15 Best Utility Knife 2023 Models Reviewed – Which One Wins?
We all need utility knives at one point in our lives or another. They come in handy when basics tasks such as cutting boxes open or making crafts are involved. In short, if you’re a DIY type, you’ll find these tools indispensable.
So, what options do you have in store? In the following few paragraphs we’d like to talk about the best utility knife.
What characteristics are unique to the best utility knives?
- Ease of use
- Intuitiveness
- Quality handles
In other words, if you get a knife that compromises on those three, chances are that you’ll never realize your full value for money.
But to make sure you never have to gamble with this decision, we have prepared the following guide to buying affordable utility knives. Using this, you’ll be able to make a more confident decision.
15 Best Utility Knife 2023 – Comparison List
Psst! The following run-down of reviews is several paragraphs long. Don’t have the time to read those? Here’s a short and quick list based on those reviews.
1. Gerber EAB 31-000345 Lite Pocket Knife
This knife is a product of Gerber, a company that was launched back in 1939 in rather an interesting way. Mr. Gerber was working for an agency, and one Christmas through his department, the agency gifted their clients with knives specially made for gifting. The knives were liked so much and that is how Mr. Gerber got the idea of making knives.
You can use this knife for many tasks including cutting boxes, and ropes. Moreover, the handle also doubles up as a money clip. The knife is constructed from a stainless steel material and therefore it is rust and corrosion resistant.
The knife’s handle is designed with deep grooves to give the finger a good grip. It has some awesome features for a pocket knife. It fits well in a pocket because of its size when closed. Apart from that, it has a tapered shape and its edges are rounded.
The Gerber EAB 31-000345 Lite Pocket Knife when opened is about 5 inches long. It weighs only 2.5 ounces and therefore it is light in weight and portable. The good thing is that it is sturdy enough to handle cutting tough items. Additionally, it has a lock to keep it secure when it is not in use.
It is an affordable knife that has the manufacturer’s lifetime warranty. What’s more, the blade is quite easy to replace.
Pros
- It has a replaceable blade mechanism
- Durably constructed from stainless steel
- You can use the knife’s handle as a money clip
- It is designed with deep finger grooves for a firm grip
- It is small and light in weight for a perfect pocket knife
- It is inexpensive
- It is warranted by the manufacturer
Cons
- It lacks a lanyard or clip for attaching to a belt or pocket
- Spare blades are not provided
2. Milwaukee Fastback Utility Knife Gut Hook 48-22-19033
The many features of the Milwaukee Fastback Utility Knife make it a very practical cutting tool. The knife is sturdily built for enhanced durability. It is designed in such a way that you can use it as a standard knife or use it at a 45-degree angle.
This affordable knife is ergonomically designed and therefore it is easy and comfortable to use it to do any task. Its gut hook makes it possible to use the knife for performing some tasks without having to open the blade.
The other highlight of this tool is the replaceable blade that is easily done. You simply press down the base of the blade, then remove the old blade and replace it with the new blade.
Worth noting is that the blade is kept secure and to access it you have to use the quick lock button. And that is not all, the knife has a blade storage compartment where you can keep up to 4 spare blades, for your convenience.
Apart from that, it is designed with a hole. It makes it easy to attach the pocket knife on a toolbelt by attaching a lanyard or a wire clip for ease of portability. It comes at a moderate price point.
Pros
- It is durably designed
- It has a lock button to keep the blade and spare blades safe from causing accidents
- Onboard blade storage for spare blades
- The blade is easily replaced
- The handle is ergonomically designed
- It has a clip you can use to attach a wire clip or lanyard
Cons
- There are cheaper brands in the market
- In comparison to other brands, it doesn’t double up as a money clip
3. Workpro W013009A Retractable Utility Knife Self-retracting
If you are looking for a budget utility knife, then you can consider the Workpro W013009A Retractable Utility Knife. It has a low price point, in addition to that, the purchase includes three extra blades. The included blades are sharp and able to handle small and also bigger tasks well, for example, cutting boxes, paper, pipes among other tasks.
It weighs only, 6.4 ounces. The small size and lightweight makes it easy to carry the knife around.
