The best utility knife can be used for any purpose, including to do jobs around the house or outdoors. A utility knife can be used to cut cardboard, drywall and shingles as well as carpeting and other hard-to-open plastic.
Don’t worry if you don’t have one or can’t locate the one that you did find in your junk drawer under the Chinese takeout menus. To help you make the best purchase decision, we’re going to be reviewing the top utility knives.
Top 5 Choices For The Best Utility Knife
Before you purchase a utility knife, it is best to review them and learn as much as you can. These are our top five picks for the most useful utility knives based on our research.
Kobalt Utility Knife With 11 Blades
Kobalt is a well-known brand for DIY and home improvements. This knife is a quick-change locking lockback knife that can be used for all purposes. This knife comes with 11 blades and an easy-to-remove and change blade feature.
This knife has an aluminum handle made from aviation-grade aluminum and a blade release and belt clip made of stainless-steel. This blade can be used to cut everything, including cardboard and tile. The blades also stay sharp for quite a while. You may not need to replace them even after two weeks of continuous use depending on the material you are cutting.
We also like the fact that it is easy to open and close, making it a great choice if you don’t want to cut yourself constantly.
We like this:
- It is simple to fold and open the knife.
- It is made of rust-resistant aluminum, and stainless steel.
- This knife can be used to cut many different items
- Blades are very sharp
We don’t like:
- The blade release is stiff at the beginning
- Some customers were sent the wrong model
Sheffield 12113 Ultimate Lock Back Utility Knife
Sheffield knives feature a lightweight aluminum textured handle and a quick-change blade design. You can choose from three colors of the knife, each with the same price. However, they don’t include any additional blades.
The knife comes with a clip for your pocket, a fold-out blade housing, and an easy to use snap lock. This knife can be used to cut a variety of materials, including cardboard and tiles. Customers complain that it is difficult to open and close. The knife doesn’t lock in place when you close it so it can slip out of your pocket.
We like this:
- Combination of features from a utility knife with a lock back knife
- It is easy to replace the blade mechanism
- Aluminium housing that is durable
- Non-slip aluminum handle
We don’t like:
- It is very difficult to open and close the knife.
- You don’t get any additional blades
Set Of 3 Husky Folding SureGrip Lock Back Utility Knives
This knife is included in our top utility knives roundup for many reasons. You get three knives at a very affordable price. The knife’s clean design features a textured handle which gives you more control, even in slippery or wet conditions.
We also like the fact that it has a lanyard loop as well as a belt clip. This knife can be carried even if your pockets are empty, which is a plus for those who work.
It is easy to open and fold the knife, and you get three new blades. This is a great utility knife that every person knows and trusts.
We like this:
- You are ready to go right out of the box
- Easy to fold and open
- Protect your knife from being opened in your pocket with a durable locking mechanism
- Includes a lifetime warranty
We don’t like:
- Some models that are not defected do not close completely
- Some jobs require a knife and a blade that is too small (the knife measures 17 cm in length).
FC Folding Pocket Utility Knife
This knife features anodized aluminum with an anti-slip grip. This knife is lighter and stronger than other knives. It features a heavy-duty carbon steel knife blade that stays sharper for longer. The entire knife can be folded with just a push of a button. The lock-back design locks the blade securely in place when it is not being used.
The knife can accept standard-sized blades. You will receive five new blades and a knife pouch with your purchase. The knife has a quick-change mechanism that works like other knives. This makes it simple to change and remove new blades.
They offer a money-back guarantee of 100%, so if you’re not happy with their service, you can get your money back.
We like this:
- Locks are well in place
- Safety work knife is easy to use
- It is ideal for one-handed opening
- Five additional blades included
We don’t like:
- The knife does not appear to be fully closed.
- Most customers tossed the included holster because it was of low quality.
Milwaukee 48-22-1903 Fastback Utility Knife, 3 Utility Knife, With 4 Blade Storage
This brand is known for its DIY tools and power tools. This knife comes with a wire clip that will allow you to keep your knife safe and close at hand. The knife also comes with built-in blade storage, which allows you to keep up to four additional blades within the knife.
You have two options for locking this knife. It can be left open like a regular utility knife or locked at 45 degrees. This gives you more leverage and allows you to work in tight places if needed.
You will also find a wire stripping section for 12 gauge wire and a gut hook pocket so that you can quickly cut items without having to open the knife.
We like this:
- Blade storage included
- It has a wire stripping section and a gut hook section
- Solid and durable
- It’s easy to open with one hand
We don’t like:
- Sometimes, the blade pops out of cutting when it is not in the right place.
- We were unable to fit the blades properly for some customers
Three Types Of Utility Knives
Utility knives generally look the same. They all have the same features, regardless of which type of utility knife you’re looking at. Only two things are different: how you present the blade, and what type of knife you have in your knife. Let’s take a look at the various types of utility knives.
Fixed Utility Knives
This type of utility knife could be compared to a switchblade if you think about a fixed utility knife. These knives cannot be moved. The blade is hidden when the knife is closed; the blade becomes exposed when the knife is opened.
