How could folding utility knives be improved?

[Bolster]

I'm in the middle of an online discussion with Spyderco (the knife company), where they are investigating the idea of making an upscale folding utility knife. What are the main improvements you'd like to see in a folding utility knife, compared to what you own now?

I own a dozen folding utility knives, and for me, blade retention is the top problem to solve. But I'd also like to see G-10 scales for a durable, grippy handle. I really don't like the "locked closed" aspect on my Milwaukee utes, I wish the blade were easier to open when I'm perched on top of a ladder with one hand to draw and open my ute knife.

Those are my wishes...what are yours?

 

[MarvinBerry]

Handle size... wish they were thicker. For me the Stanley 99 is the gold standard... gimme a hand like that, thick so I can actually keep a solid grip and I'll buy a few.

I get that the slim body is good for stashing in a pocket but it really only makes the knife good for light duty stuff like slicing packing tape. I wouldn't use the fastbacks for cutting thick wall cardboard boxes to custom sizes...

The one button one hand open thing probably won't happen because in some places, like NYC it'd be considered a weapon. Probably won't arrest you but 110% it'll be confiscated.

For instance I don't carry a Swiss army knife anymore... Was my keychain for years until the law said I'm a terrorist.

 

[JradM]

Funny, I would only buy a folding utility knife that was very skinny. Pocketability is my top concern. Maybe something where the frame and scales are one piece?

No anodized aluminum handles. G10 would be good.

 

[M6erfan]

I never met a folding utility knife I liked, I have at least 1/2 a dozen that I've bought over the years around somewhere.

For example, a Stanley 99 is sleek and pockets very nicely.

I don't understand why a folding utility knife is even desirable.

 

[ArcReactorKC]

For instance I don't carry a Swiss army knife anymore... Was my keychain for years until the law said I'm a terrorist.

Was this at a TSA checkpoint or something?

 

[65ranchero]

What about a feature where it won't cut you when it slips off the thing you are cutting.

 

[Dumber than lumber]

I'm in the middle of an online discussion with Spyderco (the knife company), where they are investigating the idea of making an upscale folding utility knife. What are the main improvements you'd like to see in a folding utility knife, compared to what you own now?

I own a dozen folding utility knives, and for me, blade retention is the top problem to solve. But I'd also like to see G-10 scales for a durable, grippy handle. I really don't like the "locked closed" aspect on my Milwaukee utes, I wish the blade were easier to open when I'm perched on top of a ladder with one hand to draw and open my ute knife.

Those are my wishes...what are yours?

A built-in carabiner clip. Or similar.
The beltclips are good, but ....

 

[Bubba Fett]

I never met a folding utility knife I liked, I have at least 1/2 a dozen that I've bought over the years around somewhere.

For example, a Stanley 99 is sleek and pockets very nicely.

I don't understand why a folding utility knife is even desirable.

I'm with you. Sliders are better in every way. I especially hate folding knives with sliders. Pointless.

 

[RTM]

I have the Gerber, and use it for pocketability only. IF I need to get serious about my cutting, I'm going back and getting a 199 or similar knife. I'm not of fan of sliders, I only keep them around to protect others, or to carry in a bag. In a box, its a 199.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

By far the biggest issues are how thick the handles are, partially due to them using metal liners in addition to plastic scales at least in the ones I have or seen, and primarily due to the blade being removable, so the "blade" thickness relative to a normal knife is probably twice or three times what a normal knife would be.
I wouldn't mind an automatic OTF utility knife, I imagine if you required a removal of the handle via a screw like the 99's, you could probably reduce the thickness since you wouldn't have a quick change mechanism like so many folding utility knives have. I wouldn't be interested in using a folding utility knife at all as a primary means of using a utility knife, so this is more from the angle of something not bulky to carry but still carries the disposable and willingness to abuse like a disposable blade allows.

 

[duneslider]

I personally am really liking the new milwaukee folding knife. Super slick one handed open/close. I haven't put it to any heavy use, its just a pocket knife with easy to replace blades. I honestly don't have much I would change with it. I could see it being a little slippery if wet but that hasn't been an issue for me.

If I am really needing to get after something I go for the 99 or my favorite the 179. I have a dozen or so 99's and they are good knives but I like the feel of the 179 better and that is what I keep in my tool bucket and then in my back pocket when on a job.

 

[rider]

Hopefully this is a given for Spyderco - but made in the USA. The primary reason I don't use a folder is they're generally shoddily made in China. I have confidence in any ergonomic decisions Spyderco may make (although I EDC a Benchmade, I do have quite a collection of Spyderco).

 

[MarvinBerry]

Was this at a TSA checkpoint or something?

No... and don't want to derail things here...

Let's just say post 9 11 NYC was a crazy place. National guard standing in the subways etc like a movie scene. Stopped carrying a blade because I got hassled a few times.

These days I have a cheap 2 or 3" folding knife in a crown royal bag in the backback. Also have a flashlight & tiny pair of Channelock in the purple bag.

Last time I set off a metal detector guy said - What are you? Some kinda boy scout?

Yeah. I'm the last boy scout. Yippie ki ya!

