You can buy the Canary mini safety package opener tool for less than $7 right now. I use a slightly different version of this one nearly every day.
Made in Japan, the Canary box openers are serrated non-sharp blades that make quick work of ripping into all of those online orders that many of us receive all the time.
I use mine on boxes – they cut through the tape at the seams – and also all most of the different paper and plastic bags and envelopes that retailers now use for smaller items.
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My daily-use Canary tool has a pink handle and coated stubby blade. I’m not sure if the non-stick blade coating was worth it.
I bought the non-stick Canary tool, shown in this collection of random tools (see also Exotic Tools and Brands – Show and Tell), because it was the least expensive at the time. Right now it costs around $1 more than the uncoated version.
Canary says that the product cannot be used to break down carboard boxes, but I use mine on thinner carboard on occasion. On carboard, it scores deeply rather than cuts, and so you’ll still want a standard utility knife for recycling day. This tool is most effective on taped seams.
The Canary is compact and there are different bright colors available. I keep mine by the door, and it’s very rare that I have to grab something different to open up a box or mailer.
Learn More: Canary Cardboard Box Openers are a Great Utility Knife Alternative
This looks to be the full range or colors and styles.
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The longer version is bundled with a cover if you go with the orange handle. I don’t see much benefit in the longer length, unless you’re also opening letter envelopes. Both sizes have rounded tips and lanyard loops.
They’re all under $10, it’s just a matter of picking a size, handle color, or whether you want the non-stick coating or not.
Apparently I also purchased the long non-stick-coated Canary tool from Amazon back in 2018. I’m not sure what happened to it. If it ever turns up, I’m still going to continue using the shorter blade version that has been at my front door for years.
At the time of this posting, the blue-handled short-blade uncoated tool is least expensive, at $6.40 each. The most expensive is the long-blade non-stick tool (sold on a different page, hence the separate link), at $8.40 each.
D3t
I bought 1 with the longer blade & cover. I agree, there’s no need for the extra length. Also, if the cover had a pocket clip it would be worth having, otherwise, it’s just unneeded.
fred
I like the longer length one for its being able to “saw up” cardboard and other semi-soft materials into shapes. The shorter one is more than enough for slicing through packing tape.
Aram
Yeah, I also use the long one to completely dismantle cardboard. Once you figure out the optimum technique (how much of a “slice” action for a given amount of downward pressure) for a given type of cardboard, it goes through faster than a razor.
The same company makes a retractable model that uses replaceable blades, which is my preferred version.
Dustin
As a heads up the longer ones all come with an orange cover, Not just the orange handled one
Stuart
Thanks! They don’t show it with the green or yellow handled versions, and so there was no indication things have changed.
Al-another-Al
Bought a stainless steel machined keychain fob a couple of years ago. Nobody bats an eye at security checkpoints. And, more importantly, I’ve not stabbed or cut myself with it. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXYSFRS2
Don’t know anything about the maker other than they say veteran and made in USA. I needed to replace a tiny knife that I carried with my keys. This seemed less threatening. And looked purty.
Stuart
Was my post responsible for that? https://toolguyd.com/milspin-rhino-edc-pry-bar-tool/ I do see your comment there. =)
Al-another-Al
Yes. As much as you may not like it, you _are_ an influencer. 🙂
BobH
We have two (the longer version) for a long while. They work great.
bob
I bought the orange one…twice, lost the first one. I also bought the retractable version. They are great for opening boxes, but I’ve found that prefer the “stick of chewing gum” type with a razor blade. I’ve found they cut through boxes far easier and the blade retracts with a simple push.
I really want to like the Canary, but the “stick of gum” is far more effective, practical and cheaper.
Daniel
I have two of the serrated stubby Canary cutters. They are fantastic at opening boxes. Better than my pocket knife or a box cutter. It takes less dexterity to cut through tape and seams to attract less adhesive over time. I only wish the stubby came with a cover too.
When I can get my wife to use one of my fancy tools, you know it’s good!
Scott K
This looks really handy and more effective that what I typically use. It reminds me of the MakeDo safe saw – https://www.make.do/products/makedo-safe-saw
I keep an Olfa retractable knife with package opener in a kitchen drawer. It isn’t perfect but I’ve never cut myself or damaged the contents of a package with it the blunt side. I try to reserve the blade for breaking down cardboard – https://olfa.com/products/18mm-l-5-fiberglass-utility-knife?variant=37677785776311
Blocky
As Fred suggested, I use the long version for cutting cardboard into shapes – it’s very effective for freehanding curves with a jigsaw motion.
My daughter and I make tiny cardboard homes for her guinea pigs every other week.
Last year, we carved our pumpkins with it.