as 100 for 10 bucks (or less sometimes) by the way.  :cheers:


us Offline BPRoberts

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #217 on: December 13, 2024, 02:10:27 AM
The Sharpmaker is great at taking knives with intact, but dull, edges and making them very sharp. It is not as great with damaged or non-existent edges. I'm hoping the new stone will help with that. Thus far, I've had great success with using a coarse diamond stone to put a basic edge on when needed and then finishing with the Sharpmaker.

I like that it is more or less idiot proof (I am a passable, but not great, freehand sharpener), but the real reason I got it over a Lanksy or something is that it has the appropriate tools and instructions to sharpen basically anything. I've done knives, kitchen gadgets, scissors, and all sorts of things on it. Plain edge, serrated, 50/50, doesn't matter.  If I only wanted to do knives, I think I'd be better off continuing to practice freehand sharpening and putting the money towards nicer stones. But being able to bring a potato peeler back from the dead and keep using it instead of replacing it AND also easily do the final sharpening on my knives is a great combo.

Day 12

How do all the people who don't carry pocket knives drink their coffee with these tiny vent holes?
« Last Edit: December 13, 2024, 02:33:25 AM by BPRoberts »


us Offline JonesE

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #218 on: December 13, 2024, 02:48:02 AM
Day 12



I got the dynamic duo with me today.

JonesE


au Offline ReamerPunch

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #219 on: December 13, 2024, 04:10:34 AM

@ReamerPunch: a cool and interesting group of coins! (I could probably send a few American ones if you'd like.)


I've got a bunch of American coins. Even dollars and half dollars. They're great! :cheers:


Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #220 on: December 13, 2024, 04:57:37 AM
Day 11:

Chose a knife a bit out of the ordinary--the Valet Auto Strop Razor Utility knife advertising Cudahy Packing Co. Kind of a multitool as well, as it has a tape slitter and cigar cutter built in. also weighs near nothing and is paper-thin.

If I'm not mistaken, it's one of the first utility knives ever marketed. It takes a single-edge razor blade WITHOUT the reinforcement. These were marketed as a way to get more use out of blades too dull to shave with. Finding replacement blades isn't easy. A few companies (i.e. Feather) do, but they're hard to find.  Besides, I think the included blade was the original Valet, so I've left it in as to preserve it. I sharpened it up to the best of my abilities. Whatever steel Valet used was amazing stuff.

I'm not exactly sure of age. The Auto-Strop line was produced between 1901-1946. The "Auto Strop Razor" trademark was first used in 1919, and the company had a merger with Gillette in 1930. So, there's a good chance this is 100 years old.

https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/threads/autostrop-valet-razors-a-typology-in-13-parts.521932/

And the company advertised. They were, at one point, huge. Heck, they were one of the first S&P 500.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cudahy_Packing_Company

  [ Quoting of attachment images from other messages is not allowed ]

Love this. I have been using DE blades, I think there are similar knife that loads DE blades. Always want to get hold of one of those.


Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #221 on: December 13, 2024, 05:03:30 AM
Day 13

Tajima  DCL500AYCL (L500 DCL and AYCL are color model and color code).

As seen from my collection, I seldom buy (if any) L size cutters. But since recently moving and also doing this challenge, I come to revisit the only L-size cutter I owned. It is a Chinese brand plastic handle (with metal rail). I have only used it a few times and I frown every time. So I got this Tajima (Japanese brand Chinese made).

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New in the box

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Opened the box with the old L size, side by side

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Front

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Back

After unboxing, before use, a plastic film on top of the blade needs to be pulled and remove. It actually is used to keep a few drops of oil between the blade and itself to keep the blade from rusting before it is sold.

The body is made with light smooth plastic. And it is covered on the edge as well as the back, making it very ergonomic to hold. This particular color way is a sharp neon yellow green or similar to Oakley retina burn (if you own a pair of Oakley you know what it is).
« Last Edit: December 13, 2024, 05:08:32 AM by kaevin »


Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #222 on: December 13, 2024, 05:05:21 AM
Continue

The main special feature is the slotted driver edge at the tip. Tajima claims they have heat treat to harden it for multiple uses, e.g. as a slotted driver, opening cans of pains, and cutting card board or tapes.
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There is also a hole in the metal part of the body for attaching lanyard. The main target for this cutter is renovation workers or construction workers who needs to cut wires, tapes, opening paint cans, tightening screws etc. And it is why the slider features a big circle recess and the curved lines on it for adding traction when used with a glove. Lanyard is also important when they work from height or on a ladder. And this model does not have any build in snapper and assumes the user will carry around a plier at the same time.

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Front of parts

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Back of parts

The blade it comes with is a "black blade" as well. They claim it uses Japanese tampering technique (that screams to me it isn't made in Japan) and is "rock hard" with multi-step sharpening.

This model is auto lock without any screw lock in the front. It also does not have any stabilization feature for stabilizing the blade tip. By no means it is meant for precision work, but rather a versatile cutting tool for use in the field. Tajima also made a similar newer model with a "fin" at the end of the body (Dora Fin). But I think that will get in the way when pocketing it so I opted for this one instead. I am very happy to replace the old Chinese branded cutter with this one although I seldom do any heavy work. Most likely it will be used for opening cans, sealant or liquid nails, for which I don't want to make my better blade messy and A-size light duty cutter will not be tough enough for the job.
« Last Edit: December 13, 2024, 05:25:16 AM by kaevin »


us Offline AzteCypher

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #223 on: December 13, 2024, 05:37:18 AM
Day 12

Had mail call and donut duty today.  I preferred donut duty. 



