What's the best way to care for my OLFA OL-L-5 knife?

I recommend cleaning it regularly with a soft cloth and storing it in a dry place to prevent rust. You should also sharpen the blade regularly to keep it in top condition.

Can I use the OLFA OL-L-5 knife for heavy-duty cutting?

Yes, the knife is designed for heavy-duty cutting, but be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can damage the blade or handle.

How do I sharpen the blade on my OLFA OL-L-5 knife?

You can use a whetstone or a sharpening steel to sharpen the blade. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can damage the blade.

Can I use the OLFA OL-L-5 knife for woodworking?

Yes, the knife is perfect for woodworking, but be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can damage the blade or handle.

How do I store my OLFA OL-L-5 knife?

You should store the knife in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. You can also store it in a protective case to prevent damage.

Can I use the OLFA OL-L-5 knife for metal cutting?

No, the knife is not designed for metal cutting. You should use a separate knife or tool for metal cutting.

How do I clean my OLFA OL-L-5 knife?

You should clean the knife regularly with a soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the blade or handle.

Can I use the OLFA OL-L-5 knife for ceramic tile cutting?

Yes, the knife is perfect for cutting ceramic tile, but be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can damage the blade or handle.

What's the best way to maintain the blade's sharpness?

Regular sharpening is key to maintaining the blade's sharpness. I recommend sharpening the blade every few months, or as needed.

OLFA OL-L-5 Knife Review: A DIY Enthusiast's Best Friend

Hello and thanks for reading!

I've been using OLFA knives from Japan for years, and I'm still blown away by their quality and versatility.

I mentioned OLFA (Japan) in my previous review, where I highlighted their commitment to producing top-notch tools.

The OLFA OL-OL construction knife with a retractable blade for carpeting, 18mm

This particular model has been my go-to knife for around 14-15 years. It's my favorite, and I've got a few specific models that I've won over with their ergonomics and quality - both the blade and the handle.

Three of my colleagues at work took these knives for a spin when they saw them, and they're still in use, only getting replaced when the blades need it.

The universal knife OLFA OL-L-5 series X-design ComfortGrip with a ratcheting mechanism and metal protrusion, 18mm

This knife has the model number OL-L-5.

It comes in the standard blister packaging that OLFA uses for their products. The packaging includes information on how to use the tool and all the technical details.

Here's a photo of the new knife from my stash and one that's been in use with a cable for a long time.

The packaging also includes instructions on using the different types of blades.Description of the Knife

This knife is pretty lightweight, with a comfortable grip and ergonomic design, featuring a non-slip handle.

The handle itself is resistant to acids, acetone, and oils, and is reinforced with fiberglass. As a result, this knife falls into the category of complex professional tasks.

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The "X-design" series differs from the OL-OL knife I described earlier in three key ways:

It comes with a black bladeIt features a two-component rubber handleIt lacks the front tip that protects the top of the bladeThe OLFA OL-L-5 comes with a segmented (8-section) blade.

It comes with a black blade, LBB, 18mm wide, which is 25% sharper than standard OLFA blades.

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The knife is equipped with a precision metal tip.

You can use this tip for any task where you can't use the blade:

Removing adhesivesOpening cansRemoving release platesMarking cuts in gypsum, leather, foam board, and similar materialsxa0

The design of the OL-L-5 knife

¥ Cutting purpose

It's perfect for cutting rubber, plywood, leather, and other tough materials like roofing materials.

¥ Key benefits

The winch mechanism for blade fixation with a clicking wheel is a game-changer.It's resistant to organic solvents, so you don't have to worry about damage.The stainless steel guides provide a secure blade fixation, even for heavy-duty tasks.The super-sharp black blade gets the job done quickly and efficiently.The handle's design prevents your hand from slipping and hitting the blade.The metal pointed tip is perfect for various tasks and applications.The two-component non-slip handle provides a secure grip, making it easier to use the tool.Blade replacement is a breeze, no tools required.It's compatible with blades up to 18mm wide (LFB, LB, LBB, LWB).

Product description with images

The contents of the knife pack are as follows.

The winch mechanism on the wheel has a mark indicating the degree of looseness based on orientation.

The screw has a clicking detent.

