ChompSaw Review: The Kid-Safe Cardboard Cutting Tool That Turns Boxes Into Creative Projects

We’ve all been there, spending too much time and money picking out the perfect toy, only to watch a child ignore it in favor of the box it came in. Thanks to the ChompSaw, now the box can actually be the gift. This cleverly designed, kid-safe power tool lets children cut cardboard with confidence and creativity. Whether they’re building forts, crafting costumes, or just experimenting, the ChompSaw helps bring their ideas to life. It transforms ordinary cardboard into extraordinary DIY projects and finally gives that humble box the starring role kids always thought it deserved.

This compact, thoughtfully designed tool is rated safe for kids ages 3 and up. The bright blue ChompSaw looks like a toy, but it’s impressively capable. On top, a removable cutting plate features lines and measurements to help kids make straight, accurate cuts. To use the saw, your child presses the large button on the side of the machine to activate it. Then, they align their cardboard with the direction of the saw and gently push it into the rotating blade at the center of the table. The blade is recessed and covered by a circular guard that protects little fingers while still cutting cardboard cleanly and easily.

My kids, ages 7 and 10, had no trouble figuring it out. They love making recycled art and cardboard inventions, and I usually end up with a sore hand from all the manual cutting. The ChompSaw has spared me from that fate. Thank you, ChompSaw, for saving my hands and my sanity.

There’s a clear discard tray that collects most of the debris as kids cut, and there’s something oddly satisfying about watching those little scraps pile up. That said, you’ll still have a bit of cardboard dust and stray bits to clean up afterward. It’s not spotless, but it’s manageable.

Included in the ChompSaw’s compact design are a few thoughtful tools: a hole punch that’s much safer than scissors, and a scoring tool to help make clean folds and straight lines. All the accessories and the power cord tuck neatly inside the machine for easy storage and transport.

Additional accessories not included are the fence, which helps you make straight cuts, the angle guide, which helps you cut precise angles, and the circle guide to help you cut perfect circles. The ChompSaw website includes useful videos and guides on how to use each of the accessories.

Here’s what my kids had to say after getting some hands-on time:

I thought the ChompSaw was great, and absolutely amazing. It was easy to use, fun, and kid safe. I had almost no problems with it. The only thing bad about the ChompSaw was it was loud and a bit messy. Although the saw caught almost all the cardboard remains, some mess still avoided it and it got a bit messy on the board. I enjoyed using it every time. I was able to make anything I wanted with the ChompSaw. I even made two mini drums! All I needed to do was trace a circle and use the ChompSaw to cut it out! Sometimes, I just cut random lines for fun! — Julia, age 10

I loved the ChompSaw. ChompSaw is kid friendly. There is an arrow where the blade is. There is a circle on top of the blade so it cannot cut your finger. I made a cardboard Nike sign. There is a trick I do where I fold cardboard and make a design then unfold it. If you do that it makes both sides have the design. I think that all people should get a chance to try out ChompSaw. —  Charlie, age 7

We absolutely love the ChompSaw. It gives my kids the independence to feel like “big kids,” capable of planning, designing, and completing entire projects on their own. It is loud, so if your child is sensitive to noise, a good pair of kid-sized noise-cancelling headphones might be a wise investment. The ChompSaw handles standard Amazon boxes easily, but I also save cereal and snack boxes for times when they need thinner, more flexible cardboard.

If your child loves to create, and you’re tired of wielding scissors like a gladiator, the ChompSaw is a loud but lovable game-changer.

The ChompSaw retails for $249; it is available directly from the manufacturer. Use coupon GearDiary10 to get 10% off!

UPDATE 08/07/2025:Chompshop has just announced its first-ever Cardboard Genius Contest, which will be running through September 22, 2025, where they will be awarding five $1,000 cash prizes to different age groups; everyone is welcome to enter. You can learn more about it by clicking here.

Source: Manufacturer-supplied review sample

What I Like: Kid-safe design; Cuts cardboard like butter; Has a storage compartment under the worksurface to hide and store the power cable; It has a pull-out drawer to collect paper shavings

What Needs Improvement: The ChompSaw is slightly loud when running; It can get a bit messy when in use