May the best of your past, be the worst of your future.



us Online LoopCutter

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #224 on: December 13, 2024, 05:58:09 AM
Day 12

Another day I stayed home.  Temps in low 20s and wind chills in minus range.

No place needed to be or supplies to fetch, so put of till tomorrow.

Studied the Gerber, kinda thinking what I could pry…
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If I start and end the day above ground, it is a good day!

Hope yours is as good!

A SMART man always knows what to say!
   A WISE man knows whether or not to say it!!!


au Offline ReamerPunch

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #225 on: December 13, 2024, 10:51:37 AM
Day 13

Tajima LC-301 helping wrap presents.


Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #226 on: December 13, 2024, 11:29:53 AM
Curved becomes covered, can of paint becomes can of pain. My English teacher's effort is in vain.  :facepalm:


Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #227 on: December 13, 2024, 11:31:10 AM
Day 13

Tajima LC-301 helping wrap presents.

Helpful little christmas pixie :like:


Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #228 on: December 13, 2024, 12:51:50 PM
Action shot
Nylon rope keeping the door opened is frayed. Pigtailing it and cut with the Tajima.


us Offline Alan K.

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #229 on: December 14, 2024, 12:09:35 AM
I didn't realize how big the Tajima was.  It seems massive!


us Offline Alan K.

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #230 on: December 14, 2024, 12:12:40 AM
Day 13
"Oil The Joints!" as it says on British Army Knives.  No use today, but a little maintenance seemed in order. :pok:


us Offline Farmer X

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #231 on: December 14, 2024, 02:43:18 AM
@BPRoberts: I have no idea.

@JonesE: a dynamic duo indeed!

@ReamerPunch: I now wish I'd saved some coins from the countries I visited during deployments (Australia is among them). Somewhere I have a five dirham note from the UAE lying around.

@kaevin: it would be hard to lose that neon yellow Najima!

@AzteCypher: I'm right there with you. What little mail I get anymore is almost invariably shredder fodder.

@LoopCutter: much the same here. I eagerly await the promised slight warm-up tomorrow.

@Alan K: never a bad idea!

Day 13

The cold has sapped most of my energy, so just a glamour shot for today.

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Utility knife record: 9-0.
Stanley record: 1-1.
DeWalt record: 1-1.
USN 2000-2006

Culling of the knife and multi herds in progress...

If I pay five figures for something, it better have wings or a foundation!


us Offline cody6268

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #232 on: December 14, 2024, 04:11:17 AM
Cody, I've been shaving with safety razors for years, and to think I've been throwing the blades away when they got too dull to shave with.  That tool seems like a great idea and I'm now going to have to hunt one up.  How does it retain the blades?  Safety razor blades are available on Amazon for as low as 100 for 10 bucks (or less sometimes) by the way.  :cheers:

There are two nubs that hold the notches in a single edge razor blade. Combined with the friction from the spine/blade frame, they hold the blade in place. Takes some force to get them out, so it should be pretty hard to dislodge.   A lot tougher than the other one of the era, the Gits Knife.


Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #233 on: December 14, 2024, 04:52:44 AM
I didn't realize how big the Tajima was.  It seems massive!

It's big, but light actually.


us Offline cody6268

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #234 on: December 14, 2024, 05:03:11 AM
Day 12:

I was suppposed to finish cleaning up the basement in preparation for an new washing machine tomorrow. Ended up sitting on the old couch I had down there watching TV most of the afternoon after I got home from buying said washer.
So, to put things short--I hope the delivery guys show up late.

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us Offline AzteCypher

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #235 on: December 14, 2024, 07:58:32 AM
Day 13

Just a glamour shot today unfortunately.

May the best of your past, be the worst of your future.



au Offline ReamerPunch

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #236 on: December 14, 2024, 10:07:45 AM
Day 14

Opening presents.
The Knipex Cutex is quite nice.


Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #237 on: December 14, 2024, 10:14:20 AM
Day 14

Opening presents.
The Knipex Cutex is quite nice.
I've been eyeing on it and want to get one. But the price is very Knipex😅


Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #238 on: December 14, 2024, 11:23:58 AM
Day 14

HMM Utility Knife (Taiwanese made in Taiwan)

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Front

I got hooked to stationaries some time ago. And one of the online stationary store I followed listed this beauty. Needless to say, I ordered one once they were available. The cheap Chinese L size cutter is the first L size I own (don't know who left it at my home), and THIS is the first I bought.

This model comes in 3 colorways. "Silver" , "Black" and "Olive with brass dial". I would have picked a black and brass, but there is no such combination, so I go for the Olive and brass.

From the look it looks like a dial type cutter. But it actually is autolock and the dial can be tighten to lock it harder.

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Back

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Ruler detached, the middle are two magnets holding the ruler.

The main body is made with aluminium, the slider and dial are made from brass. The blade included is an Olfa excel black L size. The back has a steel ruler attached with magnet. The ruler is slightly curvred at one side to protect the fingers when cutting with it. If the ruler is taken off, the main body can be sticked to a steel surface. However it cannot stick to steel with the ruler attached. The ruler has a small slit on it, which can be used as a snapper.

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Ruler as a snapper
« Last Edit: December 14, 2024, 12:01:16 PM by kaevin »


Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #239 on: December 14, 2024, 11:24:20 AM
Continue

  [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]  
This knife feels solid and substantial. Although its outline is quite straight, it is easy to hold, especially with the curved back of the ruler. The auto lock click is crisp and satisfying.

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Parts

To change the blade, the dial has to be removed totally the slide the blade out.

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Together with another brass dial cutter
« Last Edit: December 14, 2024, 11:29:50 AM by kaevin »


 

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