This knife has one major drawback: the blade cannot be concealed during cutting. Many utility knives include a safety feature that retracts the blade when it comes into contact with anything blunt. This safety feature is not available on these knives, so it’s a concern.
Fixed utility knives have one advantage: they are strong and durable. These knives are best for cutting through shingles or linoleum. These knives are also great for DIY projects. You get more blade for your buck. You don’t need a tiny one-inch knife to cut, but you can get up to four or five inches.
Retractable Utility Knives
We now have the best utility knife that most people will use. This retractable utility knife is perfect for DIY projects. It can also be taken with you everywhere you go. It can be carried in your toolbox, or in your pocket. You don’t have to worry about the knife opening up and cutting your legs if you are sitting down.
Retractable utility knives have a button or slider that allows for you to bring the blade back inside the knife. This provides maximum protection. These utility knives are ideal for small projects and jobs that involve children. Retractable utility knives come in many different sizes so that you can choose how much blade to expose for each job.
You might not need as much blade area if you’re only cutting boxes with your knife than if you were cutting tiles.
While retractable knives may have some positives, there are also obvious drawbacks. Because they only have a tiny piece of metal or plastic holding them in place, these knives can move more freely. They aren’t welded or screwed in place so they will move around as they age.
A safety feature that automatically retracts the knife if it is in direct contact with a sharp surface is another great feature of retractable knives.
Breakaway Knives
These blades can be used for light duty jobs and are less common than the other two. This is because the blades can be broken into smaller pieces so that you can remove the one you’re using and have the rest of the blades behind it. These blades can be used until they become dull, and then you can repeat the process.
These knives have the obvious danger of the blade slipping during work. These knives are not intended for heavy-duty tasks like cutting through insulation or boxing. A breakaway blade would not be suitable for cutting shingles or linoleum because they would break.
This knife is often made from a cheaper plastic than reinforced aluminum. You could also damage the knife by applying enough pressure.
What About The Handles?
Let’s get into the details. It is important to have the right handle for your utility knife. This is a minor issue that can make a big difference in the overall experience. These are the top handles to look for in a utility knife.
Metal or Fiberglass You should always choose a utility knife with either a fiberglass or metal handle. Fixed knives and retractable utility knives will almost always have a fiberglass or metal handle, as the knife is made from one piece.
You will end up with a cheap knife that has a plastic handle which cracks and breaks under pressure. You don’t want to have the knife in your hand. You run the risk of injuring your self if you don’t choose a durable handle.
Ergonomic handle shape A utility knife that is ergonomic will have a handle that conforms to your hand shape. Retractable knives may have indentions where your fingers are to be placed. You want your knife to have at least one indentation so that your hand does not slide forward towards the blade.
No matter how comfortable the handle is, you must always protect yourself. If you do any heavy-duty work, make sure to wear gloves that are cut-proof.
What are the Features of the Best Utility Knife?
Utility knives are a simple tool with few features. You don’t have to settle for a low-end knife at the dollar store. When shopping around, there are many exciting things you should be looking out for. You should be looking for utility knives that make your job easier and more efficient.
Blade Compartment This feature is more popular in well-known brands such as Husky and Milwaukee. However, we expect smaller companies to soon adopt it. Many knives have a safe storage compartment built into them. This allows you to quickly grab your extra blades and put them in the safe storage compartment.
Quick-change Mechanism Previously, you had to have a lot of tools on hand to change the blade of your knife. Nowadays, most utility knives have the quick-change design. You press a button or slider to quickly release the blade. Then, you hold it down while you add the next one.
However, there are downsides. Some users have reported that the blade can pop out without warning. Others also feel that the slider or button is too close to the blade, making it easy for the blade to pop out. Every improvement brings new challenges, so make sure you shop carefully and only buy utility knives that have received high reviews.
Special Blade Accommodation It is worth looking for a knife that allows you switch between the blades. Blades are available for certain jobs, such as cutting carpet. These blades can be used in some knives. This might be useful if you do a lot with your utility knives.
FAQ: Best Utility Knife
Q. How do I sharpen utility knife blades.
Q. Can I use a knife to cut the carpet?
A: Retractable utility knives are the best option for cutting carpet. The amount of blade that you wish to use can be seen through the carpet, without affecting the subfloor.
Q. How often should my utility knife blades be changed?
A: It’s up to you. It all depends on how frequently you use the knife, and what purpose. If you’re struggling to cut through things and are finding that the blade is not cutting through well, it’s time to replace the blade.
Last Thoughts
What knife do you think the best after reading this article? The Milwaukee 48-22-1903 Fastback is our recommendation. It has the most features, and it comes from a reliable company.
The Kobalt Utility Knife is a great choice if you don’t want all the fancy features but still need a knife to do DIY jobs. You don’t have to worry about purchasing blades for long periods of time with this one.
We would choose the Milwaukee Fastback knife for its price and features. Click here for more information and directions on how to buy.
