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The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge

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us Offline LoopCutter

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #150 on: December 08, 2024, 05:43:09 PM
Day 8

Used the Gerber tool to slice open a case of 8oz water bottles.

Partial blade exposure was all that was required. Avoided slicing any bottles open too!

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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 Alan K.

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #151 on: December 08, 2024, 07:10:00 PM
Day 08
You're opening cases of water wrong.  I recently discovered this myself, but it is one of those life changing hacks that you wonder why you hadn't done it before.  Find the middle of the case and cut up the sides between the bottles, then cut across the top, then put your fingers under the bottom middle of the case and lift it up.  The plastic across the bottom acts as a hinge and the case of water or whatever you're drinking opens like a book.  All of the bottles are easily accessible but remain contained by the plastic.  I'm OCD, so of course I use all of the bottles in one side of the case first and then cut that side off and throw it away when it's empty before I start on the other side. :ahhh
« Last Edit: December 08, 2024, 07:16:52 PM by Alan K. »


us Offline LoopCutter

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #152 on: December 08, 2024, 07:21:31 PM
@Alan K.
Yes, that is a great way to open and contain a 24 pack of the same size bottles in a single tier.

My package this morning was a double tier case of 8oz bottles, with a card board platform between each tier.  24 / tier, 48 bottles total.

I do have a 36 count package of 16oz bottles, May check if that may work. The possible issue could be because bottles are staggered the plastic wrap integrity may not hold the bottles together.

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 BPRoberts

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #153 on: December 09, 2024, 01:23:59 AM
Day 8

Guest post by my friend's Blick knife.  [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]  


us Offline Farmer X

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #154 on: December 09, 2024, 01:26:10 AM
@JonesE: the coyote tan is kinda growing on me...

@Cody6268: Turkey, eh? I was observing two other mechanics work on a Transit Connect, and I happened to look at the VIN. I didn't recognize the world identifier, so I looked it up. Seeing that the little thing was made in Turkey was a surprise.

@kaevin: that's an interesting design. How are the ergonomics?

@AzteCypher: hope the neighbor's pup likes you okay!

@ReamerPunch: it's amazing what you can find, and where you find it, eh? The small slip-joint pliers I found were worth far more than the five seconds it took to realize what they were and pick them up.

@Fireman: love those two!

@LoopCutter: I don't blame you. Chucky is an odd little booger.

@Alan K: I'll try that the next time I open a case of bottled water. And I can be a little OCD, too.

@BPRoberts: that's an interesting one!

Day 8

Knives and multis that don't come in boxes, don't include a sheath, and won't fit in a knife roll get wrapped in a piece of old clothing. The silver EAB was used to cut just such a thing.

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In the second photo, the black EAB is wrapped up in its "storage rag." These were cut from old pajamas.

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Utility knife record: 7-0.
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 #155 on: December 09, 2024, 01:56:57 AM
@kaevin: that's an interesting design. How are the ergonomics?

Actually the triangular shape increases the grip area, which is better than the slick stainless steel ones I shared before. And the screw lock is not too hard to move the blade, just push the dial top forward and it will loosen. After a while it is not too hard to deploy one hand.


Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #156 on: December 09, 2024, 02:39:08 AM
Day 9
NT cutter A-300GR

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Front

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Back

NT cutter claims it's white plastic handle A-300 https://www.ntcutter.co.jp/en/products/detail/328 as world's best selling ever cutter. And this A-300GR is the auto-lock metal version of it (There is a plastic auto lock A-300R). The main body is made from 2 parts. A stainless steel core part which is similar to A-1P, and an aluminum die casted outer part riveted together. The rivet also serves as a point to stick to magnetic holders. The slider and snappers are made from black plastic. It comes with normal 58 degree carbon steel blade, but I have replaced it with stainless steel version since COVID. At that time after opening every letter and package I will spray with alcohol and caused the oil to wash away and rust on original blade. This is the second of this model I have owned. The first being confiscated at airport, being forgotten in my pen case. The first thing I do after return is to buy another of this model. It is how good it is.

