Logistics

Safety knives whose safety features and Cutting depth are suited to the respective packaging material are ideal for logistics and goods receiving. For cardboard boxes, Tape, plastic film, and Plastic strapping band, MARTOR offers both versatile all-purpose knives and specialized cutting tools. A concealed or self-retracting blade reduces the risk of cuts. The shielded blade also provides the best protection against damage to goods. Additionally, a reduced blade extension can prevent the blade from penetrating too far into the packaging and damaging the contents.

Safety knives can cut through nearly all typical packaging materials found in warehouses, receiving areas, and shipping departments. These include single- and multi-ply cardboard, Tape, wrapping, stretch and shrink foil, plastic strapping band, bagged goods, cords, as well as layers of foil or paper. Since these materials vary in thickness, toughness, and structure, the knife should not be selected based solely on its maximum cutting depth. Other important factors include the design of the handle, the blade shape, safety features, and the type of cut.

A safety knife protects the user with built-in safety features, whereas with a traditional utility knife, the blade is exposed and fixed in place. Depending on the safety knife, the cutting edge is concealed or retracts into the handle automatically or fully automatically after a cut. This reduces the risk of injury if the tool slips, is set down, or is passed to someone else. Models with a shielded blade or adjustable cutting depth can also better protect packaged goods.

As a general rule, the higher the safety level, the better for the user (and the packaged goods). However, the safety class—along with the safety blades it offers—must be appropriate for the specific cutting task so that it can be performed efficiently. Depending on the working conditions, this may involve a concealed blade or an open blade that retracts at the right moment. The selection should be based on the risk assessment and a practical test using the actual packaging materials.

A concealed blade generally offers greater protection, but is not suitable for every cutting application. With this technique, the blade is shielded in such a way that direct contact is largely prevented. In contrast, automatic or fully automatic blade retraction allows for more flexible and, in some cases, deeper cuts. Therefore, the key consideration is not which technology is generally “better,” but rather which solution enables the required cut with the highest possible level of safety.

Safety knives prevent damage to goods primarily through a concealed blade or a cutting depth tailored to the packaging material. This ensures that the blade does not penetrate the cardboard unnecessarily deeply and, as much as possible, does not come into contact with the contents. This reduces the risk of scratches, cuts, holes, damaged product packaging, or leaking contents. In addition, controlled cutting is helpful. The packaging should also not be unnecessarily dented during cutting.

A single safety knife can handle many standard tasks, but specialized tools are often better suited for specific applications. An all-purpose knife, for example, is suitable for cardboard, Tape, and strapping. For particularly thick cardboard or stubborn film, a tool specifically designed for that purpose may be useful. A manageable combination of a standard all-purpose knife and a few clearly defined specialized tools has often proven effective.

To cut cardboard boxes with minimal effort, it’s best to hold the handle at an angle. The 45° angle works well for both safety knives with concealed blades and those with blade retraction. This knife position is also recommended for cutting Plastic strapping bands. In addition, the easiest way to cut through the strapping itself is diagonally. But be careful: Use your other hand to hold the strapping above the point of cut to prevent it from springing open uncontrollably. Plastic film is particularly easy to cut when it’s taut. For Tape, some MARTOR safety knives feature a blunt scoring edge next to the blade.

Ergonomic safety knives reduce strain on the hand, arm, and body during frequent, repetitive cutting motions. In receiving, order picking, and shipping, cutting tools are sometimes used throughout the entire workday. More than 1,000 cuts per day are not uncommon. Well-designed handles, smooth-operating sliders or squeeze-grips, and a sharp blade reduce the amount of force required. Tool size, grip position, and suitability for right and left handers should also be considered when making a selection.

The blades should be replaced or flipped as soon as the cut becomes uneven or requires significantly more force. A dull blade can cause the user to apply more pressure, tear the material uncontrollably, or cause the knife to slip. Bent, damaged, or heavily soiled blades should also not be used any further. A fresh cutting edge (after turning the blade) or a newly installed replacement blade supports controlled, efficient cutting and reduces the overall strain on the user.

Safety knives should be preselected based on actual cutting tasks, tested in practice, and then standardized in a binding manner. First, materials, cutting frequency, required cutting depths, and previous injuries and property damage are documented. Environmental conditions must also be taken into account. Employees should then be able to try out various suitable models under everyday conditions. Once the selection is complete, clear rules for use, storage, blade replacement, and disposal—as well as practical user instruction, including training—are essential. Regular feedback helps to continuously improve safety and acceptance. MARTOR offers a comprehensive service package for this purpose, ranging from workplace analysis to the implementation of cutting tools.