If you’ve been searching for the best box cutter, you’ve arrived at the correct destination! When it comes to a great box cutter, you’ll find it is quite a handy tool around the home, not just for opening packages.
We all know how much of a nuisance tugging at the taped flaps of a cardboard package or box can be. Sometimes, if a package is sealed well enough, you get cramps while opening it! An excellent box cutter can alleviate this issue and many others.
There are a ton of different box cutters on the market. Because of this, you’ll want to know where to find the best one. Let’s look below at some of the best on the market!
Things to Consider Before Choosing the Best Box Cutter
Let’s look at a few key features that must be present on a box cutter to make it worthy of greatness.
- Grip. The grip of a box cutter is an important thing to consider. A grip can make a difference with various activities you’d use your cutter for. The comfort of the grip can make for extended periods of use.
The strength or “stickiness,” so to speak, of the grip, can ultimately determine whether you can use the box cutter with one hand. It ultimately makes a difference regarding the amount of control you have.
. - Safety. The safety of your box cutter is highly important. Many injuries resulting from manual tool use are from box cutters.
Safety encompasses a broad range of technical aspects of a box cutter. It can extend to the box cutter’s grip, ease of use, and blade deployment mechanism. - Folding or Sliding? This can make a difference as far as the box cutter’s longevity is concerned. Maintenance is much less important with a folding box cutter or utility knife.
. - Blade Storage. The housing of the blade is hugely important. It can affect the rate at which the blade rusts, amongst other things. It also impacts the overall safety of the box cutter.
Top 10 Box Cutters Comparison Table
| Picture | Name | Folding or Sliding | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Gerber EAB Lite Pocket Knife [31-000345] | Folding | $$ | 4.7 |
| 2. Milwaukee 48-22-1901 Fastback Flip Open Utility Knife | Folding | $$ | 4.7 |
| 3. Alltrade 150003 Auto-Loading Squeeze Utility Knife | Sliding | $$$ | 4.5 |
| 4. Stanley 10-099 6-Inch Classic 99 Retractable Utility Knife | Sliding | $ | 4.3 |
| 5. IRWIN Tools Folding Utility Knife (2089100) | Folding | $$$ | 4.6 |
| 6. DEWALT DWHT10035L Folding Retractable Utility Knife | Folding | $$$ | 4.4 |
| 7. Bessey D-BKWH Quick-Change Folding Utility Knife - Wood Grain Handle | Folding | $$$$ | 4.6 |
| 8. Sheffield 12113 One-Hand Opening Lock-Back Utility Knife | Sliding | $$ | 4.7 |
| 9. Magnelex MG-UK-Y Folding Utility Knife, Single Button Quick Blade Change | Folding | $$ | 4.2 |
| 10. Stanley 10788 Curved Quick-Change Utility Knife, Stainless Steel Retractable Blade, 3 Blades | Sliding | $ | 4.2 |
Buying Information
If you’re looking for the optimal box cutter, you will want to keep a few things in mind.
Here’s what a great box cutter should feature, at a minimum.
- Blade Flexibility. The best box cutter should be able to accept most types of standard, stainless-steel blades.
. - Folding Blade. A folding blade is so much simpler than a sliding blade. You’ll ideally want a box cutter with an edge that folds in. It’ll make your life easier. A folding blade is easier to clean, more durable, and often will feature more bells and whistles.
. - Grip and Grooves. As mentioned above, a great box cutter will have an excellent sticky grip. Beyond the material that the grip is composed of, however, it’s also important for the grip and handle of the blade to have grooves for fingers.
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This will make for a safer cutting experience. It’ll be less likely to slip out of your hand while using it. Let’s face it – box cutters aren’t just used for at-home cardboard opening!
. - Adequate Locking. This goes hand in hand with the overall safety of a box cutter. Your box cutter will have an assured and firm locking mechanism.
Top 5 Best Box Cutter Reviews
Which box cutters were the best on the list?
We’ve found that the three-box cutters below are superior in many categories. Compare each one to figure out which you’ll benefit the most from!
1. Gerber EAB Lite Pocket Knife
The Gerber EAB Lite Pocket Knife is arguably the best box cutter on this list. You’ll find it simple to use, safe, and versatile. It also accepts a wide variety of cutter blades!
The Gerber knife features an excellent liner lock, deep finger grips for total control, and a 1-inch stainless steel blade.
Its sharp blade allows you to easily cut through even the toughest boxes and cartons. Its finger-guard safety grip also keeps you safe from accidental injuries. If you’re a worker looking to stock up on quality knives, this fantastic option will last you for years.
We liked the deeper finger grooves on the handle since they give you a better grip and have a safe locking mechanism to keep the blade covered when not in use.
The Gerber knife is perfect for homeowners, construction workers, and anyone who regularly has to cut through boxes. It’s lightweight but incredibly durable, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking.
Another fun feature is that the handle doubles as a money or pocket clip when closed!
2. Milwaukee Fastback Flip Open Utility Knife
The Milwaukee 48-22-1901 Fastback is a great box cutter for anyone to have at their disposal. This folding box cutter is encased in a hardy metal body.
