Utility knives are also toolbox and tool bag staples. They can be used to cut through drywall, trim vinyl flooring, cut wires, and remove old grout and caulk. They are also a favorite among hikers, campers, fishermen, and even mountaineers.
If you’re looking for the best utility knife online but all these choices are making you dizzy, then don’t fret. We’ve assembled some of the top utility knives you can find online or in your favorite local hardware store so you can choose the perfect one for your home or work.
1. Sale Summit Gear Heavy Duty Folding Utility Knife Dual Blades/Box Cutter/Pocket Knife with Nylon Pouch + 5 Blades (Professional Grade) ★ MULTIFUNCTIONAL DUAL BLADE DESIGN - two independent locking release buttons makes it safer to open/close the blades ★ SECURE BLADE RETAINING PLATE uses 3 tight screws to securely hold cutting blade in place. Blade doesn't slip out easily ★ EASY BLADE REPLACEMENT- no additional tools required. The high hardness SK5 carbon steel blades stays sharp longer. ★ ERGONOMIC HANDLE DESIGN with stainless steel /aluminum weighted handle ensures a comfortable grip. ★ Heavy duty utility knife / pocket knife - uses for most common cutting activities. Check Price Below Buy on Amazon 2. Greenlee 0652-23 Utility Knife Heavy-duty aluminum housing with built-in blade storage for added convenience Larger handle shape improves ergonomics Thumb pad allows safe position to apply extra cutting force comfortably Quick-change locking blade holder and lock Back feature for added safety and convenience Includes storage pouch and 5 extra blades, uses standard utility blades Check Price Below Buy on Amazon 3. Sale Sheffield 12113 One-Hand Opening Lock-Back Utility Knife, Blue Patented quick change blade mechanism 3-1/2" Lightweight aluminum texture grip handle 4 Ounces, 6 Inches overall Includes 1 blade Features pocket clip Check Price Below Buy on Amazon 4. Irwin Tools - FK250 Folding Utility Knife Check Price Below Buy on Amazon 5. Stanley 10-777 FatMax Locking Retractable Utility Knife 10-inch retractable utility knife with an ergonomic design Adjustable thumb-dial locking wheel holds blade in place and prevents shifting Ergonomically designed rubber grip fits comfortably in hand Rear blade storage for 7 blades; includes 3 blades 10-inches long; limited lifetime warranty Check Price Below Buy on Amazon 6. WORKPRO Retractable Utility Knife, Box Cutter with Quick-change Blade Mechanism, Blade Storage Compartment Hidden in Zinc Alloy Handle, 15 Extra Blades Included Features Quick-change mechanism for easy and safe operation,press the black button(retractable button in the 1st position) for blade to release,remove and insert quickly 4-position manual retraction for various of cutting and safety, according to your needs to adjust the blade position and lock it while using Zinc alloy construction with PA+TPE ergonomic handle for comfortable hold,great non-slip control and reducing hand fatigue during prolonged use With stripping notch for cutting twine and other materials and lanyard loop for easy access Including 15 piece extra blades, 5 in the back blade storage compartment Check Price Below Buy on Amazon 7. Sale Tape King Utility Knife Box Cutters (12-Pack Bulk, 18mm Wide Blade Cutter) - Retractable, Compact, Extended Use for Heavy Duty Office, Home, Arts Crafts, Hobby for Cutting Boxes, Cartons, Cardboard (12) ECONOMICAL AND DISPOSABLE BOX CUTTING BLADES - Blade width is 18mm (0.71 Inches) Compact and lightweight with comfortable grip and wider retractable blade. CUTTING WITH EASE - Ready to use, cut and toss or keep some around as a spare utility knife in your garage, tool kit, home and office. 18MM WIDER BLADE - Heavy Duty Ideal for Thicker Cuts. Use for commercial or industrial applications like thicker paper, tape, plastic, cardboard, balsa, bass wood, photos, coupons, cardstock, mat board, foam board, delicate fabrics, crafts, amazon, ups or post office packages. RECOMMENDED CHOICE AND WIDELY USED - DIY, graphic artists/designers, students, hobbyists, office solutions, warehouse shipping, freight couriers, longshoreman. EXTENDED USE AND SAFETY LOCK FEATURES- Prevent blade slipping with the safety lock tab. Always keep your blade fresh and sharp by snapping off the blade for a new sharp cutting tip. Check Price Below Buy on Amazon
1. Summit Gear Heavy Duty Folding Utility Knife Pros: This Summit Gear utility knife has two blades on each end. The blade is made of sturdy 3Cr13 stainless steel that will not snap off or dull easily. The lightweight handle is made of stainless steel and lightweight aluminum. Five extra SK5 blades are also included. Cons: The pouch that is included in the package is not well-built. Sebring Tip:
The Summit Gear Heavy Duty Folding Utility Knife is a great tool to have in your pocket or your backpack. This is created for the ordinary homeowner, the professional, and the outdoorsman thanks to its double blade. Both blades can be folded into the handle.
