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The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge

Farmer X · 503 · 24658

us Offline Farmer X

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #300 on: December 18, 2024, 02:09:53 AM
@cody6268: kinda the same here. It'll probably be lights out for me within an hour of this post.

@ReamerPunch: fantastic rendition, and you may well have me nosing around in the Pliers Rabbit Hole!

@kaevin: that ToughBuilt looks like it could be pretty handy!

@AzteCypher: sometimes a slow day at work is good...though I doubt I could get away with designing badges.

@IMR4198: I like both designs, so I'll abstain from voting on them.

@Alan K: that's a very accurate assessment!
@BPRoberts: I thought about a Pop Socket, but I ultimately rejected the idea. Probably they'd reduce my phone's suitability for back pocket carry.

Day 17

I opened yet another bag of cat food. Since I failed to get an action shot, here's one of the silver EAB and Bluegrass. He may not look it, but I'm sure he's grateful.

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This was a close contest, like a football game with a final score of 35-36. I had to closely examine both sides of the top of the bag (this was one of those odd sort of woven plastic affairs, not paper). The Stanley cut just a hair cleaner, so it gets the win.

Utility knife record: 12-0.
Stanley record: 2-3.
DeWalt record: 3-2.
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 Farmer X

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #301 on: December 18, 2024, 02:15:07 AM
With apologies for two consecutive posts, it is now time to put the badge design to a vote. Do my fellow challengers prefer those designed by AzteCypher or ReamerPunch?
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 LoopCutter

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #302 on: December 18, 2024, 02:58:26 AM
Day 17

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New  sheepfoot blade arrived for Stanley 10-049
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!!!


Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #303 on: December 18, 2024, 04:09:01 AM
Day 18

Hao Feng Li HFL-221
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Front

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Back

I have already shown all the better quality cutters/utility knives. So this time the subject is this first L-size cutter I got, possibly left behind by workers at my home.

It is typical Cheap-Chinese quality. It works (to a certain degree), and it's cheap. The body has a metal rail, which has it's brand name "Hao Feng Li" (very sharp) as well as another 3 words meaning "save effort" stamped. The back also have a sticker in a recessed area showing it's brand name, and the sticker is off center. The main body handle, snapper and slider are plastic.

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Parts

The snapper can slide out for changing blade, however the slit has warped and very hard to be used as a snapper (if not impossible). Better off pulling out a plier which I guess is always with a house renovation worker. Beside the warping, the plastic is too weak and thin to be used anyway, which probably will get the user hurt if used.

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Slider and snapper. Notice the slit gets narrower in the middle, hard to jam in the blade.

The slider has a little spring in it. It only moves when pressed, when it returns to original height, a metal part of it locks to the teeth of the rail.

The blade is ok, but the lines for snapping off is too shallow. One must be very careful to snap it off clean with a plier.

Overall I think this is a dirt cheap cutter that does the job and not be afraid of being stolen or lost. The slider lock design is surprisingly well done. The only thing that makes it bad is cheap plastic, the wrapping of snapper, and even if the snapper plastic is good, it would be hard to be used anyway.

I have 2 Olfa's on my way. One of them with the Tajima will replace these two hopefully.
« Last Edit: December 18, 2024, 04:32:51 AM by kaevin »


us Offline cody6268

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #304 on: December 18, 2024, 05:00:39 AM
Day 16: Bought a new mat from Sam's Club for the kitchen. I'm thinking about buying one of these for each entryway, as well as high-traffic areas. They're easy to clean, and the backing is made from recycled tires, so it's pretty grippy.

I first used the Carpenter's Knife to start cutting away the plastic seal, but had trouble.

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Grabbed an older Kobalt I keep in a coat as the handle has a cutout that allows the blade to form a strap cutter. Thus, I was able to slit away the plastic without worrying about cutting the rug.

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Also opened up the chicken tenders with the Stanley.

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us Offline AzteCypher

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #305 on: December 18, 2024, 05:25:45 AM
Day 17

Needed some assistance ripping the plastic sheeting off these cinnamon sandies.

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 #306 on: December 18, 2024, 08:15:00 AM
Day 18

My no name snap off cheapo.


us Offline JonesE

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #307 on: December 18, 2024, 04:48:32 PM
Day 17



Had the Stanley and PST with me.


us Offline JonesE

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #308 on: December 19, 2024, 01:31:06 AM
Day 18



Got the bond and fasts back with me this afternoon. Getting ready to go wrap presents after work.

JonesE


Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #309 on: December 19, 2024, 01:49:20 AM
Day 19

SDI 0443C "InGenuity"

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Front

This SDI cutter has some odd plastic over-shell and caught my eye when it is released. Took the chance to get one of these in this challenge.

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Back

It is advertised to have received 3 design awards. The outside is very different from what you see from usual A-size cutter.

