This buyer’s guide includes the ten Best Utility Knife options for your work.
If you haven’t purchased a utility knife in a while, you will be surprised by the wide range of choices available for homeowners and contractors, including my favorite—the Stanley FatMax.
The Modern Utility Knife has come a long way since its early inception, and features such as a Folding handle or Automatic blade changes have improved user Safety. Another favorite feature to look for in a new Utility Knife is “Tool-Free” utility knife blade changes. With this feature, you can change Utility Blades without a screwdriver. The best Utility Knives will include a storage compartment for “On-Board” Utility Blades.
What are the Best Features Of a Utility Knife?
Here are the eight most important features when buying a Utility Knife. The most important feature to you, of course, will be based on your budget, daily work needs, and the safety features you’re looking for:
♦ Rugged Construction
♦ Comfortable Grip
♦ Safe Dependable Cuts
♦ “Tool-Free” Blade Replacement
♦ Extra Blade Storage
♦ Retractable or Folding Utility Blade Design
The Best Utility Knife (Reviews for 2025)
Below are the Top Ten Utility Knife options we think you should consider. Our list includes several carefully researched Utility Knife options: Fixed, Folding, Retractable, and Auto-Retractable utility knife.
If you need to do some research on utility knife features, check out “How to Choose the Best Utility Knife.”
Editors Choice – Stanley Fatmax – “Exo-change” – Folding Utility Knife
Why We Like It
The Stanley brand and Utility Knives are almost synonymous. Stanley made the first modern utility knife in 1936, over 85 years ago.
The utility knife has evolved considerably since then, and the Stanley Fatmax—ExoChange Folding utility knife is now a consistent favorite among contractors and homeowners alike.
Specs
- Fixed Ergonomic Grip
- Durable Steel Construction
- Comfortable Soft-Grip handle
- Utility Blade storage in handle
- Several Blade Position Depths
- Magnetic Blade Holder
Our Take Away
While the Stanley Fatmax is on the higher-priced end of the Utility Knives we reviewed, we think it’s worth the few extra dollars.
With its sturdy folding handle, this Fatmax model provides ultimate safety with an “open blade exchange feature” that exposes the entire utility knife blade—avoiding a pull and push motion on the blade itself, thereby reducing potential injury.
The Fatmax ExoChange produces very stable cuts, and a multi-position blade adjustment allows maximum blade depth options.
With an onboard 5-blade storage compartment – blade changes are at your fingertips safely and quickly.
Video for the “Stanley Fatmax – Exo-change – Folding Utility Knife.”
The Stanley Fatmax EvoChange folding utility knife represents a great evolution in Utility Knife dependability and function. While the Fatmax doesn’t have a belt clip, you can purchase a Utility Knife pouch separately, and you should.
You don’t want to lose this utility knife – and will want on your hip for many years.
Stanley “Fatmax” – Folding Utility Knife
Runner Up: DeWalt Fixed Handle – Retractable Utility Knife
Why We Like It
If your job requires you to use a Utility Knife daily, your focus is probably on dependability and safety. For those reasons alone, we recommend the affordable DeWalt Retractable Utility Knife.
The fixed-handle (not foldable) utility knife is easily one of the most rugged, convenient, and easy-to-use utility knives you can buy.
The DeWalt retractable knife is one of the best sellers on the market. It features a durable Metal construction, Quick-change (tool-free) Blade changes, a comfortable non-slip grip, extra blade storage in the handle, and an adjustable blade depth.
This particular DeWalt utility knife is one of the most trusted utility knives for contractors and, at this price – one of the most affordable models for homeowners to consider.
Specs
- Rugged Fixed Handle (not foldable)
- Quick-Load Utility Blade Design
- Steel Handle with Rubber grip
- Retractable and Adjustable blade
- Simple, no-nonsense design
- Requires Holster for everyday use
Our Take Away
DeWalt has built a brand reputation for durable work tools, and the mainstay retractable utility knife featured here, we think, checks all the boxes most contractors and homeowners would need to consider.
DeWalt – Retractable Utility Knife
Best Folding Utility Knife: Milwaukee 48-33-1502 “Fastback.”
Why We Like It
The Milwaukee Fastback Utility Knife is coming in second place. It is a premium-grade, heavy-duty folding utility knife with multi-function capability.
It includes 5-blade storage, wire strippers, and a gut hook (for slicing string or twine) without opening the knife.
Where the DeWalt knife offers a fixed handle and functional utility knife features, the Milwaukee Fastback is a wearable folding knife (belt clip) with multi-tool and utility knife functions.
