Victorinox box cutter - new tool!

[BPRoberts]

I've opened blister packs with the can opener no problem.  If it can punch through a can, it can punch through millimeter thick plastic.

[Bunk Tuppins]

I've opened blister packs with the can opener no problem.  If it can punch through a can, it can punch through millimeter thick plastic.

Well, it can do it.  A scissor could do it or an ice pick for that matter but do they do it well?  When I looked at that video I saw somebody open a blister package cleanly no fuss no muss no scratches from trying to hold sharp edged cut pieces.  Maybe you can but I can't do that with a can opener .

[marlowe221]

I'm interested in the tool set. But I want the standard red Cellidor version of this SAK.

[Tasky]

Really?  I was pretty impressed with the way she opened that plastic packaging for a SAK.  The edge that she is using to do that is not sharpened on a Victorinox can opener.  Yes you can use that same (blunt) edge on a can opener to rip open the tape on a package but it won't handle blister packaging like the new tool did.

Sharpen the blunt edge... Felix asserts that the can opener still works, too:

[Enginears]

Sharpen the blunt edge... Felix asserts that the can opener still works, too:

I can vouch for this mod. I have done it twice. Cutting down the edge of blister packs with a hook shape blade  is particularly enjoyable, my Ruike S-31has a good one for that too.

[GrouchoM]

I use the orange peeler tool from the minichamp for packaging.

Typos courtesy of Samsung Auto-Incorrect™

[BPRoberts]

Wrong thread. Sorry, team!

[nate j]

Well, it can do it.  A scissor could do it or an ice pick for that matter but do they do it well?  When I looked at that video I saw somebody open a blister package cleanly no fuss no muss no scratches from trying to hold sharp edged cut pieces.  Maybe you can but I can't do that with a can opener .

I can do it cleanly with the main blade; no fuss, no muss, no scratches.

[Bunk Tuppins]

I can do it cleanly with the main blade; no fuss, no muss, no scratches.

I acknowledge that you are more skillful than me and are able to do a clean job on a blister pack with a main blade.  I find that difficult to do and more likely to cause accidents than the process the new tool uses.

[marlowe221]

I think it depends on the blister pack in question. Some are easy to open with the blade. But I have run into a few where the shape made it more difficult to open safely with the main blade.

[peddy v]

In germany blister packs are not that common, the last i opened was that for the Swisstool Clip and there you can just press the cardboard a bit and the plastic part slides out. Most things are packaged in cartons closed with tape, a small slice is all thats needed, i despise those blister packagings.
Now i remember the time i cut open one with a headset in it, cut the cable right off

[Bunk Tuppins]

Amazon sometimes offers products in 'frustration free' packaging and those are very welcome but we still seem to get a lot of things in blister packages here in the USA.  I too hate them!  Up till now the sharpened hook on a Minichamp was a pretty good bet for most blister packs.  When I saw that clip of the new tool opening a blister pack I was impressed.   I almost bought one the other day but when I tried to use two ten percent discounts they only accepted one, and $75 still seems like a bit much to me.

[Huntsman]

Vineclimber cuts a few things with this tool

Thanks for posting this video Buzz

What a great video and review - I like Anne/Vineclimber - Checked out a couple of her other videos - Excellent stuff

I also learnt a few things I did not know - like the scale patterns are actually of Swiss things - I thought they were just random patterns
Although I should have worked that out, as it is a Swiss Spirit edition!! 
Also properly seeing how this new tool works was great.
She also explained how, in the photos, the tool looks like it is thicker than it really is, which is what puzzled me for ages.

Like may others I hope this comes out on a regular model 
Although now I understand the scales - This LE is more appealing!!

[psyjohn]

I finally got a chance to try the new cutter tool over the weekend. I had to break down a bunch of boxes for recycling, and that serrated edge cut through the cardboard like butter. Opening boxes and packages is also effortless. I'm giving this tool a thumbs up! 

I really hope the Companion comes out with regular celidor scales. This would be my perfect SAK, but the LE is too pretty to carry.

[Simon_Templar]

This would be my perfect SAK, but the LE is too pretty to carry.

One member of this forum once said that there are no SAKs too nice to carry, just SAKs which are too nice not to carry. I think he has a point. I use the Swiss Spirit Companion as EDC and whenever I take it out of the pocket, it just feels special. Well worth the price of admission (although admittedly it was a gift).

[nate j]

One member of this forum once said that there are no SAKs too nice to carry, just SAKs which are too nice not to carry.

Well said!

[Bunk Tuppins]

Another excellent video comparing various tools for package opening, including the new one.

[nate j]

Another excellent video comparing various tools for package opening, including the new one.

Of course, the most effective package openers she demonstrated were the 93 mm pruner blade and the 91 mm small blade.  (Though she does almost cut herself with the pruner blade due to poor technique.)  As she says at one point, “the knife goes through like butter”.

