This is a deep cutaway at the back of the handle that exposes a small portion of the blade when the knife is in the closed position (don’t worry, it’s nearly impossible to cut yourself on it). He spent 10 years in high-end construction as a carpenter, foreman, and supervisor. The material used for these blades enhances their durability after every use, a feature that is not common among other utility knife models. Our range of small and robust pocket knives are perfect for camping and the great outdoors. When it is pressed, the blade pulls out, and when a new blade is put in, the button releases and locks it in place. It doesn’t matter where you go, be it your home, a job site, a camping trip or the street, a utility knife is the most lightweight yet durable tool you can ever keep within reach. The entire unit is manufactured with high-quality materials such as glass/nylon composite materials as well as sturdy stainless steel. All products manufactured by Alltrade exceed both safety standards and the expectation of customers. Milwaukee 48-22-1502 Fastback Utility Knife with Blade Storage, Milwaukee 48-22-1501 Fastback Folding Utility Knife, Stanley Heavy-Duty Utility Blades (100-pack), Our pick: Milwaukee 48-22-1502 Fastback Utility Knife with Blade Storage, Runner-up: Milwaukee 48-22-1501 Fastback Folding Utility Knife, Also great: Stanley Heavy-Duty Utility Blades (100-Pack), Irwin 2088600 Self Retracting Safety Knife, Olympia Tools 33-187 Turbopro Autoload Knife, Milwaukee Fastback II Folding Utility Knife, A Cut Above – Milwaukee Fastback II Utility Knife Review, Messermeister Avanta Pakkawood steak knives, Wüsthof Classic Ikon 7-Piece Walnut Block Knife Set, Columbia River Knife and Tool (CRKT) Drifter. In our experience, those cheaper tools are simply marred by poor manufacturing. With a bevel on both sides and a sharp edge along the bottom of the blade, it makes short work of … Al blades attached to the product are manufactured from high-grade stainless steel which is highly resistant to rust and wear. It is the Irwin Tools Utility Knife, one of the most amazing foldable knives in today’s market. Bonus: You get a nice little case with them. It is well suited for jobs such as the slicing of rope or the opening of boxes. Changing blades is very simple, and a sturdy belt hook helps make the Fastback portable. It also makes use of a quick lock button, located on the body of the knife for storage control. The Fastback has a wire belt hook, as opposed to a solid metal clip. The utility knife usually features retractable and/or replaceable blades made of either die-cast metal or molded plastic. Utility blades are disposable and not all that durable. This, as you can imagine, isn’t even the best part of this knife. Attach this unit to your belt or your pocket with ease, thanks to its robust belt clip design. The Fastback has a very deep finger groove that allows for an extremely secure grip. Unlike other folding utility knives, the Fastback can be opened and closed with a flick of the wrist, once a safety release button is pressed with the thumb. None of the other knives had grips that were even close to that of the comfortable, hand-hugging Fastback. The blade locks with a wheel that’s a little fussy and slow. You can solve this whole problem by using Stanley Heavy-Duty Utility Blades (100-pack), a healthy supply that should last most people years. Its manufacturers realize the importance of comfort during the cutting process, and as such, they have designed the group with a perfect grip for more precise cuts. Because of the very stiff hinge and locking mechanism, the Greenlee has a two-handed open and close. That meant we weren’t seeking the cheapest knives on the shelf, and we generally stayed away from anything less than $10. Folding knives have long been a favorite knife design for those users who like the utility of a fixed blade knife but, prefer the portability of a traditional pattern pocket knife. To keep your edge secure when in use, the Stanley knife features an interlocking nose engineered to hold your edge in place securely.Â. 1. The Milwaukee utility knife features a wire clip that makes it easy to attach the knife to your clothing or accessories such as your belt whenever you need to move from one job to the other. A more handy feature for the casual user is the “gut hook,” which allows you to cut string and other thin objects without having to open the blade. The 48-22-1502 Fastback can be quickly opened and closed with one hand, and it provides a secure grip and a spot to store five extra blades. We put in 45 hours of research and tested 25 different knives to find that the Milwaukee 48-22-1502 Fastback Utility Knife with Blade Storage is the best utility knife. He also raises sheep and has a dairy cow that he milks every morning. You get to change your blades at any time without having to disassemble your knife thanks to the one-piece design of this unit. With the push of a slide, this utility razor blade locks open, while the release button causes it to spring back into position. In addition to being a very credible and honest tool expert and reviewer, Lyman is also a self-confessed knife snob. The hinge is a large circular cutout about an inch in diameter. And despite this knife’s thin profile, you can store five additional blades in the handle. One of the essential elements many users love about this utility knife is the position of its blade storage. Along the inside edge of the blade pocket there’s a plastic clip that swings out to reveal a storage spot. This unit is an excellent addition to your tool box or your kitchen drawer. The Stanley Fatmax is a unique creation from the Stanley camp. It is a member of the Klein family company, an all-American family brand that promises to be here till the end of time. All three edges are 11-911 massive duty entities and as such are incredibly durable. Its versatility is impressive, causing it to be among the highest purchased units around the world. The Gerber EAB Lite knife has been designed with deep finger