I was shopping at Home Depot a few weeks ago, sorting out some tools for a DIY tool buying guide project (see also: The Best Basic Tool Kit for Beginner DIYers), when I came across a new Husky utility knife. I wasn’t familiar with the design, and so I of course bought one on the spot.
This is one of the coolest, strangest, and completely unconventional utility knives I’ve ever seen.
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Is it practical? Kind of.
It has some interesting selling points, and the knife works well. I’ve got mine on my workbench, and I think it could handle some rough and tough handling as well.
In a nutshell, the Husky sliding utility knife has all-metal construction, a full-size bottle opener, thumb control retraction mechanism, tool-free blade change, and quick-change dual-blade design.
Husky says that this knife features the fastest blade switch possible.
The knife is easy to use. Simply press your thumb alongside the front of the included blade, and push it forward. The front of the blade pushes the spring-action blade lock out of the way as it advances to its first locking position.
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A quick push of the blade lock with your thumb and forward-motion with the blade, and it advances it to the second position.
Retract the blade, flip the tool over, and you now have access to the second blade which can be extended in the same manner.
You’re supposed to be able to retract the blades by moving the locking spring out of the way to let gravity pull them down. This works for me consistently if I give the knife a little jiggle.
It’s also still quick and easy for me to close the knife by unlocking and then pulling back on the blades.
There are two slots at the front where the front and rear blades can be extended from. You can load the same or different blades into the two slots.
In the above photo, the blade change locking lock is opened.
The blade change locking lever is basically just a physical block that doesn’t allow utility knife blades to be extended too far.
To change either blade, open the locking lever, depress the locking spring. and remove the blade. Replacement blades are easily inserted.
There’s a wire loop pocket clip on the rear, and a full-size bottle opener.
This seems like a more casual use utility knife for household or garage use, and I’m really liking it so far.
I would be a little cautious of using it in very gritty environments, but so far the blade extension mechanism has been reliable and robust.
Despite its unconventional design, thus Husky utility knife is incredibly user-friendly. Opening and closing the knife is easy, and the same for changing blades.
It feels secure during use, and I like that the blade change lock also helps to prevent unintentional pull-out.
I tested the knife with Husky, Stanley, Milwaukee, and Dewalt utility knife blades, and it seems to work well with all of them. The included blade might provide a tiny bit better grip due to having a slightly raised thumbprint pattern, but I didn’t have any problem extending or closing the other brands’ knives.
The knife comes loaded with a standard blade and a hook-style blade.
Are the advantages over other types of utility knives? I suppose there are, given its compact size and narrow thickness.
User reviews are very good, and I’m enjoying the use of the knife so far. But could I recommend it over more traditionally-styled utility knives?
This knife is different, and it works. I can see myself loading it with a standard and blunt-tip blades, although right now I still have it in the stock as-sold configuration with standard and hook blades.
I don’t know comfortable I am in saying I recommend it, but I certainly don’t recommend against – I just don’t know how suitable this will be for your needs, wants, or usage environment. I haven’t come across any issues yet, but I know this is not going to be a one-knife-fits-all type of tool.
I will say this – I purchased the utility knife at retail at a local Home Depot store, and if I knew then what I know now, I would absolutely buy it all over again. The same is not true about a recent Dewalt folding retractable knife purchase.
I like tools that do things differently, and in this case Husky pulls it off well. The utility knife features a smaller size and solid build quality, and that’s on top of the new blade extension mechanism.
