While Stanley’s QuickSlide knife is by far my favorite utility knife, there are several other styles of knives that I occasionally use, such as the pictured lock-back knife. Lock-back utility knives are very quick and easy to open, and are extremely compact for easy stowing.
The good:
- Easy and smooth opening
- Compact design
- Very quick and easy blade changes
- Solid and confident feel, especially the lock
The bad:
- It’s hard or even impossible to find one made in the USA
- Short handle
- Blade depth adjustment is not possible
There are many different brands of lock-back utility knives available, but we have yet to find one that is leaps and bounds better than the rest.
Bessey Utility Knife with Wood-Grained Handle via Amazon
Husky Utility Knife via The Home Depot
Kobalt Utility Knofe via Lowes
Great tool, very handy
I don’t really like this style.
I prefer the in and out quick slide, like the Stanley one.
I like them because they’re quick to change the blade and compact. My first and only one I have is an older kobalt one. It was very handy since I used it daily. My only complaint was that the screws that hold the clip onto the back of it got stripped. I was pretty disappointed when that happened but I still have it and use it any time I need a utility knife. Eventually, I’d like to get another one. I’ve seen a multipack at both Lowes and Home Depot.
I’ve got a couple of these but I don’t really like them. It’s not as quick to open as sliding utility knife or a good folding knife with spring assist opening (like a Kershaw).