To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Ryan

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 26, 2006
Messages
5,690
Location
Texas/Hawaii
My search for the ultimate EDC box cutter continues… My current carry is overpriced and overbuilt, but perfect for my use case. It’s the CHUB flipper. I got mine for $150, but looks like they are going for over $200 now. The quality of the machine work justifies that, but I’m not sure any box cutter is worth $200.



There is, however, a new entry to the market since the last time we discussed these things. It’s called the Keen Box Cutter and it’s currently on Kickstarter. They are made really, really well and have a nice heft to them. The deal breakers for me? No pocket clip and I prefer some kind of a locking mechanism.



Anyway, you can learn more about here.



Editor’s Note: This is not sponsored in anyway. I don’t know these people… But I do know a guy that got one to...

Continue reading...


 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
OP
R

Ryan

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 26, 2006
Messages
5,690
Location
Texas/Hawaii
Milwaukee Fastback 48-22-1505

Has belt clip, storage for a backup blade, bottle opener, includes screw driver with both Phillips and flat, locks. Not sure what more you would want.

Can get one for 14.99
Northern Tool, Milwaukee Fastback 14.99


It's too big for my tastes... and clunky in your pocket. The CHUB is sort of the middle ground between this Keen and the Milwaukee and other big box store brands like it...
 

WWheeler

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 23, 2015
Messages
4,105
Location
Middleofnowhere USA
Milwaukee Fastback 48-22-1505

Has belt clip, storage for a backup blade, bottle opener, includes screw driver with both Phillips and flat, locks. Not sure what more you would want.

Can get one for 14.99
Northern Tool, Milwaukee Fastback 14.99


It's too big for my tastes... and clunky in your pocket. The CHUB is sort of the middle ground between this Keen and the Milwaukee and other big box store brands like it...

A Gerber EAB Lite is always in my pocket, folds up to be just larger than the utility blade in it, the screw for changing the blade is designed to use a penny or a dime (or if all you have is a screwdriver), has a moneyclip style clip that keeps it right at the top of my front pocket at all times, and costs under $15.
My EDC is a Gerber EAB Lite. I'm never without one of these ...

Gerber EAB Lite (EDC).jpg
 
OP
R

Ryan

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 26, 2006
Messages
5,690
Location
Texas/Hawaii
A Gerber EAB Lite is always in my pocket, folds up to be just larger than the utility blade in it, the screw for changing the blade is designed to use a penny or a dime (or if all you have is a screwdriver), has a moneyclip style clip that keeps it right at the top of my front pocket at all times, and costs under $15.

Agreed. These aren't bad...Although single handed opening isn't great. We went over them on our last thread on the topic... I probably should have attached this feature to the old thread.
 
Last edited:

gahrajmahal

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 12, 2008
Messages
2,518
Location
Cincinnati, Ohio
Not sure if it approved or not, but earlier in the year I made a thread with a link to Pro Tool Reviews on the subject of utility knives. They go over about 20 or so and review different kinds of blades too.
 

jfish

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 26, 2012
Messages
342
Location
Tacoma WA
I have fallen in love with these little guys. Many in my work group carry them despite the fact that we are provided free Milwaukee fastbacks.

WORKPRO Folding Utility Knife, Quick Change Blades Box Cutter, 3-Pack EDC Foldable Pocket Utility Knife Sets with Belt Clip https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08X6X8132/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I believe in your previous search you mentioned the Exceed clones or parts being available for much cheaper than list. Or some such claim?

I was never able to find anything under 75-80$
 

JradM

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 4, 2019
Messages
1,811
Location
Alberta
This is $10 - free shipping too.

81gODpdj0LL.jpg

Not judging someone who wants the $100 version, but it looks extremely similar to me.

I've had the Screwpop utility knife on my keychain for a few years now. I think it's great. Lift the retention bar and slide the blade forward with your thumb, then there's a magnet that makes the blade retract automatically when you lift the retention bar. Not the least bit tricky to operate one-handed.

It's also slimmer and lighter than the Keen Box Cutter you linked to (0.8oz vs 2.2oz). There's even an integrated bottle opener, making it a multi-tool (and the opener isn't something "extra" hanging off the end - you don't notice it).
 

Mr. Roboto

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 11, 2012
Messages
2,159
Location
New Hampshire
While I’m sure the quality of the more expensive ones are far superior in every way, I went the ultra cheap route and have been EDC one of these for the last 2 years. It’s cheap enough that I don’t care if it gets beat up, or lose it. For the money, I think they’re fantastic. I keep one in each vehicle too. They’re small enough for me as well.

I used to carry an actual pocketknife, but carrying a box cutter is the way to good. Blades are cheap, you’ve got 2 sides, and you never need to sharpen a knife again. They’re always sharp.

