Do you have an unboxing knife? Maybe a go-to folding knife, utility knife, or junk drawer knife that comes out whenever it’s time to bust open your new tools, supplies, equipment, or boxed-up gear?
I’m not talking about the gaudy types of knives YouTubers tend to prefer for their unboxing needs. Only on YouTube or social media will someone “need” an 8-inch hunting blade to open an Amazon box or to cut through a single layer of plastic shrink wrapping.
Me? I tend to use a utility knife with Milwaukee’s carton-style blades (50 for $17 at Home Depot). These standard-style utility knife blades have a blunt-nose tip, which helps to limit the risk of product damage if you cut into a box too deeply.
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I have also used a Spyderco Tenacious ($53 at Amazon) folding knife for a couple of years. I ordered one 10 years back (and for a lot less money than it’s currently selling for), when I was first exploring Spyderco’s lineup.
I eventually determined the Tenacious to be a bit too large for me to comfortably carry, but it worked great for opening boxes and on packaging materials.
The reason I ask is because I have a couple of different package-opener, tape-breaker, and carboard-slicing tools, but I find myself reaching for basic multi-purpose knives and tools far more often.
Embarrassingly, I have also used scissors in a pinch.
Sometimes I unbox a package and then break down the cardboard right then and there, so why grab 2 tools when I can use just 1?
I keep wanting to like safety cutters, but every single one that I’ve tried tends to add extra steps to my process.
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Next up, I’ll be trying the Pacific Handy Cutter ($2 at Amazon). Breaking down boxes will still require a utility knife, but maybe this will be convenient to keep in the workshop or near the front door, saving me from having to retrieve a utility knife for quick unboxing tasks.
I would have purchased Milwaukee’s safety cutter, but it doesn’t seem to be in stock at my usual suppliers.
So – what’s your go-to tool or knife for unboxing purposes?
Leo B.
I like whatever knife is handy- around the house, it might be a Civivi Chronic, SAK Super Tinker, Leatherman Wave, or Benchmade 940. For actually cutting cardboard, I’ve had to break down a lot of boxes for work, and I’ve started to favor the larger Milwaukee Fastback with a serrated blade for that type of work. It lives with that blade on it and does a great job. Whatever’s handy is generally what gets used, though. Even, on occasion, scissors. Boxes with nicer things inside, though, usually get a knife and extra care.
Jared
I do the same. I don’t have a dedicated opener – usually I use the Mikov (swiss army style) hunter with horn scales that’s usually in my pocket.
Failing that my skeletool is usually handy – or I use a Fastback.
I’m not above scoring the tape with my keys or a screwdriver though.
Plain grainy
I pretty much open all of my boxes with an automobile key. Once it’s scored, just rip the end tape with my hands. Keys are always in my pocket, a key ring opening tool is what I need.
fred
What’s an automobile key??
Just kidding – but for my cars – the only time I would need to yank the “emergency key” out of the fob would be if the battery was dead in either the fob or the car.
Ron
Nothing beats A Stanley 99
Mike
Yeah well not everyone is as rich a you apparently are Fred. Some of us still have keys.
Lyle
Haha. My car “key” is my phone. Good luck opening a box with that.
Plain grainy
The remote start doesn’t work when check engine light comes on(my car anyway). I had a key fob disappear, no wonder I don’t accomplish much!
Steve M
That benchmade 940 is the shit. I have the 943 myself for an edc.
Leo B.
I actually mistyped up above; I have a 945 with the green aluminum scales. It’s a great compact knife, and I find the blade shape to be very functional. The blade shape looks wicked on the 943, though. I’m sure it stabs like crazy! It makes the knife look better, too.
Allen
I now prefer my new bench made osbourne with G-10 handle scales. Sharp enough to shave a frog out of the box, used constantly 2 weeks a few strokes on an old belt and hair flew off of my arm. Best un- boxing, wire stripping, letter opening EDC I’ve had in years.
Al
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FDBKRKB
It’s not the greatest. But, I’ve received too many paper cuts from cardboard flute. Also, stabbed or slashed random body parts with dull knives on plastic clamshells.
Slow and steady wins the race.
Doresoom
Worx makes one of those too. Fantastic for opening plastic clamshells.
Plain grainy
I looked it up. It’s Worx 4v Zipsnip. The reviewer had a video of it cutting up Amazon boxes. Looks pretty fast. It says charge lasts very long on the non- removable battery. Around $39, but it looks like it’s much faster then handheld tin or metal shears on cardboard. This isn’t a rotating blade like a circular saw. It actually works like a pair of scissors. Thanks for mentioning it.
