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Safety knife with serrated blade in a hand wearing a cut-resistant glove
Safety knives · 78 knives · 10 brands · 3 safety levels

Safety knives for warehousing, logistics and production

Safety knives protect against cuts when opening cartons, film and straps. The range runs from safety knives with automatic blade retraction through fully automatic models and ceramic blades to knives with a protective hook. We compare knives from all the major manufacturers in three safety levels, independent of brand. All prices are in EUR, net, for business customers only; shipping is a flat €14 within Europe and free from €300 goods value.

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1
Safety level 1 · automatic blade retraction

Level 1 – safe

The blade springs back as soon as you release the slider. Flexible for almost all cutting jobs – provided the thumb comes off the slider after the cut.

29 knives
RECOMMENDEDLevel 1US10 Safety knife Tortoris Safe 10Safe 10automatic blade retractionCutting depth 21 mmBlade change possible€10.23 excl. VATView US10RECOMMENDEDLevel 1U010 Safety knife automatic Tajima VRex 103VRex 103automatic blade retractionCutting depth 22 mmBlade change possible€13.82 excl. VATView U010RECOMMENDEDLevel 1U013 Safety knife BasicBasic longautomatic blade retractionCutting depth 19 mmBlade change possible€2.99 excl. VATView U013RECOMMENDEDLevel 1US24 Safety cutter knife Tortoris S24Safe 24automatic blade retractionCutting depth 18 mmBlade change possible€8.09 excl. VATView US24Level 1UM50000110 Safety knife Secunorm 500Secunorm 500automatic blade retractionCutting depth 17 mmBlade change possible€12.47 excl. VATView UM50000110Level 1UM525001 Safety knife Martor Secunorm 525Secunorm 525automatic blade retractionCutting depth 21 mmBlade change possible€12.85 excl. VATView UM525001Level 1U032 Safety knife auto Profi shortQBS-20automatic blade retractionCutting depth 14 mmBlade change possible€14.59 excl. VATView U032Level 1U005 Stanley 0-10-243 folding safety knife – automatic blade retractionfolding safety knifeautomatic blade retractionCutting depth 19 mmBlade change possible€10.99 excl. VATView U005Level 1U014 Safety knife automaticComfortautomatic blade retractionCutting depth 21 mmBlade change possible€6.99 excl. VATView U014Level 1U006 Safety cutter knife 18 mm Tajima QuickBack 2 in 1QuickBack 2 in 1automatic blade retractionCutting depth 76 mmBlade change possible€9.11 excl. VATView U006Level 1UM30000110 Safety knife martor Secunorm 300 with trapezoid blade 65232Safety knife martor Secunorm 300 with trapezoid blade 65232automatic blade retractionCutting depth 17 mmBlade change possible€6.03 excl. VATView UM30000110Level 1UM120700 martor Profi 25 MDP detectableProfi 25 MDPautomatic blade retractionCutting depth 21 mmBlade change possible€15.05 excl. VATView UM120700Level 1USK12 Safety knife DETECTABLE – OLFA SK-12SK-12 – detectableautomatic blade retractionCutting depth 14.5 mmBlade change possible€16.37 excl. VATView USK12Level 1UM610001 Safety knife Secunorm 610 XDR martorXDR 610 MDP longautomatic blade retractionCutting depth 32 mmBlade change possible€33.35 excl. VATView UM610001Level 1UM610002 Safety knife martor Secunorm 610 XDR MDP with 99 bladeXDR 610 MDPautomatic blade retractionCutting depth 18 mmBlade change possible€33.25 excl. VATView UM610002Level 1UM125001 Martor Secunorm MizarSecupro Mizarautomatic blade retractionCutting depth 15 mmBlade change possible€10.00 excl. VATView UM125001
2
Safety level 2 · fully automatic blade retraction

Level 2 – extra safe

The blade retracts after every cut, even if the slider stays pressed. Strongest with firm materials such as cardboard, board and rubber.

11 knives
3
Safety level 3 · concealed blade with protective hook

Level 3 – ultra safe

Before, during and after the cut, the blade sits behind the protective hook. Fingers and goods cannot reach the cutting edge.