The body of the knife is constructed from die-cast aluminum and as such, it is quite sturdy for durability. It is easy to operate utility knife, one hand can open and close the knife. In addition, the handle is ergonomic for a firm grip.
The knife has a top button for retracting the blade for your safety. The blades are self-retracting to prevent accidents. Also, the blades are replaceable. Besides that, the knife is compatible with standard utility blades.
The unit has a two blades storage area for spare blades for your convenience. What’s more, changing the blades is a breeze, you simply press the blade buttons, then you remove the old blade and replace it with the new blade.
Pros
- Three extra blades provided
- The knife has a quick blades change mechanism
- The handle is ergonomically designed and therefore comfortable to handle
- Blade storage space for three extra blades
- Replaceable blades
- Very affordable
- List Element
Cons
- No hole for belt clipping or hooking a lanyard
- It doesn’t double up as a money clip
- It is a bit heavy
4. Gerber EAB 22-41830 Pocket Knife
The Gerber EAB 22-41830 Pocket Knife works as a money clip as well. The handle is designed to clip money.
The knife weighs only 2.2 ounces, that makes it a lightweight unit. Its overall length is 4.1-Inch while its closed length is 2.4-Inches. As such, it is the right size to carry around conveniently.
The knife is constructed from stainless steel to hold up for long. It is fitted with contractor grade utility blades which are sharp, and when one side gets dull, you can turn the blade to use the other side.
The good thing is that the blades are also replaceable and with standard blades or the contractor grade utility blades.
Changing the blades is a fast and easy process which involves unscrewing a stabilizing screw. Just as importantly, the knife is designed with a liner lock to keep the blade open when in use. Moreover, it has a finger guard to protect your fingers from the sharp blade.
What’s more, the knife is affordable.
Pros
- The knives are made by a reputable company Gerber
- It is competitively priced
- The handle is designed as a money clip too
- It is fitted with contractor grade utility blades
- It is light in weight and small in size which makes a perfect pocket knife
- It is durably constructed from stainless steel
- It is designed with safety features
Cons
- It doesn’t have a clip for a lanyard
- It has no storage compartment for spare blades like other brands in the market
5. Alltrade 150003 Auto-Loading Squeeze Utility Knife
A utility knife has many household and outdoor functions, it can serve as a camping knife, pocket knife to name but some. This knife boasts many features. First and foremost, it is competitively priced, and it comes with the manufacturer’s lifetime warranty. In addition to that, an order includes six spare blades. Moreover, the knife is made from high-quality materials for durability and then tested for performance.
Besides, loading a new blade is a simple and fast process, simply squeeze the lever on the handle and remove the old blade while replacing a new one.
The handle is ergonomically designed with a curve and cushion grip. The blades that come with the knife are heavy duty and sharp for ultra performance. The good thing is that they are replaceable when they get dull.
Just as importantly, the knife is designed with a blade storage compartment to keep spare blades always nearby.
However, at 12.5 ounces, the knife is a little bit heavy in comparison to other brands in the market.
Pros
- It is affordable and in addition to that it has the manufacturer’s lifetime warranty
- It is durably constructed
- An order includes six spare blades
- It is easy to change blades, it takes less than a minute
- It has inbuilt storage for blades
- It is fitted with heavy duty blades
Cons
- Its weight is on the higher side
- In comparison to other brands, it has no money clip
- It has no clip for attaching to a belt or clothes
6. Irwin Tools Folding Utility Knife FK150 1858319
This knife is a product of Irwin Tools, a manufacturer of high-quality tools. The utility knife boasts various features for high performance, safety, and durability.
The knife is constructed from a combination of metal and plastic for durability. It is a foldable knife that is easy to operate with one hand. It is ergonomically designed for comfort and to provide a secure grip when working.
Apart from that, the knife weighs only 4.5 ounces. In this regard, it is light in weight and easy to operate with one hand for extended periods of time. It is also easy to carry around without feeling the weight.
Designed with BladeLock Technology, it keeps the blade locked which is a safety feature. The blades stay in the knife until they are taken out. To change blades is easy, you have to engage the release button and keep the blade holder in a 45° position.
