Carpet knives and blades

[NoahG]

So I’m a lead carpenter for a company that does live events. While we typically outsource our carpet instillation sometimes I have to go back and fix or change the carpeting after installers are gone, usually when it’s the way of my scenic units.

What are consider the “top line” in carpet knife bodies and blades? I’ve always been kinda scared of those things to be honest. I remember my neighbor as a kid got a bad bad cut off one once.

 

[M.Brane]

It's been a lot of years, but razors for seaming, and linoleum style for trimming/edges. Keeping 'em sharp with a stone or simply swapping blades especially for seaming. I remember a razor blade handle with an angled head that was quick release. Fit nicely on a straightedge.

Yes they will cut your fingers easier than the carpet. Proper respect needed.

 

[cgrutt]

Not sure if it's top of the line or not but have no problems with my Marshalltown knife. I believe I use Robert's blades but whatever they sell in the big box stores.

 

[boom_bap]

I like the fixed blade stanley for 5.99 at big orange for drywall. I've used the retractable version and fastbacks and the fixed blade one is the best.

I know a lot of installers like the Dolphin and Shark type knives and the Stanley Titan, but those cost more than 5.99

 

[RoninB4]

-While going to college back in the mid 1970's I used to install carpet, some of it rather high end. We just used a standard utility razor knife with replaceable blades in the handle. Perhaps things have changed since then but it was less about your knife and more about what you did with it. Get something comfortable to hold, replace or re-sharpen at your choice.

 

[RMERR]

I have "Personna" brand knives. I don't install carpet, but I use them for everything else. Crazy sharp, the blades are double sided so you get 4 razor sharp corners by flipping the blades. Great for opening shipping boxes. Nothing really expensive, I purchase them at HD or Lowes in the flooring section, but they work great for me. Bought a box of 100 replacement blades years ago, probably still have 75 inside it. Definitely "respect" them, in the trades they're called "****** Marys", for good reason.

 

[jrsulo]

Those things will bite you fast !!!!!! Installed carpet for awhile in the 80’s and all my tools were Robert’s brand,,,,,these knifes scared me !!!

 

[cgrutt]

I have "Personna" brand knives. I don't install carpet, but I use them for everything else. Crazy sharp, the blades are double sided so you get 4 razor sharp corners by flipping the blades. Great for opening shipping boxes. Nothing really expensive, I purchase them at HD or Lowes in the flooring section, but they work great for me. Bought a box of 100 replacement blades years ago, probably still have 75 inside it. Definitely "respect" them, in the trades they're called "****** Marys", for good reason.

Those are same blades I use I just looked I had mistakenly thought they were Roberts.