[Bunk Tuppins]

Of course, the most effective package openers she demonstrated were the 93 mm pruner blade and the 91 mm small blade.  (Though she does almost cut herself with the pruner blade due to poor technique.)  As she says at one point, “the knife goes through like butter”.

Did we watch the same clip?  It's very clear from what I saw that the regular knife blade was not even close to the new tool for most packaging and especially for blister packaging.  She even concludes that the new tool wins.  Just because a blade is sharp and can cut through plastic does not make it a good and safe utensil for opening packages made of that.

[Aloha]

That was difficult to watch, with each attempt I thought she'd cut herself.  From my perspective its her technique or lack thereof which penalizes each tools she uses. 

That said, each tool cut certain packages fairly well.  If the new package opener from the video "failed" at the box with tape thats not good.  I have no idea what people are opening but we do get those boxes as well as the plastic packages.  Have had zero need for a special tool to open them.  I do think its neat that Victorinox put this new tool out tho. 

Keep fingers out of the path of any blade or cutting tool. 

PS, pretty cool to see the awl used.     

[marlowe221]

While her technique may not always have been perfect I would argue that a lot of packaging, and especially those plastic blister packs, often pose a real challenge to a person's technique!

I've carried a pocket knife of some description since I was 10 or 11 years old. I got my Totin' Chip and everything and NEVER got a corner off it! Even so, I often have a hard time opening a blister pack safely with a knife blade - there are too many curves and changes of angle. The resistance of the plastic itself is often inconsistent too. The blade will jam or stick and then suddenly cut through, sometimes too fast to maintain good control.

But I will say this - in that video the ONLY thing the Package Opener seemed to struggle with at all was that black Amazon tape that has string incorporated into it. And for that, the Companion comes equipped with a knife blade (and the boxes you're likely to see it on actually CAN be opened safely with a blade...). The other tools were more variable; they had an easy time with some packages and a harder time with others.

I do think the Package Opener loses some things from the Can Opener, some "unofficial" uses in addition to opening an actual can of food, but it does look pretty well engineered for it's intended purpose. It looks like a handy thing to have around for things your main blade can't do well or can't do safely.

[Aloha]

The plastic air freshener she was opening are a PITA to open.  I agree with what you say about a knife blade on those in particular.  The minichamp is a decent tool but as she showed has its limits.  I am not too familiar with the orange peeler blade of the executive.  As said, I was impressed with the awl. 

I'd be curious for her to try a Wenger style opener.  I've had good success with it but in all fairness I am not opening many plastic packages like the air freshener ones she used.  Truth be told, I also tuned my Wenger can opener up so its quite a bit better than factory. 

I do wonder what most are opening in terms of packaging?  As you say, there is a knife blade for all other things so the SAK is still very capable. 

I do not like to be THAT GUY who points out or nit picks people but I had to mention her technique.  Her fingers and hand seemed to be in the path of the cutting edge more than I was comfortable with.   

I'd agree blister packs do challenge many.  I tend to pinch the blade of my tool when opening challenging packaging.  I trace the contours of the container careful not to over penetrate to the contents. 



 

[Enginears]

The plastic air freshener she was opening are a PITA to open.  I agree with what you say about a knife blade on those in particular.  The minichamp is a decent tool but as she showed has its limits.  I am not too familiar with the orange peeler blade of the executive.  As said, I was impressed with the awl. 

I'd be curious for her to try a Wenger style opener.  I've had good success with it but in all fairness I am not opening many plastic packages like the air freshener ones she used.  Truth be told, I also tuned my Wenger can opener up so its quite a bit better than factory. 

I do wonder what most are opening in terms of packaging?  As you say, there is a knife blade for all other things so the SAK is still very capable. 

I do not like to be THAT GUY who points out or nit picks people but I had to mention her technique.  Her fingers and hand seemed to be in the path of the cutting edge more than I was comfortable with.   

I'd agree blister packs do challenge many.  I tend to pinch the blade of my tool when opening challenging packaging.  I trace the contours of the container careful not to over penetrate to the contents. 
 

I do the same. Pinching the 100mm pruner blade (carefully) is the safest and cleanest way for me to open thick plastic packs like that. It is actually very pleasant. For boxes and tape, I think the 93mm awl is my go to. I awlso choke up on that if I am slicing a long section of tape and am worried about hitting what is inside. Sure the blades work for that too, but I generally save the blade since I have so many other implements to choose from.

[Bunk Tuppins]

While her technique may not always have been perfect I would argue that a lot of packaging, and especially those plastic blister packs, often pose a real challenge to a person's technique!

I've carried a pocket knife of some description since I was 10 or 11 years old. I got my Totin' Chip and everything and NEVER got a corner off it! Even so, I often have a hard time opening a blister pack safely with a knife blade - there are too may curves and changes of angle. The resistance of the plastic itself is often inconsistent too. The blade will jam or stick and then suddenly cut through, sometimes too fast to maintain good control.