Price: $11
Jerry
Interesting design. Very clever way to carry a second blade, not just as a spare, but available for use. I’ve carried a hook blade in the spare blade compartment of my current EDC knife and switched it back and forth. This seems much more convenient for someone who may use different blades on the same job. Ill be looking for a more compact version without the bottle opener (what’s with sticking a bottle opener on anything and everything these days) or perhaps a similar sized one with a more practical secondary tool.
fred
SBD used to make a two blade utility knife under Bostitch brand. Must not have been a big seller:
https://www.amazon.com/BOSTITCH-10-501-Twin-Blade-Knife/dp/B003HGH4EY/
There is also this Stanley that has a utility blade end and a “sport” blade end:
https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-10-813-Quickslide-Sport-Knife/dp/B0015O2RLA
Jerry
The Bostich looks interesting. Too bad its discontinued. I might actually prefer the Husky though, for its pocket ability.
fred
Looks like Stanley still makes one:
https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Consumer-Tools-10-789-Blade/dp/B00V7FZQZG/
Stuart
I wondered if I’d be happier with a smaller tool if the bottle opener was removed, but the length and ergonomics work well for me, even if I never use this feature.
Chris
There’s a craftsman one available at lowes usually in store and has lifetime warranty I switched from the Stanley to the craftsman just for the warranty
Morgan
Just to note I have one of these knives as well and it has a secret blade slot at the end of the knife to turn it into a scraper. Im not sure why it’s not advertised but it’s a pretty cool secret feature.
Chris S
Your second and third picture have me a little worried.
What is to keep you from touching the exposed second blade? (seems like they could have extended the metal divider all the way to the bottom).
Are carpet cutting blades recommended for this tool from the manufacturer?
I’m just picturing getting the first blade stuck during a pulling motion and trying to pull harder or with a yank and if you accidentally lose grip the meatier part of your palm (below the thumb) or even a thumb/finger tip could slide across that exposed piece of blade.
Other than what looks like a safety oversight, I really like the practicality and potential this design has.
Stacey Jones
I thought the same thing. Looks unsafe. Also, not another useless bottle opener…must every knife come with one?
Matt the Hoople
Useless bottle opener? Must be a Bud or Corona drinker. Absolutely nothing wrong with that but craft beer crowd would beg too differ about the utility of such a thing. Besides, what if you don’t have your Johnny Square Pro handy to open your favorite IPA at the end of the work day?
https://www.johnsonlevel.com/P/450/ProfessionalAluminumRafte
Matt the Hoople
And yes, I realize that most folks visiting this site have a whole bag of other tools that can improvise as an opener:)
MichaelHammer
99% of the best craft beer in America is sold in a can. Other than Lunch by Maine Beer Company, I can’t think of a beer that I drink out of a bottle. Anchor Steam and Sculpin were tops back in the day, but no longer. As an IPA at the end of the day guy, I’m firmly in the “stop putting bottle openers on everything” camp.
Andy
Pliny is still bottled, and still amazing.
Stuart
I cannot make any guarantees about safety, but in my experiences so far, there is no contact (or at least minimal contact potential) between palm and blade.
In my opinion, this is not built as a heavy duty tool, as it is somewhat slim, and so it’s not as comfortable for high demand cutting tasks.
This is one of those tools I would buy if it interested me, and return if it didn’t work out or if I had any safety concerns.
Jared
I like it. Although, rather than being able to use two blades, I would prefer it be half as long. Maybe add a hole in case I want to put it on my keychain?
Interesting design either way. Looks nice and slim.
Jared
I don’t think I studied the photos closely enough the first time – I thought the blades came out opposite ends. So if the bottle opener didn’t exist it could be shorter? Do that Husky! 😀
Or… they could make the other end a pry bar and beat Gerber at their own game.
Greg
I can’t take any tool with a bottle opener serious.
Leo B.
This looks like an interesting way to integrate two blades in one smaller knife body. I’m not a fan of the bottle opener, but I suppose it adds a function. This came at a good time, since I just saw another interesting utility knife- the Toughbuilt scraper utility knife. It moves the blade from normal position to a horizontal scraping position. Might be an interesting quick write up!
https://www.lowes.com/pd/TOUGHBUILT-Utility-knife-5-Blade-Retractable-Utility-Knife-with-On-Tool-Blade-Storage/5001889437
Matt the Hoople
That is neat. Just need a bottle opener so you can have a beer or two while you paint.
Chris S
Read through the reviews. It requires proprietary blades. Instant no for me.
Dave Brock
I don’t believe it does, just normal utility blades but they don’t come with the thumb print on them.
