I have been convinced of the benefits OLFA Snap Blade utility knives bring to the table.
As a reminder, we’ve been participating in a paid OLFA sponsorship arrangement, for which I integrated their Snap-Blade knives into some projects and everyday testing. (More on that soon.)
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On my workbench, there’s a do-everything utility knife that I use for a lot of things until the blade absolutely needs to be replaced. I use it on twine, opening up packages, breaking down boxes, plastic binding straps, zip ties, and all sorts of other things. When the time comes, I’ll change the blade.
I wanted to make a cut in 1″ foam insulation, to cut out a notch, and decided to try it on a test piece first. The blade was dull and should have been replaced, as it tore at the cardboard. I went to flip the blade, and saw that the other side was in even worse condition. As my luck would have it, that was the last blade in the handle, and my replacement blades were in the house.
I retrieved the OLFA knife, broke off the mostly-dull leading blade segment, and made a cut with the fresh edge.
Having multiple fresh and sharp blades immediately available makes it more likely I’ll actually change a blade. As easy it is to change blades on utility knives, I tend to put it off, especially when the handle is empty and I need to seek out a couple of replacement blades.
For softer materials, such as foam, a sharp blade is needed to make a clean cut. You might not always want or need a clean cut, but when you do, a fresh blade can make things go quicker, easier, and with better results. It’s even more important when making a cut in several passes for the times when you cannot “score and snap.”
Rubber Sheets
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I don’t like cutting rubber sheeting, period. Scissors kind of get things done, and with a utility knife, you need a sharp blade and a lot of pressure.
This is another area where I have come to appreciate OLFA’s blade sharpness, and the knowledge of having multiple sharp blades at the ready.
Since I have several utility knives of different styles, I don’t always remember whether I have replacement blades loaded in the handle, or even if the front edge is the first or second edge of the loaded blade.
With OLFA’s Snap Blade knives, and all knives of this kind really, you can see what you have. If I know I’ll need more than what I can see, I can bring a pack of replacement blades with me. That’s easier to do with these knives too, as OLFA replacement blade packs take up far less space.
Shown here is a factory (or warehouse) edge. I don’t know what they use to make these cuts, other than it leaves ripples in the edge of the rubber material.
Here you can see the factory edge on top, and an OLFA-cut edge on the bottom.
Rubber sheet materials, especially this one (textured on the front and with adhesive and a paper liner at the back), are tough to cut, as you need to slice through the entire thickness at once. There’s a lot of resistance, and so you need a sharp blade. Sometimes I make such cuts in multiple passes, other times I muscle through and cut things all at once.
With an OLFA blade, I can make that cut in a single pass. With a standard two-sided utility knife blade, it can be hard, even with a fresh and sharp blade, due to the thickness.
If I’m making grommets with a punch, it’s not quite important what the edge quality looks like, when I cut a strip of rubber from a larger sheet. But if I’m cutting the rubber to create a seal, cushion, or to fit a recess, the edge needs to be as precisely cut as possible.
Although still not easy, I have found that the OLFA knives made available to me do make such tasks easier.
And if it could cut this tough stuff, it’ll be a breeze to cut through construction materials such as vinyl.
Here’s another rubber sheet – a thicker one – that I was able to cut in one pass, thanks to the sharpness and shape of the OLFA knife blades. But that was 12″ stock. For cutting larger pieces of rubber or vinyl materials, I’d score and then cut the material in 2 or more passes. It’s a lot easier, saving on effort and reducing the chance of straying off a straightedge.
For underlayment and other thinner sheet materials, one pass should get thing done. As with the foam insulation example above, you want a sharp blade that cuts cleanly, rather than a dull blade that can tear and displace material as it cuts. The OLFA’s Snap Blade design makes that easier.
UHMW Plastic Strip
One of the tougher applications that I have enjoye using OLFA knives for is to cut through UHMW (ultra high molecular weight) adhesive-backed plastic strips. I used these as low-friction liners for my industrial bin shelving rack, and have found a few other uses for it.
