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The best utility knife

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Timtoolmantaylor

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What is the best utility knife for warehouse use? I need to carry it around all day and use it constantly to cut shipping packages. The snap blade knives are convenient but I dont want to slip and take off an arm. The Uline knife auto retract looks comfortable but I don't know if auto retract is really a good idea: w w w.uline.com/Product/Detail/H-1370/Utility-Knives-and-Cutters/Uline-Comfort-Grip-Auto-Retractable-Safety-Knife?pricode=WA9087&gadtype=pla&id=H-1370&gclid=CjwKCAjw27jnBRBuEiwAdjQXDKF6nV675DDIxV8hIAz3gChWvx8dc2ElaGEvdttmoDjFQYBZJIqH4RoCdiYQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds[/url]

There is the CrewSafe X-traSafe but it doesn't let you change the blade.. I need to change blades frequently so It has to be easy to work with. The Dewalt knives look cool but they are bulky/ heavy and I dont want to unfold something like the Milwaukee folder for every cut... I know it doesn't seem like much but getting this right will save me all kinds of headache.:headscrat
 
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JRC3

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I won't tolerate a dull blade and change very frequently. I have two of these, mine are a little older so I hope the new ones are just as good. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-3-Blade-Utility-Knife/50111404

  • Easy to open, but not too easy
  • Rubber grip
  • Magnets to keep spare blades from moving around
  • All parts are captured

I don't care so much for that cutting slot on my newer one but it doesn't seem to interfere with anything. Some people may find it very useful.
 
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sberry

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The utility knife is one of my most used tools and I have a system. I do carry a no tool change in my road kit but I toss everything out that isn't a Stanley retractor. No ACE, no Tech, etc. I need to get a couple 3 more to replace lost now, about 4 bucks at Walmart and our standard, all the same. Same Stanley blade.
 
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sberry

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EACH one comes with a few blades but get 50 or 100 pack, they last a long time. I retract every cut,,, I been doing it so long with the same model it's instinctive and automatic.
These knives will accept some other blades,,, if it doesn't work correctly 99% chance someone put an ACE type blade in it.
 
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sweet victory

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OLFA LA-X has been a winner for me. I got the first one for free for signing up for something on their website. Ended up buying like 5 more to keep in my office, house, garage, etc.

olfa-utility-knives-1072198-64_1000.jpg
 
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Rickster

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I've been using a Kobalt folding utility knife lately. It has a push button lock to open and close and you can reverse the blade by pushing and holding in the lock pin while pulling the blade. Has a good balanced feel to it.
 
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Dagny

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Pretty hard to beat the stanley I can't remember where but I bought 40 of them for 99 cents each I think it was 1988. still have a dozen or so with the cardboard on them.
 
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turnthewrench 2.0

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To the OP: "Interchangeable blades" and "best" don't mix - get yourself a real knife and learn how to sharpen it.
 
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Fuelboat

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I use the Milwaukee fastback or the OLFA LA-X both have advantages. Leaning toward the OLFA because the Milwaukee does not have a spot for extra blades.
 
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JRC3

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I've shown you all the best utility knife available for the money...It's your fault for not using the knowledge I've given you.

:lol_hitti
 
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RivennHewn

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The best utility knife is which ever one is closest.

Buy 10 of them and spread them around, then you’ll always have one close.
 
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IndyGarage

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Fastback has my vote. Very well made, very ergonomic. Easy to open and close. Easy to change the blade. Has a "seat belt" cutting slot.

Does only hold a single blade - which gives you two cutting surfaces.
 
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rick carpenter

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I have this on my keychain...

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...VjMDACh0ARgxYEAQYASABEgK1gfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I can't carry a knife at work (= high school) but I use this a lot for opening boxes and cutting plastic straps & shrink wrapping. You don't have to think when sticking it back into your pocket. Downsides are the blades are non-replaceable, it sometimes gets jammed, and the wings are sometimes hard to get into position to cut.
 
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techieman33

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turnthewrench 2.0 said:
To the OP: "Interchangeable blades" and "best" don't mix - get yourself a real knife and learn how to sharpen it.
Click to expand...

Not if your working in a warehouse. A pocket knife is the last thing you want. Cutting cardboard will dull that edge in no time, and you'll end up having to clean the edge up on a leather strop every night. It's also a lot easier to over penetrate a box and damage whatever is inside it. In a warehouse environment you need to be able to flip or swap the blade and get right back to efficient cutting.


