Olfa knife with ratchet blade, aluminium, 18 mm

This version differs from the auto-lock by allowing you to select the amount of blade that protrudes. This is useful when slicing products of different thicknesses. It helps you avoid damage to underlying materials. I keep both styles in my collection for use in different scenarios. The MXP-L weighs about 4.75 oz., is center balanced and locks into a near unrestricted number of positions. The dial-lock is easy to use, audible and clamps down tightly. When nesting the blade for storage, an embossed section required you to retract the locking pin before allowing the blade to back out of the stainless-steel guide. It takes a deliberate action to release/change the blade. If needed, you can extend the blade up to 3.25" which is much further than the alternative. Also, the hole in the back of the handle is good for hanging or as a tie-off when working at elevation. The beauty of the OLFA brand utility knifes is that there are numerous types of blades that you can purchase with this handle. The specialty blades that fit this utility knife offer application benefits that just aren't available with trapezoidal blades. If you're applying film to glass, use a silver blade; If you're cutting rigid foam insulation, use the enhanced coated speed blade; If you're cutting batt insulation, use the solid insulation blade; If you're cutting carpet, use the snap-off hook blades; etc. Snap-off blades let you do more than a trapezoidal shape. These are not the flimsy ones you've avoided for years; they are a Contractor Tough line. Also, blade disposal is much easier because the break off sections are about 1/5 the size. I always wrap my spent blades to avoid someone accidentally cutting themselves when handling the construction debris. OLFA makes a disposal container that safely disposes of the sharp bits quickly.