I’ve been working on a series of DIY tool kits and buying guides (thank you to Home Depot for sponsoring the series!), and came across a tough decision. Which utility knife would be best?
I picked up a couple of different models, thinking I would make the decisions at home rather than while standing in the store with arms and a bucket full of other tools.
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Stanley Hi-Viz “Old School” Utility Knife ($5.97) – There are three reasons to get a knife like this one. First, it’s economical, which is mainly why I included it in my Best Basic Tool Kit for DIYers post. But, it’s also simple, with few parts and all-metal construction. You need to take it apart to change the blade, no big deal unless you need to do so frequently. I like the hi-viz green finish, as it helps the knife to stand out.
Dewalt Retractable Utility Knife ($14.97) – Dewalt seems to have perfected the quick-and-easy blade change mechanism with this knife. It has a comfortable design that works well and it has not disappointed me yet, except for the defective carabiner clip that I am unlikely to ever use. This – and its predecessors – are among my most-used retractable utility knives.
Husky Lockback Folding Utility Knife ($13.97) – After posting about this Husky lockback knife, a lot of people chimed in about how much they like the brand’s black-handled knives. I opted for this one because its wood-accented handle caught my eye. I am pleased with the Husky’s design, comfort, and user friendliness, and their lifetime warranty is a bonus selling point.
Milwaukee Compact FastBack utility Knife ($8.97) – I have been a huge fan of Milwaukee’s FastBack utility knives, and have found myself using their Compact version most often. It opens quickly, blade changes are a cinch, and its compact size allows for comfortable pocket-carry around the workshop.
Home Depot has a 2pc set with compact and storage FastBacks for $19.97, in case you want a bit of variety.
Dewalt Folding Retractable Utility Knife ($9.97) – Maybe I got a lemon, but I’m not a fan of Dewalt’s latest folding retractable utility knife. The knife opens slowly and blade changes are a pain. Maybe you’ll have better luck, but I’d wait for the next revision. Instead of taking a new “group photo” after testing all of these knives, I opted to leave it in as an example of what can go wrong in a utility knife. Adding to my disappointment, its predecessor had some quirks but worked much better.
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Husky Retractable Utility Knife ($10.97) – I occasionally come across unique and innovative utility knives, as well as gimmicks that don’t really serve any purpose. This Husky knife might be a bit impractical, but it has been a joy to use. Thanks to its design, there are actually two different blades loaded into the knife, and they also have a 4-bladed knife.
See Also: Home Depot has the Coolest Husky Utility Knife Ever
Milwaukee Retractable Utility Knife ($7.97) – I’ve used this knife’s predecessor for several years now, and unfortunately it has been showing a lot of wear and tear on the rubbery components. The new model has a different design that looks to give even greater durability to the wearable parts. Milwaukee’s retractable knife is a little more compact but also noticeable lighter than Dewalt’s.
Which Ones are Best?
I’m not a one-utility knife kind of person. In fact, I will put each and every one of these knives to use, except for the Dewalt folding retractable knife.
If I had to pick just one, it would be the Milwaukee retractable knife. It’s quick and easy to use, and although the retraction button spring is a little stiffer than older models, I expected it to break in a little.
Controlling blade cutting depth can be important, and this is something that most folding utility knives cannot do.
For a folder, I’d go with the Milwaukee FastBack or Husky, depending on the locking/unlocking mechanism you’re looking for.
The beauty of utility knives is that they’re usually inexpensive enough where it’s not too much of an expense to try new styles and designs. Plus, many if not most users have a place in their homes, tool bags, or workshops for more than one utility knife. You can, for example, load one with rounded-tip blades for opening cardboard boxes, and another with standard pointed blades for scoring and piercing tasks.
I also continue to try new Dewalt retractable knives on occasion, as I like their ergonomically-bent handle shape. The added weight of the handle also gives it a sense of heavy duty strength that you might not get with other models.
There are other folding utility knives out there, but the designs are sometimes compromised. One folding knife that I own, which I did not show or describe here, has a higher frequency of blade pull-out, where a snagged blade can cause the retention mechanism to fail.
Home Depot has been my go-to for utility knives, mainly because I like their brand selection and the wide variety of styles. I also really like it when they have promotional bundles on my favorite models.
What About Blades?
I prefer Dewalt carbide-edge utility knife blades (50-pack for $17.97), and also Milwaukee carton blades with rounded/blunt tips (50-pack for $14.97). Both are available at Home Depot stores.
