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A retractable utility knife is a hand tool that can be used for many different purposes, such as slicing through the tape on shipping cartons or scoring drywall. It's also been known to be used to cut herbs from the garden.
A utility knife is an essential tool for any workshop, but there are many different types to choose from. You might want a folding or retractable blade depending on the task you need to be completed and your preference in design.
Let's go over the best of all of them and find the best utility knife for you. Here are our picks of "Best of" in each category.
Best Overall Utility Knife: Gerber EAB Lite Pocket Knife
- Best Retractable Utility Knife: Lenox Tools Utility Knife
- Best Folding Utility Knife: FantastiCAR Folding Utility Knife
- Best Small Utility Knife: Gerber Gear Prybrid Utility Knife
- Best Combo Set Utility Knife: REXBETI 2-pack Combo Utility Knives
- Best Knuckle Guard Utility Knife: Home Planet Gear Retractable Utility Knife
- Best Blade Storage Utility Knife: WORKPRO Retractable Utility Knife
- Best Heavy Duty Utility Knife: Milwaukee Fastback Utility Knife
- Best Snap-Off Utility Knife: OLFA 18mm Heavy Duty Utility Knife
- Best Value Utility Knife: REXBETI 4-Pack Utility Knife Set
Best Overall Utility Knife
Gerber EAB Lite Pocket Knife
The Gerber EAB Lite is a small pocket-sized multitool that features an easy-to-hold, replaceable utility blade in two different sizes; 2 inches long for contractor grade or standard size tools of the same width (21mm). It can be used for opening boxes and slicing rope among other things thanks to its nifty little design.
With a deep, tapered shape and stainless steel handle that also acts as a money clip when opening the Gerber EAB Lite is easy to carry with you anywhere because of its size, it can easily fit into your pocket or bag without weighing down on you at all.
Best Retractable Utility Knife
Lenox Tools Utility Knife
The LENOX Gold Quick Change Retractable Utility Knife is perfect for anyone who needs a durable, high-quality blade. The one-piece stainless steel titanium coating on the nose eliminates spreading and resists wear; it's never needed to be opened while accessing blades since there are no tools required.
With internal space where you can store up to 5 of your favorite blades (3 long-lasting utility edge blades included), this utensil will always have what users need at hand - whenever they need it.
Best Folding Utility Knife
FantastiCAR Folding Utility Knife
This 4.1-inch and 4oz folding knife with a pocket clip is the perfect size to slip into your shirt or pants. It's made from high-quality aluminum that will last you through any situation with the push of a button, and its SK5 carbon steel blade means it won't break on those tough tasks.
Best Small Utility Knife
Gerber Gear Prybrid Utility Knife
The Gerber Pocket Utility Knife with Prybar is a hybrid tool that can be used at home or on the job site. It has an easily accessible replaceable blade, as well as various other tools like drivers for screws and nails; wire strippers to remove tags from electrical wires in your house’s electrical system (or any other project you're working on); bottle opener so no more thirsty work days. The best part? You don't have to worry about carrying around another bulky leather sheath - just slip this bad boy right into your pocket without anyone noticing what's happening under there or use the lanyard hole for quicker access.
Best Combo Set Utility Knives
REXBETI 2-pack Combo Utility Knives
The fixed blade is the perfect tool for hobbyists and DIY project builders. It's made with an ultra sharpness double hard metal that can slice through just about anything you put in front of it, from cardboard to carpet fibers.
This 2-pack utility knife features both retractable designs as well as folding styles so there will always be one ready when needed most--and its ergonomic handle provides a strong grip throughout your work day without sacrificing comfort or ease-of-hand movements while using these awesome blades.
Best Knuckle Guard Utility Knife
Home Planet Gear Retractable Utility Knife
The Easy for Weak Hands® Retractable Blade Box Cutter has an ergonomic TPR rubber grip that saves your knuckles and provides good control, so people of any age or hand strength can easily slice through boxes.
The heavy-duty cardboard box cutter is ideal as a work knife or construction tool because it features a quick-release button for a quick blade change, and extra blades stored in the handle - perfect if you need multiple uses from one product.
Best Blade Storage Utility Knife
WORKPRO Retractable Utility Knife
This high-grade retractable utility knife is constructed from Zinc alloy for durability and corrosion resistance, with a PA+TPE ergonomic handle that provides a comfortable hold and blade storage for 5 extra blades.
The blade features a quick change mechanism to make it easy on you, 4 position blade locks allow precision cuts in various applications without having too many options at once making this tool convenient both now and when foreseeable future needs arise.
Best Heavy Duty Utility Knife
Milwaukee Fastback Utility Knife
The Fastback quick-release folding utility knives from Milwaukee are versatile tools that can be used anywhere, anytime day or night. Whether you're in construction work outdoors, the list of possibilities gets even longer depending on your needs at any given time.