We especially liked the Fastback “flip option,” which allows you to flip the blade open with a wrist flick, avoiding a finger pull on the edge to open the utility knife.
Another great feature is the solid wire belt clip (missing from DeWalt), which allows you to wear one less utility pouch. Also, because this is a folding utility knife, you can easily carry it in a pocket and on your hip.
Specs
- Wire Belt Clip
- Flip Open To Use
- Wire Stripper included (Up to 12 Ga. wire)
- 5 – Utility blade storage
- Quick Blade Changes
- Gut Hook Access – Cut without opening Knife
- Blade Lock
- Durable Steel Construction
Our Take Away
The Milwaukee Fastback Utility Knife has a loyal following for a good reason.
With its durable construction, comfortable grip, easy blade change-outs, and other unique features, it’s one of those tools you’ll never need to replace—unless you lose it!
Milwaukee Fastback – Utility Knife
Best Value: WORKPRO – Folding Utility Knife
Why We Like It
Most frequent Utility knife users are looking for the features of this highly rated and affordable utility knife.
The Workpro Folding Utility Knife includes five components: safety (foldable design), Portability (carry in a pocket), Quick-Change utility knife blades, comfortable grip, and durability.
This is probably the best choice if you want to carry one utility knife – affordably.
Specs
- Steel handle ABS non-slip grip
- 5 Blade Storage in Handle
- Quick-Change blade design (tool-free)
- Foldable-Lightweight design
- Comfortable curved grip
- Includes 5 Utility blades
Our Take Away
Regarding “Best Value,” the Workpro Utility Knife is tough to beat. One of the highest-rated utility knives found at Amazon, it is also one of the most affordable.
It does an excellent job for box cutting, craft, or construction projects, offering many of the same features and benefits as more expensive utility knives.
Workpro – Folding Utility Knife
Best “Auto Load” Utility Knife – Klein Manufacturing
Why We Like It
Klein now manufactures over 3,800 tools, including this High-performance “Auto-Load” folding utility knife.
With the Auto-load feature, you extend the knife blade – push the safety button to remove the old blade – retract the blade, and instantly auto-load a new utility blade.
While the Klein Tool brand may not be as recognized as the big guys (DeWalt & Stanley), it’s not because of a lack of experience in fine tool making.
The Klein brand is widely recognized for excellent electrical tools and has been making hand tools in Chicago (Yes, Made in America) since 1857.
Specs
- Auto Load New Knife Blade Instantly
- Folding Knife Lock
- Heavy Duty – Steel and Rubber Construction
- Ergonomic non-slip grip
- Includes 3-blade Storage in Handle
- High Quality – Triple Ground Blades
Our Takeaway
With a solid steel handle and ergonomic rubber grip, this utility knife quickly changes utility blades. It’s a little on the high side of the prices we reviewed, but it’s one of the best folding utility knives you can carry.
Klein – Auto-Load Utility Knife
Best Snap-Off Blade Utility Knife – Kutir Retractable
Why We Like It
Regular utility knife users might not consider the “Snap-off” blade design a heavy-duty tool for tough jobs. The Kutir Utility Knife dispels that myth with its hyper-functional and retractable design.
With a stainless steel construction and slip-resistant rubber grip, this isn’t your typical arts and crafts snap-off blade knife. It’s a serious utility knife with a 5-blade storage compartment and auto-loading new blades.
Specs
- Includes 5 High-quality rust-proof snap-off blades
- High-quality Stainless Steel construction
- Slip-resistant rubber grip
- Concealed blade storage
- Auto-Load new blades
- Safety Head Lock
Our Take Away
The Kutir retractable utility knife is the “next level” in snap-off utility blade design.
If you’re looking for a safe, dependable, lightweight knife – capable of cutting rope, boxes, and even carpet, this might be the exact utility knife you’re looking for.
Kutir – Retractable Utility Knife
Best Drywall Utility Knife – Fiskars “Pro Drywaller’s Utility Knife”
Why We Like It
While most Utility knives are designed for Multi-Task functions such as opening boxes, cutting string, etc., the Fiskars “Pro-Drywaller” utility knife is designed specifically for Drywall.
This genius utility knife design utilizes multiple tools, including a professional knife blade and a folding “Jab Saw” in the handle. With the flick of a button, you can engage the Jab Saw to punch through drywall and carve holes.
Specs
- 2-in-1 Multi-Tool for Drywall
- Rugged Steel Construction
- Non-Slip Ergonmic Grip Design
- Holds 2 Extra Utility Blades
- Metal End on Handle to Sink Nail or Screw Heads
- Large 1.8 Litre capacity
- 2-Year Warranty
Our Takeaway
If we had to provide an award for the best workhorse in Utility Knives – It would probably be this one.