grooves and rounded edges which ensure users always have a secure grip. In our entire list, the Gardner Bender Knife is the most affordable unit and the only electrician friendly unit. A robust and durable model by nature, this utility knife is as versatile as the Slidewinger and operates not only as a utility knife it also as a box cutter. The best products are those made by the veteran manufacturers in the game. Check out our review of the best diving knives for our top picks. It’s very comfortable to hold and has an internal auto-load feature that feeds in a new blade once a dull one is removed. The blade end of the Fastback locks in both the open and closed positions, so there’s less of a chance that the blade will accidentally become exposed. There are a few good choices, and if you are not sure exactly which one to pick, this article will help you out. Built for use by everyone, both skilled and unskilled, this utility knife delivers significantly on safety for both user and product. When the edge dulls, take a pair of pliers and break off the end segment to expose a new edge. But it’s sort of a “whatever” feature for the homeowner, unless you’re planning on working on your electrical system—in which case it’s a nice added bonus. Forgoing this feature typically saves you less than $5, so we’d rather pay for our pick’s added convenience and capability. Trust Husky to be at your side while you take on the toughest of jobs. The Slidewinder knife features a built-in flathead, a bottle opener, a Phillips head screwdriver, and a pocket clip. Updated October 26, 2020. To start with, let’s take a look at the blade. It just doesn’t have any features that stand out against the rest. Overall, the Gerber Lite is an affordable utility pocket knife with a sleek and contemporary appearance. What really makes this utility knife stand out is its design and construction. Check out the cool Clipster , folded from a single piece of stainless steel, or the Bare ; our tiny, minimalist key ring blade. Comfort comes via the ergonomically designed rubber grip which allows users to work for extended periods without any issues. It is a member of an entire line of knives manufactured to perform better than standard utility knives being sold in today’s market. After testing 28 pocket knives in over 60 hours of research, we found the Columbia River Knife and Tool (CRKT) Drifter is the best for most people. Other tasks can include sizing a small patch for a linoleum floor, trimming a rug pad, or even freeing a toy trapped in a blister-pack nightmare. It features a three-position blade and rugged construction that appeals to many users. Utility knives are good for jobs like breaking down cardboard boxes, cutting carpeting, or slicing the painted seam on a stuck window. Zero Tolerance 0350 is a high performance knife that features SpeedSafe assisted opening. Besides its expertly curved design, this utility knife from Klein Tools has two blade positions with a wire-stripping notch that makes custom cutting very simple and straightforward. The Stanley is the right knife for any job. Blade storage usually adds only a few dollars to a knife’s total cost, so it makes sense to get that feature, as long as it doesn’t add considerable bulk to the body. And I do mean easily.”, The blade end of the Fastback locks in both the open and closed positions, so there’s less of a chance that the blade will accidentally become exposed. Pro: Replaces a pocket knife Con: Aluminum body. The 48-22-1501 is an updated version of our previous runner-up pick, the Milwaukee 48-22-1901 Fastback, which has been discontinued. Make way for the Southwire UTILQO Utility Knife, the best utility knives in today’s market. All extra blades are stores on-board this knife, a handy solution that is loved by many users of the model. The knife also has a small cutaway under the blade holder that’s designed to strip electrical wire. Dewalt Autoload Utility Knife and Pocket Knife Combo features a Tanto tip which helps this sharpest pocket knife to pierce through tough materials. Crafted from wood grain, the Workpro knife features a handle that makes the cutting process less annoying and more enjoyable. There’s nothing to fear with the Husky Utility Knife concerning quality and performance. The top 10 list of the best pocket knives lists various manufacturers and prices. It also allows users to operate the knife with one hand comfortably, thanks to its quick open button feature. The Milwaukee 48-22-1502 Fastback Utility Knife with Blade Storage is an ideal utility knife. The pocket utility knife provides a great combination of the conveniences of a folding knife and the functionality of a traditional utility knife. This isn’t just a regular utility knife – you will find that this DEWALT knife is even easier to store and carry around as it is foldable. It undertakes several activities, and thus, it must be extremely robust and durable. It is a utility knife that works excellently as a bottle opener, box cutter, utility knife, and a screwdriver. Since there are razor blades involved, we emphasized safety features in our search. It also has a durable handle and a very efficient locking mechanism, which, along with its perfect size, makes this model worth considering for purchase. Other features this knife has been built with include its safe liner lock for the razor-sharp blade and a tapered shape that helps with scraping or scoring.