26 knives
K
Safety level 2 · ceramic blade with safety grind

Ceramic – safety blade

The ceramic blade with safety grind cuts the material but barely the skin – even with manual blade retraction. Rust-free, oil-free, spark-free; ideal for sack goods.

12 knives
Guides

Safety knife guide

Safety levels, applications, quality, blade and features – explained independent of the manufacturer.

Safety knives – also called safety cutter knives or cutter knives with safety blade in the trade – are knives that prevent cuts at work.

The most important difference between safety knives is the safety technology: how reliably the knife protects against cuts and against damage to the goods. If you slip while cutting, the blade should hit neither fingers nor arm or thigh.

We carry safety knives from all the major manufacturers. That is why we do not recommend one brand but the knife that suits your application.

Safety knives – the differences

Safety levels

Safety knives are divided into levels according to their protective effect. The higher the level, the less safety depends on the behaviour of the user. You will find a detailed explanation of each level on the page The 4 safety levels (in German).

The levels at a glance

LevelTechnologyProtectionTypical application
Level 0none – fixed blade or manually retractableno protectionCutter knives, carpet knives – only where no safety knife is possible
Level 1automatic blade retractionBlade springs back as soon as the slider is releasedalmost all cutting jobs
Level 2fully automatic blade retraction or ceramic safety bladeprotects even if the slider stays pressedCardboard, board, rubber, sack goods; from approx. 200 cuts per day
Level 3concealed blade with protective hookBlade concealed before, during and after the cutFilm, straps, sacks, cardboard (BoxCutter)

Level 0 – no protection

Level 0 knives have no protective mechanism: no automatic blade retraction and no concealed blade. Typical are

  • snap-off blades with predetermined breaking points that break more easily,
  • manual blade retraction – the user has to retract the blade themselves,
  • fixed blades that cannot be retracted into the handle.

From an occupational safety point of view, these knives are problematic. They belong only where it is ensured that no part of the body comes into contact with the blade – then additionally with cut-resistant gloves. You will find cutter and carpet knives in the cutter knife guide.

Detailed explanation: the 4 safety levels

Level 1 Automatic blade retraction: The blade springs back as soon as the slider is released.

Level 1 – automatic blade retraction

As soon as the user releases the slider or lever, a spring pulls the blade back into the handle after the cut. The risk of a cut injury drops considerably.

  • No snap-off blades – no blade breakage at predetermined breaking points
  • Automatic blade retraction – the blade does not stay open by accident
  • Operation counts – only when the thumb releases the slider does the blade spring back

The protection requires the user to use the technology: if you hold the slider pressed, you keep cutting with an open blade. That is why level 1 knives are very flexible, suit almost all applications and are readily accepted – the switch from a cutter knife is easy.

Detailed explanation: the 4 safety levels

Level 2 Fully automatic blade retraction: The blade retracts even if the slider stays pressed.

Level 2 – fully automatic or ceramic

Level 2 knives protect even when the user is not actively paying attention to safety. Two technologies achieve this: the fully automatic blade retraction (around 80 % of the knives at this level) and the ceramic blade with safety grind (around 20 %).

With fully automatic blade retraction, the blade retracts into the handle after every cut – even if the slider stays pressed.

  • No snap-off blades – stable cutting without blade breakage
  • Fully automatic blade retraction – independent of the user’s behaviour
  • Pliers grip (on some models) – for high cutting volumes

This level is particularly suitable for cardboard packaging and firm materials – in warehouse logistics, production and packaging. From about 200 cuts per day and knife, a pliers grip noticeably relieves the hand. In returns departments, our customers cut more than 10,000 cuts per shift and knife.

Ceramic safety blades are not as sharp as metal blades; the cut takes more force. That is exactly what lowers the risk of injury if the knife slips. Despite the lower sharpness, they cut almost all materials. For sack goods they are ideal: they offer high safety even with manual blade retraction, and hardly any dirt gets into the housing while cutting.

Detailed explanation: the 4 safety levels

Level 3 Concealed blade: The protective hook sits in front of the blade before, during and after the cut.

Level 3 – concealed blade

A protective hook sits in front of the blade before, during and after the cut. The cutting edge is not freely accessible – even if you slip. Fingers and goods cannot reach the blade. Wherever the application allows it, this level is the first choice.

