How could folding utility knives be improved?
- Thread starter Bolster
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American Locomotive
Well-known member
Most utility knifes infuriate me.
Sliders: Always jam up eventually, and I hate needing a screwdriver to change the blade on something like a Stanley 99. The tool-less blade change sliders seem to mess up after a while as well, and the blade change mechanism gets finicky.
Folders: Main issue for me seems to be blade retention and build quality. Every folding utility knife I had seems to rapidly disassemble itself. My favorite was this chunky Kobalt one - but eventually it too fell apart.
Really, my favorite "utility" knives are those cheap folded steel box cutters that take the single edge razor blades. Cheap, durable, and great blade retention. Granted not particularly ergonomic.
Sliders: Always jam up eventually, and I hate needing a screwdriver to change the blade on something like a Stanley 99. The tool-less blade change sliders seem to mess up after a while as well, and the blade change mechanism gets finicky.
Folders: Main issue for me seems to be blade retention and build quality. Every folding utility knife I had seems to rapidly disassemble itself. My favorite was this chunky Kobalt one - but eventually it too fell apart.
Really, my favorite "utility" knives are those cheap folded steel box cutters that take the single edge razor blades. Cheap, durable, and great blade retention. Granted not particularly ergonomic.
joseywales
Well-known member
Depends how you carry the knife as well. I have one with some rubber texture to, and that creates two issues:
- it won’t pull out of a pocket as easily, friction against the pocket
- depending on the rubber material, it deteriorates and because very sticky and leaves residue.
- it won’t pull out of a pocket as easily, friction against the pocket
- depending on the rubber material, it deteriorates and because very sticky and leaves residue.
I went to the Army Infantry Museum in Georgia and they made me take off my keychain Swiss Army Knife before I could go in. But I understand, who knows what damage a 70 year old with a 2" SAK could do in a place like that.
OK
one to use, one to lose, and 6 blades too
one to use, one to lose, and 6 blades too
Last edited:
I take mine apart, de-burr any sharp edges and add some grease. They work much better after this.
six-point socket II
Well-known member
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- May 16, 2020
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- 51
Very interesting thread and great to read all the different opinions/ thoughts /ideas & personal "deal breakers".
I'll add mine.
Back in the day Spyderco had a model called "Dyad" and "Dyad Jr." in essence a two blade, FRN handle, locking folding knife.
Dyad Jr. FRN -> https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/C39P&SBG/Dyad-reg-Jr-Sprint-Run-trade-/667
Dyad G10 -> https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/C44GP&SGY/Dyad-reg-Sprint-Run-trade-/841
IIRC the design/ original models dates back even way longer than those sprint runs.
Now if one blade was replaced by a holder for standard utility blades - it would be exactly my kind of/ my wish for an EDC'able utility knife.
(If that holder used screws to secure the utility blade, that wouldn't be a deal breaker >>to me<< - and more reliable than most "quick change" options I have seen on utility knives to date. (YMMV) )
Give the pocket clip a simple 1/4" hex cut-out so it can be used as "emergency" bit-driver.
Keep the riveted (pivot) FRN handle, use a proven, but rather common, steel for the main blade (doesn't have to be the latest powder/sintered steel) to keep cost at bay - so it becomes a true utility knife that can be sold not only to "knife people".
Offer two variants: plain blade + utility and serrated blade + utility. Try to keep the clip interchangeable in 4 locations.
I'd try to keep a +- 100,- USD MSRP within sights, so it can change hands at around 60,- to 70,- USD street price.
All that said, my current utility knife inside my toolbox or on me is the Milwaukee Fastback Gen. III and I really like it - but: being a knife guy, it's never my only EDC/ knife. A Spyderco model as I described, I could see becoming my "only" EDC from time to time, especially on "project days".
IMHO. YMMV.
Kind regards,
Oliver
I'll add mine.
Back in the day Spyderco had a model called "Dyad" and "Dyad Jr." in essence a two blade, FRN handle, locking folding knife.
Dyad Jr. FRN -> https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/C39P&SBG/Dyad-reg-Jr-Sprint-Run-trade-/667
Dyad G10 -> https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/C44GP&SGY/Dyad-reg-Sprint-Run-trade-/841
IIRC the design/ original models dates back even way longer than those sprint runs.
Now if one blade was replaced by a holder for standard utility blades - it would be exactly my kind of/ my wish for an EDC'able utility knife.
(If that holder used screws to secure the utility blade, that wouldn't be a deal breaker >>to me<< - and more reliable than most "quick change" options I have seen on utility knives to date. (YMMV) )
Give the pocket clip a simple 1/4" hex cut-out so it can be used as "emergency" bit-driver.
Keep the riveted (pivot) FRN handle, use a proven, but rather common, steel for the main blade (doesn't have to be the latest powder/sintered steel) to keep cost at bay - so it becomes a true utility knife that can be sold not only to "knife people".
Offer two variants: plain blade + utility and serrated blade + utility. Try to keep the clip interchangeable in 4 locations.
I'd try to keep a +- 100,- USD MSRP within sights, so it can change hands at around 60,- to 70,- USD street price.
All that said, my current utility knife inside my toolbox or on me is the Milwaukee Fastback Gen. III and I really like it - but: being a knife guy, it's never my only EDC/ knife. A Spyderco model as I described, I could see becoming my "only" EDC from time to time, especially on "project days".
IMHO. YMMV.
Kind regards,
Oliver
Meursault74
Well-known member
Bubba Fett
Well-known member
I used to use a similar knife to this.
Pros: Lightweight, holds 5 spare blades, no tools required to change blades. The thumb guard has a notch to cut box tape, so the actual blades doesn't gum up.
Cons: It uses proprietary blades.
Pros: Lightweight, holds 5 spare blades, no tools required to change blades. The thumb guard has a notch to cut box tape, so the actual blades doesn't gum up.
Cons: It uses proprietary blades.
I've got this knife too, totally agree it is the worst utility knife ever. Why the heck would you need to slide and fold?? At least it's bright enough you can see the thing.I've got one of these:
Pretty sure it was given to me.
It's one of the worst knives I have ever used. It lives out in the machine shed for emergency use only.
I think the most offensive thing about it, is how friggin slippery it is.
Firebrick43
Well-known member
Interesting the different experiences with the fast backs. Mine is a slightly different model. I have never had an issue with blade retention. A little rattlely yes but if cutting drywall and you flip the blade it’s to tight then.
I have cut all the 5/8 drywall/plaster board in my house with them, 2200 square foot without issue.
I have cut all the 5/8 drywall/plaster board in my house with them, 2200 square foot without issue.
minke
Well-known member
A lot of this discussion refers to features. I am reminded of Microsoft Windows in the 20th century (and beyond) and Excel and Word getting feature after duplicative feature, but minimal effort extended to security. How about just making a utility knife that we already know (and love??) and make it better. No tail fins. No tequila in a container that isn't recognizable as a bottle. Just a better quality knife.