It’s a little pricey, but it’ll surely last you a while due to its shock-resistant design. It’s powerful enough to cut through wire yet small and mobile enough to fit in your back pocket.
With the press of a button, you can easily replace the blade. It cuts through thick materials without worrying about the box cutter bending or breaking.
It’s also got a sure-grip handle, so while it’s slender enough to fit into your back pocket, there’s still plenty of room for a firm grip.
It’s safe, folding, powerful, and easy to use. The Milwaukee 48-22-1901 Fastback box cutter certainly packs a punch!
3. Alltrade Auto-Loading Squeeze Utility Knife
The Alltrade 150003 Auto-Loading Squeeze Utility Knife is an excellent box cutter to have in your possession. You’ll get six heavy-duty blades upon purchasing this product.
Although it’s a sliding box cutter, it features a blade-changing mechanism that greatly increases its safety. It has an ergonomic comfort grip and a specially designed trigger for one-finger operation.
If you want to change the blade, open up a latch on the side of the box cutter and slide the old one back!
It’s simple, painless, and headache-free. The blade and its encasement are composed of heavy-duty metal. There’s also a grip on the back of the blade for optimal control.
It’s a great, cheap, and relatively safe box cutter.
4. STANLEY Classic 99 Utility Knife
The STANLEY Classic 99 Utility Knife has a one-handed operation with instant push button retracting blade action, plus a non-stick two-finger comfort grip handle that makes working easier.
This heavy-duty utility knife features a soft touch handle for cramp-free and comfortable operation.
A lot can be said about the Stanley Classic 99 Retractable Utility Knife. It’s classic! Funny name aside, the Stanley Classic 99 is one of the best utility knives.
It offers a sturdy metal body that securely houses its razor-sharp 6″ blades.
This utility knife also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
5. IRWIN Utility Knife
The IRWIN Utility Knife is your top choice for convenient and easy blade changes. It features a 45-degree quick-change button for easy blade changes. With the quick-change button, you can swap out the blades in seconds.
Plus, the cutter comes with an anchored belt clip for convenient access. The sturdy belt clip ensures your knife will always be close when needed.
It is easy to use and makes changing blades quick and convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Use a Box Cutter?
Box cutters can be dangerous if used improperly. When handling a box cutter, keep your hands away from the blade. Cut away from the body.
It would be best if you were sitting or standing in a proper position when you are cutting. Cut slowly and never too fast.
How to Change Box Cutter Blade?
There should be a small screwdriver in the side or middle of the box cutter. You will need a Philips head screwdriver to remove the screw. After you remove the screw, you should be able to split the box cutter in half.
Remove the existing blade and seat the new blade in the same position. Reassemble the box cutter and fasten the screw back into place.
How to Sharpen a Box Cutter?
You don’t need to. Whether it’s a utility knife, retractable razor knife, or traditional box cutter, they’re all designed for disposable blades that are replaced as needed.
If you decide to sharpen the blade, use a medium-grit sharpening stone and hold the blade at a 20-degree angle. Draw the blade across the stone forward towards the blade’s edge. Be sure to maintain consistent pressure and stroke length for the best results. Once you have sharpened the entire edge of the blade, test it on a piece of paper to check for sharpness.
If necessary, repeat the process until the blade is suitably sharp. When you are finished, clean off the blade with a cloth and store it safely out of reach of children. Your box cutter should provide years of service with proper care and maintenance.
How to Dispose of Used Box Cutter Blades?
When replacing a box cutter blade, one of the easiest ways to dispose of the old blades is to place them in your trash can when you finish them. Metal box cutters that have removed their blades can go in the metal recycling bin.
Since most curbside recycling programs do not accept scrap metal at the curb, you will need to take unwanted box cutters to your local recycling center.
Can You Recycle Box Cutters?
Metal box cutters with all the blades removed from the handle can go in your recycling bin. Plastic ones cannot.
Plastic ones cannot be recycled. They must first be reconditioned to be melted down and used to make something new.
How Dangerous is a Box Cutter?
A box cutter is a very useful tool for any job site. However, it is a very dangerous tool if it is handled carelessly.
It can cause an accident resulting in a workplace injury such as lacerations that require a doctor’s attention and may even cost you your job.
What is The Difference Between a Box Cutter And a Utility Knife?
Box cutters and utility knives are sometimes used interchangeably, but box cutters are generally simpler and less expensive than utility knives.
Utility knives were developed during the Industrial Revolution to make cutting heavier materials such as leather, wood, and thick wires easier. They quickly became the standard tool for many construction and carpentry professionals for cutting various materials.
Typical box cutters are meant to cut through cardboard. Most can do that job well, but they have a second use: opening boxes.
A box cutter is often used by people who don’t do construction work and solely use them for opening boxes.
Conclusion
A good quality box cutter can make various tasks much easier to complete. Box cutters are extremely versatile. You’ll find they can be used for many other things as well.
With its extra sharp, stainless steel blades and comfortable handles, it’s no wonder so many people are looking for box cutters.
We made it our mission to find the best box cutter out there. After much hard work, we have done the research and given you the best box cutters.