 

American Locomotive

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 8, 2017
Messages
10,929
Location
Rhode Island
Any legal issues with carrying around a box cutter where the blade pops out the top like that? Does the law just consider them the same as a folding knife?
 

tjpavlov

Well-known member
Joined
May 18, 2012
Messages
1,276
Location
Providence, RI
My favorite box cutter is a low profile one that Craftsman used to sell. I wish I could figure out who the OEM was. Here’s one with insane pricing on eBay:


I think these were like $10-20.
 

Max

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Jun 16, 2018
Messages
3,313
Location
Georgia
Any legal issues with carrying around a box cutter where the blade pops out the top like that? Does the law just consider them the same as a folding knife?
Knife laws really vary a lot by state. For your state try these:

 

IndyGarage

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 29, 2010
Messages
9,669
Location
Indy
I've been carrying an EAB lite for a few years along with my trusty Leatherman Juice S2. I like the small utility blade better for opening packages and boxes

A few weeks ago I misplaced another EAB ( it will turn up someday) and when I went to order one from the big A in the sky I ran across this workpro one Mr. Roboto suggests.

It is maybe even a bit smaller than the EAB and costs half as much. I think it's actually more comfortable in your hand than the EAB. The opening and closing is better than the EAB. On top of that the blade changes are simple and the blades are held tight vs the EAB fumbling with a tiny screw that holds the blade.

EAB beats it in looks, but I usually go for function over form.

I couldn't ever do a $150 tool in my pocket, I can't hold onto them long enough to justify whatever aesthetic value they might have.
While I’m sure the quality of the more expensive ones are far superior in every way, I went the ultra cheap route and have been EDC one of these for the last 2 years. It’s cheap enough that I don’t care if it gets beat up, or lose it. For the money, I think they’re fantastic. I keep one in each vehicle too. They’re small enough for me as well.

I used to carry an actual pocketknife, but carrying a box cutter is the way to good. Blades are cheap, you’ve got 2 sides, and you never need to sharpen a knife again. They’re always sharp.

 

Bubba Fett

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 11, 2018
Messages
1,516
Location
Eastern NC
I tend to not spend much on box cutters, simply because I have a habit of losing them.

A while back, Big Lots had some Olympia utility knife/box cutters, similar to the classic Stanley style, but a bit smaller, with a better thumb grip. I bought a bunch of them.
 

reclaimer

Well-known member
Joined
May 24, 2023
Messages
56
Best compact one I found is the Rexford Knives RUT titanium with a bottle opener, pry bar and lanyard hole. Been using it for about 5 years now no issues. No belt clip.
1692964183291.png
 

jives

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 4, 2013
Messages
2,803
Location
Central NY
Utility knives and box cutters are way different animals, even if using the same replaceable blade. I just finished removing 100s of sq ft of glued-down carpeting over concrete by first regorously scoring the carpet with a utility knife. It was large and robust and ergonomically comfortable to do such an onerous task. A box cutter would have failed, or my hand would have.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

WWheeler

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 23, 2015
Messages
4,105
Location
Middleofnowhere USA
While I’m sure the quality of the more expensive ones are far superior in every way, I went the ultra cheap route and have been EDC one of these for the last 2 years. It’s cheap enough that I don’t care if it gets beat up, or lose it. For the money, I think they’re fantastic. I keep one in each vehicle too. They’re small enough for me as well.

I used to carry an actual pocketknife, but carrying a box cutter is the way to good. Blades are cheap, you’ve got 2 sides, and you never need to sharpen a knife again. They’re always sharp.


I've been carrying an EAB lite for a few years along with my trusty Leatherman Juice S2. I like the small utility blade better for opening packages and boxes

A few weeks ago I misplaced another EAB ( it will turn up someday) and when I went to order one from the big A in the sky I ran across this workpro one Mr. Roboto suggests.

It is maybe even a bit smaller than the EAB and costs half as much. I think it's actually more comfortable in your hand than the EAB. The opening and closing is better than the EAB. On top of that the blade changes are simple and the blades are held tight vs the EAB fumbling with a tiny screw that holds the blade.

EAB beats it in looks, but I usually go for function over form.

I couldn't ever do a $150 tool in my pocket, I can't hold onto them long enough to justify whatever aesthetic value they might have.

These posts got me to bite. I'm in for a 3-pack for $18, so just $6 ea. made it all-but impossible for me not to.
The tool-less blade change is a nice plus from my Gerber EAB Lite, but that button for the "One-handed Flip Design" is mostly what got me though. I've got an order coming so I'll post back when I've had a chance to check them out.
 

GaryM909

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 11, 2016
Messages
1,515
Location
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
I was thinking of getting one of those Chub flippers for my BIL for xmas because he rides public transit but they are sold out. I guess he has stick with his olfa. Plus if I ordered one now I might be tempted on using it myself for the 10 boxes I open per year.
 

dutchgray

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 28, 2014
Messages
6,461
Location
Dorset. England.
You carry one of these in your pocket every day?

