(This site is reader-supported. When you buy something using retail links on our articles, we may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)
It is impossible to introduce the best utility knife or any knife of this kind due to a simple reason. These knives are top-rated, and they can be found in 99.99% of homes and toolboxes all around the world. They are the most practical and the most desirable for all users. But, you still have plenty to learn.
>>Click Here to Find Out Our Favorite Utility Knife on Amazon
What is a utility knife? Is it legal?
First of all, you should make a clear difference between a utility knife and a pocket and kitchen utility knife. A pocket utility knife will have numerous blades and other accessories. A kitchen utility knife is a regular knife designed for multiple purposes.
The best utility knife looks more like a scalpel in the handle, and electricians use it for opening packages for foil and numerous other purposes. Most of them have just one blade, and it is as thin as possible.
A significant advantage of many models available on the market now is the implemented spare blade feature. What this means is that in the handle, you will have extra blades, and you can easily replace them when needed.
Utility knives are allowed in all parts of the world, and there are no special law requirements or rules you must follow. They are not considered as weapons, but tools, which means that you can carry your utility knife anywhere.
It is common for handymen to take one or two utility knives.
2024’s 6 Best Utility Knives with Reviews
Here is the list of top 5 utility knives available on Amazon. These knives might not be suitable to all of your needs, and you may want to drill down to your primary ask before zeroing on one. You can also read short reviews about each of them if you scroll down.
- Gerber EAB Lite Pocket Knife
- Alltrade 150003 Auto-Loading Squeeze Utility Knife
- Milwaukee 48-22-1903 Fastback 3 Utility Knife
- WORKPRO Quick-Change Utility Knife
- Irwin Tools FK150 1858319 Folding Utility Knife with Blade Storage– With built in wire stripper
- DeWalt Fixed Blade Utility Knife – Suitable for For Drywall, Construction, Crafts and Industrial purposes
Gerber EAB Lite Pocket Knife
Gerber EAB Lite Pocket is the best utility knife you can have in your toolbox. Besides the fact it is the best, it is also the most beautiful and extremely practical. We can add that people who have a big need for a knife of this kind will probably become future owners.
The entire knife is made from stainless steel, including the handle. The blade is 2.3 inches long.
This makes the entire knife extremely durable, resistant to wear and tear and allows you to use it in any environment you like. There is no need to add that the blade is durable and razor-sharp.
We especially liked this advantage due to a simple reason. When using the knife, you have an excellent level of grip in all situations. This increases your productivity and helps you get the most out of your new blade.
Yes, you have a pocket clip as well. We must add that it is made from stainless steel, so it is sturdy and follows the design of the entire knife. The pocket clip is large enough so it can be used on a belt, pocket, or anywhere else.
Pros:
- Stainless steel construction
- Grip is phenomenal
- Pocket clip
- Razor sharpness
Cons:
- Safety issues
- Lack of blade storage
Alltrade 150003 Auto-Loading Squeeze Utility Knife
Present you a popular utility knife that, for quite some time, has been on the market. The knife is strong, specifically made for heavy-duty usages, and it passed all rules and requirements. This translates into having one of the best utility knives on the market.
One of the most significant advantages is the blade storage. With the knife, you get six spare blades, all located inside a handle and all available within seconds. Soon you will see why this is an important fact to remember.
When you need to replace a blade, you will need 3 seconds or less. The company patented a unique blade replacement system that is extremely easy to use, practical, and fast. You won’t be able to get the same system anywhere else.
If we know that the knife is well-made, offers countless benefits, and it isn’t expensive, we can deduce that a lifetime warranty is a great addition. We always prefer models that come with an extended warranty because this makes them a better and wiser investment.
Pros:
- Blade replacement system
- 6 blades included in the handle
- Warranty
- Value for money
Cons:
- Compartment door opening mechanism
- Sensitive release button
Milwaukee 48-22-1903 Fastback 3 Utility Knife
At first sight, you can see that this knife isn’t an ordinary unit. It is special, and it is made to be the ultimate utility knife. We had a great time using it on our tests, and now you will see why.
The blade itself is straightforward, and there are no significant differences with other units. However, you can have it in a straight position, which allows you to use it for most purposes. The blade will be safely locked in place, and it will endure.
The second position is 45 degrees. This is used when you have a specific cutting requirement, and a straight blade may be an issue. Switching between the positions is simple and easy.
