If you’re looking for a reliable pocket knife to carry with you, the first thing you need to do is decide on what to look for in a pocket knife – a defensive weapon or something you can carry for everyday use. The choices multiply here, but if you’re looking for something that can take care of anything (within reason) without using a bulky filet knife or a hunting knife, we’ve rounded up some of the best utility knives for you to choose from!
Name | Category | Product |
---|---|---|
Stanley 11-921T 10-Pack 1992 Heavy Duty Utility Blades | Best Overall | ![]() |
Stanley 10-099 6 in Classic 99® Retractable Utility Knife | Budget Pick | ![]() |
Klein Tools 44131 Folding Utility Knife | Upgrade Pick | ![]() |
1. Stanley 11-921T 10-Pack 1992 Heavy Duty Utility Blades
Pros:
- 10 Razor-sharp utility blades with dispenser
- Comfortable, lightweight construction
- Very affordable
- Heavy-duty knives are durable and safe to use
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Not ideal for extended periods of use
- Can lead to calluses
This set of 10 blades with their corresponding dispenser is one of the best utility knife replacements that you can purchase. Since each blade in this set is extremely sharp, you can use it without any issues. Also, since their replacements aren’t too expensive either, you get to enjoy the comfort of using these blades for a long period of time.
When it comes to safety, it’s important to buy Stanley utility blades. You can always count on this brand to manufacture top-quality blades that are safe. Made in the USA, these utility blades are known for their consistent performance. The package comes with a blade dispenser that’s really helpful to store your blades when you’re not using them. Just remember to remove the blade from the dispenser after you’re done using them to extend their lifespan.
2. Tape King Utility Knife Box Cutters
Pros:
- 53 reviewers have rated this product FIVE STARS
- There are two different blade sizes: 18 mm wide and 16 mm wide
- A sturdy plastic pouch to carry the knives
- Blades are retractable and are made from high-quality Japanese stainless steel
- One customer describes these as the best box cutters ever
- Another customer says they are exactly what you’d expect from a product from Tape King
Wit.
3. Kobalt Utility Knife & 11 Blades
Pros:
- Has an 11-in-1 blade system
- Unique speed release for quick blade changes
- Plastic frame with rubberized grip
- Includes a mini screwdriver for office use
- Perfect for DIY and household projects
- Knives are made of hardened steel for sharp, durable blade
- Easy to use with one hand
- Folds into a compact size for easy storage
- Includes a 15-year warranty
Cons:
- Blades are expensive and the blades are hard to swap out
- Blade lock looks flimsy.
Looking for the best utility knife to do small DIY projects? The Kobalt Utility Knife above does the trick. It’s perfect for all sorts of jobs, whether you’re at your desk, working on a wood panel, or hanging paintings.
The Kobalt 11-in-1 knife has a 1-inch blade that’s made of hardened steel that allows the knife to stay sharp for longer periods of time.
The blade also has a unique safety feature. It’s spring-loaded by default, so when you close it, the blade’s lock automatically turns on. That way, it’s more secure and less likely to accidentally cut you.
4. Box Cutter Utility Knife
Pros:
- The box cutter made from durable and strong material,it will not break at any time effectively.
- Sliger, while still lightweight,it is comfortable to hold and use.
- The handle is very easy to snap off and put together
- It offers perfect alternative to standard utility knife
- Suitable for some one who is not so good at handling little knife
5. Alltrade 150003 Auto-Loading Squeeze Utility Knife
Pros:
- Good ergonomics
- Quick cutting
- Has an auto-load blade system
- Doesn’t rust or corrode
- Attached blade guard
- Interchangeable blades
- Solid construction
- Blade removal tool
Cons:
- Specialized blade shape
- Stiff and not ideal for more complex cuts
- Sharp blade may pose a danger to handlers
- Show signs of wear quickly
The Alltrade 150003 Auto-Loading Squeeze Utility Knife with Blade Refill is an excellent all-purpose utility knife that’s great for work applications, craft projects, and household use.
This auto-loading utility knife has an ergonomic safety grip design with a nonslip rubber outer layer and finger guard that makes it safe for use. It comes with six replacement blades, and it can also take standard utility knife blades.
