We know they’re not the most exciting, high-tech, or badass tools around, but the box cutter is one of the most essential tools or accessories all guys should own. For a variety of jobs and demands, from (the obvious) opening boxes to cutting vinyl flooring, and even clean and scratch out grout around the sides of the bathtub, the best box cutter will make this job much easier.
Through sharp, they’re not as dangerous as you’d expect at least if you know how to use and care for them. Whether your purchase a standard slide-operation or folding box cutter, you can ensure you can slice through stubborn and less stubborn materials safely and efficiently.
As much as you need a screwdriver, a hammer, and a portable workbench for home and professional projects you need a box cutter on hand to tackle smaller demands to ensure you never struggle with opening boxes or removing flooring, among a plethora of other possibilities, again.
So let’s see which box cutters are a cut (sorry) above the rest.
The Best Box Cutter
1Slice 10514 Mini Box Cutter
Our pick for the best box cutter is the Slice 10514 Mini Cutter which – as the name suggests – is a compact and lightweight option but one you shouldn’t underrate. Its rounded design is something different from the rusty box cutters you spied in your dad’s tool box growing up, and instead it boasts a modern aesthetic suitable for the modern world.
It’s got much more to it than mere style, though. The green blade button, aside from looking good, is easy to grip with a studded thumb grip to ensure easy blade deployment. This also ensures your safety as the onboard magnet keeps it secure when not in use and also provides a simple toolless blade change when (but more like if) the blade dulls.
Supports right or left-handed cutting
Safety single slice blade
Stays sharp up to 10x longer than steel
Guaranteed fewer blade changes
- BrandSlice
- ModelGIDDS2-2474706
- Weight2.08 ounces
2Outdoor Edge Slidewinder Utility Knife
The Outdoor Edge Slidewinder Utility Knife has to be one of the handiest tools for cutting simple materials. It provides a good number of functions that could be enjoyed by the average work rookie who loves to kill two birds with one stone. The textured sturdy form promises to stay durable over time with certain areas on its body working for diverse purposes. Included in the design is a flathead and Philips head screwdriver as well as a bottle opener and pocket clip. There’s a strategically placed spring retractor that slides the blade out and springs it back in on demand. With a simple push of the button, the blade safely and suitably locks into position, serving as a reliable cutting tool.
Made from sturdy glass/nylon and steel materials, this compact handy tool stores great in a good variety of places. Whether you choose to place it safely in a pants/suit pocket, a toolbox, cabinet, or a lonely shelf, this rugged mini cutter would fit and store perfectly. The compact design is a breath of fresh air from more clunky, chunky, and pricey options in the market. It equally fits perfectly in between the fingers or in the palms and ultimately makes cutting materials such as foam, corrugated packages, cardboards, scrapbook materials, and of course, boxes quite simple. Stay on top of your cutting game with this cute little multi-tasker that gets the job done.
Easy remove and lock system
Built-in flathead
Blades are easy to replace
Comes with 1 utility razor blade
- BrandOutdoor Edge
- ModelSlidewinder
- Weight1.6 ounces
3Slice 10400 Box Cutter
Arguably the best box cutter we’ve found today or any other day is the Slice 10400 Box Cutter. While expensive (hence its selection as the premium choice) we believe the amount of features and sheer reliability of the blade justifies this, giving you a ceramic box cutter you will fall in love with at first slice.
For versatile cutting ability, you can select from 3 different blade positions ranging from fully extended to 1/2”, semi-protruding, and fully hidden. This allows you to tackle a variety of material thicknesses while also offering safety when the blade is not in use. The curved handle design also ensures comfort and control, providing you with a level of autonomy over your blade which isn’t always possible with slim finger-grip handles or casing.
Stylish, durable and safe
Ceramic blade
3 Position manual slider
Rounded tip blade
- BrandSlice
- Model10400
- Weight8 ounces
4Slice 00100 Ceramic Blade Safety Cutter
Whether you are purchasing a box cutter for commercial or domestic use, there’s something about manufacturers that understand that a handy tool shouldn’t only be efficient but a bit fancy as well. We can see that in the Slice 00100 Ceramic Blade Safety Cutter, the distinct clamshell design sets it apart from its counterparts making it quite an attractive hand tool. Apart from the flaunting rights acquired from purchasing the Slice 00100, this sturdy piece is quite the small but mighty cutter. They are a safer option for cutting when compared to more traditional options. The blades can actually be safely handled without posing a risk to the fingers or palms. This does not take away from their viability as the sturdy blades have been pre-sharpened for optimal performance.
