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

I have been using snap off knives for years, mostly for cutting ripstop nylon for kite making. I have probably owned 10 different models. This OLFA 9mm is far and above the best one I have used. It feels good in the hand and just works well. I will likely buy a couple more for different works areas.

Why would anyone buy any other knife? This one is perfect - great design, comfortable, ergonomic, fair price. Just goes to show that even something as generic as a utility knife can be elevated to a product that makes you happy when you use it.

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.

Im constantly cutting things at work - the handle gives good control, easy to use

Great Box Cutter

Started using Olfa products after my son received one in his architecture kit in college. Absolutely the best on the market. They make a variety of cutters (I own four) and Ive never found their equal. I threw the other brands away once I found Olfa. Precision and quality make this cutter top-notch! Highly recommend!

Good quality knife. It feels nice to handle and easier to use. Very sharp blade cuts cleanly speeding up your work.

Best Olfa ever.

very handy

The Olfa utility knife is amazing! I needed a really sharp, really safe tool. What a find!! It deserves all of lthe accolades from the reviewers who have used this product. Now I am chiming in with high praises as well. The safety feature is in place as the blade is moved forward, for this extremely sharp blade is automatically locked in. The Olfa...utility knife is very comfortable, and it is extremely simple to maneuver. For example I am using it to cut cork from a large roll that is 1/16 thick. I have used this knife to cut from left to right and vice-versa. This tool provides complete control, for the blade goes exactly where I want. Additionally, this blade makes it super easy to smooth out an uneven edge. (It is so sharp and so safe!!) I feel very confident now as I see my project resulting in a very smooth, finished product. If anyone feels wary about using a utility knife I urge you to try this one. I have found that it is in a class by itself! The advertising is 100% true, for this knife is exactly as described. FYI this utility knife is made in Japan. ~~~ Thank you, Amazon, yet again, for another excellent product. I highly recommend it.