Stuart
They’re talking about the ToughBuilt knife that Leo referred to.
Matt the Hoople
Oh yes. Looking at the photos, the blades have an trapezoidal hole in the center for the knife to grab on to. I agree that a proprietary blade makes it a no go unless I have a very distinct need that other tools cannot fill.
MichaelHammer
Safety blades are better suited for the task of scraping. From experience, I know that utility blades can wreak havoc.
Andy
I just don’t understand the hatred of bottle openers. You can never have enough of them. Isn’t it nice to always have 1 handy for that emergency beer?
Jared
For the record, I’m on your team – but I read that complaint for any tool with a bottle opener. Pretty sure someone said that even for the Dewalt cooler. Plus, it’s better than nothing.
Koko The Talking Ape
Eh. It’s not hatred as much as, why is it there? Without it, the knife would be shorter and lighter, or it could store spare blades or use that space some more usefully.
Also, in a true emergency, you can open bottles with screwdrivers, the edge of a counter, etc.
Beer aficionados used to sneer at cans, but a lot of the microbreweries around here are moving to cans, because they’re cheaper to ship and protect the beer from light.
IronWood
It’s a hatred of irrelevant baubles; tiny cheap-o carabiners on everything is another example. Putting an unnecessary bottle opener on a tool instead of making the tool lighter, smaller, cheaper, or more functional seems stupid. In the case of this knife blade storage, a more comfortable handle, or a more compact form factor would have been much better than another gimmicky bottle opener.
Besides, my shop is full of bottle openers: key rings, pliers, workbenches, chunks of wood, oh and a couple actual bottle openers. And your emergency beer should ALWAYS be a can. For safety.
Albert
When painting, removing flooring, general cleanup, etc, what’s wrong with a beer or two? I use needle nose pliers but would love to have a bottle opener.
OldDominionDIYer
There looks like there’s a sign indicating a magnet in use in some way (see last photo) are the blades also held in place in some way by a magnet Stuart?
Jerry
I noticed that too. And I’m another vote for lose the bottle opener and make it smaller, use the space for extra blade storage or a tool that would actually be useful.
If you drink a beverage that needs a bottle opener you would still have the one on your Leather man, your keychain, screwdriver set, BBQ set, cooler, grill, and also the multitude of free ones businesses often give away as free gifts with their logo on it.
OldDominionDIYer
Amazingly this looks like an evolution of it with a double ended 4 blade setup…nice!
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Retractable-Utility-Knife-4-Blades-9044/314328097
MicahMc
NICE job finding that product link! I saw that model referenced in one of the videos but I don’t think it’s available yet (at least in my area or online). But the price looks right and I’ll definitely buy one in a heartbeat when it’s available!
MicahMc
It does look like it’s available locally in parts of the country (just not within 100 miles from the Twin Cities, MN) 😂
Matt the Hoople
It looks like a magnet is used to hold the blades in the retracted position. I suspect this is so that the blades don’t just fall out if one is to inadvertently press up on the lock bar while tilting the front of the knife downward. I could see something like that happening while fishing it out of a pocket or a tool pouch.
Stuart
No, there’s no magnet that I can detect. I’ve been trying to look into what the graphic means, but it doesn’t seem to be a standard.
I’m thinking it’s more of a “hey, this can be fixed to magnets!” type of message. Maybe that’s where a button magnet can go?
Koko The Talking Ape
I’m impressed with the blade lock. Clever and simple.
I think it could lose the bottle opener and add some blade storage.
Plain grainy
Off Topic: Toolnut has a 48 hour sale. As much as $75 off of purchases over $150.00. Not sure how great the deal is, but if your looking for something Milwaukee check it out.
Jack
75 off >350. Send link if this is wrong. Thanks.
Plain grainy
I’m not sure of the terms, discount will show at checkout I guess.
Dean
If you follow your link to the Home Depot product page and watch the first video they mention a versatile 4-blade model (43 sec). You can compare them side by side and it’s the same knife but double ended (no bottle opener!). That sounds like a win win to me. Sleeker profile with more blades! I can’t find it anywhere online so I guess it must be coming soon. Eagerly awaiting that day.