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Parts

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Back of parts
« Last Edit: December 09, 2024, 05:03:32 AM by kaevin »


Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #157 on: December 09, 2024, 02:43:29 AM
Continue

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Flipped mounting

The body has a substantial weight and quality feeling in it, and is very pleasant to hold due to it's thickness and small curve. When cutting thick materials with index finger pressing against the top, the added thickness at the top takes the pressure away. The bottom features some tiny dots which adds grip to the otherwise smooth body. The blade can be flip mounted for left hand user as well.

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Bottom grip area

This model is often recommended for someone looking for a "quality cutter" as it is not expensive and when people prefer metal bodies to plastic. It is easy to find in local store as well. Due to it's popularity, NT cutter later released a lot of "premium" versions of it in different color way or paired with other blades, like the all black premium "PMGA-EVO2" https://www.ntcutter.co.jp/en/products/detail/388 or the red-black premium "PMGA-EVO1"https://www.ntcutter.co.jp/en/products/detail/367". Based on the A-300GP they also released a elongated version with quick return SA-400GRP https://www.ntcutter.co.jp/en/products/detail/255 (I have yet to find it in a local store).
« Last Edit: December 09, 2024, 02:49:38 AM by kaevin »


us Offline cody6268

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #158 on: December 09, 2024, 03:12:23 AM
Day 7:

Removed the hanger from a felling wedge. Honestly, I prefer the better ones that don't have these hangers, buut you don't see them brick and mortar that often.


The Klein locks in this position as well as fully open. I suspect that this is designed for skinning cable, but it gives a lot more leverage. The plastic on these Husqvarna wedges is harder than the Stihl ones I normally use.

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us Offline JonesE

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #159 on: December 09, 2024, 03:38:37 AM
Day 8



The fastback and I did some chores around town today. In the afternoon we did some yard work and then worked in the garage for a bit. This afternoon I found a few utility knives hidden in a couple of tool boxes, so this coming week I will rotate them into the daily carry. I figured you all are getting tired of my fastback. Anyway, today’s pic is my trusty fastback with another fastback I have.

JonesE


au Offline ReamerPunch

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #160 on: December 09, 2024, 08:11:42 AM
Day 9

Engineer pliers in Orange! :mail:
And a freebie Hello Kitty ziplock bag. :think:

The Fiskars mini utility knife... well, it sucks. Very heavy, very long, too thick. The blade holder has play in both opened and closed positions.
If you want a small folding utility blade, get the Gerber EAB or something similar.


Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #161 on: December 09, 2024, 11:16:44 AM
Day 9

Engineer pliers in Orange! :mail:
And a freebie Hello Kitty ziplock bag. :think:

The Fiskars mini utility knife... well, it sucks. Very heavy, very long, too thick. The blade holder has play in both opened and closed positions.
If you want a small folding utility blade, get the Gerber EAB or something similar.

I like those engineer pliers, first time to see an orange one and it comes with a matching cover!  :like:


us Offline Alan K.

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #162 on: December 09, 2024, 01:29:15 PM
Disappointed to hear about the Fiskars Mini Utility Knife because I like the looks of it.  I guess you really have to be mindful of the intended end user of something like that before you buy it.  The Fiskars Mini is obviously meant for crafters and not anyone who is going to beat the hell out of it cutting up boxes, cutting shipping wrap off pallets or stripping cable all day. :whistle:


us Offline AzteCypher

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #163 on: December 09, 2024, 01:32:04 PM
Dozed off before I could do my posting yesterday.

Day 8

Just a few tasks to get done around the house, such as opening up a new package of paper plates.




Opening up a present for the wife.




Used the EAB as a thin flat edge to get the burned out bulbs out of this candy cane strand.  Still have two more strands to do today.

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



us Offline JonesE

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #164 on: December 09, 2024, 07:37:44 PM
Day 9



Got a Stanley utility knife with me today. The model is a 10-779 Dynagrip. I picked this one up sometime in the mid 90s. This one is a made in the U.S.A. model. I did a Quick Look and surprisingly it is still in production, but like all things Stanley Black and Decker, now made in China.

