The classification, usage precautions, and maintenance of utility knives
Utility knives, also known as paper cutters, wallpaper knives, or simply cutting knives, are commonly used in offices, factories, warehouses, and other environments for cutting paper, plastic, fabric, opening packages and boxes, and slicing adhesive tape, among other thin materials. There is a wide variety of utility knives, classified as follows:
Classification by Blade Type:
- Foldable Blade Utility Knife: This is the mainstream utility knife, where the blade can be folded for replacement or storage.
- Trapezoidal Blade Utility Knife: Also known as a glue cutting knife, primarily used for cutting adhesive tape materials.
- Other Blade Types: Including cowhorn blades, engraving blades, square blades, etc., with different blade shapes chosen based on specific needs.
Classification by Handle Material:
- Metal Handle: Such as stainless steel blade channels, sturdy and durable but may feel heavier.
- Plastic Handle: Lighter feel, easy to carry, but may have a shorter lifespan.
- Resin or Other Lightweight Materials: Smooth handle, easy to carry, and slip-resistant for safety.
Classification by Function:
- Standard Utility Knife: Mainly used for cutting thinner materials.
- Multi-Function Utility Knife: Besides basic cutting, can also be used as a wrench, ruler, screwdriver, bottle opener, and more.
- Children’s Utility Knife: Cute appearance, high safety, with a duller blade to prevent cuts, suitable for simple crafts for children.
- Heavy-Duty Utility Knife: Thicker blade, sturdier body, durable, and can withstand greater pressure, suitable for cutting hard objects or complex cutting tasks.
Other Special Types:
- Pen-Shaped Utility Knife: Pen-like appearance, with the blade popping out or retracting when pressed, easy to carry, suitable for children and students.
- Retractable Blade Utility Knife: Designed with a retraction button, push and release to automatically retract the blade, saving time and effort, and safer.
- Specialized Paper Cutting Knife: Used for cutting paper, producing clean, straight lines without frayed edges, but may not be portable.
Usage Precautions
- Choose the Right Tool: Select a utility knife and blade specification that suits your specific needs.
- Proper Grip: Hold the utility knife by the handle, secure it with your thumb and index finger, and place your middle finger on the back of the blade for better control.
- Attention to Cutting Angle: Choose the appropriate cutting angle based on the hardness and shape of the material. Generally, cutting perpendicular to the material yields better results.
- Stay Focused: Concentrate when using the utility knife to avoid distractions that could lead to accidents.
- Avoid Excessive Force: Maintain a steady force when cutting to avoid hand fatigue or blade damage from excessive force.
- Safe Storage: After use, store the utility knife in a dedicated sheath to avoid friction and collisions with other items, and keep it out of reach of children.
Maintenance Tips
- Clean Regularly: After using the utility knife, promptly clean off oil and dust from the blade and handle to keep the blade clean.
- Avoid Heavy Impacts: Be careful to avoid heavy impacts or bumps during use to prevent blade deformation or damage.
- Use Specialized Tools for Blade Replacement: When replacing the blade, use specialized tools or blade removers to avoid cutting your fingers. Ensure the blade is securely fastened to prevent it from loosening or falling out during use.
- Regular Lubrication: Regularly apply lubricating oil or anti-rust agent to the moving parts of the utility knife to keep the blade in good condition and extend its lifespan.
- Avoid Improper Use: Do not use the utility knife on unsuitable materials, such as cutting hard substances like metal, to avoid blade damage or safety hazards.
In summary, there is a wide variety of utility knives, and it is important to choose the right tool for the job and follow usage precautions to ensure safety. Regular maintenance is also crucial to keeping the utility knife sharp and extending its lifespan.