The body of the knife is designed with a compartment that can store two spare blades for your convenience.
In addition to that, a wire stripper is included to provide built-in convenience.
To top it all up, the knife is very affordably priced.
Pros
- The knife is made by a reputable company
- It is durably constructed
- Wire stripper
- The knife comes at a very low price point
- It is ergonomically designed
- It has a clip
- It has a blade storage compartment
Cons
- The storage compartment holds only two spare blades
7. Klein Tools 44133 Heavy Duty Utility Knife, Retractable
This knife is a product of Klein Tools which has been making pocket knives since 1857. The knife is constructed durably from a combination of metal, rubber, and plastic. Just as significantly, the knife comes at a moderate price.
Because the pocket knife is small, it is designed with a conspicuous color yellow to help find it easily in a toolbox. It is ergonomically designed with rubber grips on the handle for comfort and control. It has two blade positions to suit your cutting needs.
It has a replaceable blade system. Moreover, it has an inbuilt blade storage compartment for keeping spare blades. The good news is that it comes with six spare blades.
The knife is inserted with high-quality blades that retain their sharpness for long. The blades are quite easy to change using an auto-loading system. To change the blades, use the release button to remove the old blade, then the lever is slid back to release a new blade from the storage compartment.
What’s more, it has a wire stripping notch.
Noteworthy, the knife weighs 7.5 ounces. In comparison to other brands in the market, it is heavy.
Pros
- Six spare blades are provided
- The handle is ergonomically designed with rubber grips
- Inbuilt blade storage compartment
- High-quality sharp blades
- Quick blade changing mechanism
Cons
- There are cheaper brands in the market
- It is a bit heavy in comparison to other brands
8. Olfa LA-X 1072198 Heavy-Duty Utility Knife
The Olfa LA-X 1072198 Heavy-Duty Utility Knife is for sure, a heavy duty unit that can be used for cutting and doing various functions including removing switch plates, opening paint cans, and cutting tasks. The body of the knife is constructed durably with a handle that is constructed from fiberglass with a rubber grip.
The knife is fitted with an LBB Ultramax Blade, which is a heavy duty unit. The blade can cut linoleum, carpets, drywall, roofing shingles to name but some. The other advantage of the blades is that they are inexpensive and therefore easy to replace.
The knife weighs 3.2 ounces only, in this regard, it is light in weight for easy portability. Besides that, it comes with a clip for attaching a lanyard or hooking on a belt for easy portability and to avoid losing the knife.
The handle is engineered with a cushion for control and comfort, additionally, the handle has chemical resistance properties. It has an auto-lock mechanism for safety.
The knife is very inexpensive. Moreover, it is also an easy to clean knife. Worth noting that this knife does not have an inbuilt blade storage compartment, and therefore spare blades have to be transported separately especially when using the knife outdoors.
Pros
- It is a multipurpose tool
- The handle is ergonomically designed with anti-slip features
- The handle has chemical resistance properties
- It comes preloaded with an LBB Ultramax Blade
- It has a clip for attaching a lanyard for easy transportation
Cons
- The knife has no inbuilt storage compartment
9. Workpro W011013A Quick-Change Utility Knife
If you are looking for an elegant utility knife that is also high performing, then you can consider this unit. You can use the knife for cutting a wide range of items including carpet, plastics, cartons, cloth, leather, drywall among others. Indeed it is sturdy and suitable for contractual use. It is also a perfect knife for DIY projects.
The handle is constructed from wood and the rest of the body is constructed from a stainless steel material for durability. The handle is anti-slip for a firm grip. Moreover, the knife is competitively priced and it has the manufacturer’s one year warranty.
The knife weighs 8 ounces, which is quite heavy when compared to other brands in the market.
The knife is easy to open and close. More so, it is easy to change blades because the knife has a blade release button for changing the blades conveniently without getting injured by the blades. Just as significantly, the knife is compatible with all standard utility blades.
The knife is built with a liner-lock which keeps the blade safe when the knife is not in use. It has a clip which can be used for attaching to bags, pockets or belts to keep it from getting lost.
