Compiled from 5 sources; we haven't tested this product ourselves yet. How we research
Quick answer
The KOKUYO Karucut clip-type tape cutter is a small plastic clip with a fine-toothed stainless blade that snaps onto a roll of washi tape so you can tear it off straight. KOKUYO lists the 10–15 mm model (T-SM400) at 40 × 20 × 20 mm; a 48 mm model takes 20–25 mm tape. It sits in our $$ band.
On this page10 sections
The T-SM400 at 40 mm wide, drawn at 1 mm = 3 px; the roll and jaw shapes drawn by eye.
Product facts
Product
KOKUYO Karucut clip-type tape cutter, 10–15 mm tape, Light Blue (T-SM400LB)
Recycled ABS (at least 10% recycled) and recycled POM body; stainless steel blade (KOKUYO)
Released
November 2017
Price range
$$$5–20 per item
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Notes on these facts
Made by KOKUYO Co., Ltd.. Country of manufacture not stated: KOKUYO's product page lists size, materials, codes and price but no country of manufacture, and the Amazon US listings don't give one. Check the package. Source. Price: example listing.
Price bands are typical US retail, checked October 2026. Conversions to US dollars are approximate, at October 2026 rates (US$1 = ¥158 = ₩1,330 = NT$32.5 = CN¥6.7 = SEK 9.9 = DKK 6.7 = ₺49.6 = C$1.41 = A$1.43 = CZK 21.7; €1 = US$1.12; £1 = US$1.32; CHF 1 = US$1.21).
Key takeaways
KOKUYO lists the T-SM400 at 40 × 20 × 20 mm (1.6 × 0.8 × 0.8 in) for 10–15 mm tape; Amazon US lists the 20–25 mm T-SM401 at 48 × 20 × 20 mm.
KOKUYO says it may not fit rolls with a core under 30 mm across or tape longer than 10 m.
KOKUYO launched the clip type on November 15, 2017; its list price is now ¥520 (about US$3.30) before tax.
The body is recycled ABS and POM (at least 10% recycled ABS), with a stainless steel blade that can't be replaced.
Amazon US showed 816 ratings across the clip cutter's listings on October 22, 2026.
What is the KOKUYO Karucut clip?
It’s a tiny tape cutter that clips onto a roll of washi tape, so the blade travels with the roll. KOKUYO, the Osaka stationery maker, launched the clip type on November 15, 2017, as part of its Karucut line of tape cutters, which KOKUYO sells on cutting with a light touch.
KOKUYO’s survey of 8,485 users in October 2016 found that about 90% cut masking tape by hand or with scissors. Their complaints were ragged ends and having to find scissors. The clip answers both, and it moves from roll to roll.
KOKUYO Karucut clip specs
Spec
T-SM400
T-SM401
Tape width
10–15 mm
20–25 mm
Size
40 × 20 × 20 mm (1.6 × 0.8 × 0.8 in)
48 × 20 × 20 mm (1.9 × 0.8 × 0.8 in)
Blade length
20 mm (0.8 in)
30 mm (1.2 in)
Body
Recycled ABS and POM
Recycled ABS and POM
Blade
Stainless steel, not replaceable
Stainless steel, not replaceable
Roll limits
Core 30 mm or more, tape up to 10 m
Same
Japan list price
¥520 (about US$3.30) before tax
Not checked
Price band
$$ ($5–20)
$$ ($5–20)
The T-SM400 figures and price are from KOKUYO; the T-SM401 size and both blade lengths are from the Amazon US listings. KOKUYO’s launch price in 2017 was ¥360 (about US$2.30) for the narrow model and ¥380 (about US$2.40) for the wide one.
The two widths, front faces at 1 mm = 5 px.
How does the Karucut blade cut straight?
KOKUYO says every peak and valley of its toothed blade is sharpened, and the blade meets the tape square-on. Ordinary cutters use stamped saw teeth set at an angle, which tear the tape and leave a zigzag end. A square blade gives a straight edge.
KOKUYO also says glue builds up less, because the tape is cut in one stroke rather than dragged across the teeth. That matters because the blade can’t be replaced. These are maker claims; we haven’t tested them over many rolls.
How do you use the Karucut clip?
Clip it over the edge of the roll, pull the tape out past the blade, and tug it sideways against the teeth. One jaw sits inside the core and the other rests on the outside of the tape, so the cutter rides along as the roll gets smaller.
Open the clip and slide it over the roll’s rim, blade side toward the loose end.
Pull out the length you need, keeping the tape flat against the blade.
Fold the tape back over the teeth with a quick snap; it should part in one stroke.
To switch rolls, unclip it and move it. KOKUYO says it can stay on a roll in storage, so you don’t have to hunt for scissors.
Which tapes does it fit?
Small rolls of masking or washi tape, 10–15 mm or 20–25 mm wide, on a core at least 30 mm across. KOKUYO says it may not work with longer rolls (over 10 m) or some tape types.
The narrow model suits standard mt washi tape and most 15 mm planner tapes. It isn’t made for wide craft rolls or for office tape like Scotch Magic Tape, which needs a desk dispenser.
Is it worth it for journaling?
If you use washi tape daily, yes: it’s cheap, small, and keeps ends neat without scissors. One clip can live on your most-used roll and move as needed.
For tape that is already sticky with glue, a fluorine-coated scissors such as the PLUS Fit Cut Curve cuts any width. KOKUYO’s Dot Liner is the same maker’s tape glue for layering paper.
If you’d rather skip cutting altogether, King Jim KITTA sells masking tape already cut into 50 mm pieces.
Where is the Karucut clip made?
KOKUYO doesn’t say. Its product page lists sizes, materials and codes but no country of manufacture, and the Amazon US listings don’t state one either.
KOKUYO is a Japanese company based in Osaka, per its 2017 launch release. In Japan it sells the clip in six colors in each width: light blue, light pink, white, pastel green, pastel brown and pastel yellow.
Frequently asked questions
How do you put the KOKUYO Karucut clip on a roll of washi tape?
Pinch it open and clip it over the edge of the roll, with one jaw inside the core and one on the tape. Pull the tape out past the blade and tug it against the teeth to cut.
What size washi tape does the Karucut clip fit?
There are two models: the T-SM400 for 10–15 mm tape and the T-SM401 for 20–25 mm tape. KOKUYO says rolls with a core under 30 mm across, or longer than 10 m, may not fit.
Will the Karucut clip fit mt washi tape?
It's made for small masking-tape rolls like mt's 15 mm rolls, which take the 10–15 mm model. Check the core: KOKUYO says it may not work under 30 mm across.
Can you replace the blade on the Karucut clip cutter?
No. KOKUYO and the Amazon US listings say the blade can't be replaced. KOKUYO says its blade design resists glue build-up.
Is the Karucut blade safe to carry in a pencil case?
KOKUYO says the specially processed blade is designed to be hard to cut yourself on. It still has teeth, so keep it clipped on a roll when you pack it.
What colors does the Karucut clip come in?
KOKUYO lists light blue, light pink, white, pastel green, pastel brown and pastel yellow in both widths.
Is the KOKUYO Karucut clip made in the USA?
No. KOKUYO is a Japanese company in Osaka, and it doesn't state where the cutter is made.
