My father introduced me to Smead Slash Jacket Folders. I usually keep my paperwork in regular manilla file folders, hanging file folders or organizer racks. The Slash Jacket Folders offered a different way to organize material.


Description

Each folder measures 9 3/4" wide x 11 1/2" high and is constructed from 11 pt colored stock paper that is made from 10% post-consumer material. The folders are designed to hold papers up to 8 1/2" x 11".

These folders resemble pockets. Their name comes from the angled slash on the front of the folder. The folder is closed along the bottom and sides, remaining open at the top. The slash on the left side starts 1 1/4" from the top and angles downward to measure 6 3/8" from the top. The two top corners are rounded.

The front of the folder, near the bottom, has four die cut openings to hold a business card. The slits measure 1" each and are angled to better hold cards in place.

Assorted colors include: manilla, blue, green, red and yellow (5 folders of each color). The red is the darkest of the colors. The manilla, light blue and sunshine yellow are the lightest colors, followed by the medium green shade.


My Experiences

My father first encountered these folders at work. He was involved with multiple projects and often reviewed notes that needed to be easily visible. Each folder contained notes to different projects. The slanted angle of this jacket folder allows one to easily glance at the first sheet of paper in the folder, making the contents immediately identifiable. When he retired, a few used folders held some of his personal papers ... that’s when I saw the folders and wondered how well they would work for my files.

I thought the Slash Jacket Folders looked nice. They have a simple, uncomplicated appearance. I also liked the colors in the assortment (though I wish the red folder was a lighter color for my personal taste). I especially appreciate the blue and yellow colors. They add a dash of color and I can write on them so that the writing is easy to see on the light color.

My first use for these folders was to see how they worked at keeping current writing projects in order. The folders worked great for keeping pages of notes together prior to beginning a new writing project. However, the folders do not hold a lot of papers. (They don’t expand like a regular file folder does.) I find that a Slash Jacket Folder will comfortably hold between 20-30 pages of 20-pound copy paper. As soon as I started to create outlines, character profiles, manuscript drafts, and then to market the writing, I found the jacket folder too small. I needed to transfer all the material into a regular manilla file folder that I placed in a vertical organizer or filing cabinet.

A good point is that I could color-code projects using the five colors included in the assortment. It is also easy to write on the folders with ballpoint pen or a permanent marker. The folders are smooth so that the writing is legible (unlike trying to write on textured surfaces).

Another idea was to use these folders for website design presentations. The business card die cuts on the front of the folders is a great way to personalize and present material to clients. A good idea, but it wasn’t practical for the way I do business. The majority of my design business is conducted via e-mail. My clients usually don’t require in-person meetings.

The folders are durable, which is great since I reuse the folders. Even though I don’t use the folders as much as I had hoped (finding that they didn’t suit my organizational needs), I still have some folders holding notes to various writing projects that haven’t yet been put into production. Occasionally, I’ll tuck one or two of these folders into my bag to take to a writing or lecture event. These folders work better than manilla folders during travel since the Slash Jacket Folders are closed on three sides, keeping the papers flat and well secured.


Purchasing

Staples sells these Slash Jacket Folders for $9.95 (25 folders to a box). Office Depot offers the same assortment for $9.59.


Summary

I don’t find the Smead Slash Jacket Folders practical for my needs. I like the look of the folders, and they are durable. However, regular manilla file folders and hanging files hold more material than these Slash Jacket Folders. For me, they aren’t worth the money.

I hope you have found this review useful.

Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com


Please read my other reviews:

Oxford Twin-Pocket Portfolios with 3-tang Fasteners

Pendaflex Hanging File Folders with Info Pocket

HP MultiPurpose Paper for printers, copiers and fax machines

Avery Durable Slant-Ring Binder – 2" Capacity

Avery Durable Ring Binder – 1" Capacity

Avery Big Tab 3-Ring Notebook Dividers

Avery Blank White Business Cards

Avery File Folder Labels for both inkjet and laser printers

Avery White Multi-Purpose Labels

Stanley Heavy-Duty Stapler for up to 120 sheets

Swingline Electric 3-Hole Punch

Staples.com (Online Store)


Copyright 2006 Dawn L. Stewart

Recommended: Yes