Â. Compared with retractable models, folding knives are also less prone to getting gummed up. In our experience, we’re typically already holding what we want to cut before we even pick up the knife, so one-handed operation makes work more efficient. The Sheffield Lock-Back is nearly identical to the Bessey, so it’s also hindered by the blade change and two-handed close. The Milwaukee Fastback Knife is a multifunction folding utility knife that undertakes various activities with ease. It comes with extra features that make it ideal for use in a variety of professions and adventures that demand a cutting accessory. And the handle has room to store five additional blades. Commonly lightweight and designed with a small, thin blade, these specialized knives require more control and precision than a … For comparison purposes, we tested out a wide variety of retractable models in addition to the folding ones. A liner lock for quick 1-handed operation. Also, the inclusion of a wire stripper in this unit makes it a relatively convenient tool to use job sites for different purposes. Besides this unit’s deep finger grooves, it boasts of a threaded fastener that keeps the cutting blade firmly in place. Milwaukee is a pro brand geared toward plumbers, HVAC guys, and electricians, so this is a useful feature for them. The Bessey D-BKWH is an attractive knife, but it requires two hands to close, so it’s not as efficient as some of the others. The knives in the Irwin FK Series (FK100, FK150, and FK250) share some similarities with the Milwaukee Fastbacks, but they’re far less refined. In this article we review, what we believe to be the best utility knife currently available on the UK marketplace. Lyman said, “[The Fastback knives are] super easy to deploy and stow, but when stowed [aren’t] likely to accidentally deploy. Benchmade Bugout is the best lightweight pocket knife ideal for those who need a well built, good utility knife, that uses the best materials without the additional weight. In total, there are three blades provided to every customer once a purchase is made. Other features we identified with this unit include its ability to lock in two positions. The Gerber EAB Lite Pocket Knife is an incredible utility knife and the best product you can ever have in hand. Just know you’ll have to make a trip to the toolbox every time you dull a blade. [Purchase: $14] Bessey D-BKWH. The storage of blades for this unit is found in its handle for easy access by the user. All blades used by this unit are 2-point utility blades, the most common kind of blades in today’s market. The users of this utility knife praise it for its ergonomic nature and ease of use. Since it’s going to be exposed to a massive amount of electricity, the Gardner Bender knife features a frame and grip that have been insulated against live wires. Butterfly fold tools make up the majority of the modern multi tool market. The 10 best pocket knives to buy in the UK. So, it’s helpful when you find one that just goes a little bit above and beyond what you expect. The Acetek knife is extremely durable thanks to the use of anodized aluminum and stainless steel for its body. The term "utility knife" can also refer to compact fixed-blade models that craftsmen use for more detailed artisanal projects, such as model-making or scrapbooking. It can be used for cutting through materials such as cartons, paper, carpet, PVC, leather, cloth, bags and many more. The advantages of the Milwaukee 48-22-1502 Fastback Utility Knife with Blade Storage come down to ergonomics and safety. Just by lightly pinching the tool with a forefinger in the groove, we found it nearly impossible to pull the knife out of the hand. We tested some with a nice and simple push-button blade release, but others had a much more complicated (and frustrating) two-part system. But for general use, it doesn’t beat out the Fastbacks. This is an updated version of our previous pick, the Milwaukee 48-22-1903 Fastback, which has been discontinued. A good value: The best value, in our opinion, is a knife that works better than expected for as long as possible. The Gerber EAB Lite Pocket Knife is so small that when it’s folded up, it can fit on a credit card—with room to spare. After all of our research and testing, the Milwaukee 48-22-1502 Fastback Utility Knife with Blade Storage stands at the front of the pack. Folders are smaller, so easier to store, and tend to come with convenient belt hooks. The knife itself is quite a looker, with a very long narrow needle point wharncliffe blade measuring 3.875” long. The Gardner Bender Knife is our final product on review. What if we told you that the Alltrade utility knife offered all these features and many more? The knife is large for a pocket, so it’s likely to be clipped on a belt, making this a potential issue for some. The blades inside are held in place by a magnet. Its purchase comes with a limited lifetime warranty. The back of the grip area contours to the hand and the top edge of the tool is flat, giving the thumb a solid place to sit and press against during cuts, particularly tougher ones. This less expensive version of our pick has the same one-handed action, but it lacks the blade storage. In talking about the reinvented Workpro Utility Knife, we must speak of two things; affordability and dependability, the two guiding principles to the design of this beauty. Once the candidates were in hand, we put identical blades in all of them and proceeded to break down and slice up a pile of about 50 cardboard boxes of varying sizes. But with this small size you get poor ergonomics. For further research, we had conversations with Marc Lyman, editor of HomeFixated, a website devoted to tools and home improvement. The heavy-duty nature of this utility knife enhances its durability over the years, even after continuous usage. The Gerber EAB Lite Pocket Knife is an incredible utility knife and the best product you can ever have in hand. Love this product? This is a voltage sensing electrician knife designed for easy, comfortable use by professionals. The Acetek utility knife has been built by seasoned professionals to enhance safety during its use. Someone using this as an EDC knife may already have strong opinions on how the knife should be oriented while clipped on a belt, and the Fastback may not fit into those parameters. There is no better toolbox staple than the best utility knife that is trustworthy and durable. Welcome to the land of Alltrade, where all products manufactured are customer-centered and as such, seek to deliver excellent performance at all times. It also has the fussiest blade change: To lock in a new blade we had to press