There are two designs:

  • BoxCutters also cut cardboard, corrugated board and board. The blade head is shaped so that you pierce, pull and cut – without changing grip.
  • Film knives cut film, stretch film, paper and strapping, but not cardboard. Their nose in front of the blade is usually a little longer than on a BoxCutter, so they glide more easily through film.

Detailed explanation: the 4 safety levels

Application – what do you need to cut?

Which safety knife fits is decided mainly by the material. The overview shows the most common cutting jobs in warehousing, logistics and production and which design has proven itself for them.

Cutting cardboard and board with a safety knife

Cardboard and board

Opening boxes of one- to three-ply corrugated board and cutting their flaps and tape seams. For everyday use level 1 with approx. 2 cm cutting depth; if you cut a lot, choose fully automatic; BoxCutters also cut cardboard with a protective hook.

Carton knife guide →
Cutting adhesive tape with a safety knife

Adhesive tape

Slitting adhesive tape on the carton without hitting the contents. Little cutting depth is enough: mini knives, BoxCutters or a knife with a tape slitter.

Mini safety knives →
Cutting straps and strapping with a safety knife

Straps and strapping

PP and PET strapping of any width. Safest with a protective hook: film knives and BoxCutters pull the strap into the hook and cut it there.

Film knives →
Cutting film and paper with a safety knife

Film and paper

Stretch film, shrink film, paper. Film knives with a long nose cut most easily here; fully automatic knives are less suitable for thin film.

Film knife guide →
Cutting bags and sacks with a safety knife

Bags and sacks

Shipping bags, paper and plastic sacks. Ceramic safety blades with manual retraction are ideal for sack goods – hardly any dirt gets into the housing.

Ceramic safety knives →
Cutting roll goods with a safety knife

Roll goods

Paper and film rolls: separating layers, joining splices. What is needed is sufficient cutting depth and a stable blade.

Long safety knives →
Stripping off remnants with a safety knife

Stripping off remnants

Cutting off remaining layers of paper, film and plastic rolls down to the core. A long, robust blade counts here.

Long safety knives →
Cutting rubber and heavy-duty materials with a safety knife

Rubber and heavy duty

Rubber sheeting, PVC, thick film: hard materials. The harder the material, the stronger the case for fully automatic blade retraction.

Fully automatic safety knives →
Deburring with a safety knife

Deburring

Deburring plastic parts – a job for a scalpel and deburring tool with a fine, pointed blade, not for the safety knife.

Scalpels and deburring tools →
Cutting building-services materials with a safety knife

Building services

Cables, boxes, cords and much more. For changing tasks, a standard safety knife with approx. 2 cm cutting depth is the flexible choice.

Standard safety knives →
Scraping with a safety knife

Scraping

Removing labels, paint residues, adhesive residues – with a scraper rather than with the blade of the safety knife.

Scrapers →

Quality of a safety knife

How good a safety knife is shows in continuous use: in the material and workmanship of the housing, in the ergonomics and in the blade. Which quality you need depends mainly on how often you cut – in logistics warehouses, stores and production a robust knife quickly pays off, while for few cuts a simpler model is enough.

Quality features of a safety knife
Quality Housing, ergonomics and blade

Housing material

  • Plastic – simple polypropylene (PP) is inexpensive but not very robust and wears faster. Sufficient for occasional use.
  • Glass-fibre-reinforced plastic – considerably more stable and more resistant to impact and abrasion; for regular use.
  • Plastic with metal – plastic handle with a sheet-metal or steel rail: solid stability.
  • Metal handle – aluminium, zinc or magnesium offer the highest stability and a long service life.

Ergonomics

  • Slider – easy to reach, smooth-running, non-slip even with damp hands.
  • Handle shape – a handle that adapts to the hand reduces fatigue.
  • Non-slip surface – extra grip when hands are damp or oily.
  • Blade change without tools – faster and safer.
  • Right- and left-handed users – symmetrical handle or double-sided slider.

GS mark

The GS mark (“Geprüfte Sicherheit”, tested safety) is a voluntary German test mark under the Product Safety Act. An approved test body tests a type sample and then monitors production. The mark certifies compliance with the safety requirements – in other words a minimum level of safety. It says nothing about quality, ergonomics or edge life.

