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Tool Talk => Cheap and Cheerful (or otherwise!) => Topic started by: SteelRaven on October 02, 2016, 07:18:25 PM

Title: Best folding box cutter
Post by: SteelRaven on October 02, 2016, 07:18:25 PM
So guys, do you have any experience with pocket clipped folding box cutter standard blade tools.

What about extra blade storage and features as well as polymer construction etc...
I prefer lock blade and the big box stores have that but the things aren't very robust.
Sound off...
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on October 03, 2016, 02:02:43 AM
It may not be a folding one, but when it comes to box cutters I love the Sebertech one.

https://youtu.be/EFlETAtWvz4

Def
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: cody6268 on October 03, 2016, 02:21:43 AM
Hate em'--not enough blade for the length--a 1 and something inch blade on a more than 3" frame.  However, for jobs that might ruin a good edge that takes forever to get on a non-carbon steel knife (I can get one in just a few minutes on a 1095 Carbon knife though) like scraping the heads of screws and the threads of bolts and screws, I have a few.

Always use Stanley USA carbon blades.

My favorites, that I use a lot are--Kobalt Tools by Lowe's. It's metal handled and has a lockback, which hasn't ever failed. I've used it for paper cutting as well.

Stanley "Pocket Knife"--this was my great-grandfather's toolbox knife. It has a better blade/handle length ratio and is a tad longer than a normal folding box cutter.



The Christy Sliding Knife is pretty good, with a replaceable blade. But, I can't vouch for it given I don't own one, but hope to.
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: Chako on October 03, 2016, 03:53:06 AM
There are so many variations out there. I tend to collect them, as I try to add new ones whenever I come across them. I try to get different ones. Here are my favorites.

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo004/IMG_2233small_zpszatsjlqg.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo004/IMG_2233small_zpszatsjlqg.jpg.html)

I am very partial to the wooden handled ones...as they always tend to be more upscale in construction. I have a Stanley and a Sears Craftsman located upper right. They do not however offer any extra functionality other than the standard pocket clip.

That yellow DeWALT located mid right side is a nice one. It offers extra blade storage.

Going up one row and center, the white Lennox Gold is another fine example of this type of utility knife.

That lime green Stanley on the left bottom side is of interest. It folds in half making it very convenient to carry.

Those two red Millwaukees center left are very good as well. Not only do they offer a built in wire stripper, the thicker left one also offers extra blade storage.

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo004/IMG_2236small_zpsz57tpp6z.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo004/IMG_2236small_zpsz57tpp6z.jpg.html)

The two top center are auto re-loaders to give you a size reference to the other more compact models.

The yellow Stanley Fat Max located center bottom is another good design.

For fine control, that Canadian Tire Maximum Mastercraft with the ring design is hard to beat.

There are a ton of different variations. Some are liner locks, while others offer a lock-back mechanism. Others offer a blade sliding mechanism, and others will either offer extra blade storage or a regular knife blade. What you really need to focus on however, is how the utility blade is inserted or removed. Not all designs are made equally, and there are some really cheap implementations out there.


Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: ReamerPunch on October 03, 2016, 08:42:58 AM
Chako, have you ever thought turning your house into a museum?
I'd happily buy a ticket and take a tour around.  :)
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: Kampfer on October 03, 2016, 10:10:03 AM
I like the Gerber EAB.
http://www.gerbergear.com/Knives/Folding/EAB-Pocket-Knife_22-41830
(http://www.gerbergear.com/var/gerber/storage/images/frontpage/knives/folding/eab-pocket-knife_22-41830/8479361-8-eng-US/EAB-Pocket-Knife_fulljpg.jpg)
http://www.gerbergear.com/Activity/Work/Knives/EAB-Lite-Knife_31-000345
(http://www.gerbergear.com/var/gerber/storage/images/frontpage/knives/folding/eab-lite-knife_31-000345/8479217-9-eng-US/EAB-Lite-Fine-Edge_fulljpg.jpg)
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: Chako on October 04, 2016, 01:32:11 AM
I am not so sure that is a great idea. I have a pair of killer guard cats, and am unsure how they might handle the general public.

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo002/IMG_7732small_zpsseb2xey1.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo002/IMG_7732small_zpsseb2xey1.jpg.html)

 :ahhh
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: Spork, Lord of Lime Jello! on October 04, 2016, 03:34:00 AM
My utility knives always hide from me....I can never find one when needed  :P

Not folding, but minimalist and handy..holds two blades (get the blades with 4 notches) and bonus cap-lifter...Screwpop Utility Knife.
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: SteelRaven on October 04, 2016, 05:20:44 AM
The Olympia turboprop gets rave reviews!
That Gerber EAB is soon coming home..
The Milwaukee too!