against a piece, basically pushing our thumb up toward the underside of the blade while the top piece was being pressed downward. So it’s good to have a big supply of blades on hand. This is useful for bearing down on the knife, such as when you’re cutting a thick cardboard box or scoring a piece of Sheetrock to patch a hole in the wall. The Irwin foldable industrial knife uses the blade lock Technology which helps keep your blade locked in place at all times. Besides the quest to create the world’s most affordable and dependable cutting tool, manufacturers of the Workpro knife seek to deliver incredible value through the use of their product. With any medium-duty or aggressive cutting, the knife’s metal edges dig into the hands. A utility knife’s utility or usefulness is far more than what most people expect (hence the name). While definitely not the best multi tool knife out there, the Junhao Tactical Folding Pocket Knife is fun to use and reasonably priced. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best Benchmade pocket knives. This knife typically tops all of these UK-legal lists because Spyderco designed this knife specifically with those laws in mind. Because of its low-key presentation and light-duty feel, it could be a nice option for an EDC knife. I spent most of that time as a carpenter, foreman, and job supervisor at a high-end custom builder in the Boston area. Accepts all standard utility knife blades. The Stanley Heavy-Duty Utility Blades come in a pack of 100, along with a nice little case that can be hung on a peg board or nail. They generally include a … The general frame of this unit is sturdy and robust. Debris and gunk can get into the nose of the tool and make it difficult to move the blade in and out. After conducting our research and interviews, we sought a folding knife with a decent grip, one-handed opening, easy blade change, onboard storage for additional blades, and that was a good value. In general, the fewer moving parts, the better. It cuts with a removable razor blade, so the edge is both incredibly sharp and very disposable. In addition to this, the construction process provides that the end product, which is the utility knife, meets and often exceeds the standards of all tool safety institutions. DeBoer of Pro Tool Reviews, writing about the original Fastback, said that the blade change “beats the lever mechanisms on most Gerber, Bessey, and Irwin Quick-Change knives.”. While it may take up a lot of space in your pocket, this knife is a slicing machine that … It features the use of a single, disposable and reversible blade that can be used for a very long time before its replaced. If the Milwaukee 48-22-1502 Fastback Utility Knife with Blade Storage isn’t available, or if you want to save a few dollars, we recommend the Milwaukee 48-22-1501 Fastback Folding Utility Knife. The Free K2 is a pocket-size multitool built for the folding knife crowd. The voltmeter helps alert the user whenever there’s a risk of electric shock. The Olfa XH-1 uses a segmented snap blade. One essential addition to your toolkit is a utility knife. © 2020 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. Its unique contoured handle and deep finger notch make for a grip that is both comfortable and secure. There are a plethora of features possessed by this industrial knife from Stanley, a few of which we will discuss in this article. *At the time of publishing, the price was $15. It’s not our first choice for around-the-house use, but if you think you’d want to be able to extend a longer blade, the Olfa XH-1 is definitely the most comfortable snap knife we’ve held. It’s also an aesthetically pleasing tool that makes your toolbox more colorful and exciting.Â. It’s just much simpler than working the thumb slide on a retractable knife or trying to work a normal folding blade open with your thumb or both hands. Bonus: You get a nice little case with them. The handles also don’t have the Fastbacks’s nice contoured grip. Easy blade change: For replacing the blade, we recommend knives that are simple and keep your hands away from the cutting edge of the blade. This is one of the leading companies responsible for the manufacture of great tools and equipment used on various job sites and in multiple garages. This retractable knife has a spring-loaded blade that’s tensioned so it always wants to retract back into the tool. And because of the way the blade nests in the body, there is a lower chance a folding knife will accidentally deploy in your pocket (or get accidentally stowed with a bit of blade still poking out). They have received lots of profit through their provision of innovation, speed, and flexibility in all their products. This pack may amount to being a lifetime supply of razor blades, at a price much cheaper than smaller packs. Designed by a team of seasoned engineers from the best materials around the world, this knife can be counted on for a variety of cutting actions. To change your blade when it feels dull and weak, you only need to press the release button located on the knife, where two additional edges have been stored. This utility knife seeks to take on every workshop cutting task with ease. This knife features the use of three unique blades all manufactured from stainless steel. Victorinox Classic SD Swiss Army Knife. And the tool offers a simple blade change and a sturdy belt hook. The Stanley knife features a multi-position blade slide that helps change blades at any time. It’s just ridiculously user-friendly.”