When I found it yesterday while cleaning the garage, I must have put it way in a hurry. It was pretty filthy. So last night I disassembled it and gave it a through cleaning and got rid of the years of accumulated guck. I found the blade was still a Stanley blade, so I swapped it around putting the fresh edge forward. Not surprisingly, I didn’t have any spare blades in the handle.

In looking over the Stanley, I was happy to enjoy how ergonomic it is since it has been a very long time since this one has seen the light of day. The yellow paint makes it very easy to find and the rubber inserts give it a sure grip with wet or oily hands. This one is not the smoothest with retracting and extending the blade. I noticed that the interior of the knife is painted the same yellow as the exterior. The more I use it use it the it is becoming easier to deploy the blade. It is starting to wear down the paint in the blade channel. I am amazed at how thick the paint is on this knife.

I know some of you have been posting your Stanley utility knives and I have enjoyed seeing them. If you have an old Stanley, please post it. I would like to see it.


us Offline Fireman

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #165 on: December 09, 2024, 08:50:41 PM
DAY 9  Another old Stanley that lives in my truck.

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us Offline Alan K.

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #166 on: December 09, 2024, 09:17:22 PM
Day 09
The green beast again. USA made 10-079 used it today to slash open another package. :cheers:


us Offline JonesE

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #167 on: December 09, 2024, 09:58:44 PM
@Fireman Great to see your classic model 99. I remember my Dad and Gandpa having them.

@Alan K. Really like seeing your 10-079. I remember these being available around the time I picked up my 10-779. That neon green is really eye catching.

JonesE


us Offline LoopCutter

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #168 on: December 10, 2024, 01:52:53 AM
Day 9

No knife action today.

My 3 were handy and within reach.

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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 BPRoberts

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #169 on: December 10, 2024, 02:27:38 AM
Day 9

Replaced a cover plate. Not super thrilled with the driver. It's hard to deploy, doesn't lock in position well, and it's off the centerline, which makes it awkward to use. It does detent at 90 degrees, which is probably the better position for it.


us Offline Farmer X

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #170 on: December 10, 2024, 02:35:33 AM
I'm not gonna ramble today, both because it's late here and the photo will be of some interest...

Day 9

Since comis appears to be on hiatus, I asked AzteCypher to help with badge design. Here's my basic idea. Apologies for my complete lack of artistic skill.

  [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]  

Utility knife record: 7-0.
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 #171 on: December 10, 2024, 03:01:48 AM
Day 10
NT Cutter A-500RP

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Front

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Back
A-size plastic handle cutter with 5 blade cartridge. This is the middle grade 5-blade cartridge A size cutter. The entry only plastic model being A-551/A-552, middle A-500RP and top metal being A-1000RP. The mechanism is brought from the larger L-size model L-700RP and L-2000P (6 blades). This model seems to be discontinued and disappeared from NT-cutter's catalogue completely, which is understandable as the price difference between it and the metal bodied A-1000RP is not much. If someone only want to "save some money" while wanting to try if a cartridge model is desired, s/he will go for the A-551 instead.

The A-500RP comes in two colorway, bright red/red or black/red. The one I have is in black and red. The handle is made from plastic, which actually is not a bad thing. It has a curvy top for added comfort, and some "cuts" at the top and bottom for adding grip. The plastic itself is high quality with matted satin finish, giving a pleasant feel to hold. And plastic give it a warm touch instead of cold metal touch to it. It has some weight to it despite having plastic handle. It feels secure to hold.

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Top

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Bottom
« Last Edit: December 10, 2024, 04:55:04 AM by kaevin »


Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #172 on: December 10, 2024, 03:02:17 AM
Continue 1

The core body part is stainless steel and attached to the plastic with a screw and nut. At the tip of the core part, the stainless steel sheet is slightly bended inward again in the middle to help stabilizing the blade, it has virtually no sideway play when used with regular 0.38mm blade.

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Tip

The end part of cartridge and end cap lock are plastic. The end cap does not have a snapper built in, but it comes with a separated big red triangle snapper piece. The cartridge itself is made from a piece of stainless steel with a little spring hook, wrapped around the end cap part. They are not separable.