There are more economical blade options out there, as well as smaller quantity packs if you want to try these or other styles with less risk.
Which Would You Pick?
Most utility knives tend to fall into one of 3 basic categories. There are basic retractable knives, such as the Stanley shown above, more premium retractable knives with quick blade change mechanisms, built-in storage, and special features such as cutting notches, and folding knives.
Which style or brand of utility knife would you pick?
Are there other brands or styles of knives you would recommend I take a look at for a future update? I figured that this time I would start smaller, looking only at Home Depot’s in-store selection.
Jared
Fastback for me. I don’t have the breadth of experience with all the models you do, but the Fastbacks have been great. Easy blade changes, smooth flip out and one-handed operation. Clips work too – which I appreciate. I don’t put them in my pocket or on my belt, but I like to clip them to the side of my bag.
MM
I’m using a basic Stanley Interlock model, like the far left on your pic but it’s just plain grey not the Hi-Vis finish. I’ve also got an ancient Stanley 199 which doesn’t even retract. I probably use my Olfa 25mm snap-off style knife the most though.
I’m sure there are better knives out there but I’ve just been burned so many times by the latest and greatest new models always failing in some manner. I’ve been frustrated by rubber grip inserts which deteriorated after a couple years into a sticky gooey mess, folding models which were inconvenient to open or managed to weigh more than a full-size fixed model, all manner of shoddy blade retention mechanisms or “quick change” features which didn’t last. The reason I’m still using the two I just mentioned is because those are the ones I haven’t thrown out in frustration yet. They just work. I’ve used the Milwaukee Fastbacks belonging to others, they seem to perform well, whenever I need a new one that’s probably where I will look first.
Jared
That’s a good point about snap-off knives. I use both styles – but I tend to reach for a snap-off if I need to control depth.
I have a couple Olfas. The 25mm version is very robust, but blades are more expensive and harder to find than 18mm.
I also have a couple Richard snap-off knives. Richard is a Canadian company, but I have no idea if they make the knifes here. They are very similar to Olfa, but are less expensive. I wonder if they are available in the USA too.
E.g. compare this:
https://www.arichardcanada.com/product-page/hd-utility-knife-25mm
To this:
https://www.olfaproducts.com/olfa-eh-1-slim-line-extra-heavy-duty-snap-off-utility-knife-ratchet-lock.html
In person, the Olfa plastic color looks nicer. I think the Richard ABS is a little shinier. However, in use I can’t really differentiate between them. Richard has a couple extra bumps. The locking knobs on either work well. I can’t imagine breaking either one.
MM
I know that Olfa does–or at least used to–act as an OEM for others. I have a couple of the smaller knives as well that take the 10mm blades. One of them is conspicuously branded “Mechanorma” but the fine print reads Olfa and made in Japan. Apparently Mechanorma was a maker of lettering transfers and had Olfa make knives for them.
I’ve never seen a Richard knife here in the US but I haven’t gone looking for one either, I just don’t recall ever having seen them.
Jared
Could be! It does look so much like an Olfa that it wouldn’t surprise me.
Richard mostly makes painting tools. Putty knives, scrapers, sanders, trowels, mixers, brushes, rollers, brushes, etc. If you have these tools in the US, they probably live in the painting department of home renovation stores.
While the 25mm just looks like an Olfa to me, the 18mm Richard knife has a bit of extra metal sticking out the butt end to pry open paint cans.
Jared
I just watched the Richard promo video for the snap-off knives. It shows a brief comparison of the locking strength of the blade retention – Richard vs “popular competitor” (which you can see is “Olfa”, because it’s written on the handle.
https://youtu.be/o9tTNBwVrGQ
Maybe that means nothing. If Olfa did make the Richard knife it would seem odd though for Richard to compare it to an Olfa and suggest it was superior.
Jared
P.s. I just asked Richard. Fast response, but sadly the answer is no, the knives are not made in Canada.
Julian Tracy
Why would anyone buy a razor knife that requires a screw to change out the blade?
To save $2?! Silly false economy thinking there. Current razor blades from Dewalt, Milwaukee etc may look cool with the laser etched logo – but the quality of today’s blades suck butt. You can barely get two long passes on drywall or a couple of scores on vinyl plank flooring before they edge is shot. Hell- the new Milwaukee blades from the recent $14.97 buy 4 get one free promo can barely sharpen a pencil right out of the package.
