Equipment / Knives

 

Traditional metal 'Stanley' type knife

Metal cased general purpose knife with retractable blade.

Order Code	Description
13DMRK	Heavy duty metal knife

Order Code	Description	Pack Quantity
13DMRB	Spare blades for metal knife - Stanley type	10

Snap-off blade knives

Retractable snap-off blade knives available in standard or heavy duty. Sliding ratchet adjustment of the segmented snap-off blades.

Order Code	Description
26LDPLKN	Standard plastic knife with
	retractable snap-off blade

Order Code	Description
26HDPLKN	Heavy duty plastic knife
	with retractable snap-off blade

Order Code	Description Pack Quantity
27KNBL01	Spare snap off blades 10
	for plastic knife

Lightweight cutter

An economical safety cutter for stretch film, tape or lightweight strapping.

Order Code	Description
27EFC12Y	Lightweight film/ tape cutter

Box cutter

Ideal for safely cutting the corners of cartons.

Order Code	Description	Pack Quantity
13SCACK1	Safety cutter/carton topper
13KNBLO5	Blade for carton topper	100

Auto retract safety knives

High quality knives with a spring loaded blade which automatically retracts when the operator releases the thumb lever. 
Recommended by HSE to significantly reduce the amount of accidents in the workplace.
Available in right or left handed versions.

Reduces risk of injury High quality

Order Code	Description
13SNR	Safety knife (auto retract)
	right hand

Order Code	Description
13SNL	Safety knife (auto retract)
	left hand

Order Code	Description	Pack Quantity
13SNRB	Spare blades for auto	10
	retract safety knife

Multifunction cutter

This lightweight multifunction tool is ideal for removing staples, cutting tape, strapping and film.
It has a retractable blade for ripping down boxes.

Order Code	Description
13PK002	Safety cutter/carton opener

Order Code	Description	Pack Quantity
27KNBL03	Spare blades for safety cutter	10

Moulded safety cutter

Moulded plastic safety knife for cutting strapping, stretch film or opening boxes.

Order Code	Description
13MSC	Safety cutter - yellow

Equipment / Knives for Packing & Warehouse Use

Knives and cutters are everyday tools in packing, warehousing, goods-in, and dispatch. The right cutter helps you open cartons quickly, trim stretch film cleanly, and cut strapping or tape without damaging the contents inside the box. This category brings together common warehouse knife styles (retractable utility knives, snap-off knives, and specialist safety cutters) plus the replacement blades that keep them working safely and consistently.

On this page you’ll find traditional metal utility knives, snap-off blade knives and blades, carton openers and carton toppers, lightweight film/tape cutters, moulded safety cutters, and auto-retract safety knives in right- and left-handed versions. Replacement blades are listed alongside the relevant tools so you can standardise what your team uses and simplify re-ordering.

Equipment / Knives — Helpful Guide

This guide explains the main cutter types in this collection, what they’re typically used for, and how to match the tool to the job. Where a product is listed in the collection, the product name is linked so you can jump straight to the item page.

1) Auto-retract safety knives (spring-loaded)

Auto-retract safety knives are designed to limit blade exposure. The blade is extended only while the operator holds the thumb lever; when the lever is released, the blade retracts automatically. This approach can help reduce accidental cuts during repetitive carton opening and packing tasks.

• Safety Knives - Right Hand — Auto-retract safety knife for right-handed use, suited to general carton opening and controlled cutting where you want the blade to retract when not actively cutting.
• Safety Knives - Left Hand — Left-handed version of the auto-retract safety knife, supporting consistent technique for left-handed operators.
• Safety Knife Spare Blades x100 — Replacement blades for the auto-retract safety knife, supplied in larger quantities for sites that standardise on this knife type.

2) Carton toppers and corner cutters (safer top opening)

Carton toppers are designed for opening the top of cartons and trimming along edges with reduced risk of cutting too deep into the box. They’re commonly used in goods-in and replenishment where cartons are opened frequently and product damage from deep cuts is a concern.

• Safety Cutter - Carton Topper — A carton topper style safety cutter for opening cartons from the top and working around corners.
• Carton Topper Blades — Replacement blades for the carton topper, helping maintain clean cuts and predictable performance.

3) Carton openers and multifunction cutters

Carton openers are compact tools intended for opening boxes and cutting tape with a controlled cutting depth. Multifunction styles may also help with tasks like cutting film or strapping and can be useful where operators need one tool for several light-to-medium duties.

• Carton Opener — A carton opener style tool for controlled opening of cartons and packaging materials.
• Safety Cutter - Carton Opener — A safety cutter/carton opener style tool intended for general packing tasks such as opening cartons and cutting packaging materials.

4) Moulded safety cutters (lightweight, simple handling)

Moulded safety cutters are typically lightweight and easy to issue to teams for routine tasks such as cutting stretch film, opening boxes, or trimming strapping. Their simple form factor can be helpful for high-turnover environments where tools need to be straightforward to use and replace.