I didn’t have large-enough flush-cutting pliers or close-enough-cutting scissors, and the blade on my utility knife was a little dull, with the tip gliding over the plastic tape a little. It was workable, but the first few test cuts required a little extra time.
So out came an OLFA knife, and it made quick work of things. I was also able to extend the blade to trim edge protrusions flush against aluminum channel.
When any knife blade starts to dull, it’s harder to cut this stuff in a single pass. Sometimes it will glide, if the tip is dull. Other times it might tear the backing liner a little, rather than cleanly cutting it.
Sandpaper
I don’t cut sandpaper all that often, usually preferring to fold and tear it. Strangely, I found myself more willing to use the OLFA knife for that. Even with a blade that was nearing the end of its usefulness, the paper backing didn’t tear or grab, it cut smoothly.
This experience reminds me that I change utility knife blades way too infrequently. Some materials definitely require frequent blade changes, but for the “little bit of this, little bit of that” types of cutting applications I usually do, I can be slow to recognize that a fresh blade is needed. It’s also frustrating when the tip of a standard blade is damaged or dull while the rest of a side is still good.
I also tend to get longer-lasting blades, which do last longer for tougher applications. But anything that requires more intricate or precise cutting? Fresh blade compared to fresh blade, I now find myself now preferring the OLFA.
Plastic Fencing
I had to cut through a lot of deer fencing and plastic wire fencing last summer and fall. The deer fencing was a cinch, and I liked that I could extend the blade for longer and faster cuts through doubled-over material.
I was hesitant to use the OLFA on thicker and harder-to-cut plastic wire fencing material, but it got through it. I’ll figure out an easier way for next year, but I was happy that the OLFA knife was able to get things done.
The OLFA knife is a lot lighter than the metal-bodied utility knives I am familiar with. But, it’s rock-solid, surviving drops and handling tougher cuts with the same ease.
This experience has really opened my eyes. Give the LA-X a try, and you might see why a growing number of pros are switching over.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
For those of you that already swear by OLFA Snap-Blade knives, what do you use them on?
John
So how does a $9.97 knife on Amazon become a 2-pack at $59.90, a 3-pack at $79.90, a 4-pack at $99.90. Someone should be embarrassed, ashamed, hung, beaten, I don’t know what, but that’s absurd. They have to be called out for bullshit.
Stuart
The 1-pack is sold by Amazon directly, the 2-pack, 3-pack, 4-pack, and 5-pack listings are all by a 3rd party seller.
John
Very aware of that, but it has to be called out and stopped. If people are going to be so complacent, nothing improves. Amazon should just remove them altogether.
The yeti
Amazon is terrible. I still use them but always look elsewhere first. Too many junk products. Its just become a glorified Alibaba
E
I work for a top 150 seller in terms of $$ and volume. I can tell you making money on Amazon, contrary to popular belief is not easy. It’s a science. Very few companies do it right.(IMO) Amzon charges for so many things it’s unreal. Samsung being one of the better ones.. Look at the difference in landing pages (https://www.amazon.com/kobalt vs http://www.amazon.com/Dewalt. (Samsung is way better than both. ) Enhanced listing and landing pages make a world of a difference. I am actually surprised the Dealt does not have a dedicated Amazon team, if they do they are doing it wrong.
Feel free to use your filters and sort for PRIME only. This will eliminate all FBM items and you will only see FBA items. If you change the quantity under a prime listing it is not uncommon for other sellers to piggy back on. threatening violence seems a bit excessive.
Redcastle
Amazon it is said make more money from providing access to third party vendors than in direct sales, I cannot find the article but it was written around the same time Jeff Bezos bought the Washington Post and the torrent of money coming to Amazon meant he could afford to indulge his interests.
