If you have a question that you would like answered, please send and email to FAQ@movingedge.com and we will answer you directly. Questions that may be of interest to our other visitors will be added to the FAQ list. Our Frequently Asked Questions section is intended to be a comprehensive resource to help you get the most from your GR8 Safety Knife. Some questions can be answered in a few lines while other take many lines. The intention is to tell it as it is!
If you have a question that is not answered here, please let us know here and we will get back to you with an immediate answer. If your question has broad appeal, we will include it here to help other users. So please ask all you want; it will help you and will help others get the most from the GR8.
Also take a look at the Resources section where you will find the GR8 Guidance Notes and detailed information on carrying out a Knife Risk Assessment that you can either read online or download. There is even a blank Risk Assessment form that you can download so that you don't have to create your own. Again, if you can add anything to this page or there is something that you would like to see included, please let us know here.
General Questions
About the GR8
Using the GR8
Q. Where are your Contact Details?
A. Our full contact details are given here
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Q. What colours are available?
A. For each model, there are 5 handle colours available:
- Black
- Red
- Yellow
- Blue
- Green
The body colour for the Dispo and Primo is Black while the Pro come with either a Black or Satin body.
More detailed information is available in the GR8 Knife Selector here
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Q. Is the GR8 FoodSafe?
A. Despite our best endeavours, production limitations dictate that, for the time being at least, only the GR8 Pro can be specified in FoodSafe material. Please note that, due to the high number of different detection systems used within Companies, you should carry out your own independent tests to ensure that your equipment fully detects the GR8.
For more details, please see the GR8 Knife Selector here
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Q. Where can I buy the GR8
A. To buy the GR8 and other Moving Edge products, please click here or select the Shop link from the menu bar. You will find a variety of ways to purchase.
If you wish to purchase single units or a small quantity of items, we have set up an eBay Shop where you can quickly and conveniently purchase the full Moving Edge range and pay securely using PayPal. To get straight to our shop, please click here.
If you wish to purchase greater quantities or open a trading account, please click here.
If you wish to purchase through a distributor, please ask your distributor to contact us direct on 0800 040 9901 or email us here.
Moving Edge has been its own distributor for more than ten years and because we manufacture ourselves, in 99% of cases we will despatch your order on the day that we receive it - provided it is received before 2.30pm. And because the GR8 is our product, we will deal speedily with any issues that you may have to ensure your complete satisfaction. For multi-site customers, we can work with you and tailor our service to deliver a range of supply chain savings.
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Q. From what materials are the GR8 made?
A. The materials used are as follows:
The Dispo
- Body - Nylon
- Handle - ABS
- Spring - ND3 Spring Steel
- Blade - Carbon Steel
The Primo
- Body - Hi-Perf Nylon
- Handle - ABS
- Spring - ND3 Spring Steel
- Pin - Plastic or Zinc Plated EN1A P.B. Metal
- Blade - Stainless or Carbon Steel
The Pro
- Body - Zinc Alloy
- Handle - ABS
- Spring - ND3 Spring Steel
- Pin - Zinc Plated EN1A P.B. Metal
- Blade - Stainless or Carbon Steel
- Extendable Thumbnail - Stainless Steel
FoodSafe versions of the GR8 are achieved by adding a 'metal detectable' additive to the base material.
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Q. Can I personalise my GR8?
A. Yes you can and a number of option are available. Please contact us here.
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Q. The Blade does not move!
A. This could be for one of three possible reasons.
- There is something jamming the blade mechanism. Now and again - especially when cutting fibrous materials or sticky tape - there will be residue material caught in the blade cavity. However, this is not generally a problem and can be easily moved by moving the handle back and forth and/or picking the caught material out. It is extremely rare that something would jam the mechanism so that the blade will not move at all. However, should this happen to you, remove the blade - instructions are here - and ensure that the blade cavity is clear. Also ensure that the blade is clean and free from tape sticking to its side.
- You are holding the body of the GR8 as well as the handle. Ensure that you only hold the handle of the GR8 and the blade will move automatically when it meets resistance.