Frequent blade changing is a fact these days.
Stuart
Not all users change blades very frequently.
It doesn’t take that long to change the blade on a basic screw-release utility knife.
Some tool-free blade change mechanisms aren’t quick or might not feel safe.
Some quick-change mechanisms might be prone to jamming or failure.
Dave P
If you don’t lose the screw… hard pass
fred
I know (from looking at old inventories) that we must have had some guys over the years who wanted fixed blade knives and holsters and/or an AJC knife that took non-standard blades:
https://www.amazon.com/AJC-Hatchet-057-MCGA-Guardian-Angle/dp/B00004Z2F0/
It seems like its just a matter of personal preference and/or being different.
Shane
Blade changes are a bit of a pain with the AJC but the leverage when using it for say..cutting through old polyurethane sealant can’t be beat. I mostly use carpet type blades in mine and reach for it when I have a tough cutting task. My EDC is a Milwaukee fastback. It’s small and clips to my pocket for easy access. A quick flip of the wrist and it’s ready to go. As far as the wood grain handle, I have a Craftsman I picked up back when Sears was still viable.
Koko The Talking Ape
I agree. Even if it just takes a minute to unscrew the screw, etc., I’m likely to drop the screw in grass or something, and that is frustrating and time-consuming. Why put up with that when there’s something better and not much more money?
Some quick-change mechanisms aren’t safe or secure, or are prone to jamming. I wouldn’t buy those, obviously. Milwaukees seems to have worked out a good mechanism.
Jim Felt
BTW every so often you can still find Milwaukee spare blades marked “Made in the USA”…. I must have a more then a few hundred blade packs stashed away for the apocalypse.
Stuart
As far as I am aware, their blades are still made in the USA except when packaged with utility knives such as in promo bundles.
Ex_dtw2003
The basic Husky with the colored Aluminum handle is cheaper by $5 to $8 depending on if it’s on sale.
I’d have said that one but I’m beginning to think it’s prematurely dulling the stored side of the blade. Otherwise it’s a great cheap knife.
Outside of that, I like the metal handle fatback (no onboard storage model).
Ex_dtw2003
Forgot to say that for only a couple bucks more than the Stanley there’s no way I’d ever go back to using the Stanley. Hate. Hate. Hate having to mess around with a screwdriver considering how much I use my knife.
Wayne R.
I keep hoping to find a knife with a simple belt/clip sheath. I’ve seen some that looked to be for grocery shelf stockers with a coily leash. Looked disposable, really, but close.
Anyway, maybe a standalone sheath too? A good match?
Wayne R.
https://www.longhorngunleather.com/collections/longhorn-leather-accessories/products/leather-utility-knife-sheath-leather-razor-knife-sheath?variant=32013060636735
$5.65 with free shipping. Done.
Joellikestools
These were popular with some of the guys at my old job. They are quite robust and come with a sheath. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B002MZOHBY/
Jared
Speaking of other options, there are also “tap” knives too. The advantages are that the blades are even cheaper, the tool is super thin and light and the handle itself is super cheap. They often come in 10+ packs for just a few bucks.
The handle isn’t terribly robust or ergonomic though.
I tend to use them as emergency tools. Easy to pack in a motorcycle tool kit, for example.
Pic: https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/ffaeb6a0-df75-4410-b71a-1526e5200587_1.5d3a3ef4e214802bee45a227c6cab13b.jpeg
Mikedt
The Stockboy Special. 4.5 decades ago we would get promo knives with product logos on them. Somewhere I still have a Vimco Macaroni tap knife.
It’s a good general use design with the added plus that some versions allow you to pull the blade out, slip it in the other end and use it as a scraper.
fred
While the Garvey Jiffy Cutter was the real-deal once made in USA – and perhaps the fist of its kind – now sold for less than $0.50 each :
https://www.garveyproducts.com/product/7089
you can buy ones with your advertising on them for just slightly more from places like 4AllPromos.
Ball_bearing
Those were really common in supermarkets and department stores for the guys stocking the shelves.
Wayne R.
I never knew what to call those things, thanks.
Albert
I’m keeping my eye on this one:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/314254693
I don’t know if it is worth the extra money compared to the larger model (2nd from the left in the 2nd picture).
