Tools:

CANARY Corrugated Cardboard Cutter
http://amzn.to/2IC1Jav

Non-Stick Replacement Blades (2-pack)
http://amzn.to/2FVXXH9

Original Corrugated Cardboard Cutter “Dan Chan” [Fluorine Coating]
http://amzn.to/2u2FJlx

Transcript:

It’s time for another Cool Tools review. This time I’m taking a look at a spinoff of one of the most talked about tools I’ve ever shown here — the Canary Cardboard Knife. This is the retractable version, I bought it for around $8 on Amazon. And by using the link in the description to pick one up for yourself, you help to support my show and the Cool Tools blog.

If you haven’t seen this already, this Japanese import serrated knife makes cutting through cardboard super easy, and much safer than using a box cutter.

The blade is relatively safe to touch unless you apply a lot of force. And because the tip is actually blunt, you can carve up cardboard or foamcore directly on your workbench without gouging up the surface.

So this yellow-handled one is the first one I bought and reviewed, and it’s still my go-to when I want to quickly break down boxes. The non-stick coating is also great for slicing through packaging tape without getting all gummed up.

But for only a dollar or two more, there’s this green-handled retractable version. Same company, same blade and blade length, and the same idea, but it’s just built a little better for everyday work use.

The obvious advantage is that it’s retractable, so you can keep this in your pocket or your toolbag, and it’s not going to chew things up or damage the blade.

But the unexpected advantage is this nice wide handle that’s more ergonomic. The original handle feels like a dinner knife. But the retractable one feels like a professional kitchen knife.

Another interesting design element is that you can use this tension knob to get as much or as little blade length as you need. And there’s a stop on the bottom of the handle that allows you to pull the blade free and replace it when it wears out.

You can buy a set of replacement blades on Amazon for around $10. And these replacements are non-stick coated like the original. The blade that comes with this retractable model isn’t non-stick from what I can tell.

My only complaint with this design is that there’s a somewhat sharp edge on the metal extending out from the grip. I filed mine down just to knock the edge off, but I feel better handing the original to my kid than this retractable one.

But for a grown-up, especially one who needs an easy, pocketable way to break down cardboard boxes, this retractable cardboard knife from Canary is a great alternative to using a box cutter, and more satisfying in my opinion.

You can use the Amazon link in the description to pick one up and you can see thousands of reader recommended tools like this at Cool-tools.org.

Find more Cool Tool reviews here:
http://kk.org/cooltools