- You are cutting light materials. The blade only moves when it needs to. If you are cutting light shrink-wrap and you have a GR8 with a heavy spring, it is likely that the shrink-wrap will not create enough tension to move the blade - especially when the blade is new and very sharp. If, when cutting such materials, the material is being pulled rather than cut, either change the blade or use a GR8 with a lighter spring tension.
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Q. My GR8 will not cut!
A. There are three possible reasons why the GR8 will not cut.
- The blade is blunt - reverse or replace the blade
- There is no blade - yes, honestly, it does happen!
- You are not holding the GR8 correctly - please read on. Because the GR8 is a Safety Knife, it has to be used slightly differently than a traditional open blade. But don't panic, this is often the case with new users and is easily overcome. As with most new things (DVD recorders and MP3 players spring readily to mind), it takes a short period of familiarity before you get the best from them. And the GR8 is no different. Although it might appear obvious, the blade of the GR8 needs to be in contact with what you are cutting to work properly. This means that if you hold the knife at a 45 degree angle, it will work automatically. A little bit of practice and it will become second nature. Similarly, ensure that you are holding the handle and not the body of the GR8 and the slicing action will happen automatically for a clean and effective cut.
Further information is given in the Guidance Notes and a visual demonstration is given in the Training Video.
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Q. What is the best way to cut banding?
A. Banding should always be cut at a 45 degree angle. That way, no matter how heavy it is, the cut will be easy.
Resist the temptation to pull across the banding because it will not work!
Just Imagine a square box with sides the width of the banding. Now, with the blade of the knife touching the banding, starting at the top left hand corner of your imaginary box and pull towards the bottom right hand corner.
It really is that simple. And because it can be achieved with just one hand, it is quicker too!
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Q. What is the difference between a Carbon Steel blade and a Stainless Steel blade?
A. A Carbon Steel blade is not as sharp as a Stainless Steel blade but will last longer where abrasive materials - such as cardboard - are being cut. As its name suggests, stainless steel will resist the effects of moisture but carbon steel will quickly show signs of discolouration and/or rust in such circumstances (although, unless it is very severe, it will not affect the performance of the blade).
And remember, whatever GR8 blade you choose, it will last up to four times longer than an open blade because the moving action means that it will always move to the sharpest part of the blade.
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Q. What is the Workshop Change Pin?
A. The Workshop Change pin requires a special tool - and a fair amount of force - to remove. It is not intended to be easy! Where control of the blade change procedure and disposal of used blades is required, the Workshop Change pin is ideal.
To change the blade, the special tool can be used manually to push the pin out of the knife. However, although it is not impossible to do it this way, it is very difficult. It is better if the knife can be placed on top of a vice or other hard object where the pin has room to exit the handle. Then, with the tool in place against the pin, a sharp tap with a hammer or mallet will see the pin come out of the opposite side of the handle.
Now, with the pin out, reverse or replace the blade before putting the pin back in the handle. To ensure the pin is fully home, it will be necessary to push the pin against a table or other hard object until it clicks into place.
For more information, see the GR8 Guidance Notes.
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Q. Which Spring Tension is right for me?
A. The moving action blade is what makes the GR8 such an effective cutting tool. As can be seen in the Video, if the blade didn't move, then the GR8 would simply jam. The job of the spring is to provide resistance so that you get the best cut possible.
As would be expected, the light spring will provide the least resistance and is ideal when cutting light to medium materials such as shrink film and netting. The medium spring is ideal where there is a broad range of items to be cut as it provides 'across the range' performance. The heavy spring provides maximum resistance and delivers peak performance where thick cardboard and banding are the main items to be cut.
Despite the above advice, users tell us that the spring tension is often a matter of personal preference as an experienced user will be able to use any GR8 in any situation.
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Q. How do I change the blade?
A. A full description of how the blade is changed is given in the Guidance Notes that can be read or downloaded here and in the Training Video that is available here.
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Q. How long does the blade last?
A. It really depends on the type of blade you are using and the material that you are cutting. Shrinkwrap is quite kind to the blade whereas cardboard is very abrasive. So the more you cut abrasive materials, the sooner the blade will blunt. However, it should be remembered that, due to the moving action of the blade, it will last up to four times longer than a conventional blade. As the blade blunts, it simply moves to a sharper section.