MicahMc
I haven’t been able to find the 4-blade option either but I agree – I think it’s worth holding out for that model!
Dean
4-Blade Model Link
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Retractable-Utility-Knife-4-Blades-9044/314328097#overlay
MicahMc
Thanks so much! It’s not available online or my local area yet but I’ll definitely keep my eyes open now!!
atalanta
If you go to the page, you can see reviews from June 2021, so it “was” available for under $15. I contacted support and was told it’s not discontinued and I put my email on a “notify my when in stock” reminder. I plugged in some zip codes and found some in California (90210 LOL). I’d like the four blade option – 2 to use and 2 for backup. I do leather work and the two different blades are quite useful (I have the one mentioned in this review right now).
MicahMc
Funny! I did the exact same thing w/ the exact same zip code!
As a matter of fact, a couple of years ago when DeWALT came out with their carbon-fiber stapler, it was only available in the 90210 area (and some other zips in the LA area as well). A friend who lived in the area at the time mailed one to me and then a few months later it was available everywhere. I’m guessing that’s where they start launching new products? Maybe they have a warehouse there?
I agree – I like having the 2-blade option and then 2 for back-up as well!
atalanta
I guess that stupid show really pegged home that zip code. LOL I hope you’re right about it being launched in other markets later. I’m really liking the one I have now and would def get the four-blade version when its available.
MicahMc
I just ordered the knife online today! It’s still not available in-store but shipping was free with no minimum purchase! https://www.homedepot.com/p/Retractable-Utility-Knife-4-Blades-9044/314328097
JoeM
Seems some people like Fidget Spinners… Stuart likes Utility Knives… At least the purpose is obvious there… That is better than a Fidget Spinner, quite conclusively.
I still like my original DeWALT DWHT100035 folding retractable knife.
Oh, and Stuart? Correction Gremlin is reaching out and pointing to a tiny error:
To change either blade, open the locking lever, depress the locking spring. and remove the blade. Replacement blades are easily inswered.
I think you need some sleep. Looks like you went for “Inserted” and were interrupted with “Answered” from somewhere. Correction Goblin is a little worried about you on this one. He’s a very friendly Gremlin. More Mogwai, less Black Forest, if you know what I mean.
Stuart
Thanks, *fixed*!
MT_Noob
Am I the only one that saw the thumbprint image before reading the article and assumed it was some sort of electronic finger print reader gimmick?
I do have the Bostich twin blade holder mentioned above and I like having both a straight and curved blade handy. But the blade retention on the bostich was a bit weird and I always wondered if the blade was going to accidently come loose when cutting something that was really dragging on the blade. It never happened, but my lack of confidence in it meant that I was less likely to use it.
This two blade holder does seem like a nice option fo some use cases.
Jeremiah Ducate
I had the fingerprint reader thought very briefly. They probably couldnt source chips in the current climate 😉
G. Greene
I think you meant “…easily inserted.” vs. “….easily inswered.”
Stuart
Thanks, *fixed!*
MicahMc
I noticed (from the HD reviews) that you can use this knife as a scraper as well?! I’m going to check this out later today!
https://photos-us.bazaarvoice.com/photo/2/cGhvdG86aG9tZWRlcG90/14fbfec0-ccfb-5a00-979d-3524d755f4a7
Stuart
I would NOT recommend that. There is a gap in the knife at the rear handle, but it’s not designed for use in the pictured manner.
MicahMc
That’s good to know! Thanks for clarifying that, Stuart!!
Robert
I occasionally regrip golf clubs, and use the hook blades to remove the old grips. Rather than switching blades, I’ve generally kept a separate knife with hook blades specifically for that application. I can definitely see the advantage of one knife with 2 blade types.
I’ve also regripped an entire set of clubs, and found myself replacing hook blades to finish the job. It would also be nice to have a second blade already in the tool to expedite the process.