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.
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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.
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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).
Ryan
I have the regular length retractable version of the Canary. It cuts well but the blade retracts if you hold it wrong. Best part is you don’t accidentally cut yourself.
Al-another-Al
Challenge accepted. I don’t know why I’m so good at injuries with blunt objects. Natural talent, I suppose.
Dean
I’ve been using this Slice blade for years and love it
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KYWLVCQ/
Robert
Are the ceramic blades really that much safer? Kitchen knife ceramic blades are pretty darn sharp. And, yes I know a dull knife is less safe.
Dean
Very safe
EBT
There are some ceramic utility blades that slice wicked sharp. They are also easily damaged.
Ceramic blades like cutlery, should only be used in a slicing motion, never chop or force.
There are sharpeners for ceramics (I think Kyocera makes one). But normal blade sharpeners don’t work. (unless diamond)
MM
A ceramic blade is no safer than a steel blade of the same size. The main reason why those Slice tools are relatively safe is because they have tiny blades. The Canary cardboard cutters are safe because they aren’t sharp like a knife, they use tiny serrations to cut the cardboard instead.
I’ve bought ceramic utility knife blades before, from Slice and Nexland, and they are both crazy sharp like EBT describes.
BobH
I got one of the Slice ceramic blades for cutting plastic packaging. It works well for that.
I also have a few Canary blades that I use for cardboard.
I don’t see much need for the retractable Canary, the blade on the fixed version is very safe to use.
Samuel V.
I thought the Slice 0.04in blade length safety cutter ring from Home Depot was a good idea. In practice, it’s been trash. It doesn’t like to stay on my finger using either configuration, and the portion of the ring that contains the blade easily separates from the rest of the ring. I can recommend the green safety cutter shown in the post.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Slice-0-04-in-Blade-Length-Safety-Cutter-Ring-10583/314507297