There’s an auto-blade lock that locks the blade in place after every cut. This feature makes the knife safer to use and prevents accidents from occurring as well. It’s also a good idea to outfit your knife with a blade guard, and the Alltrade model comes with one attached. The lightweight construction and non-slip rubber handle make this knife easy to maneuver no matter the task.
6. FC Folding Pocket Utility Knife
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Fast blade change system
- Very sharp blade, perfect for cutting
- Lock-back design for safety
- Comes with blade holster and extra blades
This one is just great for utility jobs whether you want to buy a utility knife for the home or the factory. It has a lightweight aluminum body, making it easy to carry around. The construction is sturdy and easy to grip, and the blades are very sharp.
The downside here is that it tends to rust if you use it in humid conditions. If you’re looking for a knife that will see regular use, we recommend something that’s going to be able to withstand it.
7. Klein Tools 44131 Folding Utility Knife
Pros:
- Sturdy and durable
- Good for heavy-duty tasks
- Cost-effective
- Choice of colors
Secure-Grip Orange Handle, 1/2" Cut.
This is one of the best utility knives if you’re looking for one that’s sturdy, reliable, and durable. This utility knife is a nice option if you’re looking for a mid-range product. It’s priced within your average utility knife price point, but it offers superior performance and is very dependable.
The design is sleek and does not look out of place in a professional set of tools. It’s lightweight and comfortable to use. The blade is fairly strong and does the work fairly effectively. It’s not an adjustable blade but does the job well for most users.
8. Stanley 10-099 6 in Classic 99® Retractable Utility Knife
Pros:
- Best utility knife of 2019
- Amazing safety lock system
- Awesome blade holder
- 10-inch length for bigger tasks
- Rubber grips
Cons:
- Cost might be an issue
- Might be too heavy for some
- A little tricky to change blades
The Stanley 10-099 6-inch classic 99® retractable utility knife might be the best utility knife around for various reasons such as the awesome safety lock system. It certainly does not win the “best utility knife” title for nothing.
The Stanley Classic 99® knife has a bit of a more traditional design that includes a no-slip grip handle. It also comes with a button that you simply push in and slide along the retractable blade until you can safely open it. There’s not much fumbling around with the blade to make sure it stays closed. And since the blade is located safely within the handle, accidents are less likely to occur.
The blade holder is also really cool as it includes a spring-loaded ejector that you simply press and slide forward, and the blade will pop up and out.
9. Gerber EAB Lite Pocket Knife
Pros:
- inexpensive yet high quality
- lightweight and easy to conceal
- manufactured by a trusted company
- available with utility blade or sharpening steel
- available in different colors
Cons:
- steel isn’t super sharp
- not ideal for heavy-duty day-to-day use
Utility knives are used across industries for both large-scale and everyday purposes. They can be used for everything from opening packages to peeling an apple. So in a sense, they’re pretty versatile.
If you’re looking for the best utility knives, you’ve probably already seen the Gerber EAB Lite. The Gerber EAB Lite is one of the best utility knives on the market right now. It’s a reasonably-priced ergonomic EDC (everyday carry) knife with a small lightweight design.
The Gerber EAB Lite is made from premium stainless steel, and it has a partially serrated edge that can handle most of your everyday tasks. This knife is lightweight and compact, which makes it perfect for everyday carry. It’s definitely going to cut it for completing small odd jobs.
10. Milwaukee 48-22-1903 Fastback Flip Utility Knife
Pros:
- Lifetime warranty
- Protective slide
- Available in different colors
- Flips out easily with the press of the button
- Large handle for easy handling
- Belt clip for easy storage
- Replaceable blade storage for quick blade changes
- Small switchblade style
Cons:
- Consuming batteries while in storage
- Batteries are difficult to replace
- The plastic handle is bulky
- Sharper end is exposed
- Cannot be disassembled
Storage Sheath.
The Milwaukee Fastback Flip Utility Knife is one of best pocket utility knives and is available in a variety of colors. It flips open easily using the press of button, and it also features replaceable blade storage for quick blade changes. It comes with a small belt clip for easy storage.