The silly prices charged by third party vendors are one thing e.g. GBP 900 for a set of PB Swiss hex keys (there are reasons for this which probably should not be discussed in this forum), however the real danger is that as happened with eBay and others it becomes a channel for counterfeit and recycled without the owners consent goods.
Amazon will not kill the golden goose so long as it is laying eggs.
fred
One does wonder how much effort Amazon puts into policing what’s displayed on their pages – things like:
Phony and comingled reviews – at least you can filter out reviewers that are not certified as having actually purchased he product – but you still get batches of shill reviews all on the same day or within a day of each other.
Just launched third-party “vendors” with absurdly cheap or expensive prices.
Counterfeit or look-alike goods popping up when you search for the real thing.
Then there is the new delivery channel – apparently independent contractors (rent van and will deliver) that is popping up more and more. I guess this cuts costs compared to US Mail, FedEx or UPS – but I’ve had some issues with missed delivery dates and/or delivery a day or two after it was said to have been “handed directly to the customer”. I’m thinking that these independents are under pressure to deliver more and quicker than may actually be possible – so maybe they fudge a bit to avoid penalties.
fred
In Vaudeville the Top Banana would ask the Second Banana : Do you have 2 tens for a five? After getting them in hand and hearing a complaint from the hornswoggled partner – he’d say – OK here’s your five back give me back my two tens.
The Baker
How do these compare with the Dewalt knives and blades you can get at Home Depot? Are these sharper? I like those for cutting thick foam insulation as you can extend the blade far enough to cut through even 2 1/2” foam easily.
Stuart
There’s also an insulation blade and locking knife version you can use for those thicker cuts.
If you’re talking about Dewalt snap blade knives, I don’t recall ever trying them. Dewalt utility knife blades? That’s tough because I’ve been using the two in a complementary manner. These do cut easier in a lot of materials. In some others, a Dewalt knife and blade allow me to put more pressure, and it works out a little better.
Craig
I never did get my free knife from promo a few months ago but bought one at HD other day and love it so far. No issues at all.
As far as Amazon goes I have been seeing more junk from unrecognizable brands than I have in the past. Not sure if there’s actually more or if I’m just more annoyed at it now.
Stuart
Sorry about that – I thought the matter was resolved.
James R.
I entered BOTH giveaways, and received neither.
/shrug
Kenneth Stephens
Same
David C.
Same as well
Gray
Same
Eric White
Same. Also never received.
I’ve been using the smaller Olfa blades for about 7 years now for model train structure crafting and sing the praises to my family and even coworkers. I was looking forward to the promo so I could test.
ktash
Me too! It put me off olfa for a while, but I recently tried the small knife and like it. I also got the scraper and it’s great, though just one blade, we’ll see how long it lasts.
Redcastle
If it is a fixed blade scraper these are designed so they can be resharpened.
ktash
Thanks for the tip. I’ll try it when it needs it. Pretty nifty little thing.
BayLectrics
Dewalt metal bodied snap blade housing and black 9mm Olfa blades. I’ve said it before and I’ll probably have to say it again. It’s the last EDC knife you’ll ever need to carry.
TonyT
I’ve been happy with my Daiso metal bodied snap off knives with auto lock and blade snapper ($1.50 each), but I should try the Olfa blades in them….
Redcastle
I do not know if it is available in the USA but OLFA do make an all metal knife which is very nice and compact, I also use Irwin handles and OLFA blades which is probably similar to the DeWalt handle.
DRT
Totally agree. You’re talking my favorite setup.
Jim Felt
We use the model Stuart shows and really use them more then any of our normal ultility knives. But we’re not carrying them with other tools in belt pouches or in tool boxes. Plus there is an OLFA all metal (SS?) version that I’d like to try someday.
Oh. And I entered two OLFA giveaways and, shockingly, received zip.
Peter
I’ve been using Olaf knifes for years. I wouldn’t use anything else anymore. They really are the best razor knifes available. Home Depot has a metal one, best I’ve found, I liked it so much that I have one in my tool bag, one in my truck, one in the shop, and I even got one for home. Once you get use to it, you’ll never go back to regular razor knifes.
