How do I safely open tough protective plastic lids on packaged consumables?

I've often come across super hard to take off lids on coffee, supplement, spice, etc bottles. Usually involves some tearing which probably makes plastic fall on whatever I'm planning on eating. Even after I take it off in some cases there are small plastic strands left on the ring which won't come off immediately, but do so over time. I'm thinking of using something sharp to just cut a hole in the lids, maybe a stanely knife, but I found no information about it being fold grade, I don't know if the anti rust oil on it is safe for contact with food items, maybe I should use a surgical scalpel haha.

If cutting is the method, why not just use a small knife from the kitchen, like a paring knife?