. Always make sure that the knife you get to pick is highly versatile. There’s more to the knife than meets the eye, and as such, its sales have been among the highest in the utility knife market. As soon as you let go, the blade vanishes. Also, the comfort of the handle is nowhere near that of the Fastbacks. This is done via the myriad of features it has been designed with. It also features an ergonomic grip and an interlocking nose meant to make usage more comfortable especially for extended periods. When closed, folding knives are typically 2 to 4 inches shorter than retractable knives, making folders a better fit for a pants pocket. After further research and testing, the Milwaukee 48-22-1502 Fastback Utility Knife with Blade Storage and the Milwaukee 48-22-1501 Fastback Folding Utility Knife replace our pick and runner-up, which have been discontinued. The best knife set is the one you put together yourself. Snap-off style blades make swapping them simple, and the retractable knives are handy to have around for lightweight tasks. To use it, hold a wire in the notch with a thumb and spin it. The Military came along as a 4” behemoth primed for war, hard use, and pretty much anything else you could throw at it. The Alltrade Utility Knife has been through a series of tests to ensure that durability is assured for all potential users. Built-in flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers, Sturdy stainless steel and glass/nylon composite frame, The stainless steel blade is made to last, The handle can cause fatigue when used for a prolonged time, Not suitable for small and intricate work, If you ever need unique utility knives, we recommend the Acetek Utility Knife as your next purchase. According to Lyman, “I’ve never used a retractable with a mechanism that doesn’t eventually get really crud-filled and clunky. The Gerber utility blade has an extraordinary design which features improved elements that were not included in the plan of its predecessor, the EAB from Gerber. Basically, the Fastback 48-22-1502 is the only knife that combines the fast, one-handed operation of a retractable knife with the safety of the flip style. Its handle has been manufactured from stainless steel and can be used as both a money clip or a pocket. Our team explored the various types of blades sold in today’s market and after thorough research and testing, have come up with a list of the best utility knives. As Lyman said, “Given how frequently a utility knife gets used, I think getting a quality knife is a no-brainer.”. This holds tightly, but at the same time, there’s enough spring so you don’t have to force the knife down over a belt or struggle to get it free. Blade storage: For a pro contractor, storage for additional blades is a crucial feature in a knife, but the benefits exist for a homeowner as well. Internet's Best Premium Utility Knife - Set of 10 - Retractable Razor Knife Set – 5 Extra Blade Refills … Wirecutter is reader-supported. The Mini Griptilian 556 is a lightweight knife that can easily fit into any pocket and brings you a blade that can slice, cut, slash and peel the tough and hard materials. Because blades are disposable, sharpness wasn’t a criterium, so we looked at overall ergonomics, ease of blade change, leverage on tougher cuts, and ease of the folding mechanism. Manufactured in the US, this utility knife features a wire stripper that is meant to rip, strip and cut all in one. The FC Folding Pocket Aluminum Utility Knife is equipped with heavy-duty carbon steel blades, this utility knife is great for a variety of tasks, such as opening boxes, slicing rope, cutting wallpapers, carpets, cardboards and plastics. Change from a dull, used blade to a fresh, sharp edge in seconds. Meet the Stanley Fatmax Utility Knife, a 10-inch retractable utility knife designed ergonomically for your comfort. You can store this compact, lightweight unit anywhere you please, be it in your pocket, tackle box or your purse. They’re all designed in such a way that no extra tools or special skills are required in their operation. A utility knife is a fantastic tool to have in the home tool box or junk drawer. Don’t forget to also check our guide to the best camping knives. HomeFixated’s Marc Lyman is a “huge fan” of the Fastback knives: “They’re not the cheapest utility blades out there, but they’re the best in my opinion.”. The large forefinger notch makes maintaining a firm grip easy. It’s possible to go through three or four blades on a project, and having a few extras on hand saves time and energy. Building paper, sheet plastic, drywall, tarps, rope, and even roofing shingles can all be cut with utility knives. Doug Mahoney is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering home improvement. In three seconds or less, users can change from a dull, used blade to a fresh and sharp cutting edge for a series of cutting jobs. The Irwin FK Series knives are not significantly cheaper than the Fastback 48-22-1501 or the 48-22-1502, so we see no reason to choose them over the Fastbacks. Forcing a dull blade is dangerous (it can slip) and more work, and the results are more likely to be ragged or crooked. We also carried each knife around for a couple of days, using each of them for all of the small knife tasks that we encountered in a 48-hour period—everything from sharpening pencils to trimming an unraveling thread on a shirt to opening a box of cat litter. This, combined with the pronounced bend at the leading edge of the hook, means it’s almost effortless to clip the knife onto a belt or the rim of a pocket. And the case makes it easy to pull out a single blade. For the drywall cuts, we really sunk the blade into the material and tried to work it around to see whether the blade would disengage from the knife—a constant annoyance during longer projects. You may also like some of these best glue sticks for your projects, so check them out. Unlike the other knives we looked at, the Fastback can be easily (and quickly) opened and closed with one hand, and it locks in both positions. Using the Gerber EAB Lite for cutting purposes is extremely easy and comfortable also. The general frame of this unit is lightweight, and it makes transportation from one place to the other more comfortable and hassle-free. Electricians best use the Gardner Bender knife since It has been tailor-made for their type of jobs which include the stripping of wires and the ripping of cables. With clever and unique designs at prices to suit any pocket. No matter how regularly you make use of this unit, it has been engineered to last for an