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Q. Why is the blade only sharp on one edge?
A. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, to ensure maximum safety, the blade should be handled by the blunt edge during the blade change and replacement procedure. Secondly, if both sides were sharp, in the case of the Primo the blade would saw through the top of the knife due to the slicing action. In the case of the Pro, the blade would simply blunt or snag against the metal body.
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Q. Can I Sterilize or Autoclave the GR8
A. GR8 knives suitable for these situations are available by special order. Please contact us by clicking here.
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Q. Will the metal body of the Pro rust?
A. The body of the Pro is made from Zinc and is then treated to deliver an extremely high tolerance to rust. If the Pro is looked after by ensuring that corrosive liquids are washed off and the knife kept dry, then it will last for years. The GR8 Pro comes with a 5 year guarantee.
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Q. How can I safely dispose of used blades?
A. Even though a used blade may be considered blunt in a work environment, it nevertheless remains very sharp and can cut human flesh with ease.
Safe disposal should be a top priority and to assist in this, Moving Edge introduced the SharpSense sharps disposal service some six years ago. On the face of it, SharpSense may appear to be just an ordinary sharps bin. But it is far from that. Each SharpSense bin is serially pre-numbered for traceability and the purchase price includes delivery to you, return to Moving Edge via our Freepost Address, the issue of a Waste Transfer Note and then proper disposal via incineration. Moving Edge is registered to store waste and is also a Licenced Waste Carrier so you can be sure that your legal obligation in respect of such waste are fully adhered to.
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Q. Can I cut picking holes with the GR8.
A. Yes you can. Provided the items inside the box are not packed hard against the side of the box, simply pierce the box with the beak of the GR8 and then cut the hole. Remember, for the most effective cut, keep the knife body at the 45 degree angle at all times.
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Q. What is the Variable Depth TapeCutter?
A. The Variable Depth TapeCutter is an accessory that can be fitted to the GR8 Pro. It is ideal for use where the standard TapeCutter (integral with the blade) is too shallow to pierce thick tape or where the user wants to score cardboard or other materials before cutting. As with the integral TapeCutter, the variable depth TapeCutter is not sharp and gives the added benefit of being able to slide back into the body of the GR8 Pro when not in use.
Where the variable depth TapeCutter is used, the user can specify a blade (stainless steel only) without the integral tape cutter.
The idea of the variable length TapeCutter was given to us by a Customer who had a specific problem to solve. The design and strength of the GR8 Pro lends itself perfectly to such accessories so we were more than happy to offer this cost effective solution.
We are currently working on an accessory that will safely cut and/or undo plastic cable ties so be sure to visit regularly or sign up for our newsletter.
If you have any ideas for an accessory that would make your life easier, please contact us here. We cannot promise anything, but we will certainly try.
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Q. Why didn't you come up with this GR8 idea before?
A. A very good question. The original Moving Edge Safety Knife was conceived in early 1995 and arrived on the market in May 1996. The idea for the GR8, which is effectively the next generation Moving Edge knife, was first conceived in 1998 but we had to wait for design and material technology to catch up with us before we could move the project forward. In September 2004, following some 'out of the box' thinking, we finally believed that our dreams could be achieved. Now, following much blood, sweat and tears, we have the Dispo, the Primo and the Pro that make up the GR8 range. Truly a 'cut above the rest'.
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Q. Will the GR8 cut everything?
A. Not quite! But it will cut most things provided:
- The material can come into contact with the blade. Not as dull as it seems. If the blade is not touching the material you wish to cut, it will not cut - no matter how hard you try! If the blade is not in contact, do not twist the GR8 or use it as a lever as there is a danger of breaking the knife and damaging the item your are cutting or yourself.
