As an EDC tool, knives can be very useful, but they aren’t always the best for every job. Opening boxes with taped edges and tearing apart cardboard and clamshell packing can mess up the edge of your knife by coating it with gunk and glue and dulling even the sharpest blade. For that kind of dirty work, a retractable best utility knife would be better. It would do most of the work with replaceable blades that don’t need much upkeep, keeping your EDC knife sharp for more important tasks.
This guide looks at utility knives and box cuts that are easy to carry and don’t take up too much space in your pocket. They can help protect your main EDC knife from unnecessary wear and tear. From knives as small as zipper pulls to multi-tools with a flexible utility blade, here are some options that could be useful to keep in your pocket, organizer, or daily pack. Below we have mentioned the best utility knife.
Best Utility Knife Comparison Table
| Knife Model | Blade Changing Mechanism | Number of Blades Included | Blade Locking Mechanism | Blade Storage | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Edge SlideWinder | Slide | 4 | Lockback | No | High |
| Olfa 1072198 LA-X | Slide | 1 | Lockback | No | Low |
| Stanley Classic 99 | Screw | 3 | Fixed | Yes | Low |
| Kobalt Utility With 11 Blades | Button | 11 | Fixed | Yes | Medium |
| LENOX Utility Knife Quick-Change | Button | 6 | Fixed | Yes | Medium |
Outdoor Edge SlideWinder
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | 7Cr17MoV Stainless Steel |
| Blade Length | 3.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 8 inches |
| Weight | 4.5 ounces |
| Locking Mechanism | Frame Lock |
| Additional Features | Replaceable Blade System, Glass Breaker, Belt Clip |
| Price | $39.95 |
The Outdoor Edge SlideWinder knife is small and easy to carry around. This multi-tool is only 1/4 inch thick and has a pocket clip, so there’s no reason not to carry it with you every day. The blade is easy to change, and the Phillips and flathead screwdrivers work well, especially compared to other multi-tools in the same class. Thus, this is one of the best utility knife you can buy right now.
Even though the frame is made of stainless steel, the blade carriage lock is a problem. We thought it was stiff and didn’t always work. If you have big hands, you might not be able to use this tool for a long time because you can only hold it with three fingers. Last but not least, the bottle opener on board is a small but important issue after 5 o’clock. It will work, but its small mouth makes it hard for it to open bottle caps. Overall, this small tool can be very useful in a pinch and is very unobtrusive when it’s not being used.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Features a useful multi-tool with several functions
- Durable construction with a sturdy blade
Cons
- The blade may not be as sharp as some other knives in its price range
- The sliding mechanism may feel a bit loose to some users
Olfa 1072198 LA-X
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | High Carbon Steel |
| Blade Length | 18 mm |
| Overall Length | 5.25 inches |
| Weight | 0.7 ounces |
| Locking Mechanism | Slide Lock |
| Additional Features | Built-In Blade Snapper, Pocket Clip, Cushion Grip |
| Price | $8.74 |
The OLFA LA-X is different from other knives because it has a long (3.25″) blade that is scored so that the top part can be broken off to reveal a sharper tip. When cutting along a straight edge or in a slot, the length of the blade is a real benefit. On the other hand, when you need accuracy, just pull the blade back to its shortest position to make it more rigid. Also, the rubber inlay and flared form of the handle make it easier to hold and control when cutting.
The LA-X is a useful tool that is often bought along with a regular utility knife, but it does have some flaws that are worth noting. First of all, the blade carriage is made of plastic, which is not nearly as sturdy as metal. Also, the blade lock isn’t very strong. We didn’t have any problems with these parts, but we wouldn’t suggest this model for heavy use on its own. With that in mind, use this tool when you need a longer blade or a sharper edge quickly. Overall, this is one of the best utility knife you can buy right now.
Pros
- Ultra-sharp blade for precise cutting
- Ergonomic handle design for comfortable use
- Suitable for both left and right-handed users
Cons
- The blade may be too thin for heavier-duty cutting tasks
- The handle material may not be as durable as some other knives in its price range
Stanley Classic 99
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | High Carbon Steel |
| Blade Length | 2.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 6.25 inches |
| Weight | 0.2 ounces |
| Locking Mechanism | Lockback |
| Additional Features | Pocket Clip, Keychain Hole |
| Price | $7.88 |
If you like simple, cheap, and reliable tools, the Stanley Classic 99 knife is probably your style. The handle of this blade is small, but it is easy to hold. It only has one part that moves, and it can hold up to 10 extra blades. The blade carriage has very little play, which is more than we can say about most of the competition. This shows how well made and simple the design is. For now, this is one of the best utility knife you can buy right now.