Matt the Hoople
It looks promising. Maybe it costs more because it’s newer? Otherwise seems odd since it uses less material and has fewer moving parts due to no extra blade storage. Also, it’s not stocked in any stores near me. I stuck in my wish list. If it falls below $10, I might try one out for pant pocket use.
Bryan
The Husky Pro Folding Utility Knife should have been on this list and is a great utility knife. I much prefer it to the Milwaukee fastback offerings.
Stuart
I don’t believe I’ve seen that one before, will keep an eye out for it.
Travis
These days I use Milwaukee Fastback’s for most everything. I do keep an Olfa snap off knife for precision work but breaking down boxes and general cutting go to the Milwaukee time and time again. Most often I use the compact but I have two or three others that have room for extra blades and love them all.
Mike
I’m a big fan of snap off utility knives. If I use a traditional box cutter razor blade it tends to be a “down angled” handled one like the Dewalt in the first pic. Oh the joys of having fucked up joints!
Nathan
does Home Depot sell the Olfa knives? I really like my Olfa for nearly all tasks – but I keep an old style utility also. Still don’t see a point in the folding utility knife.
I will say I sort of like some of the idea of that husky device shown in another thread. Don’t understand all the hate on the cap lifter in the body – at least it’s unobtrusive
having 2 different blade styles in one device is interesting but for the dollars and use for me I really like the Olfa
Mikedt
Yes, my local HD carries Olfa knives and refills.
schill
At my local HD, they are in the paint tools section – not with the Dewalt, Milwaukee, etc. knives.
Rob
They’ve been cutting back the Olfa. Used to have a nice selection.
frobo
The Dewalt retractable seems like a good option for me, and I’ll probably buy one. But only after I run out of cartridges for my Husky Nack utility knife. For me, the Nack is just about perfect for most uses, and having a couple dozen fresh blades in a single cartridge is very handy. The blades are a bit smaller than a conventional utility knife, but no matter. It cuts well and blade changes are as easy as it gets. It’s a shame they don’t make it anymore………
Albert
I had a yellow plastic Nack that was Made in Canada. The blades were very sharp and I liked that they were smaller than regular utility blades. The round barrel fit nicely in my hand. I would sometimes skip a new blade when turning the knob to changes blades and would waste a blade. That was more than a decade ago. I tossed the handle when I couldn’t find blades any more.
Jared
Neat. I had never heard of that before. I promptly did some googling to see what it was all about – well, it’s different.
Here’s a place that purports to still sell the replacement cartridges: http://www.minnesotaicepicks.com/product/replacement-cartridges-in-stock-7-pack-clamshell
frobo
Thanks for the tip!
David Zeller
They have them for 6.97 on Amazon, too. The knife is like 41. A Tim Allen Tool!
Matt the Hoople
I had one of those like 20 years ago. Got it a stocking stuffer one christmas. I seem to recall it getting jammed and quit working smoothly so got rid of it.
Robm
The none folding dewalt onepictured is my favorite. I’ve had it for a fairly long time. It’s comfortable, easy to use and change blades. I haven’t broken it yet so it seems to be well made.
Matt the Hoople
I have seveafal of the basic Staley’s from the 1970’s. Still going strong with an occasional clean and lube. This is my preference if I have a tool pouch or apron on with a dedicated pocket for the knife. Alternately, the Milwaukee retractable looks nice and the Dewalt retractable looks like it would be comfortable for large or heavy duty cutting tasks.
If I’m putting it in my pants, then I prefer the push button flip of the Dewalt fastback. I use the one with extra blade storage but plan to grab the compact one during my next visit to Home Depot.
The important thing to me is that the blade needs to come out and go in quickly and easily, lock securely and it absolutely must be able to be operated one handed.
Mark Lehinger
Husky serrated utility blades are highly recommended for some applications like cutting carpet pad. No balling up like you get with a normal blade. They go through pad like a hot knife through butter.
David Jonathan
I like the Milwaukee Retractable Utility Knife. A lot.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-Slide-Out-Utility-Knife-with-General-Purpose-Blade-Storage-48-22-1510/309350825
I bought one a couple of years ago, when replacing tools for a small, backpack field-tech tool kit that had been stolen.
I liked this knife so much I went through all of my various tool kits (home, cabling, carpentry, spares, etc.), pulled a half-dozen different models of utility knives, and donated them all so I would never have to use them again. I purchased replacements where needed, and now also keep a couple extra on hand because I keep giving mine away to friends and helpful people.