How often is it used?

In retail, in stores, in the logistics warehouse or in the returns department, mostly cartons, film and strapping are opened. In a mid-sized goods-in area it is usually 500 to 1,000 cuts per day and knife. In production, sacks, octabins, film bundles or cartons of raw materials are opened – often in damp, dusty or sub-zero conditions.

under 100 cuts per day

Occasional

A few cartons in goods-in, occasionally adhesive tape or film. A solid plastic knife is enough here – what matters are the right safety level and a fixed place for the knife.

U003 Safety knife Basic mini 2Basic miniautomatic blade retractionCutting depth 10 mmBlade change possible€1.79 excl. VATView U003H037B Safety knife Klever KonceptKoncept blueconcealed bladeCutting depth 4.1 mmDisposable – without blade change€2.55 excl. VATView H037BUM145001 Safety knife martor Secumax 145Secumax 145concealed bladeCutting depth 3.8 mmDisposable – without blade change€2.25 excl. VATView UM145001
up to 1,000 cuts per day

Frequent

Goods in, order picking, store: 500 to 1,000 cuts per day and knife are usual. Glass-fibre-reinforced plastic, a smooth-running slider and easy blade changes make the difference here.

U019 Safety knife Ergocut miniErgocut miniautomatic blade retractionCutting depth 10 mmBlade change possible€2.99 excl. VATView U019UES44 Safety knife extra safe ES44ES44fully automatic blade retractionCutting depth 21 mmBlade change possible€11.26 excl. VATView UES44UM350001 Safety knife martor Secumax 350Secumax 350concealed bladeCutting depth 6 mmBlade change possible€9.99 excl. VATView UM350001H041 Film knife OLFA SK-10 safety knifeSK-10concealed bladeCutting depth 3 mmBlade change possible€8.45 excl. VATView H041
over 1,000 cuts per day

Intensive

Logistics centres and returns departments: our customers cut more than 10,000 cuts per shift and knife. Metal housing, pliers grip and high-quality blades pay off quickly here.

US10 Safety knife Tortoris Safe 10Safe 10automatic blade retractionCutting depth 21 mmBlade change possible€10.23 excl. VATView US10UM625001 martor Secupro 625 – safety knife, fully automatic blade retractionSecupro 625fully automatic blade retractionCutting depth 21 mmBlade change possible€33.28 excl. VATView UM625001HCB100 Safety knife BoxCutter CB100CB100concealed bladeCutting depth 7 mmBlade change possible€8.99 excl. VATView HCB100UM175001 Safety knife martor Secunorm 175Secunorm 175automatic blade retractionCutting depth 10 mmBlade change possible€4.03 excl. VATView UM175001

Blade

The blade decides whether the knife cuts easily and how long it stays sharp. Here is the short version – all replacement blades, fits and background are in the cutter blade guide (in German).

Blade shapes

CategoryTrapezoid blades

The blade for safety and carpet knives. Two corners; it is turned when one gets dull.

CategorySnap-off blades

9, 18 or 25 mm wide. When the tip is dull, a segment is snapped off.

CategoryPolystyrene blades

Long and without snap-off segments – for deep cuts in foam and insulation.

CategoryScalpel blades

Fine and pointed – for deburring and precise contours.

CategorySpecial blades

Usually made for one specific knife – they only fit that handle.

Initial sharpness and edge life

Initial sharpness

How easily a new blade cuts. It drops from the first cut – most strongly right at the start. A high initial sharpness alone says little about quality.

Edge life

How long the blade keeps a minimum sharpness with which you can cut your material without too much force. From our customers’ practice: with high-quality blades, over 2,000 cuts per blade side are possible in abrasive corrugated board, while poor blades sometimes tear the material after fewer than 300 cuts.