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Bottom

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Top

The plastic shell is ergonomic for different holding position. The slider is on the top of the cutter and hence it is left-right hand friendly without flip mounting. Near to the tip there is a cut-out notch in the plastic shell and the metal rail, which they design for cutting small strings safely without drawing the blade.


Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #310 on: December 19, 2024, 01:50:32 AM
Continue

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Notch near to the tip for cutting small strings

But from the deep down you can see it is not very different from a usual stainless steel A-size model if the plastic "over-shell" is taken away. The slider is enlarged to make it accessible from the top. And the snapper/end cap is modified to fit the plastic shell. It comes with a 30 degree blade for precision work.

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Parts

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How the top is assembled. Notice the long slit for slider to move at the top of the shell, it can actually be the weakest point of this design.
« Last Edit: December 19, 2024, 01:58:45 AM by kaevin »


Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #311 on: December 19, 2024, 01:51:38 AM
Continue

It is auto-lock and claims the lock can hold up to 5kg. SDI aims this model towards hobbits and crafters, and most of the effort is put into making this cutter comfortable to hold in various position.

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"Pen" - for precision cuts. The 30 degree tip of the blade gives a clear view of the thing being cut even if only "1 or 2 snap" of blade is exposed (2 snaps in the photo above). One may want to keep it to 1 snap length sometimes since the longer it is, the more wiggle it can have. The slightly triangular cross section of the body is very similar to some of the kid's pencils and is very comfortable and stable to hold it this way.

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Index finger against the top - the thickness at the top help giving extra pressure to the cut.

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Hand grip in palm - the rounder body (compared to usual cutters) is easier to hold this way. This is for doing things such as sharpening an end of a wooden rod or a pencil.

In summary, SDI puts out something new to the utility cutter landscape. This cutter is easy to hold in multiple positions and I think they succeed in archiving their design goal. The only thing I can pick at it is, the tip play is not as small as I wish (compared to top NT cutter A-500/A-1000 or OLFA LTD-04).

Lastly an action shot, slicing up an envelop (nothing crafty, unfortunately)
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« Last Edit: December 19, 2024, 02:27:59 AM by kaevin »


us Offline BPRoberts

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #312 on: December 19, 2024, 02:18:59 AM
Day 18

Despite my reservations, the Prybrid X has performed admirably thus far. Today, it broke down about a dozen boxes. Blade is a bit gunky, but still usable.


us Offline Farmer X

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #313 on: December 19, 2024, 02:26:47 AM
@LoopCutter: I like the variety of blades available for that Stanley!

@kaevin @ReamerPunch: my snap-off utility knife is likely even cheaper. I've discovered it flexes when in use.

@cody6268: the cord cutter notch seems very useful. I should get a utility knife so equipped.

@AzteCypher: those look fantastic!

@JonesE: Fastback and Bond seems like a great combo!

@BPRoberts: I should soon be breaking down a box, for the first time in months.

Day 18

Today's test subject was a padded envelope. (Contents will be seen on a day that doesn't bring upsetting news.)

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The Stanley cut straighter, but the DeWalt cut cleaner. We have a tie.

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Utility knife record: 13-0.
Stanley record: 2-3-1.
DeWalt record: 3-2-1.
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!


Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #314 on: December 19, 2024, 02:35:14 AM
@Jones: Nice pair ups in d17 d18!
@FarmerX: the HFL has a large stainless rail, so it won't flex. If it flexes, the workers wouldn't get them, that's the minimal requirement for them. Your blade comparison is interesting. I have a brunch of A-size light duty snap off blades but seldom compare them.


us Offline cody6268

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #315 on: December 19, 2024, 02:50:54 AM
Day 17. No real use--other than the fact I took inventory again. My EAB was in the nightstand for ages, but it somehow disaappeared.

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us Offline BPRoberts

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #316 on: December 19, 2024, 03:18:51 AM
I think my favorite is RP's design. Of the color options, I think I like the light purple (top row, second from the left) the best.


us Offline LoopCutter

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #317 on: December 19, 2024, 04:16:14 AM
Day 18

Open Christmas card duty tonight.

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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!!!


us Offline AzteCypher

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #318 on: December 19, 2024, 06:29:19 AM
Day 18

EAB got some use today.

First, I had to free up some leaf bags from their bindings.




Then,  I did.... this.




So..... for those that are wondering, yes, you can cut an onion with a utility blade.  It will do so quite cleanly.  However, you'll have a hard time cutting some nice looking onion rings.  Just thought I'd point that out.
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 #319 on: December 19, 2024, 06:51:57 AM
Day 19

My Olfa tap knife. This rocks. Nice and flat, and it cuts extremely well. And they're inexpensive. Thank you, Olfa.


us Offline Alan K.

