Yet Another Utility Blade Holder (YAUBH)

thingiverse

I need a utility blade holder that is compact, strong, easy to clean and reasonably safe for pocket carry. The holder comprises of two part that is clipped together. The utility blade could be placed in two positions by a frame lock catch. Default setting is for a right-hand user, a standard utility blade and a holder thickness of 5mm. Safety: The safest way to hold the blade is to grip the holder at the frame lock using your thumb and index finger. This ensures that the blade does not slip. You could also grip the frame lock using your thumb and middle finger while placing your index finger on the jimping to allow precise control of the blade. The blade thickness and width could be adjusted to obtain a snug fit. Option for left-handed user is available (NOT TESTED). Adjustable using OpenSCAD or Customizer (http://www.thingiverse.com/apps/customizer/run?thing_id=1749766) Print Settings Printer Brand: RepRap Printer: Prusa i3 Rafts: No Supports: No Resolution: 0.2mm Infill: 40% rectiliner Notes: 2 vertical and horizontal bottom shell. 3 horizontal top shell. Post-Printing Cleanup may be required. Clip both frame part together and insert a utility blade. Go cut something :) How I Designed This Idea I owned a Gerber EAB however I didn't like folding knife mechanism due to cleaning issues. If folding knife is your thing, than see (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1298487). I was inspired by Rexford RUT, http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1425716 and http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1162705. However the current design did not have all the feature I need and difficult to print on my Prusa i3. Design I went through several design shown in the image below evaluating the strength and weakness of each. Here's a few design note a. Frame lock used 1 notch blade catch instead of two since it is strong enough. As an added benefit, the blade can be held in two position b. The frame consist of two plate and is held together by a three clip. The early design used plastic filament rivets but I found out that the frame bend due to the heat while riveting. Design iteration from left to right Beta version The beta version was tested extensively. I've been using the holder for a few days and it held well for cutting, slicing and light prying. The beta version blade catch was placed at the second notch of the utility blade. This was a design mistake that caused the blade loose in close position. The frame clip is not tight enough for my liking. Other than these issues, the blade holder performs well. Two plate frame with clip Two position for the utility blade Hold by pressing both index finger and thumb Pruning a small Red Palm Cutting plastic bottle (PETE) plant container Dirty holder and blade Final version The final version retain all the best features from beta version. I moved the frame lock catch to the first position and cut at a slant at the blade insert to increase the blade to handle ratio. The resulting area on top of the blade allows me to add back jimping. A finger plate was added to the top side of the frame and a total of four stronger clip was placed around the frame.