Pros
- It is sleek with the wooden handle
- Durably constructed with a stainless steel body
- It is cheap
- The knife has the manufacturer’s one year warranty
- It has a clip for easy portability
Cons
- Spare blades are not included
- It is a bit heavy
- It has no storage compartment for spare blades
10. Outdoor Edge-Slidewinder Utility Knife
The Outdoor Edge-Slidewinder Utility Knife is a multipurpose unit that can be used for a variety of indoor and outdoor tasks. The unit features a bottle opener, a screwdriver, and a built-in flathead. As such, you can use it for various tasks including bottle opening, screw driving and cutting various items using the utility knife.
To open the knife, you simply slide it and to close it, you use the provided convenience button.
The body of the knife is constructed from various high-quality materials, including nylon, glass plus stainless steel. It is a small unit and it has a weight of about 1.5 ounces, it is therefore quite light in weight and very convenient to carry around.
Another highlight of this knife is that it has a replaceable blade system. Also, the knife can use any standard utility blade. Besides, replacing the blades is easy and fast.
An order includes a blade that is robustly designed. The good news is that the knife is affordably priced. Above that, it also has a pocket clip for ease of portability. What’s more, there are various colors to choose from.
Pros
- It is a multi-purpose tool for doing different types of tasks
- It is easy to open and lock it
- It has a pocket clip for easy portability
- It is easy to replace the blades
- The utility knife is compatible with standard blades
- It is durably constructed from high-quality materials
Cons
- Spare blades not provided
- It has no blade compartment
11. Workpro Pro W011009A Folding Utility Knife
This utility knife can cut a wide range of materials including cloth, bag, leather, PVC, plastic, drywall, carpets, paper, and others. It weighs 7 ounces, which is heavy in comparison to other brands in the market.
The knife is durably constructed. The body is constructed from high-quality steel with an anti-slip ABS handle. The knife is curved for ergonomics.
By buying this knife you are getting value for money because first, it is affordable, secondly, the knife will last long. Thirdly, the blades are replaceable, you will not need to replace the knife any time soon. And lastly, the knife is a low-risk product because it has the manufacturer’s one year warranty.
The knife is designed to be opened and closed easily using one hand. Swapping blades is an easy process. Additionally, the knife is compatible with standard utility blades. The handle can be used to store extra blades to keep blades within easy reach. A package includes five extra blades.
What’s more, it has a belt clip which provides convenience and prevents the knife from getting lost.
Pros
- It is affordable plus it is covered by the manufacturer’s one year warranty
- It is sturdy and able to cut different types of materials
- It is ergonomically designed with a curvy shape
- There are no hassles changing blades
- The knife is compatible with standard utility blades
Cons
- The knife is a bit heavy in comparison to other utility knives brands
12. Acetek Utility Knife Folding
You can use this utility knife for a variety of functions including cutting boxes. The body of the knife is constructed from a combination of stainless steel and anodized aluminum for longevity. The blades, on the other hand, are durably constructed to resist rust.
The knife weighs only 4.4 ounces which is not a substantial weight for a lightweight knife that is easy to carry around. The handle is ergonomically designed with non-slip features for a firm grip. The knife is competitively priced and what’s more, it is covered by the manufacturer’s one-year product warranty.
The package includes 10 pcs replaceable blades.
The other highlights of the knife include having a belt clip which keeps the knife securely clipped without risking losing the knife. In addition to that, the knife has a quick blade change mechanism to make switching blades convenient.
Besides that, the knife has a tiny plastic protector and a lock back design which keeps the blades safe when the knife is not in use.
Pros
- It is constructed durably
- It is affordable
- It has a one-year product warranty
- A purchase includes 10 spare blades
- It has a clip for fastening on a bag, pocket or belt
- The blades are easy to change
- It is light in weight
- It has safety features to prevent accidents
- The handle is ergonomic
Cons
- It has no storage compartment for blades
- Other brands in the market double up as money clips as well
13. Stanley-FatMax Utility Knife 10-777 Retractable Locking
A utility knife is less bulky than scissors. The manufacturer of this knife, Stanley, has been in the industry of knives making for the last at least 160 years and in this regard, is quite reliable.