Plain grainy
After further investigation, it appears to have a rotating circular blade. Plus a lower spring loaded bottom jaw blade. Now $39.98 on Amazon. Reviews state it cuts up cardboard boxes for recycling with ease. Watch for staples in the cardboard boxes when your cutting.
Al
The Worx Zipsnip has the same blade design as the Black & Decker attachment for the screwdriver. It’s mostly round, but has flat spots to grip the material.
Most of the time, I’m using it as a screwdriver for mounting computer equipment. I keep it in a canvas zipper bag with a set of 6-inch long bits and the charger.
I wish all electric screwdrivers had a micro USB interface and replaceable lithium rechargeable. Seems senseless to implement anything else that would frustrate the consumer.
A W
I use whatever I have in my pocket. Either a 2.97″ Benchmade North Fork when it’s not out for repairs, or a 4″ Cold Steel Hold Out (cheaper but rock solid locking mechanism and reliability).
Leo B.
Separately, I have the Milwaukee cutter you talked about above, and I like it okay. It’s nice for envelopes, so a card or something doesn’t get sliced (not that I would know anything about that), but I prefer other things for boxes. I got mine bundled with a 11-in-1 screwdriver for free a while ago.
Frank
Big Olfa knife with a snap off blade or a 30 year old Craftsman utility knife.
R. Barnes
A Benchmade 535 Bugout push buton knife, razor sharp.
Jerry
Got a Buck Guthook on clearance for $10 with sheath. Has a ring you put your finger through a blunt tip so it won’t damage what’s in the box and a wide enough cutting edge to slice cardboard. If I had to use just one knife for both opening and breaking g down boxes that would be it.
Usually though I will open boxes with the package opener on my Leatherman Wingman and use a utility knife for breaking down boxes. This works well because generally I open boxes then carry them to the shop where I break them down.
Joe H
I just use a mapp gas torch and burn the box or use a plasma cutter. Causes a real mess though after I stop by the firework stands to buy fireworks in the summer but I dont know how else to open boxes.
david brock
cover the box with aluminum hvac tape and then hit it with the plasma, makes quick work of boxes.
Jim
Back before covid, we never really thought about whether our mail was dirty, and boxes just got dropped on the catch-all counter between the entry and kitchen. We had random sharp objects in the drawer. Sometimes scissors, sometime some cheapo freebie knife from somewhere, sometimes the letter opener that may be our family’s oldest heirloom, if only we could remember where it came from. Failing those, there was usually a small knife in my pocket, or at least some keys. But after the pandemic started, we began leaving packages on a small workbench in the garage (a bench I still haven’t been able to reclaim). We’ve got random utility knives sitting on that workbench — a couple fastbacks, some bulky folding stanley thing, and a rusty old box cutter, you know the ones that take the scraper blades and the blade comes out like a push pop.
All that said, my actual favorite for opening mail has got to be the Olfa Steel Utility Knife. There’s nothing particularly innovative about it, it’s just a high quality version of the snap off blade utility knives. I’ve asked for them as stocking stuffers multiple times. I like the one with the less pointy utility blade, but there’s also one with snap-off pointier blades (more like an xacto blade) that would probably be good for more art/hobby purposes.
Oh, and my secret weapon for annoying clamshells is the aviation snips, as blasphemous as that may be.
HushHouse254
Kershaw Chive in the kitchen and a CRKT M16-03S in the garage. A Stanley utility knife for breaking down boxes to fit in the recycle bin. KAI 8″ shears are the absolute best value for scissors.
Stacey Jones
Sheffield 1282 Gadget Folding Lock Back Utility Knife, Compact Box Cutter with Lock Back Release and Quick-Change Mechanism, Heavy Duty Cardboard Cutter
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A0JZUWI/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_7B5AGVP1RNRM6XXYNQX2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This thing is so sharp and light. I love it.
Matt the Hoople
For opening I generally use whichever Benchmade I happen to be carrying in my pocket that day. I also use it for breaking down small amounts of cardboard. For packages where I’ll need to cut through a lot of tape I grab a utility knife to prevent gumming up my pocket knife blade.
My wife and kids use scissors and it scares the hellmout of me to watch them struggle every time. For $2 I just ordered that handy cutter for them to use. Gonna super glue a magnet to it and stick it to the side of the fridge since they can’t be bothered to dig a utility knife out of the kitchen junk drawer.
Eric S.
Depends. For easy access a Benchmade bailout or 722. I hate cleaning off the packing tape so usually it’s a Stanley.