Redcastle
I have not yet laid my hands on their new hyper pro knives or speed blades (should be the end of this month) and i do not know if they are available in the USA. The speed blades if they live up to the marketing should be even better for rubber, etc than their existing blades given the fluorine coating.
garrick
I never did like the cost of double ended blades. Having a sharp point available quickly is important. Taking off trim that has been caulked or painted requires careful cutting if it is to be saved, or if the cut line will in any way show after the job is done. A single room could require dozens of fresh points. Snap offs are quick to change and cheap. I close my eyes when I make the snap… just in case.
Amazon is not going in the right direction. It is taking longer to scroll through all the silly offers. They could easily stop that.
ktash
Yep, I just encountered that today. The main reason I have ordered from Amazon is convenience, price checking, and checking reviews. Now it’s a mess. Much of the time they have the item you search for, but it can’t be found amid the clutter. Untrustworthy reviews with products mixed together. I used to always check their sales but again, have been put off by the time investment required to save a few bucks. If I can’t find something right off, they’ve lost my sale. I’ve started using bricks and mortar stores much more than previously. Unfortunately, the physical stores have stopped carrying items and will often advise you to look on Amazon.
Ebay used to be a place where you could get good deals, but they have gone downhill, too. Overpriced stuff that I’d rather buy from a retailer where returns are easier.
DRT
I’m really surprised at how many did not receive their freebie from Olfa. I thought I entered too late, but about a month later a nice knife showed up. Same model that Stuart shows in his pics. I guess it was my lucky day, because it is really a very nice knife.
On the other hand, still no free Lenox jigsaw blade … has ANYBODY gotten their free Lenox blade ?
ktash
Well, I just found a new use for the small knife. I use a label maker and the backings are very frustrating to peel off. I just tried inserting the blade behind the backing and it was very easy. I’ve tried this with my Milwaukee folding box cutter before and it never worked. Brilliant!
Redcastle
One of my early uses for an OLFA knife until Brother brought out the split back on their label tapes, which given my handwriting (appalling) is an important part of my toolkits.
With regard to the resharpenable blades this was brought to my attention by the UK distributor for OLFA who asked them why? given that they could make more money by not doing so and the response from OLFA was that would not be fair to their customers. One of the “soft” reasons I like the company. I have come across this before with Japanese companies having what would be considered old fashioned attitudes by some.
Diamond Dave
I have been using the Dewalt Metal Breakaway knife for years and I am happy with it. One is in my tool chest along side my other utility knives and the other is in my tool bag. Looking at the reviews on both Amazon and HD the OLFA has superb reviews including their blades. I will definitely order a set of their blades to try in my Dewalt knife. I do still find myself teaching for a utility knife 8/10 times as old habits are hard to break. If I need to cut something thick like foam or need the extra reach of the breakaway knife, it has become 2nd nature to me now.
LS
I’ve been looking at OLFA blades for my DeWalt knife, but I don’t want to buy a large pack of them unless I know they fit. Did you try them out and did they work out? I just have a simple 9 mm for bookbinding and conservation, but I’m sure no matter the size, it’s comparable.
John Patel
Based on this post, I decided to buy one with a 50 pack of refills, and the blade disposal box. I don’t need it now, but I know I will encounter a project where this knife is superior…..esp the plastic fencing which I use in the summer for protection from deer (garden)
mike tayse
Maybe it was already said in the comments, but a knife with a part that removes to snap off the blade is nice, that’s what I got. The olfa looks nice though.
stormer
Just to add some information for anyone curious out there.
The ribbing on the rubber edge from the factory cut is because they use something like https://toolguyd.com/bosch-cordless-shear-gus-10-8v/ to make the cut
Jake
I always load a new utility blade with the stamped text facing out so that I can keep track of when I’m on the first or second point of the blade and I know when I need to change it.