You can strip all wires up to 12 gauge within seconds. The handle has a built-in wire stripper, and all you have to do is to invest a couple of seconds, and you are done. It isn’t strange knowing that this model is popular among mechanics and electricians.
Pros:
- 4 spare blades
- 2 blade positions
- Gut hook
- Wire stripper
Cons:
- Attention to details
- Expensive
WORKPRO Quick-Change Utility Knife
The knife we have here is original and completely different than you were able to see previously. It is made using the latest techniques and based on the latest technology. All of this makes it superb for most users.
This is the first reason why the knife is unique. It offers a folding mechanism that helps you save on space and carry the knife anywhere. The blade can be unfolded within a second and ready to be used.
The mechanism is similar to the folding knives you can see online, and there are no significant differences. The blade is completely hidden when folded.
The handle is made from steel and wood. This is another or better said the second reason why this model is unique. The wood itself is durable and looks more expensive than it is. We liked this part of the knife.
The mechanism of the blade is one of a kind as well. You can replace a dull blade within seconds and get the perfect knife once again. Don’t forget that the mechanism in question is the same as for the previous models. It was redesigned, and now it is even faster and better.
Pros:
- Blade replacement mechanism
- Sharpness
- Wooden handle
- Foldable design
Cons:
- Loose blade changing lever
- Complicated instructions
Irwin Tools FK150 1858319 Folding Utility Knife with Blade Storage
Irwin Tools FK150 1858319 Folding Utility Knife with Blade Storage is a heavy-duty unit that comes at a low price. It is a spectacular and probably one of the best values for money utility knife out there. It is a professional unit with a lot to offer.
The mechanism is similar, as we saw in the previous model, so we won’t explain it in depth. You can use the blade under a 45-degree angle or straight, according to your needs.
In the handle, you can carry up to 2 blades all the time. Replacing the blades is simple, and there is no need to read the instructions. We would like that the storage space is bigger so it can accommodate a few more blades.
Yes, you get wire stripper built-in as well. It is a standard system that is common on utility knives and deserves your full attention, primarily if you work with wires. The system is sharp and efficient.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Blade positions
- Wire stripper
- Warranty
Cons:
- Blade storage capacity
- Obsolete design
DeWalt Fixed Blade Utility Knife
This knife proves that a specially designed utility blade can be useful for drywall, industrial, and construction tasks. It is especially for those whose top priorities are accurate delivery and convenient usage.
This DeWalt drywall utility knife is a fixed-blade model that comes with a bonus pack of 15 replacement blades made up of carbide. Of these, five are stored in the knife’s handle, and the rest are stored in a pack. The easy-to-open end at the rear paves the way to the storage of five blades.
These carbide blades come with a lifespan that is five times longer than those normal utility blades. They securely position themselves on the handle of the knife such that they do not slip or retract in the handle at the time of cutting.
The knife’s blade is a slender nose that offers less barrier due to which it gives a more precise cut. The combination of a cozy thumb pad and the rugged body of metal ensures longevity while minimizing fatigue.
The rubber thumb pad and soft-grip take care of your comfort while in use. They also contribute to smooth performance. The grip is rubberized and owns the pad for a comfortable and secure hold on the tool.
The presence of a large thumb dial eliminates the need to use a screwdriver to open the knife for changing the blade. A big hang hole in the rear ensures easy storage on most pouches and belts designed for storing tools.
This knife comes with a great blend of durability and quality that is rarely experienced with other knives. After all, it comes from a highly esteemed brand of tools, DeWalt!
Pros
- Several blades
- Comfortable grip
- Safe and precise cutting
- Storage for a few blades
- Easy blade change
- Anti-sliding
Cons
- Some practice required for accurate performance
- Medium-priced
Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Utility Knife
For all of us, a utility knife is a simple and complicated tool at the same time. Maybe it looks ordinary and straightforward for some of you, but this tool is more than just complicated
Additionally, if you want to get the best unit for your purposes and applications, you will need to know what to look for. There are so many models out there, so choosing the one you need is difficult.
We decided to help you by revealing the essential elements of a utility knife and explaining why they must be considered.
What is the safest utility knife?
If you look all about safety, there is one thing to consider as the first. You need a unit with an auto-retractable blade. What this means is that the blade will retract inside a handle as soon as you press it against something.
A blade of this kind won’t stab anything, and you will enjoy the highest level of safety. At the same time, we can see that injuries and cuts are less likely, due to the same reason.
