Slice Through Materials Like Butter With the Five Best Utility Knives
Have you been abusing your regular kitchen knives and cutting shears to rip through the sturdy cartons and materials? The constant struggle is frustrating with unsteady cuts, dulled blades, and a lot of mess. How about investing in a tool that could efficiently cut, slice, and rip through heavy-duty materials? That’s why we have curated a list of the leading utility knives in 2023 that will save you time and effort.
The term ‘utility knife’ is a broad term used interchangeably to describe anything from a chef’s knife to switchblades. But, let’s single out a folding utility knife as a multipurpose tool that will do all the heavy lifting without the blade giving up on you. So, whether you want to slice through thick ropes and flexible twines or the order of the day is to cut through roof shingles, carpets, wood panels, and even card boxes, the right utility knife will do it all.
However, this amazing tool comes in all sizes, shapes, and blade types. So, how do you determine if the retractable utility knife is better or a folding variant is suitable for you? Just scroll through our top picks and comprehensive buying guide to the best utility knife below.
The Best Utility Knife Model of 2023 in Detail
Internet’s Best Premium Utility Knife
– Best Overall
This utility knife delivers on its promise of a premium tool. The ergonomic design from tip to end made with high-quality material adds to the knife’s stability. You do not have to worry about the blades breaking or pulling apart easily. With its retractable mechanism and quick release feature, this particular variant easily fits in your palms.
This 2-pack knife set is an economical option, and it also includes 5 extra blades for replacement. Whether it’s thick boxes, woven material, carpet, or paper, the internet’s premium utility knife is a breeze to use.
- Easy to grip
- Hassle-free blade removal and installation with the button feature
- Sturdy durable blade
- Comes in a pack of 2
- 5 replacement blades included
- Quick-release button becomes loose with extended usage
- Sturdy build makes it heavier to hold
Husky Folding Utility Knife
– Runner Up
The Husky utility knife is a great affordable option that does not compromise on the quality despite its price point. The manufacturers of this knife have a reputation for developing designs that not only feel great in hand but are also capable of top-notch performance. In addition, this variant cuts through heavy-duty materials like butter.
The notched aluminum base with the blade attachment and textured surface offers stability and grip to the user’s hands. The product comes with additional blades that will last you for a long time. Additionally, it is easy to carry in a pocket, or you can attach the knife to a hook, as it already has a lanyard loop.
- Offers extensive functionality
- Compact size is easy to carry around
- Efficient tool cuts wires, ropes, and thick materials
- Comes with additional blades
- Button for the folding mechanism requires excessive pressure
- Color on the outer surface scratches easily
WORKPRO Folding Utility Knife
– Honorable Mention
Folding utility knives such as WORKPRO offer safety against any injury or accident as you can easily put the blade away when it’s not in use. Safety protocols aside, this folding utility knife is a collector’s piece with its contoured, aged rosewood handle and luxurious stainless finishings. However, it’s not just a pretty and shiny tool that would appeal to you.
The WORKPRO utility knife works like a charm on stubborn material. With an easy-grip handle and supremely sharp steel blade, you can cut through thick rubbers, rugs, carpets, vinyl surfaces, and cardboard materials. This utility knife is a mean tool to carry in your pocket. The sturdy manufacturing adds to the product’s durability and long-lasting usage.
- Attention-grabbing design with ergonomic wood handle and engraving
- Flawless cutting performance
- Torx screws maintain the sturdiness of the unit
- Provides stable grip
- Flip and folding mechanism requires extra pressure
- Feels heavy
REXBETI Utility Knife
– Also Consider
If you want a bang for your buck, we suggest the REXBETI utility knife that comes with a retractable and folding design along with 10 additional blades. This box cutter knife is great for everyday use. It is perfect for DIY projects and to cut through all kinds of fabric, paper, foam, or card-stock materials.
REXBETI is not your run-of-the-mill box cutter. Instead, it’s an elevated utility knife with adjustable blade length and angle to achieve precision cuts. The convenient knife design also includes a storage compartment that holds up to 3 blades for quick replacement. This utility knife is a great all-rounder tool for home, office, and warehouse use.
- Sturdy build and hard plastic shell adds durability
- Rubber handle enhances the grip
- Can be folded or retracted
- Comes with 10 additional blades
- Slide button does not function smoothly
This utility knife has a designer vibe and is available in a stunning array of color choices. Manufactured with carbon steel and aluminum, the Fantasticar knife is both aesthetically stunning and high performance. The polished exterior on this knife minimizes slippage and does not feel flimsy at all.
A simple flick of a button reveals the razor-sharp, high-strength blade that can cut through any rigid material. The plume series knife in pink color would look appealing on your work desk, but the carbon-steel blade can also slice through pipes, rubber, and ropes without any struggle. This utility knife is a perfect gift option for the femme fatale in your circle.
- Well packaged product
- Contoured handle feels great in the hand
- Sturdy enough for multipurpose use
- Screw and clips are somewhat fragile
Best Utility Knives Buying Guide
What Is a Utility Knife?
A utility knife is a multipurpose cutting tool used interchangeably for stationary knives, carpet knives, box-cutters, and razor knives. This might be confusing for users to categorize and identify a folding utility knife. However, the term utility knife is used to describe cutting tools, so finding a distinction between the variants can be cumbersome. For further clarity, a utility knife is used to cut through the lightest to most heavy-duty materials.