• Moulded Safety Cutter — A moulded plastic safety cutter for common warehouse cutting tasks such as film, strapping, and box opening.

5) Snap-off knives and snap-off blades (segmented blades)

Snap-off knives use segmented blades that can be snapped to expose a fresh cutting edge. They’re often chosen for light-to-medium cutting where a sharp edge is needed frequently (for example, trimming film, cutting tape, or general packing tasks). Because the blade is segmented, safe blade disposal procedures are important.

• Snap Off Knives — Retractable snap-off knife for general cutting tasks; the segmented blade allows you to renew the cutting edge by snapping off a segment.
• 18mm Snap Off Blades — Replacement 18mm snap-off blades for snap-off knives; useful for maintaining sharpness and consistent cutting.

6) Traditional metal utility knives (retractable blade)

Traditional metal utility knives (often referred to as “Stanley type”) are general-purpose retractable knives used across warehousing and maintenance tasks. They can be effective for heavier cutting, but they rely more on operator technique and safe handling practices because the blade can remain exposed if left extended.

• MRK Knives (Stanley) — Heavy duty metal utility knife with retractable blade for general purpose cutting.
• MRK Knife blades (Stanley) (Packed in 100s) — Spare blades for the metal utility knife, supplied in bulk for ongoing replacement.

Case Study: Reducing Product Damage During Carton Opening

A busy goods-in team was opening mixed inbound cartons containing retail-ready items. Operators were using general-purpose knives and occasionally cutting too deep, leading to damaged inner packaging and increased rework. The team reviewed the cutting tasks and separated them into two workflows: top-opening cartons and general trimming.

For top-opening, they standardised on a carton topper style tool and introduced a routine for replacing blades before they became dull. For general trimming and controlled cuts, they issued auto-retract safety knives (right- and left-handed versions) so blade exposure was limited when the tool was not actively in use. The result was fewer damaged items, more consistent opening technique across shifts, and clearer re-ordering because the correct replacement blades were tied to each tool type.

How to Choose the Correct Knife or Cutter

Choosing a cutter is easiest when you start with the material you cut most often and the risk you need to control (injury risk and product damage risk). Use the checklist below to narrow down the best option.

Step 1: Identify what you cut most

• Cartons and tape: Consider a carton opener or carton topper for controlled depth and safer opening.
• Stretch film and shrink film: A lightweight safety cutter or moulded safety cutter can be suitable for frequent film cutting.
• General-purpose cutting (mixed materials): A retractable utility knife or snap-off knife may be appropriate, depending on the thickness and precision required.
• Repetitive carton opening with safety priority: Auto-retract safety knives help limit blade exposure between cuts.

Step 2: Decide on the safety mechanism you need

• Auto-retract: Blade retracts when the thumb lever is released, reducing the chance of accidental contact when repositioning or setting the tool down.
• Controlled depth / guided cutting: Carton openers and toppers can help reduce the chance of cutting into contents.
• Simple, lightweight issue tools: Moulded safety cutters can be easier to distribute and manage for routine tasks.

Step 3: Match the tool to the operator

• Handedness: If a tool is offered in right- and left-handed versions, issuing the correct version supports safer, more natural cutting technique.
• Gloves and grip: Consider how the tool will be held with gloves, and whether the thumb control is easy to operate without strain.
• Training level: For mixed-experience teams, tools that reduce blade exposure can help standardise safer behaviour.

Step 4: Plan blade management (often overlooked)

Blade condition affects both safety and quality. Dull blades require more force, which can increase slip risk and lead to ragged cuts. A simple blade management plan typically includes:

• Keeping the correct replacement blades available at the point of use (for example, carton topper blades near goods-in benches).
• Replacing blades on a schedule or when cutting performance drops (rather than waiting for failure).
• Using a safe method for removing and disposing of used blades (follow your site’s sharps procedures).

Safe Use Tips for Packing Knives (Practical, Task-Based)

• Cut away from the body and keep the free hand clear: Position cartons so the cutting path is predictable and hands are not in line with the blade.
• Use the minimum blade exposure needed: Extend only enough blade to complete the cut; avoid deep blade extension when opening cartons.
• Let the tool do the work: If you need excessive force, the blade may be dull or the tool type may be wrong for the material.
• Store tools consistently: Use a designated location so cutters are not left on cartons, racking, or inside packaging waste.
• Replace blades safely: Follow the tool’s method for blade change and confirm the blade is seated correctly before returning to work.

Common Tasks and Suitable Cutter Types

• Opening inbound cartons quickly: Carton topper or carton opener styles can help control cutting depth.
• Picking/packing bench work: Auto-retract safety knives can reduce blade exposure between repeated cuts.
• Trimming stretch film on pallets: Lightweight cutters or moulded safety cutters can be practical for frequent film cuts.
• General trimming and mixed materials: Snap-off knives (with spare blades) or retractable utility knives may suit, depending on thickness and precision.

Q&A