What’s more, The blades are made from zirconium oxide; it’s non-stick, non-porous, and has a strong resistance to bacteria. Made to practically and victoriously combat a good number of elements, the blade stays relevant even when exposed to salt, acids, or rusty surfaces; it has quite the resistance. While traditional metal knives and the likes make use of oil-based reinforcements to prevent rusting, these ceramic blades are free of such. This ensures your tool cabinet stays free of all oily substances, and guess what, these blades still fare a lot better in the long run and will not rust. To ensure a good grip, the exterior housing is well-finished with a rubberized material that keeps the fingers firmly on the surface when cutting. This generally contributes to the fast and efficient cutting experience the slice 00100 promises to deliver at every point in time. Don’t take our word for it, try out this ceramic blade cutter and its efficiency will speak for itself.
High-Tech ceramic blades
Safe shell housing
Non-rust
Built-in magnet and keyhole ring
- BrandSlice
- Model00100
- Weight0.32 ounces
5Cosco Easycut Cutter Knife
Shifting over to other brands and styles, the Cosco Easycut Cutter Knife is the first self-retracting box cutter on our list and is a stylish (as stylish as box cutters can be, anyway) option that would fit comfortably into any rolling tool box or craft drawer around the country. At just 2.4 ounces, it boasts a lightweight design easy to handle and carry, which is especially useful when on the go moving between job sites. However, it’s still not so light you forget it’s in your pocket, so there’s no risk of throwing it in with the week’s laundry.
The retractable blade is easy to use, and the edge guide ensures accuracy when cutting. The Easycut blade design provides the best performance possible and is reliable to ensure fast and efficient cutting which is always reliable. This guarantees you have an automatic box cutter that is safe, especially after use, intuitive, and careful with whatever materials you need to cut from thick cardboard to slim plastic packaging with consistent results every time.
Lightweight plastic design for easy handling
Retractable blade with depth guide for accurate performance
Holds a spare blade for fast changing
Supports Easycut style blades for the best cutting results and reliability
Self-retraction function ensures safety after use
- BrandCosco
- Model091508
- Weight2.4 ounces
6Klever XChange Replaceable Box Cutter
The Klever XChange Replaceable Box Cutter provides performance at a fraction of the cost of similar blades but still costs enough you can be sure of its high quality. The double-walled head is the perfect design for gliding through thick materials both with ease and safety, which makes it one of the best choices for a cardboard box cutter, and the curved blade gives you more substantial purchase in ensuring accurate cutting.
This recessed blade also prevents injuries, protecting the fingers (and your legs, if you put it in your pocket without retracting the blade), to ensure the only thing you need to worry about is efficient cutting. Inside the handle casing, there is a sheathed system to further protect the blade from damage even when you’re not using it or in transit to provide excellent longevity and consistent results.
Double walled head for cutting thick materials safely
Recessed blade prevents contact with fingers to prevent injuries
Sheathed system protects inner parts from blade to ensure longevity
Rubberized and ergonomic non-slip handle fits naturally in the hand
Easy blade replacement with a single click
- BrandKlever XChange
- ModelKCJ-XC-30Y Yellow Double Wall
- Weight0.16 ounces
7BoxBuddy Box Handle Cutter
The BoxBuddy Box Handle Cutter doesn’t look like your traditional box cutting tool, but that’s not something that should put you off its potential. The innovative design is ideal for cutting handles in boxes and while it may seem a little complicated at first glance, it’s actually highly intuitive and simple to use. Whether you need to cut handle holes into cardboard boxes or cartons, this is the product that will make such jobs much easier.
Its smart casing makes it safe to carry in your pocket or store in a kitchen drawer, and while it’s not designed for opening boxes, it’s still a useful addition to have around the house. The lightweight materials prevent dragging or catching on table surfaces or door handles, and also from falling out your pocket when bending down, ensuring durability.