Noah Hardwick
Working in a warehouse I open dozens of boxes a day and a Milwaukee Fastback utility knife is my preference. I tried one of those Milwaukee safety knives but found the results disappointing. I’ve never seen those carton blades before though. I might have to pick some up.
Richard Schneeman
Canary cardboard cutter hands down. It’s not a knife but a serrated Teflon saw. Cut your box faster than a fastback without cutting your skin. I love it so much I’ve been giving them to my friends and family for Christmas.
Dennis
100% agree, the Canary cardboard cutters are the best. Plus you can use them for projects with cardboard.
schill
The problem I have with the Canary cutter is that it’s too easy to cut cardboard with it. Rather than just cutting a straight line I’m always tempted to waste time cutting “sine waves” or other curves – basically having fun cutting cardboard.
For opening taped boxes though, I use utility or Olfa knives or the small blade on my Swiss Army knife.
Michael
Canary cutter every time. As fast as a blade, and much safer too. The hidden blade designs are probably as safe but look a bit wacky and are too single-purpose—a canary cutter will cut tape and can be used for light prying if necessary.
Etienne
Agree. I’m a klutz, and have the scars to prove it(!). You can still cut yourself with the serrations on the Canary, but heck of a lot less dangerous than a utility blade. For me, anyway. Even had work order a bunch.
MT_Noob
I also use the canary cardboard cutter. It can open boxes and break them down. I’ve had mine for several years and have only recently discovered that one side of it has worn down and doesn’t cut as quickly as it did when new. So I ordered the retractable version with replaceable blades. I think the retractable option will make it easier to carry in pocket and can eventually be replaced if needed. I’ve also given them away as stocking stuffers since they really are a handy tool to have.
Richard Schneeman
Thats great. I want one of those. I would love a fastback style too (if they made one).
HushHouse254
This is why this site is so great. Learn something new everyday. Just put the standard blade and the small retractable blade in my wish list.
HushHouse254
Christmas gift card. Done.
Marvin L. McConoughey
I have one, and it is by far the best box opener I’ve ever used. Kyocera makes a similar knife and I would like to hear if it is better than the
CanaryCANARY Corrugated Cardboard Cutter Dan Chan, Safety Box Cutter Knife [Non-Stick Fluorine Coating Blade], Made in JAPAN, Yellow (DC-190F-1).
Lyle
Cool recommendation. I ordered the Canary cutter and received it a few days ago. I got the yellow handle one with the coated blade. Looks like some people I know are going to get this as a gift.
Charlie
I know this is weird but I use single-edge razor blades. I get them in 100 packs and always use fresh ones. I’d rather have a precarious hold on a sharp blade than a nice grippy handle with a blade that never stays sharp. Also I keep a bunch laying around, like pencils, so I don’t have to hunt for one.
BD
Generally I reach for my trusty opinel carbon 7. My EDC 90% of the time.
MM
Many many years ago when I worked retail the shop I worked in had a variety of box cutters and utility knives for store use. One of those was my favorite, though I don’t recall the brand. It was similar to a standard utility knife but it had a yellow plastic guard near the tip. You could swing the guard away to use it like a standard utility knife, or with the guard in place you could cut around the top of a box to remove it like a lid without any risk of cutting into the contents.
Since then? Whatever happens to be closest at hand, I’m not picky. If it’s a delivery to my workshop I’ll probably use either a utility knife or either of two oddball knives that happen to always be around when I need them: one is a knife one of my old interns made from a worn-out industrial hacksaw blade, the other is a Gil Hibben throwing knife which happened to be buried in the bottom of a box of tooling that came with a metal planer I bought 15 years ago. If it’s to my office I’ll probably use a single-edge razor blade like Charlie mentioned as I’ve got those lying around all over the place. Either that or an Olfa snap-blade knife as I use those a lot too. Once again I’m not picky, I’ll just look for whatever is close by and sharp.
Rx9
The real youtube go to for unboxing seems to be electric chainsaws.
I like the Fiskars Amplify scissors, especially for cutting open blister packs.
MM
Blister packs and clamshells are a whole different beast. I agree with you about the Fiskars. I have a acouple pairs of their 8″ shop shears. The blades are “titanium coated”, so far it seems to work as I’ve used them heavily for years and they are still sharp. We used them in my old buisiness too for shipping and receiving. What I like best about them is that both blades have very fine sawtooth serrations, it really grabs plastic packaging and stops it slipping. I also like olfa knives for blister packs too. It’s possible to advance the blade just a tiny bit so it protrudes enough to cut through the plastic, but not so far as to cut what’s inside or present a major hazard if one slips.
