Film knives
A film knife cuts film, paper and strapping without touching the goods underneath. For packaging in warehouses and industry we recommend Level 3 knives: a film knife for film, paper and strapping, and a box cutter if cartons are also cut. These knives are not intended for vehicle wrappers.
Film knives
A film knife cuts film, paper and strapping without touching the goods underneath. For packaging in warehouses and industry we recommend Level 3 knives: a film knife for film, paper and strapping, and a box cutter if cartons are also cut. These knives are not intended for vehicle wrappers.
What a film knife has to do
Film is thin, stretchy and often lies directly on the goods. A film knife therefore has to do two things: cut cleanly and hit only the film.
- Sharp: Only a sharp blade gives a clean cut edge. A dull blade tears and slips.
- Protecting the goods: When opening packaging and removing stretch film, the goods lie beneath the cut. A short cutting depth and a concealed blade protect them.
Film knife or box cutter?
Both knives have a concealed blade and belong to Level 3. They differ in what they cut:
| Film knives | Box cutter | |
|---|---|---|
| Cuts | Film, paper, strapping | almost everything, including cartons |
| Does not cut | Cartons | Film, strapping and paper not as well as a film knife |
| Typical use | Opening film packaging, stretch film, straps | Universal knife for mixed packaging |
Our recommendation, in this order:
- First: a Level 3 film knife.
- Second: a Level 3 box cutter.
- Third: a Level 1 safety knife with automatic blade retraction.
What the levels mean is explained on the levels page:
Vehicle wrapping and precision work
Level 3 knives are not suitable for vehicle wrapping, at least not those in our range. Wrappers work with cutter knives without protection (Level 0) and above all need high initial sharpness. For them, blade life is secondary.
Blades with a 30° tip, which taper to a very sharp point, are suitable for this. The black blades are particularly popular. Not every wrapper needs the 30° tip: our models C069 and C070 have a 60° blade into which a 30° blade can be fitted.
Cutter knife blades at a glance
What to look for when choosing
- Cutting depth: A small one is enough for film. The less blade protrudes, the lower the risk for the goods. Every product page states the value.
- Blade change: A blade that can be changed without tools is more likely to be replaced in time.
- Disposable knives: Where a blade change is not permitted, there are knives that are disposed of after use.
- Handle: With many cuts a day it determines fatigue.
Our recommendations
Three recommendations for packaging, plus cutter knives for vehicle wrappers. Three models each. You will find the whole range with filter in the safety knife hub.
Film knives, Level 3
Concealed blade in a protective hook. For film, paper and strapping. These knives do not cut cartons.
Box cutters, Level 3
Universal knives with a concealed blade. They also cut cardboard; with film, strapping and paper they cut less well than a film knife.
Automatic blade retraction, Level 1
The blade retracts as soon as the thumb releases the slider. This requires correct operation: if the slider is held permanently, the blade stays open. These three models cut film, paper and strapping very well.
Cutter knives, Level 0
No protection, but a very sharp blade. Wrappers need high initial sharpness. Blade life is secondary.
Frequently asked questions
Which knife is suitable for opening film packaging?
A Level 3 film knife. It cuts film, paper and strapping without touching the goods underneath. It does not cut cartons; for those there is the box cutter.
What is the difference between a film knife and a box cutter?
Both have a concealed blade (Level 3). The film knife cuts only film, paper and strapping, but cuts them very well. The box cutter is a universal knife and also cuts cartons, but with film, strapping and paper it cuts less well.
Can I cut stretch film with an ordinary cutter knife?
It works, but the blade is exposed and easily hits the goods or your hand. For frequent cutting we recommend a Level 3 knife.
Which knife do vehicle wrappers use?
Cutter knives without protection (Level 0) with a very sharp blade. Many use 30° blades, mostly black ones, because of the high initial sharpness. Not all wrappers need the 30° tip. Level 3 knives are not suitable for this.
Are there film knives without blade change?
Yes. Disposable knives such as the OLFA SK15 are disposed of after use. They are intended for businesses where a blade change is not permitted.
Which film knife suits your work?
Write to us or call. We go through the workplaces with you and send you samples on request.