This robust design features an ergonomic handle which makes holding onto this sharp object easier than ever before as well as some handy functions thanks to its unique design capabilities making it one fantastic piece for anyone's collection who wants product quality and something more durable.
The belt clip makes it great as an EDC knife or in the storage compartment in your truck.
Best Snap-Off Utility Knife
OLFA 18mm Heavy Duty Utility Knife
If you're looking for an ultra-precise cutting tool, look no further than OLFA's 18mm Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Black Snap-Off Blade Box cutters. They're the best utility knife in this design. The blade has 8 razor-sharp snap-off segments means no changing blades like other utility knives and is great in construction or industrial applications.
Its durable metal body resists corrosion while giving your hands the perfect non-slip grip that ensures safety during use too because of custom-designed locks made specifically to prevent accidental cuts when not intended by design.
Best Value Utility Knife
REXBETI 4-pack Utility Knife Set
REXBETI 4-pack utility knife sets are the perfect tools for any cutting tasks. With a high hardness blade to handle heavy-duty use like home, art crafts, or office tasks REXBETIs Box Cutter can meet all your needs when it comes down to making cuts.
The retractable knife design ensures stability and safety while giving you convenience with its aluminum shell keeping them in good condition no matter what job may be at hand--from the tool box to tearing through packaging materials right up front into pieces needed by builders who want nothing more than construction site efficiency.
FAQs
What is the retractable knife called?
The retractable utility knife is officially known as a "safety knife". It's called a safety knife because the blade retracts into the handle when it's not in use, which helps to prevent accidental injuries.
Some common brands of safety knives include REXBETI, Milwaukee, Irwin, and OLFA. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can find one that best suits your needs. Prices vary depending on the brand and size of the knife, but they typically cost between $10 and $30.
What is a retractable utility knife used for?
A retractable utility knife is a tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, from cutting through packaging to slicing rope. While the traditional fixed-blade utility knife is still popular with many users, the retractable utility knife offers several advantages.
One of the benefits of using a retractable utility knife is that it can be easily retracted and stored away when not in use. This helps prevent accidental cuts and injuries and keeps the blade from dulling too quickly. Additionally, some retractable knives come with space to store extra blades and built-in safety features, such as locking mechanisms that prevent the blade from extending accidentally.
Does the Dewalt retractable knife come with a blade?
Yes, the Dewalt retractable utility knife does come with a blade. The blade is made of high-quality stainless steel and is precision-etched so that it can withstand heavy use. It's also been heat-treated to ensure that it remains sharp and durable over time.
Which utility knife is the safest?
A utility knife that is one of the safest knives is the one that has a locking blade. This type of knife allows you to lock the blade in place so that it cannot move or fold back into the handle. This makes it much less likely for you to accidentally cut yourself.
Other safety features to look for in a utility knife include retractable blades and a blunt tip. Retractable blades help avoid accidents by preventing the blade from protruding when not in use. And a blunt tip prevents you from puncturing yourself or slicing your fingers open if you slip while using the knife.
When choosing a utility knife, always go for one with safety features like these. And be sure to read the instructions.
How do self-retracting knives work?
Self-retracting knives work by using a very sharp blade that is hidden inside the handle of the knife. When you need to use the knife, you simply press a button or slide a switch and the blade pops out.
Once you're done using the knife, the blade automatically retracts back into the handle. However, they can be more expensive than regular knives.
How is a carpet knife different from a utility knife?
There are a few key distinctions between carpet knives and utility knives.
Carpet knives are typically designed with a rounded, blunt blade that is meant to cut through carpeting without damaging the fibers.
Utility knives, on the other hand, typically have a sharper blade that can be used for a variety of purposes such as cutting cardboard or opening boxes.
Additionally, utility knives are often equipped with retractable blades, while carpet knives typically have a fixed blade.
Are all Stanley knives retractable?
No, not all Stanley knives are retractable. Some models have fixed blades.
How do you change retractable blades?
Depending on the make and model of your knife, the process for changing the blade may vary. However, most knives have a small hole in the base of the blade where you insert a supplied Allen wrench to loosen or tighten the blade screw. Once loose, you can pull out the old blade and replace it with a new one. Be sure to carefully read the instructions that came with your knife to ensure proper assembly and safe operation.
How do you put a blade in a Dewalt retractable knife?
Assuming you are referring to the Dewalt Knife Blade Refill, it is a pretty simple process. Just unscrew the handle, remove the old blade, insert the new blade, and screw the handle back on.
Make sure that the new blade is inserted with the cutting edge facing out. If you have any questions or difficulties inserting the new blade, feel free to contact Dewalt customer service for assistance.
How do you change the blade on a Dewalt folding retractable knife?
You can change the blade on a Dewalt folding retractable utility knife by unscrewing the old blade and replacing it with a new one.
Be sure to use caution when handling blades, as they are sharp and can easily cut you. Always store blades in a safe place where children or pets cannot reach them.