Types of Utility Knives
There are different types of utility knives based on their opening and closing mechanism along with blade positioning.
Fixed
This kind of knife has fixed blades that stay intact in their position. Attached to a sturdy handle, the fixed blade utility knife is an excellent option if you want clean and precise cuts on heavy-duty materials. In addition, this variant does not face the blade-wiggling issue that is common in retractable knives.
However, since a fixed blade utility knife remains erect, it is not a safe option to carry around for everyday use. It is meant for your toolbox and is great for cutting carpets and other rugged materials without the need for constant blade replacement.
Retractable
The retractable utility knife has a sliding mechanism that pushes the blade outwards. With retractable knives, users can easily control the blade depth that they want. For smaller and precision cuts, only the tip of the blade is pushed out. Whereas, for longer cuts, users slide out a large chunk of the blade for efficiency.
Retractable knives have the feature of blade replacement. However, the replacement mechanism depends on the product’s manufacturing. Most users appreciate the quick-release mechanism with a flick of a button for blade replacement.
Folding
Folding utility knives are compact cutting tools that conceal the long blade in the thin handle notch. Contrary to the retractable blade that slides upwards, the folding knife blade snaps towards the side. This type of utility knife is extremely safe to use and does not cause any unwanted injuries.
Consumers appreciate the ease of use, compact size, and safety aspects of a folding knife. Most folding knives are smaller than retractable ones; therefore, they can easily be clipped on via hook or placed in your pockets. In terms of blade strength and cutting efficiency, folding knives perform exceptionally well.
Breakaway
Breakaway utility knives are also called snap-off blades. This type of utility knife is similar to a retractable design; however, the blade replacement mechanism is entirely different. The breakaway utility knife has a segmented blade that you can take off once it’s worn off. In addition, these blades are longer in length, so you can snap them off multiple times to reveal a new one.
Types of Utility Knife Blades
Utility knife blades come in various shapes, sizes and materials. The most commonly used blade material is stainless steel and an affordable one as well. But, here are the different blade types based on shapes.
Serrated
The serrated blades have saw-like edges, which are suitable for cutting any material. The rough edges increase the friction on the surface, and you can easily use it for dense and thick materials.
Plain-edged
The smooth edge blade has no markings, and it offers minimal friction when you are cutting through the surface. A plain edge blade is great for making longer cuts on thinner surfaces. Plus, these types of blades are also an affordable option.
Pointed
Pointed blades have a small knife-like shape with increased precision. The grip and stability with a pointed tip is more enhanced, and it is a great alternative to standard blades.
Factors That Matter When You’re Buying a Utility Knife
A multifunctional utility knife feels like a perfect fit the moment you lay your eyes on it or touch it. However, the calling does not always come easy; so, you can narrow down the factors that will help you find your perfect cutting tool.
Handle
The handle of your folding or retractable utility knife is an essential factor in enhancing its workability. Handles made with wood, fiberglass, and metal are more sturdy compared to plastic-made ones. Additionally, look for a utility knife with a contoured handle; since it does not cause any strain on your hands.
Proper grip
The grip of a utility usually comes from the handle’s material, texture, and shape. For instance, some utility knives have a rubber surface on the outer handle to avoid slippage and promote an easy grip. Similarly, a groove design or textured surface also helps maintain a stable grip while cutting.
Quality & value
Utility knives are available at great prices. However, when investing in such a tool, always investigate the quality and longevity of the material. For example, getting a low-priced knife with plastic material and a flimsy blade that wouldn’t survive through the first few cuts is useless. Instead, invest in a utility knife manufactured by a reputable brand with a sturdy blade and long-lasting durability.
Which Features Should You Look For in Your Utility Knife?
The utility knives game has really amped up with multiple features. We appreciate the extra feature since it enhances the user experience at the end.
Blade replacement mechanism
The manual blade replacement method by removing screws is extremely time-consuming and requires too much effort. Nowadays, utility knives that come with quick blade replacement mechanisms are more convenient.
However, you can also sharpen your utility knife blade if you don’t want to replace it entirely. To learn how to do so safely, view this tutorial from Blade HQ:
Blade storage
The top utility knives will have a blade storage compartment. This feature ensures that you have extra blades within your reach at all times. As soon as the existing blade gets dull, you can pull out a new one from the built-in storage compartment.
People Also Asked
A: Utility knives are used for cutting through various materials and surfaces. From cutting wood chips to trimming wood shims and scouring guidelines on plywood or veneer surfaces, a utility knife is an effective tool. It is also handy for opening and ripping packaging materials, wire cables, thin pipes, foam, fabric, and anything in between. In short, there are endless uses for the utility knife, from everyday usage to heavy-duty repairing and handy jobs.
A: It is easy to replace old blades with a quick-change mechanism. Depending on the utility knife model, find the hinged button (mostly located on the sides) and press it to release the dull blade. Then, pick a new blade and, while pressing the button, insert it in the hinge. Release the pressure on the button once the blade fits into the housing notch.
A: As long as you use utility knives with the proper precaution and follow safety tips, you are good. Always ensure proper disposal and timely replacement of dull blades. Because with dull blades, you tend to put more force while cutting, resulting in scrapes and cuts. Plus, retract or fold back the blade immediately once you are done using it. Safety lock for blades is also a great safety to avoid any possible injuries.