You can use this utility knife for cutting boxes, paper, drywall, PVC among other cutting tasks.
The body of this knife is made from a combination of plastic and steel for durability. The handle has a rubber grip which is comfortable and doesn’t slip providing a firm grip when working with the knife. The knife has a weight of 4 ounces, and therefore it is light in weight knife and easy to use and carry around.
The knife is competitively priced. Besides that, it is covered by the manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty.
The included blades are sharp and sturdy, designed to retain their sharpness for long. A purchase comes with three blades. In addition to that, the body of the knife has blade storage for up to 7 blades for your convenience.
Changing the blade is an easy process that doesn’t require disassembling the unit. Apart from that, it has a thumb dial lock which prevents the blade in one place when using the knife.
On the downside, the knife lacks a clip which helps in carrying a pocket knife without the risk of losing it.
Pros
- It is competitively priced
- It has a limited lifetime warranty
- The knife has ample blade storage for up to 7 spare blades
- The handle is ergonomic
- It comes with sharp blades that retain their edges for long
Cons
- It has no clip which prevents the knife from getting lost easily
- There are more affordable brands in the market
14. Southwire Folding Utility Knife 65029001 UTILQO Tools & Equipment
The Southwire Folding Utility Knife 65029001 has practical features for a perfect pocket knife for day to day usage. It is sturdy and as such, you can use it to cut various items including carpets, drywall, box cutting among others. It is a folding utility knife that is easy to open and operate with one hand using the provided button.
For ergonomics, the handle has a comfortable grip that will keep you in control of the knife. Also, the knife weighs only 4.8 ounces making it light in weight knife and easy to work with and carry around too.
Moreover, it has a tether hole which makes it easy to attach the knife on a bag, keychain or belt so that it doesn’t get lost.
Changing blades in this utility knife is fast and easy and doesn’t require any tools. Furthermore, the knife is designed to be compatible with standard 2-point utility blades for your convenience. 2-point blades are common and therefore easy to find.
On the downside, in comparison to other brands, this knife has no storage compartment for keeping spare blades and also spare blades are not provided.
The knife is competitively priced.
Pros
- It is affordable
- It is easy to replace dull blades
- The knife is compatible with 2-point utility blades which are easy to find
- It has a clip for a lanyard
- The handle is ergonomically designed.
- It is conveniently operated with one hand
Cons
- Spare blades are not provided
- It has no blade storage compartment
15. Husky 97211 Utility Knife Wooden Handle Folding
This knife is designed as a heavy duty unit for cutting carpets, boxes, drywall, linoleum, pipes, PVC, plastic among other items. As such you can buy it as a DIY knife.
The knife has metallic and wooden parts. The handle is constructed from wood and steel for durability. The knife is aesthetically appealing with a wooden handle.
The knife is easy to operate. Besides that, it comes with a robust blade that stays sharp for long. The blade is also reversible and it will take you long before you need to replace the blade. Nonetheless, it is still easy to switch dull blades with new blades.
When not in use the blade folds in, which keeps it safe from causing accidents. Also, a clip is provided, which reduces the risk of the knife getting lost. The shaft is ergonomic, which provides a comfortable and secure grip of the knife.
On the downside, note that this knife is more expensive in comparison to most brands in the market. Also, the knife weighs 6.4 ounces which is a bit on the heavier side as a pocket knife.
Pros
- Aesthetically appealing due to the wooden handle
- It is strong and therefore ideal for heavy duty cutting
- The clip design makes it easy to attach it to your pocket or bag
- Simple blade removal system
- It comes with a reversible and sharp blade
- It is durably constructed from metal and wood
Cons
- It is expensive
- It is heavier in comparison to other brands
Tips On Finding A Good Utility Knife
When it comes to shopping for these knives, your best bet is to go for something that’s durable and with a comfortable grip.
Also, because these knives come with quite a lot of features, it is important to double-check and ensure that those features are easy to use. For instance, if the knife has a folding mechanism, it should be capable of locking tightly and only opening when one needs it to.