Tim
MM, if go to your local Walmart they use a type of utility blade that has “settings” on it to allow for blade depth. I have acquired a few by asking the employees, usually the female employees, and they work pretty cool. They have a replaceable blade, the handle holds spares.
it’s_jake
my go to is the “expensive” ($2-3 instead of $1-2) harbor freight folding key knife because i don’t carry a knife but i keep that on my carabiner. petzl ange s is the most pleasant carabiner in the world to keep it on while we’re at it.
Josh
I read this comment, went to check out the carabiner, and realized it was the one I use for my keys. 100% on the Petzl Ange S for a constant-use carabiner
Albert
I use my 1.4″ Kershaw Cinder. The blade is small enough to cut just the box, and wide enough to pry folded edges that won’t open. I also use the bottle opener on the other end. I really like that little knife.
Ben
Oddly enough, that crappy little “safety cutter” you get when you work for Walmart. Basically a utility knife with an auto retract blade. Set your depth of cut, squeeze the handle, cut, put the knife down. Added bonus of a handy tape breaker on the butt of it.
Joatman
Benchmade Mini-Griptilian. I’ve been carrying it everyday for the past year and it has served me well. Even though I’ll be rotating it out to break in a new addition, it is by far my favorite EDC…..so far. I use it for unboxing more than anything else this time of year.
fred
A Tajima hangs on a pegboard in my garage – and it’s what I grab most often:
https://www.amazon.com/Tajima-VR-103-Self-Retracting-Piece-Utility/dp/B007JQ7O2U
I find the Tajima blades to be sharper and stay sharper longer – than many others.
I paid $14 for mine in 2015 and think that the current Amazon price may be inflated a bit too much.
Rob H
I use scissors for cutting plastic clamshell packaging. I’ve layed my hand open pretty good using a knife to open those. I didn’t cut my hand with the knife, it was the darned packaging! Since then, controlled cutting with shears is my preferred method.
For cardboard boxes taped shut, my general pocketknife or if it’s handy, a milwaukee razor knife or random house keys.
fred
This is my favorite for cutting the tougher clamshells:
https://www.amazon.com/ALLEX-Super-scissors-Stainless-Scissors/dp/B001M0E5YO
But I have Olfa scissors ar my other houses – that I like too
https://www.amazon.com/OLFA-Scissors-Stainless-Steel-Serrated/dp/B001D3G51G/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2AC7C732BVDQ3&keywords=B001D3G51G&qid=1640179189&s=arts-crafts&sprefix=b001d3g51g%2Carts-crafts%2C44&sr=1-2
Rob H
Thanks, I’ll check them out.
Wayne R.
I second those Allex cutters, they’re terrific.
Koko The Talking Ape
My tool: An 8-lb splitting maul. No box, sofa, floor or refrigerator can stand up to it!
Seriously, I use one of the snap knives I have stashed here and there, or my keychain knife (Victorinox Manager.) If you hold one of the flaps up to put tension on the tape, you can pop the entire seam open with just a jab of something sharp. I’ve used a key before.
If I need to cut up the cardboard itself, I use a snap knife or utility knife. The thin blade doesn’t bind in the cardboard.
F4i
I like the Mora electrician’s knife, using the rounded edge of the cable stripping side as a fulcrum makes it easy to control the depth of the cut
https://morakniv.se/en/product/morakniv-electrician/
MoogleMan3
All my boxes are opened with my trusty milwaukee fastback utility knives. Great knives.
Jorn
Same.
I keep one in the kitchen “junk drawer” and use it to open and subsequently break down boxes.
AlexK
My month old Benchmark mini griptillion. I use it to open every box and clamshell I’ve come across since I got it. Otherwise I have to face the fact that I bought a $114.95 knife only to spyde flick while watching tv. An expensive fidgit that makes me happy. Except when opening a clamshell. The modified sheep foot blade is dangerous with thicker plastic. Need a drop or spear point. I used to use whatever was handy.
I have various box cutters, but stopped loving any the fastback or other folders. I find it safer and quicker to use the older Stanley type. Just slide up the blade, cut, retract and drop in pocket. The folders seem to go in the pocket too far to quickly retrieve.
JeffD
Olfa for the win.
NoahG
That Milwaukee pictured is absolutely awesome for stretch wrapped pallets.
Jay Dee
My Husky folding lock-back utility knives. Bought a three pack years ago and have been rocking them ever since….
