The Best Utility Knife Is a Versatile Tool for Your Everyday Cutting Needs
While the sharp side of your keys or a standard kitchen knife can sometimes suffice when it comes to your daily cutting needs, many jobs require a knife with a blade better suited to the task. The best utility knives are multi-purpose cutting tools that can deal with numerous materials, from cardboard to leather and everything in between.
The best utility knives are handy additions to homes or offices as they act as a go-to whenever you have something which needs cutting (just don’t try to take them on an airplane). In general, these knives are compact, lightweight and can be kept in the kitchen or garage for whenever they’re needed. They usually feature a comparatively small, retractable (although sometimes fixed) blade, which is also easy to switch out once it starts to lose its sharpness. Outside of the home, these knives are commonly used by tradespeople for fulfilling their cutting needs thanks to the fact they tick so many boxes.
What Can a Utility Knife Cut?
As already stated, the best utility knife is a versatile tool, which can be used for many different cutting tasks. While caution should always be shown, and protective safety equipment worn, a utility knife can be used on a wide array of materials. These include:
Cardboard
Vinyl
Paper
Leather
Aluminum Sheets
Beverage Cans
Plastic Packaging
Box strapping
Below, you’ll find our top nine picks for the best utility knife. Each knife is well-reviewed and can be used for dealing with your average daily cutting tasks. Check them out and find the right one for your needs.
1. Internet’s Best Premium Utility Knife
BEST OVERALL
The Internet’s Best Premium Utility Knife is a high-quality and reliable choice, which comes back by over 6,500 five-star ratings from happy Amazon users. The set includes two premium utility knives as well as a refill pouch with five extra blades, ensuring you have plenty of spares to last. Each knife is ideal for cutting everything from boxes to plastic packaging, while being covered in rubber to provide users with impressive levels of grip for a secure hold. The user-friendly design also includes a quick-release button for faster blade adjustment and replacement.
Buy: Internet’s Best Premium Utility Knife $13.98
2. RJWKAZ Mini Utility Knives
COMPACT PICK
If you’re looking for a utility knife that won’t take up space in your backpack or pocket, this RJWKAZ Mini Utility Knife could be the right pick for you. At under three inches in length, this is a compact answer to cutting through boxes, food bags, envelopes and other everyday items. The design features a simple button for extending or retracting the blade as well as a hole for attaching your knife to a key chain or backpack. Additionally, this pack includes three knives, making it ideal for workplaces or larger households.
Buy: RJWKAZ Mini Utility Knives $5.28
3. Amazon Basics Comfort Grip Utility Knife
BEST BUDGET
At under $10, the Amazon Basics Comfort Grip Utility Knife is a budget-friendly way to deal with all of your general cutting needs. It’s crafted from a heavy-duty, zinc alloy along with an anti-slip, cushion-grip handle for added security and comfort. The adjustable knife lets you choose from three different blade positions. The blade can also be retracted inside the handle for safer storage when it’s not in use. In addition, the knife’s handle acts as a storage space for extra SK5 blades to ensure you always have them on hand when they’re needed.
Buy: Amazon Basics Comfort Grip Utility Knife $8.51
4. WORKPRO Folding Utility Knife
BEST FOLDING
By incorporating a folding design, the WORKPRO Folding Utility Knife is more portable and takes up less space when being stored. When folded out, the knife measures around seven inches and includes a thumb rest above the blade for greater control during use. The smart design also features built-in storage space for up to five spare blades, while the advanced locking system holds the blade securely in position when you’re cutting. In addition, the knife is brightly colored and comes with over 4,000 five-star ratings from happy users.
Buy: WORKPRO Folding Utility Knife $9.99
5. OLFA 5003 L-1 Heavy-Duty Utility Knife
BEST LOCKING MECHANISM
The OLFA 5003 L-1 Heavy-Duty Utility Knife uses a racket lock to provide users with greater freedom when it comes to choosing the blade length. Simply unscrew the dial, move it to your desired length and tighten it. The handle is made from highly durable plastic, while the blade is made from stainless steel, which is great for cutting paper, roofing, vinyl, cardboard and more. To maintain the knife’s sharpness, the blade can be snapped off at numerous pre-cut points to reveal a new cutting edge.
Buy: OLFA 5003 L-1 Heavy-Duty Utility Knife $8.20
6. REXBETI Utility Knife
BEST MULTIPACK
If you’re looking to arm a workforce or household with a way to open boxes, cut cardboard or deal with packaging, this pack of 12 REXBETI Utility Knives may be the way to go. Each knife is made from thickened hard plastic which has a ribbed outer to make them easier to grip. Inside, you’ll find a high-grade, carbon steel blade that can be resharpened numerous times by simply snapping off the blunted edge. Additionally, there’s a locking mechanism to let you fix your blade in place when it’s in use, or retract it completely when it’s being stored.
Buy: REXBETI Utility Knife $10.99
7. FANTASTICAR Folding Utility Knife
MOST STYLISH
If you want a knife that cuts well and looks great at the same time, the FANTASTICAR Folding Utility Knife fits the bill. It’s available in five different colors, including green, blue and pink, and features an attractive non-slip, aluminum body. It houses a single, high-strength, stainless steel SK5 blade that is double-ended, allowing you to switch it around when one end becomes blunted. This well-reviewed knife also incorporates a folding design which makes it easier to store and carry.
Buy: FANTASTICAR Folding Utility Knife $14.99
8. Home Planet Gear Box Cutter Utility Knife
BEST GRIP
The Home Planet Gear Box Cutter Utility Knife is a great option for anyone who puts comfort first. This larger-than-average knife features a looped, ergonomic handle with a TPR rubber grip which delivers comfort and security for users when cutting. In addition to fully retracted, the knife’s blade can be fixed in four different positions, depending on your cutting needs. The knife comes supplied with five high-carbon, SK5 blades and includes space inside the handle to store the spares. Additionally, this bright blue knife comes with over 2,700 five-star ratings from happy Amazon users.
Buy: Home Planet Gear Box Cutter Utility Knife $13.98
9. WORKPRO Folding Utility Knife Set
BEST SET
This WORKPRO Folding Utility Knife three-piece set includes a red knife, a blue knife and a green knife. Each knife sports a quick-change blade mechanism which makes installing and releasing blades easy. These general-purpose knives also feature a folding design which allows them to measure just 3.25 inches when folded, meaning they’re easily stored and transported. You’ll also find a built-in belt clip for an additional carrying option. Furthermore, the set comes with 10 spare SK5 Knife blades in a handy dispenser.
Buy: WORKPRO Folding Utility Knife Set $21.99
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