OLFA 9mm Stainless-Steel Utility Knife (SVR-2) - Multi-Purpose Retractable Precision Knife w/Stainless-Steel Snap-Off Blade, Replacement Blades: Any OLFA 9mm Blade

I bought this knife to use as a marking knife in woodworking (knives give a finer, clearer line than pencils). A marking knife needs to be very sharp, but very handy and safe, because it is in and out of your hand quite a lot. I have tried all sorts of other marking knives, including the handle-less Japanese style. (Once I nearly stabbed myself in the foot when I knocked one off a work table. It would have gone right through my foot, I am sure.) Snap-off knives are superior to all of those. The blade is thin enough to cut deeply, and since the blade is sharpened on the long edge instead of the bevel edge (like Japanese marking knives are), it is easier to bear down while making a cut. The blade retracts, making the knife pocketable. The blade also locks, making it safe to bear down on. Moving the blade in and out is fast and fluid, making it easy to use. Lastly the blade is always sharp, since you can easily snap off a dull section and expose a sharp new point.For years I used cheap plastic snap-off knives, but I always wanted a nicer, more durable version. Those plastic housings can break fairly easily, and the locking mechanism is flimsy. And now I have found it.As others have pointed out, the knife is quite slender, though it is slightly heavier than it might appear, being made of stainless steel. It fits nicely in a shirt pocket. The clip is springy and appears sturdy, and pops off to act as a blade snapper. Nifty!This particular model is auto-locking, meaning that the blade will not move when pressure is applied until you actually move the slider forward or back. It is very easy and fluid to use. Unlike another reviewer, I haven't had a problem with moving the slider unintentionally, but that could possibly be a problem when a blade is nearly used up and the slider is out near the tip of the knife. In any case, I hold it with my index finger extended along the top of the knife, so the tip of the blade is almost under my fingertip. It cuts where I point, in other words. This gives me a lot of control and accuracy, and feels very natural, and no part of my hand touches the slider.Olfa makes a few other knives that are hard to tell apart, even from the descriptions on their web page. The slightly cheaper SVR-1 does not lock automatically. To lock the blade you move the slider backwards just a bit (those cheap plastic ones work the same way.) To me that is a somewhat less safe option. The SAC-1 is very similar, but its blades come to a sharper point, making it more suitable for cutting stencils and other exacting work. It could probably replace those ubiquitous Exacto #11 blades, actually.Lastly, there are three different types of replacement blades: stainless steel, carbon steel, and "Ultrasharp". I recommend the carbon steel unless you work in a wet environment. They are cheaper, stronger and stay sharp longer. Just wipe it with mineral oil or tool sealant like Top-cote.

I use this little Japanese beauty on a near-daily basis, and every time I reach for it, I am glad that I paid a bit more for a high quality product. My mother has a few Olfa products that she uses for sewing, crafts, and the like, and as a teenager I was always impressed with their functionality, sharpness, and quality. Did I mention that the stainless steel blade that came with this little gem lasted about 3 months? Japanese companies know a thing or two about sharp edges. Let's face it: for small utility knives, there are many less expensive options; while perusing my local Dollar Tree aisles, I found a three pack of 9mm snap-off utility knives, which put the 7 dollars or so I spent on this Olfa in perspective. Nevertheless, I would buy another in a heartbeat: it's that well-made, and that handy. I use mine for everything from cutting heatshrink tubing off of electrical assemblies to slicing articles out of magazines. If you're even considering this item, my advice is to buy it: it's a fantastic piece of kit, you will not regret it.Pros:1. Stainless steel body. Looks great, takes a beating, fairly ergonomic.2. Locking mechanism. I was skeptical when I first opened the 5019, as the actual locking mechanism seems to be made mostly of plastic. I would have preferred metal. But after months of heavy use, it still locks up with a secure definite indent. There's a helpful audible click that lets you know that you've advanced one blade segment.3. Overall usefulness. I have electrician shears, large utility knives, folding pocket knives, etc, at my work table, and this is still the first edged instrument I reach for.Cons:1. Price: The knife itself can't do anything that a $0.99 hardware counter plastic keychain knife won't do nearly as well. But the the Olfa will last a lifetime, stay sharp longer, and be easier on your hands. And be a pleasure to use. The Olfa brand blades, while very effective and corrosion resistant, can be hard to find. And pricey. The SVR-2 accepts any standard 13-segment, snap-off utility knife blades. So you have options.Conclusion: This Olfa product is the best of its kind. Strong, sharp, easy-to-use, and long-lasting. I will purchase more Olfa products in the future. Seriously: buy this, you won't regret paying a bit extra for a quality tool like this!