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by Peter Brett - March 2009
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Sharp Scrapers
Perhaps a sharp reminder in our current times where new ideas and practices are badly needed.
OLFA scrapers have been available in Japan for a while, in the guise of the very sharp BTC-1. This has not only been used as a scraper, but also as a cutter for leather and resin. The shape of the handle allows it not only to be used as a scraper, but also held in a fist and pressed downwards to cut and shave leather. Although it is a simply conceived tool, once I got used to what I could do with it, I wondered why it had taken so long to come up with the idea. Take note that the blade is really SHARP, so it comes with a built in metal edge guard. This has to be consciously removed by unscrewing the brass nut and blade stiffener that holds the blade in place.
Once revealed, the edge shows that it is hollow ground on one side, slightly flexible, but not overly so, for scraping applications. The blade is also double sided so there are two cutting edges available by simply reversing the blade. Being slightly offset on one side, used as a scraper, the blade can get into the smallest corners. Although the BTC-1 has a simple OLFA yellow plastic handle with grip dimples, it is strong and rigid. It does the job admirably in a very no-nonsense way.
For the marketing angle, the BTC-1 comes with a free snap-off utility cutter for the launch, so some extra value and incentives for retailers.
More simply made, with handles that are clearly more “utility” is the range of SCR scrapers. These come in three sizes S,M and L. They too have sharp 1mm thick stainless steel blades that have been firmly moulded into the yellow plastic handles. The blades have a simple clear plastic blade guard that clicks into place, but my guess is that most of these scrapers will end up flung in the bottom of a toolbag without them. My advice? - watch out for your fingers.
It is clear that these scrapers are disposable, so once the edge has been sufficiently dulled or chipped, a new one is needed. For scraping paint off various hard materials or scraping stubborn bits of wallpaper, these scrapers are tops. The SCR-S scraper has a 25mm wide straight blade, while the SCR-M has an offset 43mm wide blade.
This offset corner allows easy access to corners and crevices. The largest SCR-L scraper has a 60mm wide blade that is perfect for larger areas. There are other scrapers available in the market place, but having used these ones, even quite briefly, it is clear that they are a higher quality scraping solution. They just work better!
From the obviously “utility” SCR series we move next to the more sophisticated T-25 model. Initial observations show a much more craftily designed piece of kit. The OLFA yellow handle is partly enveloped by a stainless steel sheath that looks great, but of no obvious benefit - until you look more closely! The very thin, square, steel blade has four cutting edges (one sharp, three others unsharpened for scraping) - but how to change them? The answer is simple, move the yellow handle back in the stainless steel sliders and the blade is released. What is so clever also about this system is that the flexible blade is given a slight curve by tightening it back into position, making it possible for this blade to be used on very intricate scraping jobs like removing labels and painted letters. Because it is a more comfortable and substantial handle that benefits the user, there is also room for a small compartment that holds six spare blades. Finally there is a solid plastic blade guard with an edge to it that can be used as a “soft’ scraper too. As is so often the case, simple ideas are the best, and this little scraper combines quality and good, practical design, in a very user-friendly package.
The last lot of BSR series of scrapers are monsters. Apparently developed at the request of industry professionals, they come in a range of handle lengths -200mm, 300mm and 600mm. The blades are 100mm wide and 0.5mm thick and are quite rigid. A thinner and therefore more flexible blade, the BSF-10B is available for those finer jobs where a bit more flex is required.
These scrapers are meant for heavy applications as the tools are made in cast alloy with rubberised handles. The handles have a metal end protruding which enables the scraper to be hit with a hammer when needed.
A 100mm wide metal jaw system holds the blade firmly in place, and this is tightened with a knurled screw. I found the 200mm long scraper I was sent a real tough buddy. It can be used on floor and wall tiles as well as wallpaper and plaster scraping. The really sharp edge means that lighter duty operations like wallpaper removal are easily achievable. When packed at the factory, the blade is reversed for safe storage, but I used the reversed blunt edge for rougher things (a bit of plaster on a brick wall) thus preserving the sharp edge for when I really needed it.
As is customary with OLFA products, the user expects and gets high quality tools, but they are practical and well designed. For the retailer? - well, fewer returns and the extra sales of disposable blades are a good start.
Independent Review by Peter Brett
Airstream Communications