I've got to say, the plastic stopper on the fixator is a great touch.

It limits the movement of the blade inside the metal sheath, which is a nice safety feature.

When you insert it into the slots, you need to press the stopper in place.

Replacing and installing the blade is a breeze. You just loosen the screw until it starts to come out the back with the fixator.

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🔶️ USING IT

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This knife is versatile and can be used in many different situations and locations.

I've got mine in two tool rolls - one for general tasks and another for electrical work.

Not to mention the obvious stuff like cutting boxes, packaging, sharpening pencils, cutting drywall, carpet, or linoleum, or stripping insulation from cables.

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✅ Perfect for stripping and cutting electrical cables.

I've used this knife for stripping cables when I didn't have a dedicated cable stripper. It's a no-brainer for jobs like this, especially when working with power cables like NYM, ВВГнг, and their variants. You can easily remove the outer insulation without making a deep cut.

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The cut is shallow and precise, which is exactly what you need when working with cables.

Next, you can use the knife to peel back the insulation further.

You can then strip the insulation and remove the individual wire sheaths.

When stripping, you need to make a thin cut without cutting all the way through the insulation, so you don't damage the wire.

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✅ For stripping insulation from low-voltage cables

This knife was originally designed for stripping low-voltage cables, including twisted pairs, coaxial cables, and other types.

Here's an example with a twisted pair.

I used my own household cable, a twisted pair with a 6A rating, which is part of my structured cabling system (SCS) at home.

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The cut is made carefully without cutting through the insulation.

I was impressed by how easily the insulation can be bent, and the cable sheathing comes off in one smooth motion along the cut line.

Next up is cutting the central grommet-separator, also known as the compound.

✅ Cutting foam board, foam insulation

I was surprised by how easily the technical parolon or foam board, like the foam insulation, cuts through with a knife - it's a two-stroke job.

The thickness may vary along the length of the blade.

Leaving the knife in the technical foam board.

The cut is clean and smooth.

✅ Opening paint cans, glue, and spackling compound

I've found this tool to be super helpful for opening various technical containers.

It works great for opening paint cans and lacquerxa0

✅ Example of cutting a carpet runner

This is a repeat example from my previous review, but it's worth showing off again with this new knife. The OL-OL knife I used before also performed well, but this one is my new go-to.

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📌 Additional notes about the product

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✔️ The handle doesn't slip out of my hand. The material is durable and can withstand drops – I've dropped it multiple times and only got minor scratches.

✔️ The blade width is standard at 18mm, so if you have issues with the OLFA blade, you can easily swap it out with a universal blade from another manufacturer. I've tried a few different blades in the past, but I always come back to the original.

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✔️ The metal sheath (guiding) keeps the blade securely in place, without any play or movement. It stays put, even under heavy use.

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✔️ I've gotta say, the screw-on mechanism is super solid. You don't need to over-tighten it, which is a relief. The whole thing feels like a precision-crafted tool, not some flimsy Chinese knockoff.

The screw-on mechanism is easy to remove, which comes in handy when you need to swap out the blade or clean it after dealing with sticky or tacky surfaces. Just unscrew it, and you'll find a plastic plug that covers the internal mechanism.

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✔️ The metal guard on the front of the handle is a nice touch. It's specifically designed to be narrow and protrude slightly, making it perfect for intricate work and added stability. It also protects the blade's edge from extra bends and breaks.

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🔶️ THE VERDICT

I'm confident that anyone who starts using this knife will fall in love with it and never want to switch to another. OLFA has other knives with slider grips (which are common in many construction knives), but if you want one with a more traditional feel, this is the way to go. As a seasoned DIYer, I've seen my fair share of decent knives, but this one takes the cake. I'm not planning on replacing it anytime soon.

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🔷️ THE GOOD STUFF

Super comfortable and well-thought-out ergonomics.The handle is both functional and comfortable to hold.The knife's body is made from sturdy steel.High-quality segmented blade.The metal toe is perfect for a variety of tasks.The blade is razor-sharp and consists of 8 segments.The blade lock is solid and secure.⚠️THE NOT-SO-GOOD STUFF

The price has gone up.It's mainly available for purchase in specialized stores on platforms like Ozon and Valberis.