The handle is lightweight, and it’s relatively easy to change the utility knife’s blade. But keep in mind that this is a rather large and bulky utility knife.
This is one of the priciest utility knives on the list. If you’re willing to splurge for a good quality knife, then this might be for you.
2. Greenlee 0652-22 Utility Knife Pros: It has a large curved handle that fits neatly into your hand. The housing is made of durable yet lightweight aluminum. The blade is folded into the handle to ensure user safety. It has a wide built-in thumb pad where you can apply additional pressure when cutting. You’ll receive 4 extra blades and a pouch in the package. Cons: The locking mechanism sometimes fails to hold the blade in place. Sebring Tip:
The Greenlee 0652-23 Utility Knife is one of those blades that is ideal for the home, the workshop, or even outdoors. This is a large and versatile utility knife built for cutting something as flimsy as paper and something as tough as a thick piece of rope.
The handle is larger than the usual so you don’t have to worry about it slipping from your grasp while cutting something. The blade is very sharp and durable, but it might be a challenge to install it on your first try.
The price is pretty reasonable considering the quality and workmanship/craftsmanship of the knife.
3. Sheffield 12113 Utility Knife Pros: The blade is made of durable stainless steel that can cut through some of the toughest materials. The handle is made of lightweight aluminum. It is also textured so it won’t slip from your grip, and contoured to fit into your hand. It has a folded design. Tuck the blade into the handle and slip it inside your jacket or jean pocket. A spare blade is included in the package. Cons: Opening or folding it back with one hand is not as easy as the manufacturer claims. Sebring Tip:
Whether you’re cutting cardboard or slicing an old carpet, the Sheffield 12113 Utility Knife has got you covered. This is not your ordinary and flimsy blade that can only cut paper and adhesives. The stainless steel blade can slice through even the toughest materials which make it a great companion at home, at work, or outdoors.
The handle is textured so it won’t slide from your grasp while you’re working. Changing the blade can be a hassle at first, but it’s easy to get used to it.
It has a higher price point, but if you’re willing to invest in something that will last for many years, then go for it.
4. Irwin Tools FK250 Folding Utility Knife Pros: The patented BladeLock technology ensures that the blade won’t snap or slide off while you’re working. It comes with a built-in fold-out screwdriver. The handle is equipped with a blade storage area that keeps your extra blades within reach. It also includes two Phillips and two square insert bits. The package includes three stainless steel blades. Cons: It’s kind of heavy, but you’ll get used to the weight after a while. Sebring Tip:
The Irwin Tools FK250 Folding Utility Knife is built to impress. The stainless steel blades included in the package are very sharp and can cut through even the toughest of materials. You can easily replace a dull blade with its two spare blades that are included in the package. Note that the spare blades are neatly stored in the knife’s handle.
You don’t have to reach into your toolbox to get your screwdrivers as this knife already includes a couple of Phillips and square insert bits.
This Irwin Tools utility knife is more expensive than most. But this is no ordinary utility knife, so I think the hefty price tag is justified.
5. Stanley 10-777 FatMax Utility Knife Pros: This retractable utility knife is one of the most uniquely designed tools in the list. It has a textured rubber overmold at the bottom of the handle to keep it from slipping from your grasp. The blade is retractable to protect it from the elements and for your safety. The thumb-dial locking wheel ensures that the blade will stay in place while you’re using it. It includes two spare blades that are stored in the handle. Cons: It’s not easy to change the blades with its blade-changing mechanism. Sebring Tip:
If you’re tired of conventional utility knives and want something unique yet durable, then the Stanley 10-777 FatMax Utility Knife might be the tool for you. It has an ergonomically curved body, plus a textured rubber overmold at the bottom of the handle for a non-slip grip.
The blade can be retracted so you can slip it inside your vest or jean pocket without worries. The blade is very sharp and can cut through thick materials.
Changing the blade can be a challenge at first, but with patience, I’m sure you’ll eventually get the hang of it.
6. WORKPRO Retractable Utility Knife Pros: It includes 15 very sharp blades. Five of these blades can be stored inside the handle so you can access them even in the middle of your task. The handle is made of durable zinc alloy. The blade is retractable up to four positions. It is budget-friendly. This is ideal for ordinary homeowners, hobbyists, and professionals. Cons: It is difficult to change the blades. The lack of clear instructions on how to change blades makes it more difficult. Sebring Tip:
The WORKPRO Retractable Utility Knife is one of those tools you’ll either love or hate. Right out of the packaging, you’ll see that this knife has a good weight to it. The handle is covered in durable plastic to keep it from slipping from your hand.
What I like about it is the inclusion of 15 blades. You might not buy another set of blades for several months (or years even) when you have these replacement blades.
One thing that many utility knives seem to have in common is it is difficult to change the blade. If this can be improved, then this WORKPRO utility knife just might be the perfect product.