Good news is, a man can grab em all at once like a spring break weekend, check em out, and keep the one he likes!
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: Aloha on October 04, 2016, 06:36:47 AM
What a gorgeous cat Chako. 

Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: pfrsantos on October 04, 2016, 12:11:12 PM
I am not so sure that is a great idea. I have a pair of killer guard cats, and am unsure how they might handle the general public.

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo002/IMG_7732small_zpsseb2xey1.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo002/IMG_7732small_zpsseb2xey1.jpg.html)

 :ahhh

General Public!

 :salute:
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: Chako on October 04, 2016, 12:15:46 PM
I will be sure to tell her.  ;)
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: Kev D on October 06, 2016, 01:15:02 PM
I am not so sure that is a great idea. I have a pair of killer guard cats, and am unsure how they might handle the general public.

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo002/IMG_7732small_zpsseb2xey1.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo002/IMG_7732small_zpsseb2xey1.jpg.html)

 :ahhh

Probably with lots of fast moving claws and some hissing
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: chrono on November 06, 2016, 05:11:57 AM
Here is a spare "X BLADES" utility knife from a 4-pack I bought from Costco maybe 10 years ago  :think: . The company is no longer in business. It has a spring assisted push button for releasing the blade. Has the folding style been around very long? I just remember these knives looked really cool when I first saw them. I still think they are.
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: Josh613 on November 06, 2016, 07:23:54 PM
I only have a cheapy been looking at the Fastbacks though and the screwpop one looks super cool
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: King_Gorilla on June 07, 2017, 08:43:56 PM
I'm sure the OP has made a decision about his box cutter by now,  but just to chime in...

I completely agree with Kampfer.  The Gerber EAB is the best box cutter and a fantastic EDC.  Its design embraces minimalism.  It has this spot by the blade that I guess you could call a choil, that makes it very comfortable to use.
And the best part is that it uses a set screw instead of a quick change device to hold the blade.  If I were cutting wallpaper and drywall all day I would totally value the quick change feature but even when working in a warehouse where I used it daily, I would only flip or change the blade every couple weeks.  Since there is no need for the quick change feature it is so nice to not have a giggling rattle sound coming from the loose blade.

Also,  :drool:  crazy impressed by Chako's insane box cutter collection.  I can only imagine what kind of knives and MT's you own if you have multiple drawers of box cutters!

Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: Etherealicer on June 07, 2017, 11:07:20 PM
I'm sure the OP has made a decision about his box cutter by now,  but just to chime in...

I completely agree with Kampfer.  The Gerber EAB is the best box cutter and a fantastic EDC.  Its design embraces minimalism.  It has this spot by the blade that I guess you could call a choil, that makes it very comfortable to use.
And the best part is that it uses a set screw instead of a quick change device to hold the blade.  If I were cutting wallpaper and drywall all day I would totally value the quick change feature but even when working in a warehouse where I used it daily, I would only flip or change the blade every couple weeks.  Since there is no need for the quick change feature it is so nice to not have a giggling rattle sound coming from the loose blade.

Also,  :drool:  crazy impressed by Chako's insane box cutter collection.  I can only imagine what kind of knives and MT's you own if you have multiple drawers of box cutters!
I agree the EAB is good, but it has to share the crown with the Olfa CK-2

EAB is a tad bit smaller and has the far more common blade but the Olfa has the stronger blade and offers more cutting length.
(https://www.super-hobby.com/zdjecia/6/5/4/315_rd.jpg)
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: King_Gorilla on June 08, 2017, 12:51:18 AM
I agree the EAB is good, but it has to share the crown with the Olfa CK-2

EAB is a tad bit smaller and has the far more common blade but the Olfa has the stronger blade and offers more cutting length.
(https://www.super-hobby.com/zdjecia/6/5/4/315_rd.jpg)

Sexy
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: Etherealicer on June 08, 2017, 08:43:40 AM
I agree the EAB is good, but it has to share the crown with the Olfa CK-2

EAB is a tad bit smaller and has the far more common blade but the Olfa has the stronger blade and offers more cutting length.
(https://www.super-hobby.com/zdjecia/6/5/4/315_rd.jpg)

Sexy
Of course, if you are willing to pay $180 instead of $5 you can get one in titanium ::)

(http://goinggear.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/s/c/screen_shot_2016-09-23_at_11.45.19_am.png)



Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: pfrsantos on June 08, 2017, 12:09:51 PM
I agree the EAB is good, but it has to share the crown with the Olfa CK-2

EAB is a tad bit smaller and has the far more common blade but the Olfa has the stronger blade and offers more cutting length.
(https://www.super-hobby.com/zdjecia/6/5/4/315_rd.jpg)

Sexy

Yes?
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: King_Gorilla on June 08, 2017, 06:37:12 PM
Of course, if you are willing to pay $180 instead of $5 you can get one in titanium ::)

(http://goinggear.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/s/c/screen_shot_2016-09-23_at_11.45.19_am.png)

OH man, don't even show me that.  Now I want one.  I assume that when the blade is retracted it clears the bottle opener.  right?