Innovative tool design cuts handles into a variety of boxes, cartons, and cardboard
Makes lifting and moving boxes safe and easy with less pressure on your back
Intuitive design is safe and easy to use
Lightweight prevents dragging or obstructing movement when carried in your pocket
Secure casing protects you and others from harm when no in use
- BrandBoxBuddy
- ModelBOXB001
- Weight7.2 ounces
8Pacific Handy Cutter S4L Safety Cutter
For guaranteed safety combined with superb performance, the heavy-duty Pacific Handy Cutter S4L Safety Cutter is the perfect workman’s box cutter. Sturdy and crafted with a solid plastic handle that’s comfortable to hold throughout a myriad of demands when on the job.
The three-position blade means you can tackle a variety of material thicknesses without your productivity dropping nor finding any job too large. The heavy duty metal guards protect the blade and keep your fingers safe from accidents, and there’s also a built-in and heavy duty tape splitter for fast package opening. This addition is a simple one, but it saves adding unnecessary pressure on the blade when you want to save it for more demanding jobs and ensures the blade lasts as long as possible.
Left-handed cutter with safety guard that covers the blade and protects user
Three cutting positions for versatile performance
Easily accessible blade storage compartment holds up to replacement 5 blades
Heavy duty tape splitter included
Rigid metal guard construction ensures high-quality performance through multiple situations
- BrandPacific Handy Cutter
- ModelS4L
- Weight0.32 ounces
9Martor USA Secumax 350
The Martor USA Secumax 350 is another great option for the warehouse or upholstery environment and provides a reliable, accurate cut with no hassle. It’s solid handle design, which looks suspiciously like something you’d find in a sci-fi video game, is tough but still easy to grip and is comfortable for fast and efficient cutting all throughout the day. Its polycarbonate construction gives it the ability to survive hazardous environments with ease, and even if you leave it behind one day, you can expect it’s still there and in one piece the next.
It’s also as safe as it is robust, with a concealed blade ensuring there are no accidents when it’s sitting expectantly in your pocket or waiting in the drawer for your next large Amazon delivery. Even in use, it provides excellent protection for you, anyone around you, the box, and the cutter itself all at the same time. This ensures durability and reliability while maintaining consistent performance which along with its tough construction makes it a trustworthy safety box cutter for all occasions.
Concealed blade ensures high level of safety when cutter is not in use
Sturdy design ensures durability while also protecting user and product simultaneously
Polycarbonate plastic is ideal for withstanding long use and hazardous environments
Replaceable head makes this an economical option
Cuts material up to 3/16” thick
- BrandMartor USA
- Model350001.02
- Weight1.44 ounces
10Pacific Handy Cutter EZ2 + Safety Cutter
Our final pick for the best box opener is the Pacific Handy Cutter EZ2 + Safety Cutter which is a safe and simple option for the home or worksite. The enclosed blade design protects you from harm while also ensuring there’s no damage or marring to the contents or whatever is beneath the cutting material. It also ensures your kids (or anyone you know who has a reputation of being clumsy) don’t come running to you complaining about cutting themselves.
This design is versatile and provides a two-sided cutting option while you’ll also have a tape splitter perfect for a parcel, duct, and fabric tape. When the blade dulls, you can replace it easily which saves you money in the long run. The handle is comfortable for both left- and right-handed users and remains comfortable throughout the day, even if there’s no rubber handle casing like you find with other options.
Enclosed blade provides safe cutting option
Two sided long lasting stainless steel blade with heavy duty tape splitter
Replaceable blade system is economically conscious
Ambidextrous design is suitable for both left- and right-handed users
Ideal for cutting boxes, tape, and other materials either at home or the workplace
- BrandPacific Handy Cutter
- ModelEZ2 +
- Weight1.12 ounces
Sources:
- 18 Uses for Old Favorite, The Utility Knife - Popular Mechanics
- Ceramic Vs. Steel Knives: Is There a Difference? - Kitchen Byte
- Box Cutter Safety Tips - Safety Company