Lockback Utility Knives

[Stuey]

Wrote about lock-back utility knives on ToolGuyd today. I'm just wondering if you guys are fond of such knives.

As mentioned, I personally have a different favorite, but if I can't find it, I use my Cman lockback since it's compact. I don't love using it, but I don't mind it either.

 

[boomerangg22]

I carry one. It is a great tool and very handy to have with you.

 

[nate379]

I hardly use my reg pocket knifes because I got one of those!

 

[Mike83]

I have the C-man rebranded Bessey (I didn't know it was rebranded til now). I keep it clipped to my electrician tool belt usually since it is so compact. Otherwise I prefer the Stanley knives (all metal handle). Keep one in every room practically.

 

[HandyManny]

My wife gave me that exact same Cman lock-back as one of my stocking stuffers this past Christmas. I like it, though I think the main leaf spring could be stiffer. The one on mine is pretty soft and almost weak, but it does lend to one hand opening easier though. I keep the knife on top of one of my tool benches for easy reach when needed.

 

[J.A.F.E.]

I have the black wood handle CMan. I carry it everyday and use it everyday. I bought on 1/2 price sale with a holster and miniature lockback.

 

[nate379]

Same here!

I love them because I can cut stuff that I'd never cut with a good pocketknife. $12 for a 100 pack of blades, can't go wrong.

 

[Da Bull]

I carry the Husky lockback and use the Irwin Bi-Metal blades.

 

[Stuey]

Actually, I've seen the Craftsman/Bessey version under at least one other brand (sheffield).

I also saw a BluePoint version that's rebadged under different brands as well. That leads me to believe that there are few manufacturers of these knives - perhaps the design is produced under license.

Last winter holiday shopping season, I saw 4-5 packs for pretty cheap at Home Depot, maybe at Lowes as well. Came down to $3 per knife. If they have it again this year, I might spring for a bunch to give away to friends and colleagues.

I did really well last year, resisting the urge to buy tons of cheap tool and flashlight sets, and I'm hoping this year I can be just as strong.

 

[JWink]

I have one of the smaller ones, my boss gave to me for christmas last year. I love that thing. I use it all the time. I like it because its nice and easy to change out the blades.

 

[Danglerb]

I bought a few cheap ones and keep them in most of my tool boxes. I just added a $4 HF conventional lockback folder for the dig and wiggle uses.

 

[Old Donn]

Got a couple of these, seldom use them. Not versatile enough for me. Nothing these can do my Spyderco or Kershaw can't.

 

[knobbylon]

I carry the Husky lockback and use the Irwin Bi-Metal blades.

carry the Husky lockback and use the Irwin Bi-Metal blades.

I'm looking for better blades. How do the Irwins stand up?

 

[Da Bull]

I find them better than the Stanley's and Irwin says their blades are unbreakable.

carry the Husky lockback and use the Irwin Bi-Metal blades.

I'm looking for better blades. How do the Irwins stand up?

 

[Rusty Kustoms]

I use the gerber eab knife, I hate bulky knifes and this is perfect for me. It is extremely thin and clips perfect in your pocket, you can hardly tell it is there. I always buy the thicker contractor blades and I change them about once a week.
http://www.gerbergear.com/index.php/product/id/46#image/438

Oh, I also use it to spur my buffing pads, mine is now very nice polished stainless!

 

[jayoldschool]

Where do I get these Irwin blades in Ontario?

 

[DHCrocks]

I guess I'm the odd man out. I hate those things. I've had a couple and they always seem to slip when you're applying pressure. The clip that locks the blade slide retainer opens up and the blade comes loose, very dangerous and almost got cut a couple of times.

 

[Dust]

I love those knives. Used to carry one all the time. I prefer the old style, like the one pictured on ToolGuyd; I hate the kind with the button. Unfortunately even Harbor Freight seems to have switched over to that type.

Nowadays I just grab the Craftsman retractable box cutter I keep in my toolbox, since after I clock out and leave work, I usually just end up in pajamas for the rest of the night.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

I carry the Sheffield one (first one to store extra blades). Since 90% of what I use a pocket knife for, is a box cutter, I prefer it.

I tend to keep a pocket knife in with most toolboxes, and have both a Gerber and an original Leatherman for the vehicles, so if I need more, I have one close.

 

[hemdale]

Am I to assume that these are exactly the same ? The Connex is 2€ cheaper. Always wondered which company was manufacturing this utility knife in the first place ? Bessey ?

Bessey

Connex

I know that Hazet has exactly the same, but in blue...

 

[panknuckshovel]

They are great, constantly on sale for 3-4 bucks, sharpen in a second with a blade flip or change and doesnt sting as bad when it falls of belt or out of pocket or when left somewhere.

 

[SARG]

I have dozens of folders & fixed blades knives in the garage but always reach for the Milwaukee.

One thing I started doing this year is stoning the razor blades periodically. It's amazing how sharp they become & how long the blades will last.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Due to the tendency to lose knives while crawling all over machines, I carry cheap lockback folding utility knives when working. I have a very nice Benchmade Adamas for carry when not at work.