That thing is NICE! :ahhh :drool:
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: Etherealicer on June 08, 2017, 06:51:28 PM
Of course, if you are willing to pay $180 instead of $5 you can get one in titanium ::)

(http://goinggear.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/s/c/screen_shot_2016-09-23_at_11.45.19_am.png)

OH man, don't even show me that.  Now I want one.  I assume that when the blade is retracted it clears the bottle opener.  right?

That thing is NICE! :ahhh :drool:
Yeah, it is nice but not 180$ nice... Well, anyway give it a good testdrive for me :D
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: pfrsantos on June 09, 2017, 05:30:12 PM
Of course, if you are willing to pay $180 instead of $5 you can get one in titanium ::)

(http://goinggear.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/s/c/screen_shot_2016-09-23_at_11.45.19_am.png)

OH man, don't even show me that.  Now I want one.  I assume that when the blade is retracted it clears the bottle opener.  right?

That thing is NICE! :ahhh :drool:

Show content
(http://wpmedia.o.canada.com/2013/05/final-thats-what-she-said.gif)

 :D :D :D :D
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: AimlessWanderer on June 09, 2017, 06:55:32 PM
Another fan of the EAB and EAB Lite here  :think:
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: King_Gorilla on June 09, 2017, 10:21:27 PM
Another fan of the EAB and EAB Lite here  :think:

Not sure why, but I have always liked the regular EAB better than the Lite. 

The first one I bought was black.  (black oxide?)  and it came with a little black AAA flashlight.  It's crazy, like a conspiracy.  I can't even find a picture of one on google image.   :rant:

No clue why Gerber stopped making the black one.  I would pay a lot to get one again. 
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: ThePeacent on June 14, 2017, 03:32:30 PM
Out of my 30+ box cutters I always carry the ones with linerless plastic handles, as I can't stand carrying a heavy metal or steel tool for such a winy tiny edge length.

These weigh very little and quality ones have no wiggle or blade play and are safe and quick to use

(http://i1314.photobucket.com/albums/t562/ThePeacent/Mobile%20Uploads/2017-06/20170608_135640_zps7yybj1jk.jpg)
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: Chako on June 15, 2017, 03:09:58 AM
Nice Lineup you have there.  :tu:
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: ThePeacent on June 15, 2017, 04:04:08 PM
carried today because of this thread

(http://i1314.photobucket.com/albums/t562/ThePeacent/Mobile%20Uploads/2017-06/20170612_122308_zps99wqfths.jpg)

 :salute:
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: Omar Rapace on June 16, 2017, 04:49:20 AM
Not sure if the Gerber Vital qualifies as a box cutter but I like mine when doing precise work.

Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: Kampfer on June 19, 2017, 09:17:08 PM
This Workrpo cutter looks very nice.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item-img/WORKPRO-3PC-Folding-Utility-Knife-Set-Stainless-steel-Knife-Quick-change-Knife/32791281155.html?spm=2114.10010108.1000017.2.QLBf6T#
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: King_Gorilla on June 20, 2017, 07:09:28 PM
Not sure if the Gerber Vital qualifies as a box cutter but I like mine when doing precise work.
Cool

This Workrpo cutter looks very nice.
Both the Gerber Vital and that Workpro cutter both look pretty cool but I would prefer to carry the Gerber EAB because I am a huge fan of tip-up carry.  I get so annoyed by pocket clips that carry tip-down.   :-\
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: ThePeacent on June 20, 2017, 08:16:23 PM
for In-the place use I'm partial to fixed sliding box cutter with short retractable blades and solid construction,

(http://i1314.photobucket.com/albums/t562/ThePeacent/20170620_183448_zpsxukssueu.jpg)

but to have on your person and carry around or EDC a plastic handled replaceable one is good enough, or even better a folding backlock or linerlock one with quickly replaceable blades   :salute:

(http://i1314.photobucket.com/albums/t562/ThePeacent/Mobile%20Uploads/2017-06/20170620_183933_zps21jdichm.jpg)
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: UscgSal on April 28, 2023, 04:34:56 PM
Carrying the Christy Mariner (brass) for a while. Amazing!
Maybe l'll post in a Collectors thread?  :salute:
Title: Re: Best folding box cutter
Post by: Aloha on April 29, 2023, 04:08:42 PM
Nice bump, post the pic here too  :pok:.  I picked up a Gerber EAB after many years of looking at them.  Its a terrific box cutter without doubt.  I do like the fancy ones in Ti as well.