Fiskars has come out with a new line of Fiskars Pro utility knives, which they say are sharper, smarter, and more durable knives for pros.
Shown above is the new Fiskars Pro retractable knife, with an MSRP of $20. It features a side blade switch and internal storage for up to 5 blades. It comes with (1) CarbonMax utility knife blade, which Fiskars says lasts 24X longer than the competition, and the knife also works with standard sized blades.
The new Fiskars fixed utility knife is a little different, with a folding blade guard that opens at the push of a button. It also has internal storage for up to 5 blades. Its MSRP is $18.
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Next, there’s a folding utility knife, with dual locking system that prevents accidental blade release without sacrificing blade-change speed. The knife opens with a flick of the wrist, and has 2-blade storage capacity. This model also has a lanyard loop at the end of the handle. MSRP is $18.
There will also be two sizes of Fiskars Pro Snap-off utility knives, 18mm (shown here), and 25mm.
This design has a front-loading blade, with no loose parts. There’s an “integrated segment snapper” to capture used blades. MSRP is $18 for 18mm, and $20 for 25mm.
Replacement CarbonMax blades are available in 5-packs for $13 (18mm) and $18 (25mm).
One of the more curious of the new Fiskars Pro utility knives is this new Painter’s utility knife, which features a 5 gallon paint bucket opener and slotted screwdriver bit. The knife opens with a flick of the wrist and can store 2 blades internally.
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It looks like the hook is built into the knife blade holder, meaning it’s at the ready when the knife is closed, and hidden when it’s open.
The slotted screwdriver bit stores in the handle when it’s not used. It looks to be a standard 1/4″ hex-sized bit, and so you could potentially swap it for a different bit if you want.
The screwdriver bit is inserted at the end of the tool, which, when the bit is removed, can be used to help seal the lid back onto a paint bucket.
MSRP is $30.
Lastly, there is also a new Drywaller’s utility knife.
The Drywaller’s utility knife also features a folding jab saw.
Fiskars says that the knife hinges open, for easier cleaning. This version has internal storage for 2 spare blades.
MSRP is $30.
Lastly, Fiskars’ CarbonMax blades will be available in a 10-pack for $13, or a 50-pack for $30.
The CarbonMax utility knife blades feature a carbon-bonding process for an edge-retention coating that Fiskars says helps them stay sharp for up to 24X longer than standard utility knife blades.
Fiskars is calling their new Pro CarbonMax blades the industry’s BEST blades. They’re compatible with all standard utility knives.
Additional Common Features
How are these knives shasper, smarter, and more durable?
Fiskars says that they have the:
- Longest lasting blade
- Best blade security
- Improved ergonomics
- Lasting durability
The knives feature improved locking systems, meant to prevent accidental release by means of audio and visual locking cues and smarter button placement. They built tabs into the knives so that blades won’t pull out when twisted.
Multiple grips allow for ergonomic control, regardless of hand positioning. Fiskars also incorporated their Softgrip handle material, with strategic texturing to enhance user comfort.
For lasting durability, Fiskars’ knives feature full-body metal construction with reinforced ends to resist pounding and drops.
First Thoughts
Fiskars is no stranger to cutting tools, but the pro tool market is relatively new to them, at least as far as general construction tools are concerned.
They came out with a line of IsoCore hammers 2-1/2 years ago, and the one I briefly tested was quite decent. The best part of their hammer is the Softgrip handle, which is exceptionally comfortable, but still durable.
That’s actually all I can think about when I see images of these new utility knives – how awesome they must feel in-hand, with their textured Softgrip handle grips.
The MSRP pricing on these knives is a little steep, but I can be forgiving of that. For something that a lot of pros use on a daily basis, for everything from light to demanding cutting tasks, extra comfort might be worth the premium.
Fiskars seems to have paid considerable attention to every aspect of their new knives, and they seem to have come up with a different design to suit most user preferences or needs. But I can still see some room for improvement. For example, what about the user who wants a retractable knife with more than “fully open” and “fully closed” settings?
The knives only come with one CarbonMax blade?
Dewalt’s carbide utility knife blades are said to stay 5X sharper than competitive blades. If that’s compared to “standard” blades, does that mean these CarbonMax blades are nearly 5X better than those? It will be interesting to see how they compare, especially since the CarbonMax blades command a 50% bump-up in price for a 50-pack.
I’m very eager to gives these new knives a try. First a new line of hammers and striking tools, now a new line of utility knives? Fiskars is expanding into new territory, and it looks like they’re quite serious about it too.
skfarmer
when i hear someone say 5 times better i am real skeptical.
when i hear 20 times better i hear marketing bs. seriously? a utility knife/blade that is 20 times better? better than what? a dull rock? kind of insults our intelligence doesn’t it?
they may be very fine knives, which i am sure they are but i would be real interested to see the how they come up with the 20x number
The yeti
Ill be keeping my OLFA.
Stuart
Probably systematic testing of how many cuts a blade can make in a specific material, or materials.
If one blade lasts through say 10 cuts before it’s dull to the point of high cut resistance, and the Fiskars 240 cuts, that would qualify as lasting 24X longer.
I’ve seen a Catra tester in Stanley promo footage of their Carbide blade before. That’s probably what Fiskars has for internal testing, although for their CarbonMax blades, they say that 24X came from independent lab testing.
http://www.catra.org/pages/products/kniveslevel1/slt.htm
Jared
The painter’s and drywaller’s versions are especially interesting. They look like they add good, useful utility.