 

[MattN03]

What about a feature where it won't cut you when it slips off the thing you are cutting.

We have these at work and they are terrible...

 

[dr_clyde]

Welcome back Bolster, its been a while.

I do not currently carry a folding utility knife, mostly due to the fact that they are walking ads for whoever made them. The are obnoxiously colored, very strangely shaped, and generally odd looking or not at all streamlined. I carry an automatic Benchmade, and if I need a utility knife, I get a retractable box cutter style.

If Spyderco made a folding utility knife that looked and felt like a pocket knife of some pedigree (like their other knives) I would be a buyer.

All stainless or titanium construction. Perhaps a nice set of replaceable scales for personalization. A deep carry pocket clip. Keep it under $100 for SS, maybe $200 for Ti.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

I have had a few over the years. My favorite is the mini Pittsburgh from hf. Aluminum and steel and fits nicely in my pocket and I don’t play with it because of its size

 

[Forgottonia]

Round the end of the handle to fit better in a guy's pocket.

 

[Kenstone1]

Was this at a TSA checkpoint or something?

I'm thinking it's a NJ thing...

 

[Dave455]

I’ve never really liked these folding utility knives.

I can see why you would want one, if you’re doing anything where you risk falling on it the idea is great, but they never seem to work out in practice.

First requirement, rigidity. Yes, difficult with replaceable blades but must be feasible.

Second requirement, durability, both the knife and the finish. Many regular utility knives are cheaply die cast and powder coated. It’s not up to it. Not sure G10 is up to it either. O.K. for a carefully carried pocket knife, but I’d prefer stainless for a utility, much like the original Spyderco line.

One hand opening is useful, but if you need it you probably need one hand closing too, which probably means non locking. That’s fine. I often use a Spyderco urban, not because I need something inoffensive looking, but so that I can close it one handed while up a ladder!

 

[Bubba Fett]

I while back I found some Olympia Tools utility knives at Big Lots. Sliding style with the screw. Metal bodies, and a nice finger rest on top. Olympia usually makes junk, but these have been pretty decent. They were $2 each, so I bought several, because utility knives get lost easily. That's the thing that keeps me from spending a lot on a much nicer one.

I also like the Stanley 10-179. I have a couple of hi-viz green ones. Still manage to lose them.

 

[Firebrick43]

I'm in the middle of an online discussion with Spyderco (the knife company), where they are investigating the idea of making an upscale folding utility knife. What are the main improvements you'd like to see in a folding utility knife, compared to what you own now?

I own a dozen folding utility knives, and for me, blade retention is the top problem to solve. But I'd also like to see G-10 scales for a durable, grippy handle. I really don't like the "locked closed" aspect on my Milwaukee utes, I wish the blade were easier to open when I'm perched on top of a ladder with one hand to draw and open my ute knife.

Those are my wishes...what are yours?

I don't understand this at all? Is your Milwaukee version a first gen or something? I have 2 of the fastbacks but they look different. I won't own a knife that can't be flicked open one handed. Some take quite a strong flick but not my Milwaukee's. They both open easily and quickly and are the best utility knife I have ever used (because of the opening and style of belt clip)

 

[ace10]

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.

 

[IndyGarage]

I used to think the Milwaukee fastback was pretty hard to beat for a folding utility knife.

That said, the Fiskars Pro folding knife beat it. Nice ergonomics. Nice thick grippy handle. One handed open and close. Holds the blade tight with an easy to use mechanism, and the Fiskars blades are pretty nice too.

However the Gerber is in my pocket most of the time. It's not in the same league as Fiskars or Milwaukee for comfort or useability, but It's not bad and so small I can carry it all the time. And I use it very often.

 

[ChefRex]

I've have had this for a few years, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSWKPKF/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I open a LOT of packaging day to day, holds the blade solidly and flicks open onehanded, if I lost it I would buy another that day.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Answering the OP question easy blade change and retention are important.

 

[Rinspeed]

I never met a folding utility knife I liked, I have at least 1/2 a dozen that I've bought over the years around somewhere.

For example, a Stanley 99 is sleek and pockets very nicely.

I don't understand why a folding utility knife is even desirable.

I hate the damn things myself and always thought they were for poor people.

 

[haveissues]

+1 on the Milwaukee fastback. First folding utility knife I have owned that does not ****.

 

[KnurledNut]

The biggest challenge i see Spyderco having making a UTILITY knife is price.

 

[slowtwitch73]

Tell them to stop making knives. There are enough out there.

 

[redwrench60]

I’ll throw in for giving it a high quality pocket clip with quality mounting hardware and the ability to carry tip down or up, left or right handed.

 

[merkyworks]

Milwaukee fastback is my favorite as of late. However if it was a little thinner and had spring assist open it would be amazing. Would love a utility knife that was like a Kersaw Blur (handle and spring assist) but with utility blade.

 

[jives]

To answer the OP's question, a longer blade. If Spyderco really wants to be different, they would create a different blade or a different blade holder system that enables the whole blade to be used. Despite their name, utility knives have very little utility other than scoring, sharpening pencils, and "box cutting" (hence the other name, box cutter). I could not imagine a folding utility knife as an EDC unless I was in a job that required only the folder's limited capability.