extremely long time. A purchase offers a one-year warranty on their product, and this doesn’t include the blades. Best Butterfly Open Multi Tools with Knife. The Irwin Tools company has designed a great utility knife which has made it into our list of recommendations due to its durability and reliability. This Swiss Army knife is a classic gentleman’s pocket knife. One button lock-back design locks the blade in place for safe and efficient cutting. For blade changing, the Fastback has a simple, spring-loaded push-button release. In his review of an earlier version of the Fastback, Clint DeBoer of Pro Tool Reviews wrote that “the knife opens easily with just one hand. The high point of the Fastback is its opening mechanism. Utility knife / Box cutter: A utility knife is a knife used for general or utility purposes within the construction and trade industries. Changing the blades is easier than ever. The best utility knife can serve as a box cutter and more. It is very portable and doesn’t weigh too much thus, keeping it in your pocket or purse comes naturally to you. All of these features make the AD10 a knife that anyone looking for the best everyday carry pocket knife has to take seriously, especially if you’re looking for seriously hard outdoor use. The positive aspect of this is that without the blade storage clip, our runner-up knife is about one-eighth of an inch thinner than our pick. For more handy products like this, check out our guide to the best craft scissors. This is a long blade that can be extended almost its full length if need be (in this case, just over 4 inches), giving it the ability to cut thicker items like foam insulation. Spyderco Para 3. Because of the number of stored blades and the comfortable rubber padding on the grip area, this is going to be a winner for someone who literally has a knife in their hands all day long. When unfolded, the two are about the same length, so there is no loss of grip area with the folded versions. All edges are straight-edges and made from die-cast metal and steel. Clint DeBoer, Milwaukee Fastback II Folding Utility Knife, ProTool Reviews, July 18, 2013, Mark Lyman, A Cut Above – Milwaukee Fastback II Utility Knife Review, HomeFixated, March 21, 2013. The Best Pocket Knife. One of such features is the wire clip. It is also a budget-friendly option for all potential buyers who require an affordable yet durable unit for their jobs. The set comes with three knives and 30 replacement edges. For light work, like breaking down the recycling, one option is the Irwin 2088600 Self Retracting Safety Knife, a former pick in this guide. It is … It’s certainly a safe system, but it isn’t practical for any involved projects like cutting out old caulking on the kitchen sink or trimming a rug pad. We also used the tools to cut out some old caulking and dice up a sheet of drywall. If it slips …. There is one standard razor blade included in the total package once a purchase is made and this blade is made from robust stainless steel. There’s no question that it’s a solidly built tool, but it’s cumbersome. This utility knife features a voltmeter, an element that makes it the perfect tool for electricians and other people who work with fittings and wires. Customers are always satisfied with its performance and still recommend it on websites and utility knife forums. That means this type of knife is ideal for all of the grunt-work cutting jobs that are too difficult for scissors and too dulling and damaging for a nice pocket knife. You can use this knife with a single hand, thanks to its liner lock feature. It’s no surprise that the brands with the sharpest utility blades are often most sought after, or those that have ergonomic designs that deliver extreme comfort during extended use or for lightweight and extremely affordable units. Beautiful Beast: This is without a doubt one of the best looking knives on the list. The use of such a material further explains its level of durability and quality. The best knives have some kind of finger groove, because it’s an actual physical impediment to slippage and has less to do with hand strength. Stanley offers a 5-pack that costs about $1, making it about twice the cost per blade, and it doesn’t come with the case. If you ever require a well-designed utility knife whose blades get sharper after every use, you should consider getting the Stanley Classic Utility knife. It is both attractive and efficient, with a price tag that is the envy of all its competitors. You can make use of this unit with a single hand or both hands depending on your preference. The Best Utility Knife. And I’ve nicked my own knuckles and fingers enough times over the years to have full confidence in that statistic. From the list above and buying guide, you should now be in a position to have a good time when it comes to picking the best pocket knife for yourself. To adjust your knife blade to a sharper kind, the Stanley Fatmax can be swiveled open and the blade removed. Unfortunately, there is no belt hook, and this knife is too big for any standard pocket. This isn’t to say that you want a light grip, but with your fingers even slightly “hooked” into the tool, they’re far less likely to slide off. The Fastback also has a storage area for five additional blades. When you’re searching for the best utility knife, you quickly realize that a lot of products offer similar features. Storage accommodates up to 7 utility blades in total, a large number that isn’t common in other models. For comfort during extended use, the Acetek knife has its handle ergonomically designed to be non-slip for a more secure grip. It comes with many features that enable it to live up to the strong reputation created by the Irwin company. Best Utility Knife - UK Tool Reviews. Remember, these are razor blades, so even a brush against the edge can do some significant damage. The Slidewinder Utility Knife is a product from Outdoor Edge, a leading manufacturer in tools and equipment for workshops, garages and many more. They are made from only the finest