Having the best utility knife on you means always being able to make a cut without worrying about messing up your pocket knife.
The utility knife has been around for a very long time and typically fills all sorts of roles.
The demands on utility knives becomes complex when you consider the variety of materials people need to cut through cleanly and accurately.
Choosing the right tool for your particular application is important so that you do not end up with a knife that may be sufficient for one task, but not for another.
Another factor is size and weight.
Carrying around a lot of handy tools is great, but it can weigh you down, which will tire you out quicker in the day.
Plus, if you go to multiple job sites, it gets tedious hauling heavier gear.
That's why I did a ton of research and found the top 10 utility knives out there. In this article, we are going to review these top performers so that you can pick the right one for your jobs.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, where I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Best Utility Knife - Top 10
1. Gerber EAB Lite
Weight: 2.5 ounces, Dimensions: 5.1 inch open with a 2.3 inch blade length, 2.8 inch closed length
The futuristic design of this Gerber utility knife makes it an attractive, but also versatile tool.
Built with the general contractor in mind, this knife accepts either the 2 ¼-inch contractor or standard sized blades.
When folded, this knife fits neatly in a pocket. The rounded edges make it easy and comfortable to use. While the size and weight make it a great mini utility knife.
When open for use, the deep finger grooves in the stainless steel handle provide a secure grip and a sure, safe cut. For the price and functionality, the Gerber EAB Lite is the best folding utility knife.
2. Stanley 10-099 Classic
Weight: 4.8 ounces, Dimensions: 1.4 x 3.3 x 3 inches
The Stanley Classic is a standard in the world of utility knives. It makes for the best box cutter given its robust build.
This time-tested tool holds multiple blades inside its sturdy handle.
The Stanley knife has 3 position blades that allow for varying depths of a cut.
With a solid metal body, this utility knife is built to last over the long term. Stanley is a company that has been around for 170 years, and they get their tools right.
You can't go wrong with this classic Stanley utility knife. Because of the price, it comes with some blades and you can buy replacements fairly cheap, making them the best utility knife blades.
3. Irwin Tools Folding
Weight: 8 ounces, Dimensions: 8.6 x 3.9 x 1 inches
Irwin tools have a long-standing reputation as trustworthy tools and this utility knife is no exception.
It has a unique industrial design, making the folding razor knife super compact.
The secure blade can be swapped out with the push of a button.
Due to its compact size, it does not store multiple blades. This can be a challenge for those prone to put utility blades through difficult materials.
One unique feature of this knife is that it has the added convenience of a wire stripper notch. This eliminates the need for an additional tool.
4. Alltrade 150003 Auto-Loading
Weight: 12.5 ounces, Dimensions: 1.2 x 6 x 10.6 inches
Alltrade may not be known as a traditional household tool, but their quality and reputation made them a leader in the utility knife market.
The sleek design of the 150003 is not the only attractive trait for this knife.
It is also a very durable knife constructed of the highest-grade material. This knife exceeds the standard for this type of tool.
It is a full-sized knife with internal blade storage, but unlike similar tools, it is not necessary to open the handle to access spare blades.
Instead, Alltrades unique quick-change feature brings forward a new blade at the squeeze of the handle.
5. DEWALT DWHT10035L
Weight: 0.8 ounces, Dimensions: 3.5 x 7 x 1.1 inches
Users of Dewalt tools demand the utmost in strength and durability.
This full-sized, foldable knife fits that bill.
Unlike most other foldable knives, the blade on this product is retractable and offers variable cutting lengths.
The larger handle also offers on board storage. The blade folds out easily with one hand operation. This one has it all.
6. Bessey D-BKWH Quick-Change
Weight: 7.2 ounces, Dimensions: 0.2 x 1 x 6.5 inches
If a classy, modern design with attractive wood grain on the handle sounds like the knife you are looking for, this Bessey is the one for you.
The patented quick-change blade folds neatly into the handle for easy pocket carry.
If you prefer to carry this on a belt, the included belt-clip makes this super easy and convenient.
Even though this design may appear to be an updated utility knife, it still uses standard sized utility blades.
7. Sheffield 12113
Weight: 5.3 ounces, Dimensions: 8.9 x 4 x 0.7 inches
Aside from the handy quick-change blade mechanism, this knife is a standard foldable utility knife.
The handle is made of lightweight aluminum, but is textured for comfort and a secure grip.
The knife is available in multiple colors.
8. Darice Retractable Set
Weight: 1.6 ounces, Dimensions: 8 x 4.9 x 0.6 inches
Retractable blade knives such as this are suitable for many light-duty applications.
This knife is more suited to crafting and art projects.
It's great to have in the office or kitchen drawer for light and precise work.
The plastic cases that enclose three specially sized blades come in assorted colors. However, they are not suited to being carried in a pocket.
9. OLFA 5003 L-1
Weight: 3.2 ounces, Dimensions: 6 x 1.2 x 0.5 inches
If you want a durable knife designed for arts and crafts—and perhaps a little more—the Olfa may fill that need.
Unlike many other craft razor knives, this product encloses the replacement blade inside the stainless steel handle.
The blade advances with a sturdy thumbwheel screw rather than a lightweight plastic latch. The strength of the Japanese stainless steel handles crafts easily.
10. Snap-On 870521
Weight: 12 ounces, Dimensions: 0.6 x 5.6 x 8.8 inches
This lightweight utility knife is a staple item in many toolboxes.
The blade folds into a lightweight aluminum handle that is durable enough for most applications.
Unlike other foldable knives, this blade locks in both the open and closed positions.
The Snap-On knife is covered by a lifetime warranty and make great little box knives.
Conclusion
People who need a utility knife for cutting through thick materials typically require a dependable knife that can handle the added pressure needed to make a clean cut.
On the other hand, those who cut paper, thin plastic or other similar thin materials may want a smaller, more manageable handle to guide the blade with added precision.
Some manufacturers attempt to bridge the gap by creating a tool suitable for both ends of the spectrum, but you will have to decide for yourself if a knife meets your needs.
If you don't need a big blade and want more capabilities, consider getting a great Swiss army knife.
Another thing to consider on the job is protecting your knees. That's why I put together a list of the top knee pads.
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