This is the only utility knife that I have ever used that was able to open easily, and safely, with one hand, and that blades could be easily (yes, easily) replaced. The blade storage in the handle is also easy to access when needed. Why did it take so long to figure out that the slider should be on the side where my thumb is?
They are priced right too, and I buy at least three at a time. I do not want to risk having to use another knife.
This may not be the model you would want to keep in your pocket. But, then again, maybe you would…
X lu
Fastback is my go to. Dewalt fold up IMO is awful to use. And it’s hard not to love the nostalgic Stanley but only in gun metal grey. I’ve never been tempted by the the Milwaukee retractable but based on your, I will give it a try.
Joatman
I have a couple from the selection above but the Milwaukee fast back is by far my favorite. I’m not too picky when it comes to blades. I’m chipping away a a pack of 100 Husky right now.
loup68
The Dewalt DWHT10046 retractable knife is better and cheaper than the two more expensive ones you show above. They also seem to be Home Depots most popular selling model.
Dave P
I have carried various versions of the Milwaukee compact for years. I have to remove the clip and grind down the “bump” built into the side of the knife or I can’t rapidly remove it from my front pants pocket. The clips always loosened up until the latest version-they finally got it right.
Milwaukee compact all of the way.
MFC
I have about 7 different utility knives, and I know it’s not HD but my cheap Kobalt knives have a simple lever you depress and the knife swings open on a hinge. The blades are held by a neodymium magnet and it is by far the easiest knife to change out blades. I use it for everything from cutting drywall to carpet. All the others have finnicky blade holders that stick or break or only hold one blade at a time. I go through blades so often it’s nice to know I always have a spare.
Dan K
While in Lowe’s yesterday I found this one in the “Lowe’s forPros” section. It’s the Crescent folding utility model CTKF2. While it did have the 10-blade pack in the packaging, it felt heavy. Anyone tried one of these out yet? The price seems pretty good at $10.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Crescent-Quick-Change-Folding-Blade-Utility-Knife/5001922183
gene colley
I have tried so many of these utility knives through the years. I still find that if you are using them hard, the easy-remove blades, easily remove themselves. My favorite is still the old style Stanley. It takes and extra minute to change the blade, but I have never cut myself with a blade sliding out while using it.
Rob
It’s seriously the only good design of the lot
Mike
I have a half dozen of the all metal Sears Craftsman folding utility knives and two with wooden inlays (one is the 80 year special edition). Durable, lightweight, fits well in my hand, easy to open, close, and change blades. Plus, they were not expensive.
Just checked the Sears website and looks like knife is now branded as Workpro.
Rob
Bruh, the best knife at Home Depot is the 25mm ratchet lock Olfa.:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/OLFA-25-mm-Utility-Knife-EH-1/206431677
They only carry the standard 25mm blades though, so you got to order these hot mamas:
https://www.zoro.com/olfa-snap-off-utility-blade-25mm-w-pk20-hbb-20b/i/G3556865/
John
I’m a back pocket knife guy, so I have at least ten Stanley 99-e knifes that rotate from pants to pants, I’ve never broken one. My favorite knife is the dewalt that is second from left in the first pic, but that is NOT a back pocket knife, too bulky, that one stays in the tool belt. I’ve had that one for years and it never let me down. The Stanley 10-499 is awesome too, for a quick change , but the blade storage is no bueno. , cheap.
Gary
Like many, I still use an old Stanley utility knife from the 70s. Its scratched and has a few dings, but still works flawlessly. I also own the entire line of Fastback knives from Milwaukee. I love the feel and balance of the full size and its become my “go to” knife for heavier (non-cardboard) jobs. I also love the compact, but hate the quick change blade feature. The initial one failed shortly after the first blade change. I thought perhaps it was incorrectly installed as it kept pulling out each time I tried to cut. I finally decided the keeper pins had either sheered or were not seating fully into the blade. HD exchanged it with no problem. The second one lasted about a year under light usage until after the 4th or 5th blade change it did the same thing. So while I am a fan of the Milwaukee full size utility knife, I retired the compacts and likely will not try any more quick change knives in the future.
Nathan
I know it’s not at Home Depot but Lowes has this toughbuilt Scraper utility knife.
blade rotates over to be a scrapper. It’s a touch expensive IMO but nifty idea.