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The knife is possibly the most ancient tool ever invented. Though a standard kitchen knife is enough for most daily tasks, a utility knife is an essential item for making accurate and arrow-straight cuts. It is often referred to as a box cutter, but utility knife is a much more apt term for describing this versatile instrument.
A quality utility knife is a great tool for making your life easier. It can be used to cut up cardboard boxes, flooring, and carpet, as well as stripping wire and creating creative projects. The blade is usually equipped with a large retractable grip and a sharpened slicing knife. These modern knives can be carried in a pocket or purse, and are also very portable. So, to help you navigate this crowded marketplace, weve curated a list of the finest utility knives for 2022.
The Buyer’s Guide To Finding The Right Utility Knives
You can easily get lost among the many brands that mass-produce a variety of utility knives. But don’t worry! We will help guide you through the buying process and explain some important information you need to know about utility knives.
Different Types Of Utility Knives
Utility knives are mostly classified by their opening and closing mechanisms, as well as their blade placements.
Fixed
With fixed knives, the blades remain locked in position. This knife can be used to make precise and clean cuts when paired with a sturdy handle. These blades, unlike retractable models are stable and don’t wobble when they are used.
Since utility knives are fixed and remain open, they are not the safest option for carrying around in your pocket regularly. They are still exceptional tools to have in your toolkit though, especially for cutting through more rugged materials.
Retractable
A retractable utility knife features a sliding system that helps push the blade in and out, and you can control the depth of the cut by adjusting the length of the blade. For precision cuts, slide a smaller portion of the blade out and increase the length of the blade for longer and deeper cuts.
Foldable
Foldable utility knives can be more compact and easily transported than traditional ones. Unlike retractable blades, which glide in and out, a folding knife snaps to the side. This design is extremely safe and secure, which helps to reduce the chance of injury.
Breakaway
Breakaway utility knives, also known as snap-off blades are very similar to retractable models. The major difference between the two is in their blade replacement systems. Breakaway knives also feature a segmented blade that can be easily replaced once it wears away.
Factors To Consider When Buying A Utility Knife
Handles
No matter if your utility knife can be folded or retractable, the handle will enhance its functionality. There are many materials that can be used to make handles, including wood, metal and plastic. In addition to the material, look for a knife with an ergonomic handle that fits comfortably in your hand without straining it.
Grip quality
Material, shape, and texture all play a role in the grip of a utility knife. Some knives have an outer rubber handle to prevent slippage, while others have a grooved pattern that allows for a secure grip.
Overall quality and affordability
Look out for a reasonably priced knife that can satisfy your particular needs. Before you buy anything, make sure to check out the product’s quality and longevity. Getting a high-quality and expensive utility knife is far better than going with a low-cost knife made with low-quality materials. Also, avoid anything with a fragile handle that cant even withstand a few attempts at cutting things.
Blade-replacement mechanism
Knives that allow for easy blade replacement are better than manual replacements. They are much more time-consuming and labor intensive than traditional manual replacements. Utility knives with a quicker and easier blade-changing mechanism are significantly more convenient to use, especially in the long term.
Blade storage
One of the prominent features of quality utility knives is a blade-storage chamber. This feature helps add extra efficiency, and it also lets you keep additional blades at the ready. You can replace your blade if it becomes dull by simply accessing the built-in storage.
