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Utility knives are among the most versatile tools for both household and professional tasks. A well-designed utility knife can handle a range of applications, including cutting drywall, stripping wires, opening packaging, and even slicing certain foods. However, with a wide variety of models available, selecting the most suitable option can be difficult.
To simplify the decision-making process, we compiled this guide to the best utility knives on the market based on performance, safety, and durability. Below are our top recommendations.
Top 5 Utility Knives
- Best Folding: Milwaukee 48-22-1502 Fastback Folding Utility Knife
- Best for Drywall: IRWIN Utility Knife for Drywall
- Best Value: Pacific Handy Cutter S4R Safety Cutter
- Best Everyday Carry: Gerber Gear Prybrid Utility Knife
- Best Retractable: LENOX Tools Utility Knife
Compare Top Utility Knives
| Product | Handle Material | Dimensions (Inches) | Style | Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee 48-22-1502 Fastback Folding Utility Knife | Metal | 9.2 x 3.7 x 0.9 | Manual-retractable | Red and black |
| IRWIN Utility Knife for Drywall | Aluminum | 9 x 4 x 1 | Drywall fixed | Gray |
| Pacific Handy Cutter S4R Safety Cutter | Metal | 5 x 1.3 x 1 | Manual-retractable | Green |
| Gerber Gear Prybrid Utility Knife | Fiberglass | 4.3 x 1.3 x 0.4 | Manual-retractable | Gray |
| LENOX Tools Utility Knife | Stainless steel | 12 x 4 x 1 | Retractable | White |
| Product | Handle Material | Dimensions (Inches) | Style | Color |
Best Folding
Milwaukee 48-22-1502 Fastback Folding Utility Knife
- $21.97
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: DIYers seeking a versatile tool for nearly any small- or medium-size household cutting task.
What Customers Are Saying
Our team finds that customers who like this product say it’s made from high-quality materials, has an ergonomic design that’s comfortable to hold, and has easy-to-access blade storage. However, other customers feel this knife is hard to lock, and others say it’s too bulky and difficult to lay flat.
Best for Drywall
IRWIN Utility Knife for Drywall
- $12.99
- $20.73
- 37% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: DIYers who need a tool to cut through difficult drywall in their homes.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who give this product positive reviews compliment its sharp blade, easy-to-change blade design, and sturdy handle and construction. However, others feel this knife is too heavy, and others say it’s difficult to keep the blade extended.
Best Value
Pacific Handy Cutter S4R Safety Cutter
- $7.19
- $11.5
- 37% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Those who need a lightweight model for small tasks, such as tearing open boxes.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who give this product positive reviews like that it’s safe to use, durable, and ergonomically designed. On the other hand, some reviewers feel this cutter is difficult to retract, and others say it’s too small and flimsy.
Best Everyday Carry
Gerber Gear Prybrid Utility Knife
- $21.74
- $30
- 28% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Those seeking a multifunctional utility knife to bring on the go, to a jobsite, or while traveling.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who like this product are impressed with its sturdy design, versatility, and high-quality build. However, others feel that this knife’s slide mechanism is not smooth, and others are disappointed that it did not include a belt or pocket clip.
Best Retractable
LENOX Tools Utility Knife
- $13.95
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Those seeking a retractable utility knife that’s easy to hold and can store several replacement blades.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who give this product positive reviews like that it has a variety of useful safety features and that it’s lightweight and comfortable to hold. However, others feel this utility knife breaks easily, and others say that stopping the blade at 45 degrees to change it is needlessly challenging.
What To Know Before Buying Utility Knives
When shopping for a utility knife, consider whether it’s retractable, what material it’s made from, what brand manufactured it, and whether it has blade storage options. We elaborate on these key features below.
Retractable vs. Fixed
Utility knives with retractable blades require you to pull the blade out of the knife’s body when using it. While this is more tedious, it’s also safer. Retractable blades are good for lighter tasks, and most budget-friendly options are retractable.
Fixed blades are designed for heavy-duty use and are more durable. However, they’re more often used by professionals and may have higher price points than retractable blades.
Material
A utility knife’s handle material will affect its durability and hand feel. Most handles are made from metal, such as stainless steel or aluminum, but some are made from hard plastic or fiberglass. A utility knife’s blade is typically made from carbon steel, which allows for maximum sharpness and durability.
Brand
There are dozens of brands that make utility knives, but the following are some of the most reliable:
- DEWALT
- Gerber Gear
- IRWIN
- Klein
- Lenox
- Milwaukee
- OLFA
- Pacific Handy
- Stanley
- WorkPro
Blade Storage
Most utility knives include onboard blade storage with quick-release compartments that store additional blades. Proper blade storage keeps them sharp and reduces the risk of injury. Older utility knives may have fewer blade storage options, which makes it more challenging to switch blades on the go.
Types of Utility Knife Blades
When buying a utility knife, you should understand the different blade types and their functions. Here are a few utility knife blade types you should be aware of.
Trapezoidal
This is the most common utility knife blade type. It has pointed edges that can cut through a variety of materials, including those that are thick and tough.
Round-Point
Round-point blades are similar to trapezoidal blades but have blunted points that reduce the risk of injuries. They’re also good for cutting thick materials. However, round-point knives are less common and may be more expensive than trapezoidal knives.
Hook
Hook blades have hooks where you would typically find divots in a serrated knife. Hook-blade knives are useful for tearing up carpets or other thick materials. Roofers often use them to hook shingles.
Serrated-Edge
Knives with serrated edges can cut through dense materials, such as wood and drywall. Users typically employ a sawing motion when cutting with these knives, as they produce a large amount of friction.
Scalloped-Edge
Scallop-edge blades are useful in the kitchen, especially for cutting fruits and vegetables. They are also a popular choice for cutting through materials such as styrofoam and insulation.
Snap-Off
Snap-off blades are single, long blades that can be expanded to cut through fiberglass and other materials. They can also be helpful for trimming. Snap-off blades vary in thickness and material depending on the model.
FAQ About Utility Knives
What do you use utility knives for?
Utility knives are versatile tools you can use for all kinds of household or jobsite tasks. Some common uses for utility knives include cutting drywall or foam, cutting wires, opening boxes, cutting tape, ripping carpet, or even cutting up fruits and vegetables.
How often should you change the blade on a utility knife?
There’s no set rule on how often you should change your utility knife’s blade, as it depends on how frequently you’re using it and what tasks you’re using it for. However, it’s important to always check the knife closely before use to ensure it has not become dull, as this could lead to an ineffective knife and can even increase the risk of an accident.
Are utility knives and Stanley knives the same thing?
Utility knives are sometimes referred to as Stanley knives (named after the brand), carpet cutters, or box cutters, but they all refer to the same tool.
Who This Utility Knife Guide Is For
Utility knives are a must-have for any homeowner or DIYer. You can use them for anything from small tasks around the house to large projects. We created this guide to help homeowners understand the differences between various types of utility knives and find the one that’s best for their needs. Our team researched several folding knives, retractable knives, EDC knives, drywall knives, and more to narrow down our list of the best products.
How We Selected the Best Utility Knives
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of utility knives with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and backyard fencing to pool vacuums and snow blowers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
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