
A utility knife is a sharp and sturdy knife, traditionally with a fixed blade while the modern utility knife is available with different designs including retractable or folding blades.
The Utility Knife, also known as a Stanley Knife in the UK, come in a range of shapes and sizes. In this article I will take a look at some of the best utility knives available.
The Bibury Utility Knife is a thoughtfully put together tool with a stainless steel body and blade, and a durable and ergonomic design. Hard-wearing and rustproof, this knife makes light work of carpet, rope, leather, and even plastic.
Ideal for crafting projects and for easily cutting through paper and cardboard, the Craftsman Utility Knife features a three-position retractable blade, patented interlocking blade grip, and handle storage. The pack includes two knives and three utility blades for each.
Small but powerful, the Sheffield 12113 Ultimate Lock Back Utility Knife features a patented mechanism for the super quick changing of blades, making it the ultimate time-saver. This knife also features a lock-back release safety feature that keeps the blade in place whether open or closed. The Sheffield is a great tool for cutting through leather, fabric, and sheetrock.
With its nifty, compact design, the Outdoor Edge SlideWinder is a multitool, which can be used as a knife, screwdriver, or bottle opener. With a durable glass, nylon, and stainless steel construction, the knife is lightweight with a safe and secure design.
The Stanley Classic 99 Retractable Utility Knife is a sturdy, no-nonsense retractable knife with a three-position retractable blade and interlocking nose for secure blade grip. The pack includes one knife and three 11-921 heavy-duty blades.
The strength and versatility of the utility knife lend itself to a number of different uses including industrial use such as box cutting, hunting purposes like cutting through hides and cordage, and general kitchen use such as cleaning fish and preparing fowl.
Not quite. Although the two are similar, a box cutter is generally smaller and usually has a long snap-off blade to keep it sharp while working.
Depending on your requirements, there are generally six kinds of utility knife blades that are commonly used, and these are:
The best utility knife when it comes to safety is generally thought to be the auto-retracting knife. These ‘Smart’ knives have an added safety feature whereby a finger or thumb is kept on a slider while in use, and, once the slider is released, the blade is automatically retracted via a spring mechanism. This means that blades are never accidentally left exposed when not in use.
Before beginning a project, always make sure that you’re using the right kind of knife and blade, and that the blade is sharp. When possible, wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris.
Hold the knife firmly and place the object to be cut on a firm, stable surface, using clamps if possible. Always cut away from the direction of your body and ensure that hands are well out of the way of the blade. When cutting a straight line, use a ruler or straight edge for extra precision. Cut slowly and steadily, removing dust and debris as you go, and always ensure that the knife and blade are safely stored when not in use.
The utility knife is an incredibly useful tool and one which should only ever be used as intended. Whether you’re using a knife for working, cooking, hunting, or crafts, always make sure that you buy the best utility knife for your requirements for optimum results.
If you’re planning on using a utility knife regularly, it really is worth investing in a good quality brand. If looked after properly, a good utility knife can last for years. As with any kind of knife, extreme care should always be taken in the use and handling of a utility knife, and these should, of course, always be kept out of the reach of children.
We hope that this guide has given you an idea of the kinds of knives and tools that are available so that you’re able to figure out which one will make the cut for your requirements.
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Knife Buzz offers independent product reviews on a wide range of knives used in the kitchen, home, outdoors and at work.
Edwin and the Knife Buzz Team are passionate about reviewing knives and we cater to a targeted audience that needs independent advice before purchasing.
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