The painter’s version could be even better if they had found a way to add space for more than one bit – but I suppose it’s targeted for a very specific use, so perhaps that doesn’t make sense. I was just thinking I could see the use for that type of product in other scenarios, but having to carry more bits separately isn’t appealing.
Any idea how long the jab saw blade is? I looked on the Fiskar’s website but didn’t find the specs.
satch
Jared, good points. I hope the jab saw blade is like Lenox or Milwaukee in that it takes standardised reciprocating saw blades. That feature with what looks to be great ergonomics would make me take a great interest in them.
I like it that Fiskars, who are not considered dunces in cutting instruments, seems to be designing their own take on this common and useful(but many times poorly executed) tool. I am always on the lookout for the perfect utility knife. And though the blades seem pricey we all have to keep in mind MSRP. Many times street pricing is much more competitive.
Nathan
interesting – do you think maybe this is in response to OLFA? Eitherway I tend to like the fiskars items I have bought so I might get one or 2 of these.
However I do say I like the Olfa utility knife I got from the giveaway.
Stuart
I don’t think it’s a response to OLFA, or any particular brand.
Construction brands have been adding more to their striking and cutting tool offerings, and so it seems natural for Fiskars to push beyond their typical industry focus.
What piques my interest is that these aren’t “me too” products; they look to have been developed with a “how can we make this better?” starting point.
Nathan
indeed – if anything like other fiskars items they will have good ergonomics.
Craig
I never did get my OLFA from the giveaway though it let me sign up and i still get all their promotional emails, just no knife. Anyway, I don’t use a utility knife enough to justify paying the Fiskars MSRP but if they are as good as their loppers I would definitely give them a go at a discounted price.
Cassie
Hi Craig – please contact OLFA at [email protected] with your contact information so we can track your entry. Thanks!
Koko The Talking Ape
Kind of pricey! But sure, if you use one every day, then better safety and comfort might be worth it.
That knife with the moving guard (instead of the moving blade) is interesting. Maybe it will hold the blade more firmly, something that has bothered me with some other utility knives.
Jim Felt
I too never received the OLFA giveaway knife I’d allegedly “won” but have clearly been added to their email list.
(Doesn’t stop me from actually buying their stuff fortunately).
That said I do appreciate Fiskars adding to our collective choices and, seriously, it’s really a kind of brand extension from their other brands. Like Gerber Legendary.
Cassie
Hi Jim – please contact OLFA at [email protected] with your contact information so we can track your entry. Thanks!
Rcward
I will try those blades to see how they hold up.
John
Sorry to digress, but I never received my OLFA knife either.
The new Fiskars knives look like really well thought out pieces.
Cassie
Hi John – please contact OLFA at [email protected] with your contact information so we can track your entry. Thanks!
Raoul
These Fiskars do llok interesting and I will be sure to check them out.
Sadly I too was gamed by Olfa for my information and never received the giveaway. I’ll be sure to not send any money their way and am glad to have several great options now. It seems like there maybe a lot of us, maybe Stuart can fire off his contacts a message that we’re ticked off.
Cassie
Hi Raoul – please contact OLFA at [email protected] with your contact information so we can track your entry. Thanks!
The yeti
Why is anyone upset. I never even entered a contest. Bought my OLFA. Sorry i wrecked all the comments Stuart
Flotsam
any buying linkes yet?
I am interested in buying and no offerings on Amazon yet.
Stuart
Not that I know of.
I asked Fiskars’ rep and they told me to check their site, but everything is currently out of stock.
Grady
The Pro Fixed Blade Knife looks interesting. I HATE retractable knifes, the blades are so loose I’ve pulled them out of the handle too many times. And the blades that have broke in a retractable handle. Fiskars are pricey but I’m willing to give them a try.
Maybe Fiskars will offer a package deal with all these knifes and blades. Nope! Wishful thinking.
Douglas Mcflounder
I’ve been in the construction industry for decades and have a chance to use various brands of retractable knives and blades. I’ve used blades that were domestically made to even blades that were purely imported. Likewise with the handles.
That being said, I’ve only broken blades, in most cases if I wasn’t cutting straight across. No utility blade I’ve ever used, not even Snap-On blades can withstand “sideways” pressure without eventual breaking. Doesn’t matter if you only have one week of experience or 50 years, utility blades aren’t designed to bend.
As for blades being loose, I’ve had this issue as well. Case by case, I’ve noticed this is more common with lesser grade i.e. lower quality utility knives. Harbor Freight, Irwin, Lenox, Wiss and even some Stanley have produced this issue in the past.
This unit might serve a purpose for a home owner and perhaps if you are on the job perhaps also. Personally, any time I read/hear a claim that cannot/will not be backed up with evidence, I assume this to be marketing muck. Definitely not a new strategy, as I’ve seen this for decades. In the past, the schemes were much more intelligent and companies actually feared the FTC.
Ken
Still cannot find them. All are still out of stock as of 10/19/18
Ken
Available on Fiskars site.
Joe
I just found some of the Fiskars utility knives on acmetools.com and they are competitively prices!
Ken
Went to Fiskars site to order pro snap off blade was directed to a catelogue that is 1192 pages with no index. Have to go page by page,waste of time. Will stick to Stanley or try OLFA. If I have to go through that much trouble they can keep them.
JML
I could not stand using the Pro retractable, but the folder is outstanding. Best design and finishing of any folding utility knife on the market, as far as I can tell.