A $20 utility knife is puzzling. All utility knives use the same blade. The only difference us grip/feel and quality of blade retention. Most people I know consider utility knives as disposable. They get the **** jobs, like scoring shingles and cutting carpet. After a few blade changes they get lost. These jobs require a bigger handle than most folders.

 

[Bolster]

I have to agree with the general tone of the responses: The current folding utes are, on the whole, disappointing. I'm still looking for a good one. I THOUGHT I had found a good one with the Outdoor Edge, but if you cut deeply into something, whatever you're cutting will nudge the blade retention toggle up, and it drops the blade. I own several of the Milwaukee, and I cannot get comfortable with their rattly imprecise blade retention systems. Add a little drywall dust and the weak little springs used for retention clog. IMO, Milwaukee "ain't there yet" but it may be the best of the crop so far.

I would like a "non disposable" quality folding ute that, to quote from above, isn't just "for poor people."

 

[FMB4]

Make them so that thugs couldn't open them.

 

[MarvinBerry]

I have a pair of fastbacks they get used for light duty... one lives in the kitchen to open packages. Other is in top drawer of the shop roll cab as a spare.

Couldn't imagine doing anything like drywall scoring with em. They aren't beefy enough... Handle too thin to get a grip so I wail harder & sure, blade pops out.

Never lost a blade opening an Amazon box in the kitchen...

For sheetrock or anything else sorry was mistaken earlier... it's the Stanley 199... fat handle fixed blade. 99 is the slider have a few ood those too but I love the fixed blade 199. Use it nearly everyday.

 

[victor252]

Based on the comments, it seems like there is at least 2 distinct types of consumers for utility knives:
1) the casual user who opens packages, etc
2) the tradesman/professional who considers it an essential tool-of-the-trade, such as drywallers

Currently, Spyderco is focused on the EDC and tactical crowds that could belong to either category. Focusing on the tradesman/hobbyist applications might make more sense as those guys are willing to pay more for better performance (Milwaukee vs Ryobi buyers). A tradesman is also more likely to leave a knife at a job site and have to replace it, than someone who leaves it in their kitchen all day.

I'd say that tradesmen don't need conceal-ability as much as the EDC crowd. So the grip size could be bigger and more comfortable. A fatter handle may also make carrying spare blades easier than with most of the folding knives. No plastic components would be nice too. That's the only thing I don't like about my $5 Husky knives with the black anodized AL handles.

 

[MattN03]

I'd like to see Spyderco or Benchmade make a competitor to my Leatherman Skeletool. It's a great all in one tool, but the blade material is so so and needs a replaceable cutter on the pliers/wire strippers.

I lost my Benchmade mini-grip a couple years ago and was absolutely sick over it. I have a Benchmade Adamas too, but don't carry it unless I'm in the woods due to it's size.

 

[blazemaster83]

Strange, i was looking for a utility knife and checked spyderco's website a few days ago to see if they offered anything yet. I also would love to see a spyderco or benchmade utility knife simpy because I want a high quality one with the thrumb hole they use. I am not a fan of thumb studs or any other method.

My ideal utility knife would be:

-spyderco/benchmade thumb hole
-holds the blade rock solid
-stainless or titanium
-sturdy pocket clip that can be used on right or left side, tip up or tip down carry. (I'm a lefty)
-Frame lock
-No secondary locks or any other BS
-Large lanyard hole
-Bead blasted finish on frame/handle
-Dont discontinue it after a few years

 

[Aaron_W]

Spiderco makes nice knives but I don't see them competing in the $10-20 range. The only thing I would consider would be a folding utility knife that was easy to carry like a traditional folding knife (think classic Buck knife with a 3-4" blade).

Current utility knives (including folders like Milwaukee) are too bulky for me to put in a pocket for more than just a temporary place to put it down.

I've carried relatively inexpensive but quality 2" folding knives (Buck, Gerber etc) for years and used them for a wide range of tasks including many that utility knives are used for. About a year ago I returned to a basic Swiss Army knife for greater utility (bottle opener, can opener, screw drivers) as well as the fact that Marvin's experience aside most people won't bat an eye at a Swiss Army knife, but may see a smaller folding knife as a "dangerous weapon".

Can't say I'm in the market for an upscale utility knife but I would seriously consider one if it was a lot more pocketable than the current ones and the price was under $50.

 

[Bolster]

Strange, i was looking for a utility knife and checked spyderco's website a few days ago to see if they offered anything yet. I also would love to see a spyderco or benchmade utility knife simpy because I want a high quality one with the thrumb hole they use. I am not a fan of thumb studs or any other method.

My ideal utility knife would be:

-spyderco/benchmade thumb hole
-holds the blade rock solid
-stainless or titanium
-sturdy pocket clip that can be used on right or left side, tip up or tip down carry. (I'm a lefty)
-Frame lock
-No secondary locks or any other BS
-Large lanyard hole
-Bead blasted finish on frame/handle
-Dont discontinue it after a few years

I'm in near total agreement here. For me it would be a G-10 scale and a CBBL or Comp Lock, but I would buy the knife you specified above, for sure.