OLFA 9mm Precision Utility Knife (XA-1) - Multi-Purpose Retractable Precision Knife w/ Fiberglass Reinforced Handle & Snap-Off Blade

Ive been using a utility knife to cut foam core boards for a project which wear out after a couple small cuts causing the foam to tear resulting in ugly edges. I would swap blades every couple passes. I came across this looking for something better and I gotta say this is a life saver. I still havent had to break off a blade yet as it is retaining its sharpness so well. With all the cutting I have done i would have used 10 utility blades by now, yet this initial blade is still flawlessly working. Will buy again... assuming these even start to dull eventually.

I use this knife and two other OLFA knives to cut leather. Best thing around. Plus no stroping or sharpening required. The padded grips allow a tight hold and the smaller knife is great for trimming or tight curves.

This is another one of those things that I asked myself...why did you wait so long! I buy everything online these days and had been using my scissors to cut open the tapes on the boxes. They work, but sometimes feel awkward using the scissors that way. I had many many packages/boxes to open near Christmas, so finally gave in and bought this! Yes, this works wonderfully, and question to self...why did I wait so long! This cutter is very good quality. I like the sturdy rubber grip and the blade is in good thickness. Ive seen some cheap ones that either didnt have a good grip or the blade itself was too thin that it bend or chipped easily.

Very good product. Easy to use and good grip.

A cut above similar snap off knives

This review is for several OLFA knives. They all seem similar so I ordered one of each and compare them here: * 500/1580 (Old School) * XA-1 (this one) * ES-1/P 1115501 * SVR-2 All knives feature a narrow slot in their removable end cap/pocket clip to snap off the blade ends, and use the 9mm blade refill, Silver (standard) or Black (extra-sharp). I cut standard brown corrugated cardboard and also some finer white cardboard. I also used some plastic from those horrible anti-theft retail packages. Surprisingly to me, this was not a difficult test for any knife. The brown corrugated cardboard cut in half fully through in two passes. One pass is possible with much more pressure but its a safer with two passes. * 580/5001 Old school style My wife has a decades-old knife of this style from school days. The old knife with a new blade cuts cardboard easily with the grain and against it. New knife (this model) and thus new blade, cuts just the same as the old one. Of course the ratcheting or clicking slide action is somewhat stiffer than the decades-old knife. Both knives cut through the plastic difficult-to-open plastic packaging with no problem and I felt safe doing it. I never felt the blade was going to move within the knife handle. * XA-1 Says it has a Comfort Grip. Mine arrived with a Black blade, the super sharp one. The differences between the Silver and Black are not obvious to me, but after cutting more brown corrugated cardboard with different force and direction (with or against the grain) the Black blades are noticeably sharper, just not a lot. Black refill 10-pack is $11.19, Silver 10-pack $6.83. Is the handle more comfortable than other models? Actually, yes it is, but not because of the handle material. Its because the handle is a little fatter make it more comfortable to hold. I found I preferred holding this one rather than the old style. Its sliding/clicking action was easy but never loose. Going back to the plastic material it easily cut through with a couple of passes, or one pass with careful force. Again I had full confidence the slide was secure. * ES-1/P 1115501 This is the only model reviewed that came in a simple retail plastic wrapper, no cardboard backing. But the implied cheapness of the retail package doesnt carry through to the knife. It cut cardboard and plastic just as the other knives. Its all-plastic handle and slide were a little bigger than the old-school 580/5001, so it was easier to hold...approaching the comfort of the XA-1. Its slide/clicking action was easy but never felt it would slip. Another fine OLFA knife. * SVR-2 Advertised as stainless steel and rust resistant, the package also says its for cutting vinyl, wallpaper, and film. Theres a hint its not meant for anything heavier...something I agree with. Lacking the plastic end cap, the metal end of the handle rests in the palm of the cutting hand. While the metal end has no sharp edges it is not comfortable and I was unwilling to grip it has hard as I did the other knives while cutting. Because the handle has no taper it is also the narrowest handle, another disadvantage. If it really is rust resistant compared to the others its advantage would be in damp environments. Otherwise I see no reason to prefer this over the others and I will not buy more of these. Conclusion My new favorite is this model, the XA-1. The fatter handle is more comfortable, allowing one to grip and control it a bit more. But a close second is the ES-1/P 1115501. Either one cuts great and their somewhat bigger handles are more comfortable for this older guy.

I have several and I use them all the time daily.

Love it.

great product

My other knife broke, I decided to try this Japanese brand. As always, not disappointed at all.