What do you need to know about an electrician's knife? Let's start with the basics--what is it? An electrician's knife, also known as a lineman's knife, is a type of utility knife that is used by electricians. It is specifically designed to cut through wire and cable insulation.
But what are the different types of electrician's knives available today? There are three main types: the fixed-blade knife, the folding knife, and the Swiss Army knife. The fixed-blade knife is the most durable option, but it can be a bit cumbersome to carry around. The folding knife is more portable but may not be as durable as the fixed-blade option. The Swiss Army knife is the most versatile option, including multiple tools (such as a screwdriver and bottle opener).
An electrician's knife is a must-have tool for anyone who works with electrical wiring. It has a blade that can easily slice through wire insulation, and wire strippers that make it easy to remove the insulation from the wire. It is also very durable, which makes it a great choice for heavy-duty use.
The blade design is a well-disputed subject, many will argue that the clip-point blade works best because it has the tip closer to the straight edge of the spine(back) of the blade. Others say that the hawk bill has better piercing style cuts so which makes it the best electrician's knife. Both knives are a good value and are worth having in your tool belt, that being said a sharp knife is the best knife no matter what knife you have!
So, which electrician's knife is right for you? It depends on your needs and preferences. But whichever option you choose, be sure to read up on how to use it properly so that you can stay safe while working with electricity.
We've picked the best of the best for you so you don't have to do the dull stuff. Go ahead and grab one and get yours today!
Best Overall Electrician's Knife
SOG Kilowatt- Electricians Pocket Knife
You don’t need to be an electrician to get a charge out of the Kilowatt, by SOG Products, a 3.4” AUS-8 stainless steel clip-point blade combined with three ways to strip 10+ wire sizes. It features a glass-reinforced nylon handle and is razor-sharp right out of the box!
Homeowners, contractors, tech pros, and everyday Joes will find plenty of use for this reversible one-hand-open clip-point design pocket knife with a low-carry clip.
Pros
- Built-in UTP Wire Stripper
- AUS-8 Stainless Steel Blade
- Wire Stripper Bar In Handle
- Heavy-Duty Glass Reinforced Handle
Cons
. I really can't find one..It's SOG...
Best Utility Blade Electrician's Knife
Milwaukee Fastback Knife
Magnetic Blade Storage holds one blade and stores inside the handle Press and flips one-handed opening Tool free blade change Gut Hook cut without opening up the blade Wire Stripper up to 10 gauge wire.
The Milwaukee FASTBACK II Flip Utility Knife features Press and Flip, a one-handed blade opening for easy activation and activates the blade up to 3X faster than a 2 handed opening.
This addition to the Fastback family features magnetic blade storage that holds one blade and folds into the knife body. A tool-free blade change allows for fast and efficient adjustments, while a thin all-metal body stands up to job site abuse.
The wire form belt clip makes it easy for a user to store the knife without tearing up the pocket. The integrated gut hook and wire stripper also increase utility.
Pros
- Comfortable Grip
- All-metal Body
- 2-positions Lockable Blade
- Gut Hook
- Belt Clip
- Wire Stripper
Cons
- Co-workers will always want to borrow it
DEWALT Folding Retractable Utility Knife
The DEWALT Folding Retractable Utility Knife has a retractable blade that offers a variable cut depth. The rapid load blade change has an easy access button for quick blade change.
It has a folding feature for quick and easy one-handed opening/closing and blade storage for convenient access to new blades. It has a rugged metal body for long tool life.
Pros
- All-metal Body
- Quick Blade Change
- Variable Cut Depth
- Convenient Blade Storage
Cons
- May need to read instructions on blade swap and storage before use
Best Hawk Bill Electrician's Knife
Klein Tools Utility Knife, Lockback Electricians Knife
Cable skinning is very damaging to blades, so protect your personal pocket knife and stop wasting time sharpening the blade. Klein's new folding cable skinning utility knife has a replaceable hawkbill blade. After a long session of cable skinning, just replace the blade and get back to work.
Many electricians prefer to have the hawkbill on their tool belt over other wire strippers and this handy blade is just the trick! It has a great grip, a strong pivot point, and replaceable blades so your wrist doesn't feel like it's broken at the end of the day.
For more than 160 years, Klein Tools has manufactured premium-quality, professional-grade hand tools that deliver the performance, durability, and precision needed to get the job done right.
Our family of engineers, workers, and craftsmen continues to put six generations of expertise into every tool we create by using only the highest quality materials, and superior workmanship, and keeping manufacturing as close to home as we can.
Klein isn't just the name of our company, it's also our family name. And since we're an American company that's family-owned and family-run, you know you can count on us to be here tomorrow.
Klein Tools doesn't just make great products, we make great products that stand up to the demands of the professionals who use them every day ... Since 1857.
Pros
- Rubberized Ergonomic Grip Material
- Replaceable Stainless Steel Blades
- 2 Blade Sizes
- Lockback Blade
- Thumb Stud For Easy Opening
Cons
- Replacement Blade Cost
Milwaukee Fastback Hawk Bill Folding Knife w/Belt Clip and Lanyard Hole
If you want a more heavy-duty knife for cutting boxes made of thick cardboard or other materials on the job site, you’ll want something beyond the standard utility knife. Milwaukee’s hawk bill knife is the heavy-duty cutting solution you’ve been looking for.
The knife’s simple push-and-flip system enables you to go from safety to busy in seconds. The sharp blade is designed to make a clean puncture at the point of contact, maintaining a consistent cut as you pull it towards you.