The Fastback Flip Utility Knife also has a protective slide, an all-metal body, and a storage sheath with easy release. It’s available in small, medium, large and extra-large sizes.
11. MulWark Heavy Duty Zinc-Alloy SK4 Snap-Off Easy Loading Retractable Razor Utility Knife Multi Box Cutter
Pros:
- Lock system prevents you from accidents
- Long lasting and durable
- Comes with 15 blades
- Box cutter features a locking mechanism
- Blades are easy to remove
- Great value for the price
Cons:
- Only ideal for light and moderate use
- Safety lock attachment not included
This utility knife features a lock on safety mechanism that prevents accidental snapping. It features a strong, comfortable grip that makes it easy to work with despite its one-handed operation. It is small and lightweight, so it’s easy to store in your toolbox. It is made of zinc-alloy and features a stylish metallic finish.
The construction is solid and triple-riveted for maximum durability. It also features a snap-off piece of plastic on both sides to make it easier to change out the blades. It’s an instant-cut type of utility knife, so you’ll have to exert a little more force to use it. The blade can easily be removed and replaced.
Bottom Line: The MulWark Heavy Duty Utility Knife is great for a variety of cutting tasks – not just carpet, but also rope, drywall, cardboard, or any other material. The safety lock is a nice safety feature that allows you to use the knife one-handed. It also comes with 15 blades to get you started.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What's the best utility knife on the market?
We recommend this set of Stanley utility knives.
Utility knives come in a pair which are designed with a retractable blade. The handles are ergonomically designed for better grip and handling. In addition, most of them come with self-sharpening blades that slide back into the handle base for easy storage.
As expected, in line with the knife's suitability for a variety of uses, it can be used for multiple purposes. They can be used for any kind of work including cutting, scoring, clipping, carving, and slicing.
What is the safest utility knife?
This is an interesting question, because there really isn't a safe and functional one. There are lots of functional ones, but they're all dangerous.
The idea behind a utility knife is that you can cut through a bunch of different materials without having to change the blade. This means that there is a single long blade extending from the handle, which has a button to disconnect the blade from the handle. This long blade can come in contact with anything from cardboard to flesh to finger. It can be pretty dangerous.
Because the blade is retractable, utility blades don't have to be sharp to cut through cardboard, but because the blade is exposed, it has to be a lot sharper to cut through skin. Therefore, it seems like the safer one would have a really dull blade. However, if it's sharp enough to cut through skin, it's probably sharp enough to cut through the handle.
What are the top 10 knife brands?
There are many companies out there specializing in knives. The world of knives is a crowded one, but there are a great many great knife manufacturers out there, consequently making this list both hard and easy to create. Our criteria for including a brand or model is that it has excelled above the many others that perform equally well. There is a great deal of technological innovation being applied to the manufacture of knives, and a few key brands feature prominently in the exciting new developments. However, in this article it's all about utility knives – ones that perform a specific task well, without requiring a wad of cash. It would be naive not to exercise some cost control when making a buying choice, even if daily use is your priority.
What is the best Stanley knife?
These are made with quality parts: pocket clip is firm and the blade locks extremely nicely. The blade is made of carbon steel and retracts into its handle. This is a knife that both professionals and everyday folks love.
It is one of the best knives for home and office uses. The fantastic cutting edge is not just durable but also rust-proof. It doesn’t even rust if you leave it to dry after washing. The only drawback is that this Stanley utility knife does not work well with large cardboard boxes.
This is a rectangular-designed utility knife that works well with cardboards of all sizes. This Stanley utility knife is strong enough to cut through wood and thin metal sheets. The blade is rust-resistant which means that you will not have to clean, wipe, or coat it with any substance. It is durable and is a great addition to most toolkit.
Conclusion
Are you looking for a utility knife that is safe, comfortable to use, and of the highest quality? We’re sure that you will want to check out our list of the best utility knives.
Our Recommendation
Name | Category | Product |
---|---|---|
Stanley 11-921T 10-Pack 1992 Heavy Duty Utility Blades | Best Overall | ![]() |
Stanley 10-099 6 in Classic 99® Retractable Utility Knife | Budget Pick | ![]() |
Klein Tools 44131 Folding Utility Knife | Upgrade Pick | ![]() |