materials with the highest level of quality and have been engineered with help from modern technologies to be the best knives you will ever come into contact with. This may seem like a lot of blades, but it doesn’t make economic sense to get smaller packs, since they can go for as much as $3 for five blades. Since 2001, when I started carrying a utility knife, I’ve probably gone through about 25 knives, most discarded due to poor features, bad ergonomics, or subpar durability. There Is another product from the Stanley camp that comes highly recommended. With Klein Tools being in the business for more than 160 years, they have amassed all the knowledge concerning the durability of utility knives, and as such, every product they manufacture delivers significantly on strength. Here are the knives we've come to love after decades in professional and home kitchens. The Husky is a fantastic unit ergonomically. The pocket knife is a piece of all-purpose cutlery that is designed to be carried about in your pocket (or clipped to one’s belt or to the outside edge of a pocket) and used for a variety of purposes from cutting rope and paper to opening boxes, stripping wire and even cleaning fish caught in the wild. It’s also nice to have a new blade available for specific tasks that might come up—a fresh one will be better for scraping a small paint blob off a window. You’ll find that it can serve also as a pocket knife, rescue knife, and even in light use cases, as a camping knife. This unit is excellent for both beginners looking to undertake simple cutting processes or professional tradespeople working on several cutting projects. This pack may amount to being a lifetime supply of razor blades, at a price much cheaper than smaller packs. If you’re thinking about durability, the Klein replaceable blade knife should be at the top of your list. It weighs only 1.7 ounces and represents the best a typical US-made Spyderco has to offer. You can be sure to always have an easy time making up your mind when it comes to finding the right performance knife. We also tested two folding knives from Olympia. We also moved the Irwin to the Competition. In total, the Alltrade utility knife comes with six heavy-duty blades and a lifetime warranty that supports its durability. Also, the comfort of the handle is nowhere near that of the Fastbacks. and it promises an extended service life, no matter how regularly it’s been used. It is well suited for an array of activities which include ripping up your carpet, stripping wires, and opening boxes. They’re very useful, but before you invest in one, make sure you understand your state and local knife laws—especially if you intend to carry your knife in your pocket or hooked to your belt. Our guide to the best Spyderco knives offers more great options so check it out. Greenlee’s Heavy-Duty Folding Utility Knife is a large knife that can store five additional blades. This makes the changing of blades very simple and time efficient, unlike other knife models that have separate blade storage. When you buy blades in smaller amounts, it costs a lot more per blade. For a more comfortable and secure hold during your cutting periods. It has been designed with a series of elements that enhance its performance in many ways. We looked for the following things when deciding on our picks: Folding: Folding knives offer more safety and portability than retractable knives. The Milwaukee knife can be locked like a standard knife or can be secured at 45 degrees, an angle that provides extra leverage for your cutting activities. If you love knives, check out our automatic knives review. This unit is used for a myriad of things, from cutting open cartons to stripping wires. One-handed open: We much preferred knives that can be folded and unfolded with one hand. This utility knife features a slightly curved design that enhances both its cutting ability and its comfort provision. The Gerber Superknife SK Edge looks and acts like a traditional pocket knife, but the handle is on the small side, with very little grab to it. The only difference is that there is no additional blade storage. When the Paramilitary 2 dropped, people couldn’t get enough. Best Elegant Pocket Knife: ... Leave it to the revered knifemaker Benchmade to deliver the most utility in the tiniest package. Ergonomic handle design ensures a convenient operation. Cheap utility knives, like the classic Stanley 10-099, don’t cost much, but they offer nothing more than the most rudimentary functionality and safety features. Learn more. In addition to that, several other features—the massive finger hook, the overall ergonomics, the gut hook, the blade storage, and the easy blade change—make this the tool to beat. CRKT designed this small pocket knife in collaboration with custom knifemaker Lucas Burnley to be a heavy-duty EDC knife that’s well suited for utility cutting and slicing tasks. A global leader in the manufacture distribution of such tools, Alltrade tools LLC has sold millions of products all over the world in every continent. 10 Best Pocket & Folding Knives (Review) in 2020, 12 Best Swiss Army Knives For EDC (Review) in 2020, This product guide was written by Jordan Carter, Alltrade 150003 Auto-Loading Squeeze Utility Knife, Klein-Kurve Handle Klein Heavy Duty Utility Knife, Milwaukee 48-22-1903 Fastback 3 Utility Knife, Irwin Tools FK150 1858319 Folding Utility Knife, Stanley 10-777 FatMax Locking Retractable Utility Knife, I confirm I wish to sign up to the Gear Hungry mailing list, 2Stanley 10-099 6 in Classic 99 Retractable Utility Knife, 3Alltrade 150003 Auto-Loading Squeeze Utility Knife, 4Klein-Kurve Handle Klein Heavy Duty Utility Knife, 6Milwaukee 48-22-1903 Fastback 3 Utility Knife, 7Irwin Tools FK150 1858319 Folding Utility Knife, 8Stanley 10-777 FatMax Locking Retractable Utility Knife. Also, changing the blade out requires undoing a flathead screw and cannot be done quickly or easily. The FC Folding Pocket Utility Knife is a fantastic example of this. One of such elements and features is the ability