Royally Shredded with the Royal HT3SL Shredder

Sitting atop my desk, somewhere between the printer and box of photos I've been meaning to place in a scrap book for the past few years is a Royal HT3SL Shredder. In fact, the proper name could include Shredder, Pencil Sharpener, Letter Opener, for though the machine is rather compact it multi-tasks quite well.

...as shredder
The primary task of shredding is done well, if rather slowly by the standards of newer and faster machines. With a 3 sheet maximum and a storage bin of a lesser capacity, this one is not heavy-duty by any stretch of the imagination. Shredding is accomplished in a cross-cut fashion with the machine ably handling staples as well as credit cards. Per the imprinted markings at the top users should avoid attempting to shred paper clip, neck ties (especially when still worn by the user), and fingers (alas, you'll still be paying for the manicure).

Weighing only fractional pounds, the top is easily lifted up for removal of the waste bin.

The bin is marketed as having an 8.25 liter holding ability - a term I tend to reserve for liquid measure and therefore it doesn't help - therefore, let me say the bin measures about 10" long, 9" across, and 5" deep. The construction is rather thin mesh-like metal with solid bottom. While the see-through nature does allow for viewing as to whether it's time to empty, it also means that small paper fibers are forever escaping and leaving even more mess to tend to.

...as pencil sharpener
Included at the top of this unit is an electronic pencil sharpener whose function is self explanatory. Pencil shavings are collected inside the waste bin, kept separate from the shredded paper in a plastic cup - a very typical plastic cup easily replaced by going to the grocery store of your choice.

...as envelope opener
Along the side of the unit's top is a small slit used for sliding the top of standard thickness envelopes. A feature that I imagine may be useful for some, and certainly it works well enough, but a bit excessive to this consumer for this level of paper shredder (certainly not one appropriate for busy office usage).

POWER
All of the above functions are accomplished by keep the unit turned on in the "auto" position. A small green indicator light is present to indicate whether you're ready for shredding.

FINAL ANALYSIS
While I may have joked a bit about certain features, this particular machine has spent at least 18 months in our home with nary a jam. It is reliable and appropriate for our home usage. While that envelope opener is used only by our children (under adult supervision, of course) who find such things entertaining, the shredding function is reliable and the pencil sharpener works just as well as the day it was purchased.

The 1/8" x 1 3/8" of shredded paper are adequately destroyed for the level of secrecy we need in our household, and the fact that we don't have to first remove staples is a big plus. Add in the fact that a credit card can slide through and the machine has been a perfect fit for our family and our collective wallet.

The only real downside? That mesh basket and the offending paper particles that come out the sides. Not a big enough offense to make us upgrade, but worth mentioning nonetheless.

All in all the size of the machine the size of the shredded paper it produces, and the size of the price tag make this one a nice addition to a home office.