When I was stocking groceries years ago the store provided us with S3 safety cutters and they worked well. With the edge guide it was easy to cut the tops off of boxes and not worry about hurting the contents. The guide also has a notch that will cut tape without having to use the blade. Towards the end of my time there they switched to the S4 which I didn't like as much since the body was smaller. It's not bad, but it went from a little larger than a stanley 99 to a little smaller. It looks like they have an S5 model out now that also has a hook blade on the back for cutting shrink wrap. Wish they had that when I was using one every night.

https://phcsafety.com/s5-safety-cutter-3-in-1-tool-w-metal-fixed-guard.html
 
OP
T

Timtoolmantaylor

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That PHC S5 has holster, lanyard and film cutter. Looks like the best option. I don't want to have an old Stanley retractable bumping around in my pocket or one of those folders I got to open and close all day. That S5 looks really good but it only uses safety point blades... I have a bunch of standard blades I want to use up. Is there something out there that can help keep my utility blade sharp all day? Thanks for sharing that knife BTW.
 
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Timtoolmantaylor

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That Milwaukee safety knife wouldn't bite me for sure and its thin n all but I don't want to have to fiddle the thing into tape to make cuts. It looks like it would be tough to get a cut going through cardboard. A very safe option for sure.
 
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2oolhound

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M

mike93lx

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JRC3 said:
I won't tolerate a dull blade and change very frequently. I have two of these, mine are a little older so I hope the new ones are just as good. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-3-Blade-Utility-Knife/50111404

  • Easy to open, but not too easy
  • Rubber grip
  • Magnets to keep spare blades from moving around
  • All parts are captured

I don't care so much for that cutting slot on my newer one but it doesn't seem to interfere with anything. Some people may find it very useful.
Click to expand...

This has become my go-to as well. I grab carbide blades instead of the basic ones. They hold their edge longer
 
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DIY_Guy79

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Apr 30, 2019
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Tulsa, Ok
Craftsman 9-94845 Wood Lockback Utility Knife

Look it up on amazon. It's a really nice knife. Guy at work had one, caught my eye. Feels great and looks great. Nice quality knife with a nice leather belt holster for it. Runs just under $20.

View media item 93089
 
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OptionalStop

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Mar 23, 2018
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Rochester NY
I like the Lenox folding knifes with quick change blades. Comes with a bottle opener too so I can open a beer before or after my cut.
 
C

CJM8515

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coljar said:
My go to also, but I think you have a couple more than me.
Click to expand...
Im not quite sure how I get them all honestly. I recall I found one in a junk car, another two I found cleaning out a house, several others I wound up buying because I forgot it somewhere only to realize I didnt and it was buried with other tools.



Can never have too many lol
 
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uroford

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Aug 31, 2017
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MI
I got the Fastback as recommended here but I can't stand a wiggly blade, the blade clamp has to hold the blade tight!
 
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madison069

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Monroeville, PA
Everyone here has commented that this knife is the best, but base on their comments I think they don't use it in a warehouse setting where you're opening 20 boxes in an hour for 8 hours a day.

I know when I worked at Walmart we were issued utility knives that was auto retract, had a guard to prevent accidental cutting of yourself when you push it to the first click/setting, was attached to a lanyard that retracted to your belt, and had a feature to push the blade pass the guard when you press the lock open to use the blade tip outside the guard. The guard was perfect for guiding the cut on the boxes flap so you could cut the sides open and then just rip the tape off the center or rip the tape in the center to prevent from cutting the item that's in the box.

I can't find the exact knife right now but this was back in 2002 so things might have changed. Might be something else to think about.


EDIT****** They are called S4 Safety Cutters************
 
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J

JRC3

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madison069 said:
Everyone here has commented that this knife is the best, but base on their comments I think they don't use it in a warehouse setting where you're opening 20 boxes in an hour for 8 hours a day.
Click to expand...

This makes sense.

In the late 80s we had these at Kroger. Cheap and easy.

HTB1mnZJefImBKNjSZFlq6A43FXa4.jpg
 
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nes999

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IL
DIY_Guy79 said:
Craftsman 9-94845 Wood Lockback Utility Knife

Look it up on amazon. It's a really nice knife. Guy at work had one, caught my eye. Feels great and looks great. Nice quality knife with a nice leather belt holster for it. Runs just under $20.

View media item 93089
Click to expand...
I have this knife and use lennox blades. I have in the past kicked on it to cut, hrough wire. It holds up well.

I like to own a few. I am partial to folders myself.

Sent from my VS988 using Tapatalk
 
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madison069

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JRC3 said:
This makes sense.

In the late 80s we had these at Kroger. Cheap and easy.

HTB1mnZJefImBKNjSZFlq6A43FXa4.jpg
Click to expand...

So did I when I helped my grandma and aunt at the convience stores. I've had several boo-boos from those knifes along with my grandma and aunt too. Whatever you do, don't forget to close that type and drop it in your shirt pocket. That kind of cut hurts!
 
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