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Front of parts

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Back of parts
« Last Edit: December 10, 2024, 03:08:47 AM by kaevin »


Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #173 on: December 10, 2024, 03:02:56 AM
Continue 2

The mechanism works in this way. The spring in the cartridge keeps unused blade in place. When the slider is pushed all the way to the front, the spring in the front part pushes the metal in slider slightly upward to dis-engage the slider from the blade.
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And after the user pulls out the used blade...
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... and push the slider all the way back, the spring in the middle of the main body lifts the blade up beyond the retaining spring of the cartridge to make the blade engage to the slider.
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To remove the cartridge the lock needs to be pressed at the back towards the front and the cartridge can be pulled out and reload all the blades needed.
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« Last Edit: December 10, 2024, 04:20:23 AM by kaevin »


us Offline cody6268

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #174 on: December 10, 2024, 03:16:02 AM
Day 8:

Went to Advance Auto to buy some washer fluid, and came across an interesting contender, the Coast DX125.

First thoughts are that it's SUPER lightweight--probably the lightest one I've had.   Rattles some, but that was fixed by swapping the thin cheap included blade for a Craftsman USA blade.   I also like the nylon handle compared to metal. But, the plastic push-button release for blade change feels flimsy.

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Personally though, my favorite small utility knives are the Stanley 10-049 and the Gerber EAB. They're both small, light, and just plain work. And not crappy in the least.


Bought an Airfix Quick Build Lambo Huracan kit at Lowe's today. They had this one and the Raptor, and I've already got the former. These go together kind of like LEGO. I prefer these, as most model kit companies in the US either keep using old tooling, or acquire old tooling. The kit molds that companies like AMT use often is from the '50s and '60s, and is worn-out.  Plus, the plastics they use are cheap. Thus, the pieces don't fit together well without a lot of cutting and sanding, and they often end up warped, requiring a lot of tape, clamps, and rubber bands to ensure they stay in position while gluing--even supposedly "Snap Fit" kits require glue.  These kits go together rather well, and look good. The stickers used don't stick well, however.  I'm planning on replacing the intake trim with paint, as well as painting the brakes.

Used the Coast to clean up the mirrors, wheels, and tires--all of which came on sprues and still needed a little work after my flush cutters.

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Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #175 on: December 10, 2024, 03:17:57 AM
Continue 3

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Spring pieces in the body


I always wanted to have the NT cartridge metal (A-1000RP). But I could only find this plastic middle model. So I bought it first and got the A-1000RP many years later (I think more than 10 years). Due to the cartridge, the A-500RP is thick, but it is very ergonomic because of the thickness and curved plastic body. Together with the fun/cool factor of cartridge and the stability of the blade thanks to the tip design, it is always a joy to cut something with it especially for precision work. It only has two/three drawbacks. First, due to the mechanism, one would like to keep it clean from dirt. Second, the satin finish is easy to damage/scratched. And lastly it cannot flip mount the blade due to the reload mechanism (only if you are left handed user). But I like to keep this always in my bag, knowing I always have a trusted, well designed cutter with extra blades with me. I highly recommend this A-500RP and A-300GR if anyone is looking for quality light duty snap blade cutter.

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« Last Edit: December 10, 2024, 04:45:30 AM by kaevin »


us Offline AzteCypher

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #176 on: December 10, 2024, 05:18:37 AM
Day 9

Used the EAB to cut open a package of carabiners for something I picked up from the Surprise GAW Box.

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 #177 on: December 10, 2024, 06:57:04 AM
Day 10

My Olfa autolock snap-off. I keep it in my Maxpedition Micro.


Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #178 on: December 10, 2024, 07:12:40 AM
Day 10

My Olfa autolock snap-off. I keep it in my Maxpedition Micro.
Nice tool pouch and SVR-1 there  :like:


Offline kaevin

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Re: The December 2024 Utility Knife Challenge
Reply #179 on: December 10, 2024, 07:17:01 AM
I'm not gonna ramble today, both because it's late here and the photo will be of some interest...

Day 9

Since comis appears to be on hiatus, I asked AzteCypher to help with badge design. Here's my basic idea. Apologies for my complete lack of artistic skill.

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

Utility knife record: 7-0.

Somehow it reminds me of the NHK mascot Domo-kun https://domokun.fandom.com/wiki/Domo


 

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