- The angle of cut is 45 degrees. To get an effective and efficient cut, hold the knife at a 45 degree angle and you will be amazed. This angle ensures that the blade is in proper contact with the material to be cut and it promotes the slicing action. When cutting banding or similar items, the knife should be held at the 45 degree angle and the cut should be made at a 45 degree angle too. Sounds difficult? Take a look at the Guidance Notes here or the Video here then try it yourself and you will see that it is quite easy. It just take a little practice.
- There is - or you can apply - tension. If there is no tensions in what you are cutting, the GR8 - or any other knife - will just drag it. Therefore, with items like shrinkwrap - especially the lighter variety - create tension by holding the top of the shrinkwrap with you free hand (behind the GR8 knife) while cutting with the other. If you are cutting cardboard or other fibre based item, ensure that it is not damp otherwise cutting will be impossible,
- The material can be cut with the blade. So, metal is out as is wood. Plastic - in the form of banding - is fine but melted shrinkwrap on the bottom of a pallet is not. As a general rule, if you are holding the GR8 correctly and the blade is not blunt, the cut will be relatively easy. If it is not, then you cannot cut it.
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Q. Can the GR8 be used to cut seatbelts?
A. The GR8 is probably the best emergency seatbelt cutter available! Because of the enclosed blade and its moving action, it cuts safely and easily. Just remember the 45 degree angle - as can be seen in the picture - and the cut is quick and effective.
The GR8 can also be used in an emergency to cut clothes. Just remember to create tension with the free hand and cut as normal. Because the blade is protected, it will not cut the individual.
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Q. What is the thickest material I can cut with the GR8?
A. Generally speaking, if the material to be cut will fit into the 5mm 'fingersafe' gap, then the GR8 will cut it. However, users should use discretion in this respect and bear in mind that if the cutting requires more than a reasonable amount of effort, then it is probably not a suitable item to cut using the GR8.
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Q. What are the differences between the GR8 Dispo, Primo and Pro?
A. Each model in the GR8 range offers similar functionality in the way that it performs. However, apart from the range of available options, the main difference is durability.
The Dispo is recommended for light use, the Primo for light to medium use and the Pro, for all types of use.
What constitutes light, medium and heavy use really depends on individual circumstances and the amount and type of use that each knife gets.
Depending on the model chosen, the GR8 is manufactured from materials offering differing levels of durability and as would be expected, such durability is also reflected in the price. For example, as the Dispo is intended to be thrown away when the blade blunts, it would not be cost effective to use materials designed to last forever. On the other hand, the body of the Pro is made from metal so that, apart from replacing blunt blades, it will never wear out.
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Q. How Safe is the GR8?
A. When used correctly, the GR8 is one of the safest knives that you can choose. Because the blade is enclosed within a finger-safe gap, it is almost impossible to cut yourself. Nevertheless, you should remember that the GR8 still contains a very sharp blade - even when it is too blunt to cut cardboard, it will be sharp enough to cut flesh! - so you do need to take sensible precautions so that you stay safe.
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Q. How versatile is the GR8?
A. The GR8 is, without doubt, the most versatile safety knife that you can use. And it can give an open blade a run for its money too!
When the original Moving Edge Safety Knife was introduced in 1996, it caused quite a stir. The patented 'moving action' blade heralded a brand new era in safety knife versatility. As a result of this innovation, users could choose one knife that cut a variety of materials and so, made their job easier.
But there was the cutting of one material that eluded even the best industry brains - Cardboard!.
The physical composition of cardboard coupled with the design constraints of a safety knife meant that the cutting of cardboard was a struggle. Due to its moving action blade, even the Moving Edge knife, which coped better than most others due to the moving action blade, did not perform well with any thing more than the pre-scored flap of a box.
What was needed then, was the versatility of an open blade coupled with the superior safety of the Moving Edge knife.
Perhaps surprisingly, the idea was hatched in 1998 - just two years after the launch of the Moving Edge knife - but it wasn't until September 2004 that design and material capabilities caught up. The result, eight years later, is the GR8; all the features of its parent but with the added capability of cutting cardboard both safely and effectively. And that's never been done before!
Whether you choose the Pro, the Primo or the Dispo, the GR8 range is a first class performer across the board. Enhanced Safety and Versatility throughout the range. The GR8 really lives up to its name.
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