7. Tape King Utility Knife Pros: The box contains twelve pieces of classic utility knives. This is the retractable cutter that you’re used to and comfortable with. It has a wide 18mm blade. You can break a tab off if it becomes dull, then use the segment behind it. Cons: These are your ordinary box cutters and are not designed to last. They are great for offices, homes, and warehouses, but be realistic with your expectations if you’re planning to use it in the garage or workshop. Sebring Tip:
The Tape King Utility Knife is ideal for homes and offices, but not much for jobsites or workshops. This is your classic utility knife that is ideal for cutting cardboard, paper, adhesives, thin wires, and other light materials.
Each box contains a dozen utility blades — plenty enough for the home, office, or warehouse. The blade seems sturdy for crafts and light projects, but it’s not recommended thicker and tougher materials.
Choosing The Best Utility Knife Types of Utility Knives Breakaway Utility Knives
You probably have one breakaway utility knife sitting in your desk drawer or garage right now. Also known as box cutters, these are some of the most common utility knives in the market.
The blade of a breakaway utility knife has segments that you can snap off when the pointed edge eventually wears down. You can then use the blade behind it, and repeat the process when this blade eventually dulls.
The blades of these utility knives are on the thinner side because they are typically used for cutting cardboard, adhesive, paper, and other thin materials. The housing is also made with plastic, and this makes box cutters more affordable than heavy-duty ones.
But keep in mind that breakaway utility knives are not ideal for cutting thicker materials as the blade can easily break.
Fixed Utility Knives
The second most common type of utility knives are the ones with fixed blades. As the name suggests, the knife’s blade is fixed in its handle, and its design is similar to that of a switchblade. Simply flip or pull it open to reveal the blade, and flip it close when you’re done.
Fixed utility knives are prized for their durable and sharp blades, as well as their compact sizes. Because of its strong blade, these are ideal for home projects and even professional use.
Retractable Utility Knives
Retractable utility knives are some of the newest innovations when it comes to knife design. The blade of these utility knives is revealed and concealed by pressing a button. These knives are great for home projects, the outdoors, and even professional use thanks to their safety mechanism.
But keep in mind that with a retractable utility knife, you only have a piece of metal or plastic holding the blade in place. It can be easy to change the blade of a retractable knife, but the problem is that the blade will eventually and inevitable move once the locking mechanism wears down.
Looking for remodeling ideas, pricing guides, tool reviews, and other helpful information for your home projects? Then check out our blog!
Handle
The design and material of the handle are just as important as the durability and sharpness of the blade. This often overlooked part of the knife will determine if handling it is going to be comfortable or you have to stop now and then to give your hand a rest because a part of the handle is digging into your palm.
Look for a utility knife with an ergonomic handle, such as ones that have indentations where your fingers should be or a rubber or plastic overmold that keeps it from slipping from your grip. Make sure that the handle is not too big nor too small. Get a knife that has a too large handle, and it’s going to be unwieldy especially if you have a smaller hand. Choose a knife with a smaller handle, and it could slip from your grasp in the middle of cutting.
If you’re planning on cutting linoleum, carpets, or any thick and tough material, then go for utility knives with metal or fiberglass handles. Cutting paper, adhesives, cardboard, and other thin materials, then a good-quality breakaway utility knife will do.
For your safety, do not attempt to use a flimsy breakaway utility knife to cut thick materials as the blade could snap off and injure you.
Curious about how utility knives are made? Then check out this video to see the fascinating process.
Blade Changing Mechanism
If you want to buy a retractable or fixed utility knife, then choose one that has an easy and quick blade change mechanism. These knives have a simple button at the front that you have to press to release the old blade and install the new blade.
Blade Storage
There are tough materials and difficult tasks that will dull your blade sooner rather than later and require you to change blades frequently. To make sure that you have your replacement blades within reach even in the middle of a task, it is best to get a utility knife with a blade compartment located in the handle.
Conclusion:
What’s the best utility knife among the items we’ve reviewed?
The honor goes to the Summit Gear Heavy Duty Folding Utility Knife. What I like most about this folding utility knife is its dual blades. One end of the knife is fitted with a regular utility blade that resembles a breakaway blade. This is perfect for slitting adhesives, cutting boxes, and slicing other tough materials. You can even use it as a carpet-cutting knife if you want.
The other end has a pointy blade that resembles that of a switchblade. This is great for cutting thin tree branches, whittling a small piece of wood, and cleaning a fish you just caught. Both blades are made of durable 3Cr13 stainless steel that can withstand a lot of pressure and can cut through the toughest of materials. They are corrosion resistant, too!
The handle has a length of 4.8 inches. Extend the blades, and you have a utility knife that extends up to nearly 10 inches. If you have a larger hand or if you want a utility knife that feels solid in your palm, then this Summit Gear utility knife might be the perfect tool for you.
The price is pretty reasonable and affordable for such a good product. The manufacturer also threw in some extra blades and a nylon pouch to protect the knife.
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