to fold your utility knife. This line of products is their most extensive as it features hand tools and other essentials meant for expert enthusiasts and pros who require durable, high-quality tools for their respective jobs. As such, it possesses exciting features such as a small plastic protector at its tip, with a lock-back design that keeps the blade secure when it is not in use. Folding makes this unit more compact, and as such, it fits comfortably into your toolbox or pocket. Knives are a personal thing. The knife is designed so it can be opened and closed very quickly with one hand, locking in both positions. Check It Out. There’s also a gut hook that enables knife owners to use their device when it’s fully closed. I have extensive knowledge of utility knives, garnered from a 10-year career in construction. The provision of three blades means that your knife will operate continuously for an extended period, without the need for extreme maintenance and repairs. None of the other knives had such a complete set of features. The Fastback also has a spot for stripping electrical wire and an added gut hook, so you can cut string or open a bag of bird seed without ever having to unfold the knife and expose the blade. If you need a product that is both pocketable and easy to hold, this will be your best option. If you are looking to upgrade your knives collection, check out our guide to the best craft knives. In addition to this insulation, they have been designed to offer maximum grip to users at all times. *At the time of publishing, the price was $12. The Southwire knife features a natural, tool-free blade change system that enables users to replace their dull blades with new, sharper ones within seconds. Our top pick for the best pocket knife is the Benchmade – Griptilian 551 Knife.With a razor-sharp blade that stays sharp over the long term, a sturdy and comfortable ambidextrous handle, and a highly-responsive, super smooth axis locking mechanism, the rock-solid Griptilian pocket knife is a … Stanley 10-099 6 in Classic 99 Retractable Utility Knife. The Spyderco Para 3 shines as perhaps the best EDC pocket knife in the Paramilitary family. Our one gripe about the Fastback 48-22-1502 is that the belt clip is not reversible. But the finger notch is only one portion of the handle’s overall superiority. You may also like to check our guide to the best tactical knives. Lyman referred to the Fastback series of knives as “the fastest blade you’ll deploy short of using a switchblade.” But it’s not so much the speed that’s important here as the one-handed ease of use. The Husky Knife features a safe design which includes a retractable blade knife that is kept out of the way whenever it is not in use. The Revo Folding Utility Knife was the most interesting design we looked at. It’s designed to give you the basic utility of a pocket knife, along with on-the-go grooming tools like a nail file and scissors.It’s a compact pocket knife with a surprisingly long and sharp knife. The handle is another of the tool’s high points. That way, there are no second thoughts about whether to swap in a new blade. This knife shares many of the characteristics of our pick—the same shape, the comfortable and secure grip area, the sturdy belt hook, and the fast, one-handed open/close. It also has an auto-loading feature, which automatically inserts a new blade into an empty cartridge. This can be easily done with your hands coming at the tool from above the blade, increasing the safety level. The Gerber utility blade has an extraordinary design which features improved elements that were not included in the plan of its predecessor, the EAB from Gerber. The Southwire knife features the use of a comfort grip in its design. S35VN steel with a stonewash finish is expected for this price range, and the long skinny build of the knife means it’ll disappear into your pockets. It only holds a single backup blade and the storage deck is plastic. To prevent your blade from shifting, the Stanley knife features an adjustable thumb-dial locking wheel, meant to keep the edge in place while you cut. The Workpro knife is a multiuse product that is preferred because of its versatility. The 33-200 Turbofold and the 33-057 Turbofold have the easiest blade-change mechanism of all the tested models, but two hands are required to fold and unfold the blade. After more than 60 hours of researching knife sets and testing 11, we’re confident that you won’t beat the Wüsthof Classic Ikon 7-Piece Walnut Block Knife Set. The Workpro utility pocket knife is made from stainless steel and as such is not susceptible to rust. It comes with ten extra blades, a lock-back design, a belt clip and a quick-change safety system for the replacement and changing of blades. Our handy guide to the best boot knives features more great products like this. These are the only parts of the tool that aren’t metal. There’s so much to benefit from this unit the first being its robust design. They’re the best products with the best engineering you’ll ever come across. Other knives create the grip with a textured area, curved handle, or finger ridges at the grip, but none of these are as effective or easy to use as the finger notch. The Olympia Tools 33-187 Turbopro Autoload Knife is a nice retractable knife with the traditional thumb slide, and it fits well in the hands. One of such products is the Klein Kurve Utility Knife, a product developed and designed by Klein Tools, a leading manufacturer in the industry since 1857. The handle of this unit is also designed for durability via the use of wood and steel accents. Zero Tolerance 0350. A solid and ergonomic all-metal body, convenient folding design with pocket clip, quick and tool-less blade swapping, and handy wire strippers make the Milwaukee Fastback the best utility knife. General, the price was $ 15 it easy to hold, this utility knife available. Found among the first being its robust belt clip is not reversible s high points of your list smaller... 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