Box cutter tool tested

[Simon_Templar]

Fellow knights,

I got the Swiss Spirit Companion as a birthday gift and decided to make it a user, the reason obviously being my interest in the new box cutter tool. Given that there is a lot of speculation about this tool on the forum at the moment, I would like to share with you my observations after a few days of use.

I have to admit I belong to those who were not particularly impressed when the first photos of the tool were revealed, thinking that it would provide little added value over the existing small and large blades. After using it a few times, I stand corrected. It is cleverer than I initially thought.

I believed the tool was just some sort of special purpose sheep foot blade. This it actually is, and you can see how it works in that YouTube video where the lady opens a blister pack with a SAK in it. It works very well in this capacity; it is convenient and I dare say safer than to do it with the small blade or the awl (as I normally do).

However, the tool has another trick up its sleeve:  the grooves on the side. They can be clearly seen on the existing pictures of the tool and serve a double purpose, at least the way I used the tool. First, when you reach the edge of a blister pack and need to get around the corner, you can move the tool further in so as to change its cutting surface from smooth to serrated, turning it into a saw to work your way around the edge. Second, when you cut cardboard, you can use the grooved section as a saw  if the smooth section cannot cope with the material, e.g. if the cardboard is thick and/or consists of layers. Admittedly, you could also resort to a SAK saw in these cases, but that would mean having the saw implement available.

All in all, I have to say the tool surprised and impressed me, which is all the more remarkable as I was somewhat biased against it. I still cannot think of how to sharpen the middle section in case it ever becomes blunt, which is a minus in my book, but I trust Vic designed it to remain usable for a long time.

Hope this helps to reduce the confusion about the tool and best regards,

Simon

[gadgetman7]

Good insights. Could you sharpen the serrated section with a file?


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[Echotech]

[LoopCutter]

 

[Bunk Tuppins]

 

[Buzzbait]

Okay. I'm starting to get tingles. How long do we think it will be before we get this handy little implement on a normal model? It's been so long since Vic gave us a new tool, I have nothing for comparison.

[marlowe221]

Okay. I'm starting to get tingles. How long do we think it will be before we get this handy little implement on a normal model? It's been so long since Vic gave us a new tool, I have nothing for comparison.

Same here - I want the cellidor version. It's nice to see some innovation in a 3 layer model. Especially considering all the models that are being discontinued this year...

[Tasky]

I still cannot think of how to sharpen the middle section in case it ever becomes blunt, which is a minus in my book, but I trust Vic designed it to remain usable for a long time.

Edge of a squared sharpening stone might do it, or perhaps even the side of Vic's double-ended sharpener. Some sharpening systems come with serrated blade hones, but failing that the above-mentioned gentle file or a saw-file will work. Build a burr, then strop the flat.

I'll have to get a cellidor one if they do it, of course, but I'm kinda annoyed about that .

[HarleyXJGuy]

Edge of a squared sharpening stone might do it, or perhaps even the side of Vic's double-ended sharpener. Some sharpening systems come with serrated blade hones, but failing that the above-mentioned gentle file or a saw-file will work. Build a burr, then strop the flat.

I'll have to get a cellidor one if they do it, of course, but I'm kinda annoyed about that .

Spydercos Sharpmaker would work I bet.

Use the thin part of the triangle for it.

Been my serrated go to sharpener for years now.

[Simon_Templar]

Edge of a squared sharpening stone might do it, or perhaps even the side of Vic's double-ended sharpener. Some sharpening systems come with serrated blade hones, but failing that the above-mentioned gentle file or a saw-file will work. Build a burr, then strop the flat.

I'll have to get a cellidor one if they do it, of course, but I'm kinda annoyed about that .

It might work, but it would probably be a pain.

On a different note, I am rather glad Vic introduced the tool in a limited edition knife. It gives me enormous pleasure to think that currently I am one of only a handful of people on the planet to use the tool, and after Vic offers it to the riff-raff in a Cellidor version it will give me even greater pleasure to continue using the limited edition which had the tool first. I guess I am just a snob 

[Huntsman]

Great post and analysis Simon - You've got me interested too

[Rizio Il Ghiro]

Cheers for the review, Simon! 

[Simon_Templar]

 

[Gio_Luso]

 

[Mini]

Thanks for your impressions