Cardboard is one of the most abundant materials kids have access to, yet turning it into anything substantial has always required adult help and sharp tools. Chompshop set out to change that with the ChompSaw, a powered cutting tool built specifically so children can work with cardboard safely and independently.
Founded by Kausi Raman and Max Liechty, both graduates of the University of Pennsylvania’s Integrated Product Design program, the company focuses on making hands-on making approachable for kids ages 3 and up. The result is a tool that feels like a real power tool while eliminating the risks associated with traditional blades or spinning saws.
The ChompSaw does not use a sharp blade. Instead, it uses a high-speed oscillating mechanism that punches out tiny half-moon pieces of cardboard, effectively “chomping” through the material. The cutting head is enclosed, so fingers cannot reach the cutting action. Scraps collect in a built-in dust drawer for easy cleanup.
Kids can guide the tool along straight lines, curves, or freehand shapes. It also creates slots that help pieces fit together for 3D builds. The machine comes with a cutting mat and is designed for materials like cardboard, paper, felt, and thin craft foam. Because there are no exposed blades or spinning parts, it has passed independent safety testing for children in multiple markets.
The idea began while the founders were in graduate school. They noticed that kids loved building with cardboard but quickly lost interest (or needed constant adult help) when it came to cutting. Early prototypes were built with cardboard and duct tape. The concept resonated so strongly that their 2023 Kickstarter campaign reached its $50,000 goal in under 30 minutes and ultimately raised more than $1 million from thousands of backers.
In late 2024 the founders appeared on Shark Tank and secured a deal with Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner. The ChompSaw later earned recognition as a TIME Best Invention and won Creative Toy of the Year. These milestones helped the small Philadelphia-based company move from prototype to shipping thousands of units and expanding into accessories, project packs, and subscription clubs.
With the ChompSaw, everyday cardboard boxes become forts, costumes, vehicles, games, puppets, and engineering prototypes. The company also offers complementary tools such as a hole punch and scoring tool, plus project pattern packs and digital downloads that guide kids through specific builds. Monthly subscription options (Inventor’s Club and Explorer’s Club) deliver new project ideas and materials so the tool continues to be used over time.
Many parents and educators note that the tool encourages persistence. Because kids can cut their own pieces without waiting for an adult, they experiment more freely, iterate on ideas, and stay engaged longer with a single project.
The ChompSaw tends to work best for:
It is a powered tool, so adult supervision is still recommended, and it plugs into a standard outlet. The price (around $249 for the core unit) reflects that it is a real tool rather than a simple toy.
The ChompSaw is relatively quiet for a power tool (listed around 70–75 decibels) and cleans up quickly thanks to the dust drawer. Returns are available within the stated window, and the company offers bundles that include the saw plus accessories and project materials. Starting with a Maker’s Bundle or adding a project pack helps kids see results faster and stay motivated.
Chompshop’s approach sits at the intersection of toy, tool, and educational product. By removing the sharpest barrier between kids and cardboard, it lets more of the building process stay in their hands. For families and classrooms that value hands-on making and want a tool that can support ongoing projects rather than a single afternoon craft, the ChompSaw offers a practical and engaging solution.