When you want to change a blade, you have to back out a screw that holds the two halves of the 99E together. This is our biggest worry about the 99E. Even though it’s not a big deal, you might need a screwdriver or a penny to fix it. If you don’t turn the handle flat when you take the two halves apart, the free blades that are stored in the handle will fall out. But we found that this type was a good tool that could take a beating and still cut.
Pros
- Affordable and widely available
- Sturdy and reliable construction
- Blade can be locked in place for safety
Cons
- The blade may not be as sharp as some other knives in its price range
- The handle may feel uncomfortable to some users
- Does not have any additional features or functions
Kobalt Utility With 11 Blades
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | SK5 High Carbon Steel |
| Blade Length | 1.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 6 inches |
| Weight | 0.25 ounces |
| Locking Mechanism | Liner Lock |
| Additional Features | Quick-Change Blade Mechanism, Belt Clip, Storage Case |
| Price | $9.98 |
The Kobalt Utility With 11 Blades is a great pocket knife. It is well made and has a lot of room to hold on to. This tool is a lot like a standard pocket knife in that it has a spring lock that keeps the blade safe when it is open. We really liked this feature because it makes the tool as strong as a knife that doesn’t fold and takes away the worry that it will close on its own. Also, when the knife is folded up, the stiff pocket clip will keep it in place even if you squat or high-step.
Even though this model is sturdy and has a good pocket clip, it has some problems. First of all, it’s hard to open the knife with one hand, though it’s not impossible. But closing it without using both hands is even harder and might even be dangerous, so we don’t suggest it. Lastly, there is no place to store blades on board. This problem can be fixed with an easy and effective way to swipe the blade. All in all, this is a good knife that costs a fair amount. Still, this is one of the best utility knife you can buy right now.
Pros
- Comes with a variety of blades for different cutting tasks
- Durable construction with a comfortable grip
- Blade storage compartment in the handle
Cons
- Some users may find the handle design to be too bulky
- The blade locking mechanism may not be as secure as some other knives in its price range
- Some users may prefer a dedicated blade-changing mechanism rather than having to manually replace blades
LENOX Utility Knife Quick-Change
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | Bi-Metal |
| Blade Length | 2.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 6.5 inches |
| Weight | 0.15 ounces |
| Locking Mechanism | Liner Lock |
| Additional Features | Quick-Change Blade Mechanism, Pocket Clip |
| Price | $11.09 |
The LENOX Utility Knife Quick-Change fixes all of the problems that come with the traditional form of a utility knife. The grip is comfy and works well. It is nicely curved to fit the shape of the hand when the thumb is out, which makes it easier to be precise and apply pressure to the blade. The blade storage is easy to get to, and you don’t need a tool to get the blade out. Because of these two traits, it’s easy to switch to a sharp blade. Also, the buttons are big and easy to hold, which makes it easy to use all of the knife’s features. Lastly, the internal blade storage clamp does a lot to keep the extra blades from moving and helps keep them as sharp as ever. Thus, this is one of the best utility knife you can buy right now.
Even though the knife is well thought out in terms of how it is made, it could be made better. For example, the moving parts, especially the blade carriage, have a bit of wiggle room. Also, the handle’s leeway for closing is a little bigger than we would have liked. During our tests, we did not run into any problems. But if you plan to use this blade for heavy-duty work often, you might want to look for one with fewer moving parts. Even so, this model will be great for most job that is not professional.
Pros
- Easy and quick blade-changing mechanism
- Ergonomic handle design for comfortable use
- Durable construction with a sturdy blade
Cons
- The blade may not be as sharp as some other knives in its price range
- The quick-change mechanism may feel a bit loose to some users
- Does not have any additional features or functions.
FAQs
A utility knife is a cutting tool with a sharp, narrow blade that can be used for a lot of different cutting and trimming jobs. It is often used in building, woodworking, and cooking, among other things.
When picking a utility knife, you should think about the blade material, blade length, handle material, and overall quality of the knife. Look for a knife with a sharp, long-lasting blade made of high-quality materials like stainless steel or carbon steel and a comfy, secure-grip handle.
It’s important to clean and sharpen the blade of your utility knife often to keep it in good shape. Before putting your knife away, you should always wash it by hand with warm clean water and dry it well. Keep your knife’s edge sharp with an honing rod or sharpening stone, and don’t use it on hard surfaces or to cut through bones, as this can damage the blade.