Material

Carbon steel blade

Carbon steel

The standard, e.g. SK5 – carbon ≤ 1 %

+sharp, inexpensive, easy to sharpen

–rusts in damp conditions

Use Cardboard, film, warehouse and shipping

Premium carbon steel blade

Premium carbon steel

e.g. SK2 – carbon over 1 %, higher hardness

+keeps its sharpness considerably longer

–somewhat more expensive

Use where a lot is cut every day

Stainless steel blade

Stainless steel

From 10.5 % chromium low-rust

+corrosion-resistant

–basic grades are softer

Use Moisture, food, pharma

Ceramic blade

Ceramic

Zirconia with safety grind

+rust-free, oil-free, spark-free, non-magnetic

–brittle, must not be tilted; less sharp

Use Safety, food, electronics

In detail: cutter blade guide

Special features

Small details decide in everyday use whether a safety knife is gladly used.

Safety knife with transport lock
Safety

Transport lock

Locks the slider so that the blade does not extend accidentally. Important if the knife is carried in a pocket rather than in a holster.

Safety knife with eyelet
Attachment

Eyelet

For a lanyard or workstation – almost every safety knife has one. The size differs: not every hook fits every knife.

Safety knife with fin
Adhesive tape

Fin

A blunt metal spike for scoring adhesive tape without extending the blade.

Safety knife with spacer
Goods protection

Spacer

Limits the cutting depth and protects the goods – especially when opening cartons in the bulk warehouse.

Safety knife with magnet
Blade change

Magnet

Holds the blade in place during the change, even if the knife is turned upside down.

Safety knife with soft grip
Non-slip

Soft grip

Two-component (2K) handle: slips less and feels more comfortable in the hand – even with a glove.

Safety knife manufacturers

We carry safety knives from the most important manufacturers and recommend regardless of brand. For seven brands there is a dedicated page with the full range and the matching blades.

TortorisManufacturer pageSafety knives · 16 items · 10 in this range

Tortoris

Safety knives with automatic blade retraction and matching replacement blades – sorted by safety level and cutting depth.

To the manufacturer page →martorManufacturer pageSafety knives · 48 items · 25 in this range

martor

Safety knives from Solingen by safety level, detectable MDP models and film knives – with an overview of which blade fits where.

To the manufacturer page →SliceManufacturer pageCeramic safety knives · 27 items · 11 in this range

Slice

Safety knives with ceramic blade – compact, standard and long – plus scrapers, seam rippers, deburring tools and all matching blades.

To the manufacturer page →KleverManufacturer pageSafety knives · 11 items · 7 in this range

Klever

Safety knives from the USA with a protective hook in front of the blade – XChange with replaceable blades, Kutter as disposable, plus Kleen antibacterial and MDP detectable.

To the manufacturer page →OLFAManufacturer pageCutter knives · 45 items · 4 in this range

OLFA

Cutter knives in 9, 18 and 25 mm, rotary cutters, safety knives and scalpels from the inventor of the snap-off blade – with all matching blades.

To the manufacturer page →RiteKnifeManufacturer pageSafety knives · 11 items · 4 in this range

RiteKnife

Safety knives with concealed blade and fully automatic retraction, plus scrapers, precision knives and blades from Mozart.

To the manufacturer page →TajimaManufacturer pageCutter knives · 17 items · 2 in this range

Tajima

Cutter knives, safety knives, carpet knives and scrapers from Japan – with matching blades and accessories.

To the manufacturer page →

Stanley

Besides cutter and carpet knives, the US tool manufacturer also offers safety knives with automatic blade retraction. Stanley knives →

PHC – Pacific Handy Cutter

The US manufacturer has a broad range for opening packaging – with many models with a spacer for opening cartons. PHC safety knives →

