I Just Learned Canary Makes a Retractable Package Opener

I just learned that Canary, which makes excellent package opening tools, also makes a retractable version that’s more compact and maybe even pocket-friendly.

Amazon has been rolling out new tool deals, and I was checking our anonymous affiliate purchase list to see if readers found any good promos I haven’t seen yet. Buried in the list, it showed a reader bought this retractable Canary packaging opening tool that I didn’t even know existed.

Like the fixed handle version, these are also made in Japan.

Also as with Canary’s fixed-handle box opening tools, this “mini” retractable version has a rounded tip with serrated cutting edges.

Canary tools can be used to cut light duty cardboard, and excel as package openers. I used mine to tear into a box and envelope mailer just before.

This one – which I don’t recall seeing before – has an overall length of 4.33″ when closed, and 5.51″ when open, and it weighs just 2 oz.

The design seems neat, and I’m liking the hi-visibility green color.

You have a couple of choices – Canary offers this mini cutter with stubby or extended blade lengths, and with or without a non-stick coating. There is also an auto-retractable model.

At the time of this posting, the version with the stubby blade length and non-stick coating is least expensive, at $9.99.

See Also: My Favorite Package Opener Tool Costs Less than $7

I’m happy with the ones I already have, but it’s good to know there’s also a retractable option.

While we’re already on the subject of box openers and package cutters…

The other day, in a comment to my post about the regular Canary cutter, a reader (thank you GC!) recommended the Slice ceramic micro blade safety cutter, which is just under $6.

I can see the appeal here too, although I wouldn’t trade my Canary for it.

Slice is a good brand with a huge variety of cutting and box opening tools – see their Amazon store here.

A few clicks later and I stumbled upon a Slice heavy duty cutter, shown here. Don’t worry, it’s also available in blue. Personally, I’d go with the hot pink, as it’d be easier to spot in a drawer, cabinet, or cluttered floor with boxes that are being opened or broken down for recycling.

Apparently Canary also makes corrugated cardboard scissors. I bought something similar by a different brand – Fred introduced me to the Allex, also at Amazon – and am not sure which handle style I like better. Let me know if you’d like to know more and I’ll pick up a pair of the Canary (I already have an Allex).