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #320 on: December 19, 2024, 07:46:43 AM
Day 18
The black, no name folding utility knife had such a tight pocket clip it could not be carried using the pocket clip.  I used my SOG PowerDuo (which has been my desk multitool for about 10 years now) to bend it slightly so it will now go over the edge of the pocket as intended. :tu:


us Offline powernoodle

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #321 on: December 19, 2024, 04:12:29 PM

The 99 is Stanley's original retractable utility knife, first manufactured in 1952.  I think the organic, retro design is killer.  The die-cast zinc body feels like a toy from the 1960's, and you can still get a 2-pack on Amazon for under $12.  I hated missing this Challenge, but am game to do a Round 2 in 2025 with those who are interested, or I could fly a Solo Challenge. 

Great threat, peoples.  Merry Christmas to everyone.


us Offline BPRoberts

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #322 on: December 20, 2024, 01:44:12 AM
Day 19

Decided to finish my Sharpmaker stone set.


us Offline Farmer X

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #323 on: December 20, 2024, 02:35:28 AM
@cody6268: did the EAB turn up?

@LoopCutter: I haven't gotten any Christmas cards yet.

@AzteCypher: your Opinel would be perfect for onion slicing. And Mrs. FX would never have tolerated me using a utility knife for food prep.

@ReamerPunch: I should show my tap knife, shouldn't I?

@Alan K: how easily did the pocket clip bend?

@powernoodle: I have a more recent iteration of that knife (or one that's very similar). That's another I should show.

@BPRoberts: I should get some diamond stones for my Turnbox. Not that they'd help much...

Day 19

Time to see how the utility knife handles this obnoxious "hairy tape." The box had a light dusting of snow when I retrieved it. :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh
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The two blades were pretty evenly matched until I needed to make precise tip cuts. Score one for the Stanley: its tip is a little better for that sort of thing.

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I was going to cut up the box, but it is still usable, so I just flattened it. And if you want to see what was in the box and yesterday's padded envelope, here you go.

Utility knife record: 14-0.
Stanley record: 3-3-1.
DeWalt record: 3-3-1.
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 #324 on: December 20, 2024, 03:42:00 AM
Day 18: light cutting.

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Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #325 on: December 20, 2024, 04:06:10 AM
Day 19

My Olfa tap knife. This rocks. Nice and flat, and it cuts extremely well. And they're inexpensive. Thank you, Olfa.

This one is interesting, what is the model? Is there a photo showing the blade as well? Olfa is really a "no BS brand".

Day 17. No real use--other than the fact I took inventory again. My EAB was in the nightstand for ages, but it somehow disaappeared.

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It is a cool tool/edc-box
« Last Edit: December 20, 2024, 04:25:25 AM by kaevin »


Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #326 on: December 20, 2024, 04:09:26 AM
Day 20

SDI 0444C-K InGenuity Pro
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Front

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Back

This is a follow up/improved variation of the original InGenuity 0443C. This model shares the same concepts, top slider, ergonomic plastic shell.

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Parts

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Back of parts


Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #327 on: December 20, 2024, 04:13:51 AM
Continue

The main difference is the tip side design. Instead of having the string cutting notch, it features a plastic slider which locks the blade and stabilize the tip. Sliding the part towards the tip, the plastic will be pushed between the rail and blade, preventing side play and locks it. You can also lock it to prevent blade from accidentally drew out in your pocket. It gives the most stable cutting point with 1 snap length in locking position, in which all the sideway movement is from the blade flexing. That can be further improved if a 58 degree blade is used (less length protruding) when desired. I may switch this one to a 3M Ti Coated gold blade (58 degree).

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In most stable state, locked position

The plastic shell is also modified to a round profile instead of triangular. While I prefer the triangular shape, this new profile is still comfortable to hold.

Action shot:
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Slicing a piece of used paper for warping chewed gum while studying

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In original package

I think the string cutting notch of the original InGenuity has limited use, as you can always draw out a little blade to cut the string anyway. The lock is more useful than the notch, it also increase the precision when cutting finer details. I think it is an improved version. I like the black-gold colorway as well (it also has a white-gold colorway). If it had a metal body triangular body, I will absolutely love it even more. But I have to appreciate there is a brand continuously putting effort to improve the light duty cutter designs. Also kudos for SDI to put the ugly brand name and model sticker for the InGenuity series at the back. It would be even better if it is stamped/edged or silk screen like the front, but I think they finally realized how to tune the design to be more pleasing and they are on the right track.

« Last Edit: December 20, 2024, 04:22:44 AM by kaevin »


us Offline Alan K.

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #328 on: December 20, 2024, 04:26:34 AM
Day 19
No use today.  The pocket clip was not easy to bend because of the odd shape.  It is shaped like a hockey stick to accommodate the string cutting notch and this odd shape made it want to twist rather than bend under the force of the pliers.  If I had to do it again, I think it might be better to remove the pocket clip first, then use the counter force of two pliers against each other.  I could bend it however and wherever I wanted it bent, then reattach the adjusted pocket clip to the knife. :cheers:


us Offline AzteCypher

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #329 on: December 20, 2024, 05:24:45 AM
Day 19

Today was a fun mail call day.  Got to open Christmas cards from family and friends.

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



 

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