When not in use, you can keep it tucked on your person, either in your pocket or clipped to your clothes. The wire clip attached to this knife minimizes the friction between it and your clothes, reducing long-term wear compared to other thick metal clips you’ll find on inferior products. Milwaukee’s covered all the bases necessary to provide you with an easy-to-use, effective product that will serve you for years to come.
Pros
- Liner Lock Blade
- Pointed Tip For Piercing Style Cuts
- Heavy-Duty
- Strips Wire With Ease
Cons
- Wire Belt Clip Can Bend Easily
Klein Tools Electrician's Pocket Knife
Klein Tools pocket knives are trade-tested and valuable for splitting cable and stripping wire as well as performing everyday tasks on the job site. The knives are durable, with long-lasting, sharp blades. This Electrician's Pocket Knife has wire stripping notches on the stainless steel blade and an aluminum handle for corrosion resistance. For more than 160 years, Klein Tools has manufactured premium-quality, professional-grade hand tools that deliver the performance, durability, and precision needed to get the job done right.
Our family of engineers, workers, and craftsmen continues to put six generations of expertise into every tool we create by using only the highest quality materials, and superior workmanship, and keeping manufacturing as close to home as we can.
Klein isn't just me of our company, it's also our family me. And since we're an American company that's family-owned and family-run, you know you can count on us to be here tomorrow.
Klein Tools doesn't just make great products, we make great products that stand up to the demands of the professionals who use them every day ... Since 1857.
Pros
- Wire stripping notches on the blade, stripping sizes 14-10 AWG
- Satin 440A stainless steel drop point blade
- Dual thumb studs for one-hand open
- Liner lock secures the blade in the open position
- Pocket clip
Cons
- Metal Handles Conduct Electricity
Victorinox Swiss Army Electrician Pocket Knife
Be ready to explore new trails or conquer new markets with this sturdy and stylish pocket knife. Combining a large blade with a bold look, the Swiss Army 1 is inspired by the adventurous spirit of great travelers.
With its two durable Alox scales, it feels good in your hand, and it feels even better when, once again, you get the job done.
From the renowned company that created the Swiss Army knife a century ago comes this complete set of tools for electricians and home improvement gurus--all neatly contained in a single implement that measures just 3-1/2 inches (91 millimeters) long.
Sheathed in silver, the Electrician is a specialized toolbox small enough to fit into a pocket. A valued companion, this pocket knife contains seven stainless-steel tools and carries a lifetime warranty against defects.
The tools include a large knife blade, electrician's blade, wire scraper, reamer, bottle opener, screwdriver, and wire stripper.
Pros
- Stainless Steel Blades
- 7 Functions
- Great EDC Knife
- It's A Swiss Army Knife!
Cons
- No Gut Hook
Klein Tools Electrician's Pocket Knife w/#2 Phillips
Klein's new tool isn't just a knife, it's a stripper and a driver too. This convenient pocket knife incorporates a No. 2 Phillips screwdriver, and a high-quality stainless steel full-sized drop point blade with three wire stripping notches on the back of the blade.
The Klein Tools Electricians Pocket Knife is three tools in one, saving multiple trips to the tool bag. 3-3/8-Inch drop point blade with wire stripping notches. #2 Phillips screwdriver blade. Pocket clip for easy carrying. Rugged aluminum handle. Pocket clip for easy storage.
For more than 160 years, Klein Tools has manufactured premium-quality, professional-grade hand tools that deliver the performance, durability, and precision needed to get the job done right.
Our family of engineers, workers, and craftsmen continues to put six generations of expertise into every tool we create by using only the highest quality materials, and superior workmanship, and keeping manufacturing as close to home as we can.
Klein isn't just the name of our company, it's also our family name. And since we're an American company that's family-owned and family-run, you know you can count on us to be here tomorrow.
Klein Tools doesn't just make great products, we make great products that stand up to the demands of the professionals who use them every day ... Since 1857.
Pros
- 440A Stainless Steel Blade
- Wire Stripper On The Back Of Blade
- Liner Lock Blade and No. 2 Phillips
- Aluminum Handle
- Belt Clip
Cons
- Metal Handles Conduct Electricity
Milwaukee Fastback Utility Knife with Wire Stripping Compartment, and Gut Hook
Wherever you go, be it at work, at home, on the street, or on an outdoor adventure, a utility knife is a lightweight and practical addition to your tool kit.
The Milwaukee Fastback Utility Knife does many common jobs with ease. Its ergonomic design adapts to your hand in any position where the blade locks, be it 45 degrees or straight like a standard knife.
You can strip wire with the onboard wire starter tool that works up to 12 gauge size. You can cut finer materials like string or string without having to open the blade thanks to the gut hook.
Once your blade has worn down after cutting open boxes, cutting string, or helping around the office, you can replace it in a pinch! You can change the tool blades as fast as you can press the release button. Just press down, pull the old blade out and slide in the new blade without any problem.
This knife even has a lanyard attachment hole or a wire clip that you can attach to your belt or other clothing items so that the knife stays on your person.
Milwaukee has mastered the art of optimizing utility with the simplest tools. Take advantage of its constantly innovative design when picking up the Fastback.
Pros
- Ergonomic Grip
- All-metal Body
- Wire Stripper
- Gut Hook
- Multi-position Blade
- Belt Clip
Cons
- You have 2 to worry about from others borrowing them
