OLFA9mm Precision Utility Knife (XA-1) - Multi-Purpose Retractable Precision Knife w/Fiberglass Reinforced Handle & Snap-Off Blade

It is the best razor blade I have purchased. I bought it for my husband and liked it so much that I bought one for myself. It slides well, is very durable, is super easy to use, and is great for the price.

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-2All 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 it's a safer with two passes.* 580/5001Old school styleMy 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-1Says 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. It's 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 1115501This is the only model reviewed that came in a simple retail plastic wrapper, no cardboard backing. But the implied cheapness of the retail package doesn't 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-2Advertised as stainless steel and rust resistant, the package also says it's for cutting vinyl, wallpaper, and film. There's a hint it's 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.ConclusionMy 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.

I’ve used this specific OLFA for many years. First as DIYer, then apprentice, commercial electrician, electrical engineer, and now OSHA Safety Pro, Project Manager, etc., etc. This one has never disappointed me, failed to cut, broken, or rusted. I have other very good cutters by other OEMs including a couple that if added with a multi-bit screwdriver, drill, and socket set, I could probably build or teardown a whole house. This is the only one I carry all the time for ready use. There’s one in all the cars, tool bags, luggage, and in general. Retract the blade all the way down and the endpoint makes a nice staple remover and sticky label scraper. It’s used as a pry tool for those heavy brass staples too. The blade is very sharp. It doesn’t easily snap into tidbits. Remove the yellow endcap and use the slot to snap off blade pieces. Carefully dispose of like all razors. Unlike typical box cutters, I can extend the blade to cut inside deep small crevices. The 9mm replacement blades are easy to find. Both items are still reasonably priced. One day I forgot I had it when I walked inside a government building. It’s too small to call the SWAT Team. Security let me take it to the car. I have two problems with this cutter. First, I don’t ever remember the brand name. “It begins with an O.” There are a lot of O’s in the plumbing section of Big Orange which is the only place they stock it. My second problem is making sure it doesn’t walk away, as in permanently borrowed by others. That list is long and it starts with family and peers. This is one tough little tool that has proven reliable thru many years of frequent use. And, I never need a coin to open stuff in this age of wireless payments.

I own and tried like a dozen of craft knives and this is definitely the best one. Sturdy, stable, the blade doesn't move around, love it.

Genuine OLFA quality. Nice little breakaway knife . If you’ve owned OLFA before this will be familiar. If not, try one; they’re good knives.

I heard about these from Jeff at Home RenoVision DIY on You Tube. He uses them, and mentioned they were excellent quality. And they are. This little guy is the right size for a pocket box cutter to open packages and small things with. It's 9mm. The 18 and 25mm sizes are better for construction and larger projects.I see why Jeff likes them. They're good quality, the open/close operation is smooth and silky with a satisfying ratcheting sound. The inside is a metal frame, while the outside is plastic and comfortable. You'll be able to get replacement blades on here reasonably. This is so much better that that dollar store piece of junk I used to have! If you need to open boxes often, or just want a small cutter so you don't have to handle razor blades with your bare hands, this is a great suggestion.

I’ve had one of these for years, bought a 2nd one to keep at home. Perfect compact utility knife, the Olfa blades are as sharp as it gets!