Frequently asked questions

What is a safety knife?
A knife built so that the risk of injury when cutting is reduced. There are three ways to do this: the blade springs back into the handle automatically after the cut, it sits permanently behind a protective hook, or it has a safety grind (ceramic). Safety knives do not always have a short blade: they come with cutting depths from a few millimetres up to 8 cm. Which technology belongs to which level is explained in the Safety levels section.
What is the difference between a cutter knife and a safety cutter knife?
With a classic cutter knife, the blade stays extended after the cut until someone pushes it back by hand. A safety cutter knife – the same as a safety knife – prevents this: the blade retracts automatically into the handle, sits permanently behind a protective hook or has a safety grind (ceramic). Where many employees cut every day, this lowers the risk of injury. Which technology belongs to which level is explained in the Safety levels section.
What do WAK, WUK and VLK mean?
The terms come from Martor. WAK (will-dependent blade retraction) corresponds to level 1: the blade retracts as soon as the thumb releases the slider. WUK (will-independent blade retraction) corresponds to level 2: the blade retracts after the cut, even if the slider stays pressed. VLK (concealed blade) corresponds to level 3. Martor later replaced the terms with the product lines Secunorm (WAK), Secupro (WUK) and Secumax (VLK).
What can you cut with a safety knife?
Almost everything that occurs in warehousing, logistics and production: cardboard, adhesive tape, film, strapping, sacks, roll goods, rubber and PVC. So far we have not come across an application for which there is no suitable safety knife. Which model fits depends on the material and the safety level – see Application.
Which safety knives are suitable for heavy industrial use?
With many cuts per day, quality and ergonomics decide: robust housings made of metal or glass-fibre-reinforced plastic, a smooth-running slider, a pliers grip from about 200 cuts per day and easy blade changes. The safety level depends on the application; it alone does not decide suitability for continuous use.
What does the GS mark mean on safety knives?
GS stands for “Geprüfte Sicherheit” (tested safety). It is a voluntary German test mark under the Product Safety Act: an approved test body tests a type sample and monitors production. The mark certifies that the safety requirements are met – a minimum statement on safety, not a statement on quality or edge life.
How safe are ceramic blades compared with steel blades?
Ceramic safety blades have a special safety grind. They are not as sharp as steel blades and need a little more force – but the risk of injury drops considerably if the knife slips. Ceramic does not rust, is free of oil and does not produce sparks.
How do you convince employees to switch to safety knives?
In our experience, this is the hardest step. Only a few companies have a clear directive from management; without one, occupational safety specialists and department heads find it difficult. Our recommendation:
  • Take the time to define the requirements for the knife precisely.
  • Test several knives on your real cutting tasks with our field service or free test samples.
  • First let a few motivated employees work with the new knives for a few weeks – they become multipliers.
Is there an obligation to use safety knives?
There is no regulation that specifies which safety level must be used in which situation. However, the German Occupational Health and Safety Act (ArbSchG) obliges employers to ensure the safety and health of their employees – which indirectly implies a duty to provide suitable work equipment. The appropriate level of protection follows from your risk assessment. More on the Safety levels page (in German).

Employee and goods protection

Cuts and stab wounds are among the most common causes of accidents. According to BG RCI (German statutory accident insurance), in the plastics industry one in five accidents results in a cut injury to the hand, and in upholstery trades even one in three; 82 % of cuts and stab wounds affect the hand (BG RCI, Kurz & Bündig KB 014, edition 1/2024, in German). Safety knives are one of the simplest measures against this – and they also protect the goods.

Accessories

Safety in the workplace is an overall process. It is not enough to improve only the cut itself – the steps before and after matter too. Where does the knife lie before and after the cut? Is it attached to a lanyard? Is it in a trouser pocket or in a holster? How and where is the blade changed?

Many of our customers change blades at a central point. The dull blades go into a collection box where nobody can get hurt on them any more. If users change blades themselves, a small blade box belongs in their kit. For a cutting ruler, a hardened cutting edge with a finger guard is worthwhile.

ZM9920 Holster belt pouch knife pouch martorHolster belt pouch knife pouch martor€13.30 excl. VATView ZM9920Z001-30 Cutting ruler Tajima SLIM with steel edge – 30 cmCutting ruler Tajima SLIM with steel edge – 30 cm€13.11 excl. VATView Z001-30Z002-200 Collection box 100 ml Tajima for dull bladesCollection box 100 ml Tajima for dull blades€3.06 excl. VATView Z002-200Z004-120K Lanyard KeyBak Pro with carabinerLanyard KeyBak Pro with carabinerfrom €15.99 excl. VATView Z004-120K

All accessories for safety knives

Which safety knife suits your business?

We work independent of the manufacturer and send you free test samples for your real cutting tasks. For the consultation we ask you:

  • Which knives do you use today – cutter knives, carpet knives or already safety knives?
  • What do you need to cut, and how often per day?
  • Is there a requirement from a risk assessment, audit or the statutory accident insurance body?
direkt@curt-tools.com0211 97174619