But I will say this - in that video the ONLY thing the Package Opener seemed to struggle with at all was that black Amazon tape that has string incorporated into it. And for that, the Companion comes equipped with a knife blade (and the boxes you're likely to see it on actually CAN be opened safely with a blade...). The other tools were more variable; they had an easy time with some packages and a harder time with others.

I do think the Package Opener loses some things from the Can Opener, some "unofficial" uses in addition to opening an actual can of food, but it does look pretty well engineered for it's intended purpose. It looks like a handy thing to have around for things your main blade can't do well or can't do safely.

Yes.  Very much agree, esp re ordinary blades and blister packaging.  If the plastic is thick, there is a tendency to stick and suddenly release which can cause accidents or damage the contents.  All in all that Companion is a pretty good tool for getting packages open.  And I do like the new tool because it seems moderately fool-proof - not that easy to cut yourself.

[nate j]

Did we watch the same clip?  It's very clear from what I saw that the regular knife blade was not even close to the new tool for most packaging and especially for blister packaging.  She even concludes that the new tool wins.  Just because a blade is sharp and can cut through plastic does not make it a good and safe utensil for opening packages made of that.

Yep, we did.  She didn’t really run the new tool as a comparison against the pruner and small blades; just threw them in randomly.  She concludes the new tool wins vs. the orange peeler, unmodified can opener, and Minichamp pick blade.  And, given her technique (glad I wasn’t the only one who felt that was lacking) and some of the comments she makes (e.g. “I didn’t know the 93mm awl was sharp!”), I’m not sure how much weight ought to be given to her opinion.

[nate j]

Interestingly, it seems most of the folks in this thread use a “trace the contours” type of technique on blister packs.

Personally, I usually open them with one or more straight cuts, as I find this easier, quicker, and safer.  I’m generally making these cuts all the way through and from edge to edge, removing pieces from the packaging.

[marlowe221]

Yep, we did.  She didn’t really run the new tool as a comparison against the pruner and small blades; just threw them in randomly.  She concludes the new tool wins vs. the orange peeler, unmodified can opener, and Minichamp pick blade.  And, given her technique (glad I wasn’t the only one who felt that was lacking) and some of the comments she makes (e.g. “I didn’t know the 93mm awl was sharp!”), I’m not sure how much weight ought to be given to her opinion.

Personally, I think the fact that her technique was not ideal actually gives her video MORE weight in some ways.

Most people I see using a pocket knife don't have great technique either - they cut towards themselves, they put too much trust in a blade lock that would have serious consequences if it failed (and they do!), they put too much pressure on the point, or they start prying on things with the blade. People do all kinds of things with knife blades they shouldn't do!  Shoot, I don't always have great technique and I know better and was taught better. But sometimes the circumstances are difficult, or I've got a kid screaming in one ear, or whatever. Life happens, in other words.

What I'm saying is this: Whatever flaws her technique may have, I didn't see her do anything I haven't seen people do with pocket knives hundreds of times (and I've seen people do WAY worse than anything she did in that video too). I'm sure we all have seen similar in the past or been guilty of it ourselves from time to time. In other words, what we saw in the video is pretty typical of the average pocket knife user, IMHO.

So, if Victorinox has introduced a tool that the average person can use in a safer way than a knife blade, even if it's a little slower or less-than-ideal, then I'm all for it. It's not like I will ONLY ever carry a cellidor Companion instead of any other SAK, or anything like that. But I think it's a pretty good option and it will be nice to have the choice, should this model be introduced to the standard lineup at some point.

[pfrsantos]

Dude! Wasn't it enough, awl the times she awlmost stabbed herself, she had to show it in slow motion?!

     

[Bunk Tuppins]

I just assumed she knew better but was trying to line up the shot, etc, and had a thoughtless moment where she forgot about which way the blade was going relative to her hand etc.  And I agree: the fact that she could easily get into trouble with the pruner tool is a recommendation for this new tool.

I opened a blister pack just now containing a new sink strainer (SinkShroom).  Good product but the freaking packaging! I ended up using the minichamp and it performed pretty well but it was hard to guide it in a straight line around the package; it wandered around and got stuck once or twice.

[Aloha]

marlowe221, Fair assessment.   .  The new tool as demonstrated by her works for her as it would I'm sure for most if not all.  Each tool she demonstrated was decent as well and that AWL  .   

Interestingly, it seems most of the folks in this thread use a “trace the contours” type of technique on blister packs.

Personally, I usually open them with one or more straight cuts, as I find this easier, quicker, and safer.  I’m generally making these cuts all the way through and from edge to edge, removing pieces from the packaging.

   My partner uses scissors to do that same.  She has some crazy strong one with serrations.  I think they are CnC ( cheap and cheerful ) but man they cut. 

 I think the new tool by Victorinox is neat.  NO complaint about it.  The average person testing the tool makes for a good video for the most part.  Its good she points out the potential for the mishap with the pruner blade  .

Pretty sure most of us knife/SAK/MT enthusiasts can open packages with what we currently have in our pockets.