You definitely don’t want to put a utility knife with a faulty locking mechanism in your pocket. It could get risky! But when it comes to shopping, these are the specific factors you need to take into consideration.
The Handle
This is perhaps the most important part of any utility knife. If the handle is weak, it can easily pose danger to you. So, the best thing to do is to ensure that you get a well-made and fully-fitted handle working for you.
Now, there are two common types of utility knife handles to be considered. Each one of them has its fair share of pros and cons.
Fixed-Position Handle
This is the most common kind of utility knife. In fact, it is also known as the traditional style of utility knife.
One unique attribute of this kind of knife is that its handle is designed to fold and that way, it protects the blade.
Interestingly, the blade of the knife remains firmly in one position during the cutting jobs. But in some cases, you can choose between different lengths for adjustment. Of course, different jobs require the use of different lengths.
Retractable Handle
This is the other type of handle commonly found on utility knives. It is a great handling and safety feature since you only expose the blade of the knife when you need it.
There’s usually a sliding mechanism in place which typically contains a spring which pulls the blade back into a casing.
We find this kind of handle design to be highly convenient to use. That’s because it eliminates the errors that might occur in between cuts. Also, another benefit of this handle is that you no longer have to rely solely on your memory to remember when to retract the blade for safekeeping.
Blades
Just like the handles, the blades of utility knives come in different forms and sizes. Which one is better and why?
In our view, the winning formula as far as these blades are concerned is one that combines safety with longevity. A weak blade would easily crumble and that would make it dysfunctional.
The traditional blade for utility knives is known to be extremely thin. This enables it to cut easily whilst withstanding a certain amount of side load.
However, even though it’s highly popular, they are also quite dangerous to handle as they can easily cut through your skin. What’s more? Because they are traditionally made out of soft material, they also tend to dull quickly.
It is at this point that you’ll want to think about the snap-off utility blades as well. One unique attribute of these blades is that though they are razor-like, you can easily snap them off effectively revealing a newer, sharp edge.
Those utility knives come with blades with multiple sections. And, therefore, you can flip through different blades until you find one that works best for you.
Safety
As much as these knives tend to add lots of value to one’s life, they also can pose occupational danger. According to estimates by the OSHA, an average company spends $40,000 in medical costs per year due to lacerations.
So, don’t compromise on safety. If you see a knife that’s finicky or too cheap to be true, be on the lookout, it might just be another rip-off. Remember, it always makes sense to pay a few extra dollars for better quality.
At this point, you might also want to consider the possibility of going for a ceramic utility knife blade.
Budget
Of course, you don’t want to break the bank all in the name of securing a utility knife for yourself. Likewise, we always warn our buyers that if a product is too cheap to be true, it probably is! So, avoid extremes – luckily, it is possible to find good knives at the under $20 range!
FAQs
What should I do if my utility knife’s blade dulls out?
Fortunately, most utility knives come with replaceable blades. You can always find such blades either directly from the manufacturer or from your favorite retail point.
Can I board a plane with this kind of knife?
Generally, airline companies frown upon passengers carrying knives on board. So, we wouldn’t recommend trying to carry it on board. But you can always look out for knife models that are certified as TSA-compliant.
How do I know that my knife complies with the California Prop 65 Warnings?
Avoid knives that have a chromate coating. In general, most well-made knives are made from a die-cast aluminum alloy.
Which One Is The Best?
All the knives we included in this review are great in one way or another. So, the secret here is to ensure that you get the best of the best.
In our view, the Gerber EAB 31-000345 Lite Pocket Knife is our absolute favorite because it is quite well-made and solid. Its high-quality blade is replaceable plus it comes with a durable handle that’s carved out of stainless steel.
Its ergonomic design especially considering its deep finger groves makes it a must-have for you’re your own convenience.
Final Thoughts
Utility knives are important to have for anyone who can benefit from precision instruments. They come in handy when you need to make cuts and are also known for being highly portable. So, if you don’t have one for yourself, be sure to take a look at some of the options available at your disposal as reviewed above.