IMG_2093.jpeg


IMG_2094.jpeg
Sometimes two, a straight and a hooked blade.
But then I work in construction, so they cut a lot more things than just boxes.
Normally have a tape measure and a pencil and marker on me also as a minimum.
Sometimes mini pry bars, screwdrivers, pliers in pockets, framing Square in a back pocket, hammers hung from hammer loops, cordless drills hung off pockets, I have never been someone who liked wearing tool bags from a belt, avoid that If I can.

Of course only at work. Stanley 99E would be illegal to EDC in public spaces here in the UK, just because the blade locks, without a valid reason for having it, so perfectly fine at work but on the street not so much.
 

Bessy

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 18, 2012
Messages
992
Location
Ontario, Canada
I picked up this Norske flipper from Home Hardware for about $12 back last spring and it's been a great knife. The cool feature is that it packs both a regular razor and a hook knife in a single package (with a small switch to choose between the blades) flips open with the flick of a wrist and locks in place nice and securely. Will replace other inferior knives accordingly as I lose them.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20230825_223553.jpg
    IMG_20230825_223553.jpg
    426.7 KB · Views: 213

smokey0810

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 29, 2013
Messages
3,055
Location
Canyon, Texas
Gotta ask how many boxes per day you’re opening to spend $150 on a box cutter….lol….
I enjoy my husky flip open locking utility knife at the house. At work, I’m on the delivery end of boxes, but if I need to open for a customer, a key works great….or sometimes they are taped so badly that they open themselves….
 

seber

Well-known member
Joined
May 31, 2016
Messages
4,189
Location
Deep East Tx.
Gotta ask how many boxes per day you’re opening to spend $150 on a box cutter….lol….
I enjoy my husky flip open locking utility knife at the house. At work, I’m on the delivery end of boxes, but if I need to open for a customer, a key works great….or sometimes they are taped so badly that they open themselves….
Keys being made of brass, you will find that opening packages with them will wear them down so they don't open locks. Not me but a coworker locked himself out of his house that way.
 

smokey0810

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 29, 2013
Messages
3,055
Location
Canyon, Texas
This isn’t an everyday occurrence and it’s normally the key to our bulkhead door on our trucks, which are now electronically opened….key is just a backup and most drivers have one on their personal key rings….
 

mogandave

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 4, 2021
Messages
3,052
Location
Bangkok
I like these Stanley cutters for about $1.28, cheaper brands can be had for less than half the price.

The nice thing about them is that they will extend out from 1/2-6" when you need to cut rope or whatnot, and you just break a bit off when you want a new tip.

Stanley Knife.jpg
 

may0naise

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 2, 2018
Messages
217
Location
Arizona
the tirant razor flipper looks very similar to the CHUB at half the price ($85). https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QVWTRWL/?tag=atomicindus08-20

ti balisong.jpg

You can also get similar titanium handle flippers from aliexpress for even less money like this https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804461971046.html

I have this titanium handle balisong utility knife that I really like as it is super light, fun to play with, and it was like $40-$50 off of aliexpress. Though I cannot find it anymore except through heavily marked up resellers. I bought it on a whim as it is imo one of the stupidest ways to carry a utility knife. Turns out it is smaller and more light weight than most other ones and has won a place in my pocket.

IMG_20230827_210606412.jpg
 
Last edited:

nh_yota

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 10, 2015
Messages
4,068
Location
Seacoast New Hampshire
Box cutters/utility knives are like tape measures to me - I don't use them every day but I like to keep them handy so I don't need to go far to find one when I need it. Between my house and my truck I have at least six Stanley 99's stored in various places. There's one on the desk right next to me now while I'm typing this.
 

Ran when parked

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 3, 2013
Messages
161
Location
Almost western Md.
The Chub looks kinda cool, but the price is overwhelming to me for something that I will probably loose. My EDC has been the Gerber EAB for many years. I never liked that the blade could open while it's in your pocket. Because of this post I ordered the WorkPro unit mentioned above. It just arrived. Nice looking piece. About 1/4" longer that the EAB. Smooth one handed opening and closing. The EAB opens with one hand after it gets broken in but the WorkPro opens easily right out of the box. Time will tell how reliable it is. But $18 + tax for 3 it made sense for me.
 

Hohn

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 25, 2016
Messages
2,622
Location
Diesel Central, Indiana
Keys being made of brass, you will find that opening packages with them will wear them down so they don't open locks. Not me but a coworker locked himself out of his house that way.
Yes. Cardboard has a lot of silica in it and this is murder on blade edges. This is why disposable and especially snap-off blades exist to begin with.
 

M635_Guy

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 5, 2019
Messages
4,333
Location
NC
I have several of the utility knives (on the left) in various spots all over the house, boxes and garage. I have a couple of the duck hook knives too.
7NKFqg.jpg

Cutting and lighting are subtly critical items for my productivity.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom