The Best Utility Knives for 2021
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Best Utility Knife
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For this post, I have put together a collection of the best utility knives currently available.
UPDATED: June 30, 2021.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the FC Folding Utility Knife because it features a convenient folding design and is made from stainless steel and anodized aluminum for durability and rust-resistance.
Similar to a pocket knife, utility knives come in several forms including fixed blade, retractable and folding options. However, when the blade is dull it either needs to be replaced, with a fixed blade, or the segment snapped off, with a retractable blade.
Depending on the task you are performing and the material you are cutting, some knives will be better suited for the task. For example, when box cutting, a blade that quickly extends and retracts to a fixed length is generally ideal. While for crafting, a blade with a variable length can offer greater flexibility.
To keep the blade from damaging your work surface, consider using a self healing cutting mat.
Over the years my fingers have had the pleasure of meeting many blades when working on projects, so I recommend using a pair of puncture resistant work gloves.
The following utility knives use the latest innovative components to meet your needs and help to ensure you do your best work.
So here is my list of The Best Utility Knives for 2021.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: FC Folding Pocket Aluminum Utility Knife
The FC Folding Pocket aluminum utility knife features a one-button lock-back design that locks the blade in place for effective cutting.
Constructed from anodized aluminum and stainless steel for a durable, lightweight, and rust-resistant design.
Equipped with an ergonomic non-slip handle for comfort and stability when cutting.
Features a folding design for compact and safe carrying and storage.
Equipped with a stainless steel clip for easily attaching to a pocket or belt.
Includes carbon steel blades and works with all standard size utility knife blades.
Overall dimensions: when open, it is 6.6 inches long, and it closes down to 4.3 inches long.
Weighs only 4.8 ounces.
Runner-up: WORKPRO Folding Utility Knife
The WORKPRO Folding knife features one-handed opening and closing for quick and easy use.
Equipped with a lock spring in the back of the handle.
Features a quick-change blade replacement system.
Includes a push-button to provide access to the blade handle storage.
Features a stainless steel belt clip to carry it anywhere.
Works with all standard utility blades (five blades included).
Best Value: Internet's Best Retractable Utility Knife
The Internet’s Best knife features a quick-release system for fast blade changes.
Constructed with a metal case for long-lasting durability and stability when cutting.
Equipped with a rubber grip for comfort and control.
Features a blade design that retracts and locks into place for safe carrying and storage.
Comes with five blades to get started.
Note: this includes two knives in the set.
Best Blade Changes: Alltrade 150003 Auto-Loading Utility Knife
The Alltrade 150003 features an auto-loading system for ultra-fast blade changes.
Offers the ability to remove blades by simply pressing a button.
Equipped with a system that by squeezing the handle it loads a new blade in place.
Equipped with an ergonomic cushion grip for comfort when in use.
Features a curved cutaway handle.
Includes six utility blades.
Best Compact Design: Gerber EAB Lite Utility Knife
The Gerber EAB Lite knife features an ultra-lightweight and compact design that easily goes anywhere.
Features tapered profile for easily placing in a pocket.
Equipped with finger grooves to help hold the knife when cutting.
Features a handle constructed from stainless steel for durability along with corrosion and rust resistance.
Overall dimensions:
When open: 5.1 inches long.
When closed: 2.8 inches long.
Features a lightweight design at just 2.5 ounces.
Offers the ability to be used as a money clip.
Works with standard utility blades.
Must-have Accessories
Don't forget the extra blades.
Best Budget Option: Stanley 10-099 Retractable Utility Knife
The Stanley 10-099 is the classic design that most people think of when they picture a utility knife.
Features a three-position retractable blade system for a range of applications.
Features an interlocking nose to hold the blades securely.
Features storage for up to ten blades located in the handle for easy access.
Includes three 11-921 utility blades.
Overall knife length is six inches.
Best Bulk Option: Tape King Retractable Utility Knife
The Tape King set offers a great option if several knives are needed for either a team or just to have in multiple locations around the home or office.
Offers a simple system when the blade gets dull, just snap off the blade at the next marked line for a new sharp edge.
Equipped with a retractable blade to adjust the extrusion length of the cutting edge.
Features a narrow blade width of 0.71 Inches (18mm) for compact cutting.
Equipped with a safety lock tab to prevent the blade from moving when in use.
Note: due to the thin profile of these knives it can become uncomfortable to cut for long periods. I recommend using one of the others on this list if you plan on repetitive or time-consuming cutting jobs.
Best Folding: KOBALT Utility Knife
The KOBALT knife features a folding design for quick cuts and compact storage when not in use.
Features a quick-change system to make fast blade changes on the go.
Equipped with an aluminum handle for a durable and lighweight design.
Includes 11 blades to get started cutting right away.
Best for Pockets: Klein Tools Folding Utility Knife
The Klein Tools folding knife features an aluminum handle with a folding design for quick access.
Includes triple ground blades to help them keep a sharp edge longer.
Equipped with a snap lock and sliding mechanism.
Features a quick-release button for fast blade changes.
Uses standard utility knife blades.
Best Grip: Home Planet Gear Utility Knife
The Home Planet Gear knife features a unique ergonomic handle that allows for comfort, knuckle protection, and precise control.
Equipped with a variable position blade that locks at five different lengths for a range of applications: closed, 1/8", 1/2", 3/4" or 1" (fully open).
Equipped with a quick-release blade system to make changes fast.
Includes blade storage in the handle for easy access.
Protects your knuckles from cardboard, carpet, and other rough surfaces.
Uses standard utility knife refill blades.
Comes with five reversible blades.
I hope this list of the best utility knives was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