 

[CJM8515]

I carry the Husky lockback and use the Irwin Bi-Metal blades.

Yep, same one. But I use regular blades. Works well.

 

[benzoni]

I love them. Get one if you dont have one.

 

[cheechi]

I have 3. Husky & duralast are the same thing, and a Kobalt with rubberized grip. Never seem to see these on sale, pretty sure I paid whatever the shelf price was each time, went through several situations where I lost whatever I had.

I have several Stanley USA made ones that do not fold. Like them better, you have the rip notch without having to slide out the blade and you can slide it out a few lengths. The folders you get one length so sometimes not the best choice.

As I'm talking I have one of the folders clipped to my pencil can on my desk in my office. When I need it easy to find, but it is not my go to anymore. There's also a folder in the kitchen drawer for the same reason.

 

[Ainsley]

My fav is the Lenox. Better than everything else I've tried.

 

[crewchief888]

i have one with me all the time at work, and keep a supply of fresh blades handy.

i have one facility that i service on occasion that ANY type of pocketknife is forbidden to have in the facility
a utility knife/blades are ok as long as it's provided to you by your employer.

a straight or folding knife is considered a weapon, a utility knife is considered a tool.

 

[stikman56]

They are great, as long as you don't buy the ones with the push button release for the blade. Dumbest design I ever saw, your hand pushes that damned button any time you use it.

 

[rusty65]

I really like mine for the shop I bought it from big lots for a couple bucks it's a Sheffield branded unit. I use it in the shop but don't EDC it because I have a couple really nice pocket knives.

Sent directly from the Snap On Kool Aid factory.

 

[jcfields]

.

 

[bareass172]

A buncha years ago I started carrying a Gerber mutli-tool instead of just a pocket knife. After awhile I got tired of having to open the whole tool just to get to a blade so I started carrying a Husky (identical to that Sheffield above) and loved having the versatility of both. Multi-tool when needed, Husky for a quick cut. Last year I replaced both tools with a Gerber "Crucial Fast Red" tool that gives me a quick access knife and other tools when I'm in a bind.
http://www.gerbergear.com/Outdoor/Tools/Crucial-Fast_31-000791
I recently bought a new utility knife and the usefulness of that Husky made the Milwaukee Fastback a front runner.
http://www.milwaukeetool.com/hand-tools/utility-knives/48-22-1901
I would have tried it too if I hadn't found a great clearance deal on a conventional Dewalt. If the Dewalt doesn't work out then I'll be in the market for that Milwaukee again. I think the price point on the Milwaukee makes it an attractive and useful option also.

 

[kctyphoon]

I think I have a dozen or so utility knives.. My favorite, and what I think is the BEST is the Milwauee fastbacks. I have the original, the fastback2, and 2 of the 3 knives.. I won't leave my house without one of them in my pocket. They have the best open/lock mechanism. It's truely one-handed. The belt clips are great, and they are virtually unbreakable..

 

[Kracin]

only thing i hate about them is they get dull quicker than a regular steel blade knife. and they are bulky, and most that are slim don't come with spare blade storage... i want to carry at least 2 extra blades with a box cutter like those because once the blade gets a little dull, you might as well be cutting with a sharp piece of sheet metal.

 

[TheGrooveking]

I've carried a knife for almost 40 years and cannot tell you how many Buck 102 and 110's I've gone thru, and for 7 years used the Sheffield and Craftsman folding razor knives but two years ago I changed over to a DeWalt retractable folding knive and so glad I did. Granted you can't use the razor edge/tip to pry like you can with a regular knofe blade but being to change blades in seconds (Lenox coated are the best IMO) has made me safer not having to deal with a dull blade, I use my knife at least a dozen times a day, I even changed work pants to Dickie's double knee with the pocket on the leg so that I can keep my knife immediately available.

TheGrooveking

 

[TheGrooveking]

I forgot the link,

http://www.dewalt.com/tools/hand-tools-cutting-tools-knives-dwht10035.aspx

TheGrooveking

 

[Da Bull]

Where do I get these Irwin blades in Ontario?

Here you go!

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/irwin-bi-metal-utility-blades-0575217p.html#.VITeR8mVMZg

 

[clownbear69]

I actually bought a 3 pack of husky's for $10. Gave one to the wife I carry one and one is in the truck. I do like the blade holder design compared to others. Although in my profession (retail) I do prefer the Startett design (squeeze) just because of the safety. I have nicked my self a few times doing a lot of boxes. Absolutely hate similar design but being plastic. I've broke quite a few.

 

[Fugio]

I carry one from a Husky 3 pack. Works great! If I'm traveling or just want to look classy, I have a Gerber that holds a full size blade but isn't much bigger than the blade itself. That Gerber is a work of art!

 

[Sirnick]

I have had the hardwood handle Craftsman for many years and am quite pleased. Its a nice weight and feels solid. Only downside is there is no extra blade storage.
http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-folding-lockback-utility-knife/p-00994845000P?prdNo=5&blockNo=5&blockType=G5