What utility knife is used for?
There is no simple answer here. A utility knife is designed and made for many purposes. Originally they were invented for cutting rope, cleaning fish, and similar, smaller tasks.
Today these knives are made to be used for foil, opening packages, cutting and trimming wires, etc. There is no single answer. You can use your utility knife for anything as long as you need it.
Which material is the best for the construction of the utility knife?
The best utility knife has to be versatile that it must be super secure and reliable, regardless of the purpose for which you want to use it. The last thing you want is to crack and expose the blade while cutting. That’s why there are several types.
Steel
Steel is the most expensive and the best option for the construction of a utility knife. A steel knife will be strong, reliable, and can withstand all kinds of purposes. The only drawbacks are the price and the weight.
Aluminum
This metal is better in some areas than steel, but worse in others. Aluminum is a lightweight material and looks beautiful. However, it isn’t as durable as steel. You need a knife made from aluminum if you are planning to cut through softer materials.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is the option we liked the most. It contains chromium, which makes it immune to rust and corrosion. A utility knife of this kind can be used literally for anything and can be exposed to all weather conditions. It isn’t heavier than ordinary steel, though.
Which material is the best for the handle?
When it comes to the handle material, you have many different options out there. But, not all of them are desirable or recommended. Let’s start from the beginning.
Plastics
It is a common material used for utility knives, and it makes the entire unit very affordable. However, the plastic handle is usually too weak to withstand any severe pressure and will deteriorate with everyday use. It is reserved for ordinary utility knives.
Steel
A handle made from steel has only one drawback. It is slippery. This might be an issue for some of you and keep that in mind. Everything else is at the highest level possible. These handles can last long, won’t crack, and will meet every desire you may have. We highly recommend it.
G10
G10 handles are rare among utility knives, yet they deserve a special place. The most significant advantage is in strength and weight. It is made from fiberglass, so a handle of this kind is strong, immune to water, and rust. It is a very desirable option.
Aluminum
Aluminum is standard for the handles, as well. We liked the lightweight advantage and the grip, which is better than in the case of steel. Durability is reasonable. We recommend a handle made from aluminum.
Wood
The wood used for handles can be shakewood, rosewood, Blackwood, and many others, which are processed with the stabilization process. This makes them hard and suitable for handles. Softwoods without the treatment must be avoided.
Which material do I need for the blade?
Some of you may believe that there are a lot of materials used for the blades of utility knives. There are. These knives must be small, strong, affordable, and lightweight. All of this means that a blade must share the same features.
The most common blade material is stainless steel or steel. Depending on the brand and the price range, you will get a blade made from one of these two materials. A stainless steel blade is better because it won’t rust.
Is blade storage important?
Blade storage is precise, as the name suggests. It allows you to store in blades in the handle and keep them alongside your utility knife. Some units can hold 2 or 3 blades while others can hold 6.
This is an important feature to consider, and it can decrease the time you need for a task significantly. We love, and we appreciate utility knives with built-in storage.
Are all utility knives the same in terms of blade position?
No, not all knives are the same. In this case scenario, you can choose between a blade that can be in a straight position or under a specific angle. Although there are other possibilities, the 45-degree edge is the most common and the most versatile.
Usually, a knife that features a 45-degree angle will feature a straight position as well. This makes them extremely practical and helps you use a knife for more purposes. On the other hand, not all straight position blades can be folded.
Do I need accessories?
Accessories refer to the additional features a utility knife might offer. For instance, it may provide a wire stripper, a gut hook, or something else. This feature does not refer to the blade storage, and it is the opposite.
If you are planning on using your utility knife for more purposes besides opening a box, you need these accessories. They are a valuable addition, but they don’t increase the cost of the knife. We always like a unit with all the accessories possible.
Conclusion
Gerber EAB Lite Pocket is in our opinion, the best utility knife and the one we loved. It has super-strong construction, made from stainless steel. The entire unit is made from this material. The sharpness is epic, and the design is appealing.
Hi, I am Jay. I am the creator of Knife Guides, your one-stop site for everything related to knives. I am a computer engineer by profession, knife aficionado by passion. Here I work with a group of people who’ve always had a passion for knives and blades. Over the years we’ve kind of become experts and decided to share our knowledge and ideas. I am also an avid hiker and enjoy offshore gamefishing.