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Our content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices. When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.The Best Utility Knives For Portability and Precision
Though a standard kitchen knife is enough for most daily tasks, a utility knife is a must-have tool for making accurate and arrow-straight cuts. Also known as a box cutter, the utility knife can do anything, from cutting up carpets to stripping wires. To help you find the right one for you, we’ve curated a list of the best utility knives of 2024. The Internet’s Best Premium Utility Knife is our top choice on our list, but for more recommendations and buying tips, we have a handy buying guide to help you find the best utility knife for your toolbox.
View all ContentsThe Best Utility Knives of 2024
Best Overall
This utility knife set from Internet’s Best is designed ergonomically, and each knife is made from high-quality and durable materials — so, you don’t need to worry about the blade splitting apart. Each knife features a retractable blade that works well and sits comfortably in your palm. And, adding to its functionality, the knife boasts a quick-release feature that allows you to remove and replace blades with the touch of a button. Every order comes in a set of two utility knives along with five additional blade replacements. Because of its ergonomic design, easy blade replacement, and durability, this utility knife easily wins our best overall vote on this list.
Pros
- Easy to hold
- Hassle-free blade replacement
- Value pack with two knives
Cons
- The quick-release button can become loose
Most Lightweight
The Amazon Basics Folding Utility Knife is another great alternative to add to your toolbox. Featuring a stainless steel blade, this knife comes in handy when performing various home repairs. Adding to its functionality, this product comes with an aluminum handle with a comfortable anti-slip grip. It also features a one-button, lock-back mechanism that secures the blade in place. With the easy quick-release button, replacing blades is no longer a hassle. The compact and light design is also easy to carry and fits perfectly in your pocket. And if there’s a malfunction with this product, the brand also offers a one-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- The lock system provides added safety
- The aluminum handle enhances the grip
Cons
- Not the most durable option
Best Value for Price
This utility knife from Rexbeti stands apart because of its wide blade. The extra width offers increased stability when cutting through harder objects, and it also isn’t easy to break. The blade is high-grade, carbon-steel and the reinforced plastic body also provides a good grip. With a built-in retractable system, the knife can be operated using one hand. The multiple locking grooves also enable you to control the length of the blade. You can retract the blade to its shortest length when more precision is required. The 12-pack is extremely cost-effective too.
Pros
- Features a retractable design
- 0.7-inch wide, razor-sharp carbon-steel blade
- The 12-pack is very economical
Cons
- The plastic handle is pretty easy to break
Best Design
If you are looking for a sharp blade for quicker tasks, the Diyself Utility Knife is a great option. Made from an aluminum alloy shell, it is also easy to grip. This product features a slider for adjusting the length of the blade, letting you cut various materials easily and conveniently. It comes with an SK-5 and a high-carbon steel blade, and the body is available in eight different colors. When replacing the blade, you will need a small tool like a screwdriver. The razor-sharp blade also makes precise, deep cuts while the lock tab keeps it from slipping.
Pros
- Pretty comfortable to hold
- Comes in eight varying shades
- Easy sliding feature for adjusting the blade’s length
Cons
- The sliding mechanism falls apart quickly
Best Storage
The Dewalt Utility Knife is a multipurpose product that conveniently folds up. With its 2.5-inch blade and a 6.25-inch handle, this tool is comfortable to hold and use. The length of this retractable blade can be adjusted using the slider for cutting to various depths. This folding knife also enables one-handed opening and closing. When it comes to getting work done, this option effortlessly slices through carpet, wire, latex, leather, and more. Its innovative, quick-change blade technology eliminates the need for additional equipment to replace the blades. Adding to its functionality, this product also features blade storage for easily accessing the replacement blades.
Pros
- Extra blade storage
- Easy blade-replacement technique
- Small and portable
Cons
- The blade doesn’t retract fully when closing it
The Ultimate Buying Guide to the Best Utility Knives
Utility knives can come in handy in most situations, but with all the options out there, it’s important that you know the features and factors that make a good utility knife. We’ll help guide you through the buying process and explain some important information you need to know about utility knives before you make a purchase.
Types of Utility Knives
A utility knife is mostly classified by its opening and closing mechanisms, as well as its blade placements. Here are all the types of utility knives on the market.
Fixed
With fixed knives, the blades remain locked in position. Paired with a durable handle, this type of knife is a great choice for getting accurate and clean cuts. Unlike retractable models, these blades are steady and do not wobble when used.
Since utility knives are fixed and remain open, they are not the safest option for carrying around in your pocket regularly unless you have a knife sheath. They are still exceptional tools to have in your toolkit though, especially for cutting through more rugged materials.
Retractable
A retractable utility knife features a sliding system that helps push the blade in and out, and you can control the depth of the cut by adjusting the length of the blade. For precision cuts, slide a smaller portion of the blade out and increase the length of the blade for longer and deeper cuts.
Foldable
Foldable utility knives are a more compact and portable version. Unlike retractable blades, which glide in and out, a folding knife snaps to the side. This is an incredibly safe and secure design that helps reduce the chances of injuries.
Breakaway
Also known as “snap-off blades”, breakaway utility knives are pretty close to retractable versions. The major difference between the two is in their blade replacement systems. Breakaway knives also feature a segmented blade that can be easily replaced once it wears away.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Utility Knife
Handles
Whether your utility knife is foldable or retractable, its handle is essential for enhancing its functionality. Handles are made from different materials, including but not limited to wood, metal, plastic, and fiberglass. In addition to the material, look for a knife with an ergonomic handle that fits comfortably in your hand without straining it.
Grip quality
The grip of a utility knife is determined by its material, form, and texture. Some knives have an outer rubber handle to prevent slipping, and others feature a grooved pattern for maintaining a secure grip while using it. Grip material is all about preference, so whether you should buy a knife with a rubber or grooved handle is up to you.
Overall quality and affordability
Look out for a reasonably priced knife that can satisfy your particular needs. And before investing in something, always look into a product’s quality and lifespan. Getting a high-quality and expensive utility knife is far better than going with a low-cost knife made with low-quality materials. Also, avoid anything with a fragile handle that can’t even withstand a few attempts at cutting things.
Blade-replacement mechanisms
Choose knives that offer easy blade replacement, conventional manual replacement techniques are exceedingly time-consuming and labor-intensive. Utility knives with a quicker and easier blade-changing mechanism are significantly more convenient to use, especially in the long term.
Blade storage
One of the prominent features of quality utility knives is a blade-storage chamber. This feature helps add extra efficiency, and it also lets you keep additional blades at the ready. Once your current blade gets dull, you can easily replace it with a new one from the built-in storage compartment.
Utility Knives FAQ
How can I replace the blade on my utility knife using the quick-change system?
Replacing worn-out blades with a quick-replacement mechanism is pretty simple. While it depends on the brand and manufacturer, there is usually a push or hinged button located on the side. You have to press and hold it to release the old blade, then you can place a new one into the hinge. You can let go of the button after it's correctly positioned.
What is the ideal blade length for my utility knife?
A standard utility blade is roughly 2.4 inches wide and 0.75 inches high. Plus, only a small portion of its 0.25-inch edge sticks out when in use, and the rest of it stays securely inside the case to provide extra stability.
Is it safe to use my utility knife?
You will be safe if you follow the safety instructions and use the knife with caution. Never forget to inspect the blade before using it, and discard it if the cutting edge has worn away. Because a dull blade requires more effort to cut through things, it can cause injuries. Also, remember to immediately slip the blade in, or fold it up, after use and always engage the safety lock.
