--- product_id: 2076400 title: "XA-1" brand: "olfa" price: "Β£8.26" currency: GBP in_stock: null reviews_count: 10 category: "Olfa" url: https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/2076400-xa-1 store_origin: GB region: Great Britain --- # 9mm razor-sharp snap-off blade wraparound rubber grip for comfort & control fiberglass-reinforced handle for durability XA-1 **Brand:** olfa **Price:** Β£8.26 **Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock ## Summary > πŸ”ͺ Cut sharp, grip smart, stay ahead. ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** XA-1 by olfa - **How much does it cost?** Β£8.26 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Currently out of stock - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.uk](https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/2076400-xa-1) ## Best For - olfa enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted olfa brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - β€’ **Ergonomic Grip Design:** Fiberglass-reinforced handle with wraparound rubber grip ensures fatigue-free control during extended use. - β€’ **On-the-Go Blade Snapper:** Built-in blade snapper lets you safely refresh your blade anytime, no tools needed. - β€’ **Precision Cutting Power:** 13 razor-sharp snap-off segments for effortless slicing through cardboard, plastic, and more. - β€’ **Reliable Retractable Safety:** Secure sliding mechanism locks blade firmly in place, giving you confidence with every cut. - β€’ **Versatile Multi-Material Use:** Perfect for paper, packaging, foam board, shrink wrap, and caulkingβ€”your all-in-one cutting companion. ## Overview The OLFA 9mm Precision Utility Knife (XA-1) features a durable fiberglass-reinforced handle with a comfortable rubber grip and a preloaded 9mm black snap-off blade with 13 razor-sharp segments. Its built-in blade snapper allows safe, tool-free blade changes on the go. Designed for precision and versatility, it excels at cutting cardboard, plastic packaging, foam board, and more, making it a trusted tool for professionals who demand reliability and comfort. ## Description OLFA 9mm Precision Utility Knife (XA-1) - Multi-Purpose Retractable Precision Knife w/Fiberglass Reinforced Handle & Snap-Off Blade - Utility Knives - desertcart.com Review: I cut standard brown corrugated cardboard and also some finer white cardboard - 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-2 All 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. * 580/5001 Old school style My 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-1 Says 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 1115501 This 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-2 Advertised 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. Conclusion My 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. Review: Excellent Knife! - Very good snap blade knife. The knife has a rubber grip for a tight hold. The blades slide out and lock in place. I really like the tail cap comes off and has a little slot in it so you can snap off a dull blade and have a fresh sharp blade ready to go. Great knife, great value. ## Features - Preloaded with an 9MM ABB Black Snap-Off Blade with 13 razor-sharp snap-off segments. - Features a fiberglass-reinforced handle with wraparound rubber grip comfort and control. - Includes a Built-in Blade Snapper for safe and easy tool-free blade replacement on the go. - Great for cutting paper, cardboard, packaging, shrink wrap, caulking, foam board, molding, and more. - Pairing your OLFA 9mm Utility Knife with OLFA 9mm Blades will provide optimal results. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B003UHUZ3M | | Batteries Included? | No | | Batteries Required? | No | | Best Sellers Rank | #32,480 in Tools & Home Improvement ( See Top 100 in Tools & Home Improvement ) #187 in Utility Knives | | Blade Edge | fine | | Blade Material | Carbon Steel | | Brand | OLFA | | Color | Black | | Customer Reviews | 4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars (975) | | Date First Available | July 15, 2010 | | Global Trade Identification Number | 00091511600919 | | Handle Material | Fiberglass,Rubber,Stainless Steel | | Included Components | Blade Snapper | | Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No | | Item Length | 9 Millimeters | | Item Package Quantity | 1 | | Item Weight | 0.635 ounces | | Item model number | 1075449 | | Manufacturer | OLFA | | Material | Plastic | | Part Number | 1075449 | | Size | Pack of 1 | | Style | Retractable | | UPC | 091511600919 | | Warranty Description | guaranteed forever | ## Product Details - **Blade Material:** Carbon Steel - **Brand:** OLFA - **Color:** Black - **Handle Material:** Fiberglass,Rubber,Stainless Steel - **Item Length:** 9 Millimeters - **Item Weight:** 18 Grams - **Manufacturer:** OLFA - **Material:** Plastic - **Style:** Retractable - **UPC:** 091511600919 ## Images ![XA-1 - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51HZceiX8hL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I cut standard brown corrugated cardboard and also some finer white cardboard *by F***Y on May 3, 2015* 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-2 All 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. * 580/5001 Old school style My 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-1 Says 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 1115501 This 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-2 Advertised 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. Conclusion My 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. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent Knife! *by S***E on July 3, 2025* Very good snap blade knife. The knife has a rubber grip for a tight hold. The blades slide out and lock in place. I really like the tail cap comes off and has a little slot in it so you can snap off a dull blade and have a fresh sharp blade ready to go. Great knife, great value. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Quality! *by P***E on December 19, 2024* 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. ## Frequently Bought Together - OLFA 9mm Precision Utility Knife (XA-1) - Multi-Purpose Retractable Precision Knife w/Fiberglass Reinforced Handle & Snap-Off Blade - OLFA 9mm Snap Off Replacement Blades, 50 Blades (650 Segments) ABB-50B - Ultra-Sharp Black Utility Knife Replacement Blades, Fits most 9mm Utility Knives --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - πŸ›’ **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** β€” Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** β€” Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - πŸ’° **No Hidden Fees** β€” All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - πŸ”„ **15-Day Free Returns** β€” Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - πŸ”’ **Secure Payments** β€” Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** β€” Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/2076400-xa-1](https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/2076400-xa-1) --- *Product available on Desertcart Great Britain* *Store origin: GB* *Last updated: 2026-04-25*