Wayne R,
We scatter the 69¢ HF snap-off knives around for opening boxes. Plain ‘ol utility knives for breakdown to the recycling bins.
But we try to stack up the reusable generic boxes and give them to the local UPS store, they appreciate the donation.
Nathan
condor tool and knife Engineer Bolo Machete. anything less is just further proof of the wussifcation of America. (sorry someone had to say it or well type it)
I find I use whatever is handy so it might be a multi-tool – it might be a fiskars utility knife or even a kitchen knife if handy.
care and gentleness are important part of said task and no if I use a kitchen knife it is not the 9 inch chef or the 13 inch slicer – it’s the paring knife.
Jacob jones
Zibra Open-It! Package Opener is currently in my drawer for opening boxes, cutting zip ties, or clamshells.
https://www.amazon.com/Zibra-Open-It-Package-Opener-Green/dp/B08L71S61T/ref=sr_1_29?crid=1NL0SAWA0CLE5&keywords=roto+box+opener&qid=1640187879&sprefix=roto+box+opene%2Caps%2C188&sr=8-29
Jason Peacock
I bought a bulk set of actual box cutters, and stash them in drawers throughout the house/garage so there’s always one close at hand:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006IC0L
They are simple to use, avoid cutting the product inside the box, and use cheap-to-replace blades that you can also buy in bulk (after you reverse the current blade to use a fresh edge).
DC
Wife works for Customs and breaks open boxes daily all day. She used utility knives from Stanley, Milwaukee, Lowes and Husky but the Martor 109137.02 Combi Polycarbonate Safety Cutter/Knife is what she finds the best.
Marc
I use a Canary Japanese Cardboard Cutter, but it looks like they are no longer available on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078N3BJXB
Has worked fine since I purchased in in April 2018. No need to change blades – I’m still using the original blade.
Wayne R.
https://www.amazon.com/CANARY-Retractable-Adjustable-Fluorine-Coating/dp/B013KWMKP2/
HushHouse254
Mine is on the way.
CANARY Cardboard Box Cutter Retractable Large Blade, Safety Serrated Round Tip Utility Knife, Non-stick Coated Blade, Made in Japan, Green https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H6J8GNK/
Timothy
Primarily a utility knife with replaceable blades. An open pair of scissors in a pinch.
Glenn Nanod
I spent many decades working at an Asian Market, my utility knife of choice was the Lenox Gold Utility knife, with the Lenox best blades. The Stanley Fatmax is my second choice. I should mention I have over 30 box cutters of every type. Now since I’m not working there, I still carry a box cutter with my Spyderco Delica EDC. I carry either a Gerber folding utility knife or a Meyerco Blackie Collins folding utility knife. These are small enough to easily carry and save wear and tear on my Spyderco. At home I have box cutters or utility knives everywhere so I don’t have to use any of my expensive knives for mundane tasks.
Jim Collins
CRK Sebenza
John Blair
I’m embarrassed to admit the most used tool for opening boxes is a 6 inch metal rule. When I purchased it, I’m like, “this thing is kinda sharp. ” Turns out it works perfectly for cutting tape and even those stupid clamshell packages and its with me all the time. Kind of like I have a really nice SLR camera but almost all of my pictures are taken on my cell phone.
Mac
I see at least a few other people use their keys. I will often use a ballpoint pen as well. If I’m still wearing my pants, I tend to have my fastback in my pocket. I still might use a pen to not accidentally cut anything. Tape really doesn’t put up much of a fight.
I do really like the blowtorch idea. I’m going to open(dispose of) junk mail in that fashion from now on.
HushHouse254
I don’t think I would want to use a knife or a blowtorch for that matter without my pants on.
Charles H Book
Bosch EasyCut NanoBlade Mini Chainsaw.
TIME!
Herman
My favourite
The Olfa SK-16 Safety cutter is new to the party,
https://olfacutters.co.uk/Olfa-SK-16-safety-cutter
The blades are replaceable unlike any other similar cutters on the market,
Excellent addition to their range of cutters,
Chris
I use a fastback knife with a 11-916a hook blade, it’s more of a closed hook then the traditional hook blades at HD or Lowes. It does a great job of not damaging anything behind or under what you are cutting
Brad Justinen
Utility knife with a hook blade.
Rick C
I have the Milwaukee box opener you have pictured on my keychain. I work in a warehouse and use it frequently, though it does get jammed with loose packing tape occasionally. It went with me on an airplane with no hiccup at all by the TSA, but it wouldn’t pass the security at the NBC studio at 30 Rock in NYC.