As anyone who has previously hung and installed drywall can confirm, typical installation requires switching between a standard drywall hole saw and utility knife – back and forth.
The Fiskars Pro-Drywall tool ends that requirement by providing a Utility knife, and the Jab saw ends that waste of time, significantly improving speed and completion on any drywall project.
Of course, the Fiskars Utility Knife can be used for any other general utility knife tasks and drywall installation.
Fiskars – “Pro-Drywaller’s” Utility Knife
Best “Self-Retracting” Heavy Duty Knife – CAT Safety Utility Knife 240071
Why We Like It
Also known as an “Auto-Retracting” utility knife, the CAT Safety Self-Retracting Utility Knife is our pick for the best utility knife that extends and retracts the blade according to hand pressure.
A simple squeeze and hold of the bottom lever (trigger) will extend the knife blade, and the release of the same lever retracts the blade. In this fashion, the knife blade can never be left open – significantly improving the safety of handling a utility knife.
Check out this quick demonstration Video for the CAT Safety Utility Knife.
Specs
- Self-Retracting Knife Blade
- Lock Blade open to Change Blades
- Ergonomic Handle Design
- On-Board Storage Extra 3 Blades
- Rugged Steel
Our Take Away
While the CAT Safety Utility knife isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, for those who use their utility knife for daily heavy-duty work, This utility knife delivers on its design – Safety First.
Best Self-Retracting Utility Knife – CAT Safety
Best “Auto-Retracting” Utility Knife for Homeowner – “Slice 10554 Safety Knife”
Why We Like It
In certain instances, a utility knife can slip and lose contact with its cutting surface. The user can be injured when using a fixed-blade or manual retractable utility knife.
The Slice Smart Auto-Retracting knife solves that potential issue by automatically retracting the blade as soon as you let go of the button—automatically, not manually.
Quick demonstration video for the Slice “Auto-Retracting” Utility Knife:
Specs
- Auto-Retracting Blade
- Includes Ceramic Blade – 11X more prolonged use than Standard Blades
- Durable Glass-filled Nylon Handle and Slide Button
- Ergonomic grip design
- Finger Friendly knife blade edge
- Counterbalanced Easy Grip Handle
- Tool-Free Blade exchange
Our Take Away
For those who want to reduce the worry of using a utility knife, the Slice 10554 Auto-retracting knife is, in our opinion, one of the best possible solutions.
While this utility knife isn’t for everyone or indeed isn’t “cheap,” knowing you are as safe as possible while using it is certainly something worth considering.
Best “Auto-Retracting” Utility Knife – Slice 10554
Best “Fixed Blade” Utility Knife – IRWIN
Why We Like It
The Irwin Tools 1774103 Drywall Fixed Utility Knife is the perfect knife for cutting drywall and other materials requiring a fixed blade. The knife features a slim nose for scoring and pinching the nose of the utility knife.
The 1/2-turn thumb screw allows for tool-free access to blades and blade changes.
The knife can hold up to 10 blades for quick blade changes. The trigger grip is designed for easier cutting on the pull, and the ergonomic handle gives the user an optimum cutting angle.
Specs
- Rugged Steel Construction
- Fixed Blade – Not Retractable
- Requires Holster for carrying
- Thumb Screw – Tool-free blade Change
- It holds up to 10 Extra Blades in the Handle
- Increased “pull strength” in Grip Design
Our Take Away
We think Irwin provides the most reliable Fixed-blade utility knife for those who prefer to reach into their hip holster and use a utility knife without extending or retracting the blade.
The Fixed Blade Irwin Utility knife comes with the new Irwin 4-point blade, with a snap blade end on both sides to give the user four clean tips for sharpness while cutting.
Best “Fixed Blade” Utility Knife – IRWIN
Buyers Guide (FAQ): Best Utility Knife
What is the Safest Way to Use a Utility Knife?
The best safety precaution when using a utility knife is to avoid leaving an “open blade” while the utility knife is not in use. The safest way to fold a utility knife is by using a retractable, auto-retracting, or smart-retracting utility knife model.
Who makes the Best Utility Knife?
The Stanley Fatmax is the best overall utility knife for general purpose and value, closely followed by the DeWalt retractable utility knife. If you’re looking for the best value Utility Knife, consider the WorkPro folding utility knife.
Who makes the Best “Folding” Utility Knife?
If your budget allows, the Milwaukee Fastback is the best Folding Utility Knife you can buy. It is loaded with features like an ergonomic and durable steel handle, a wire stripping tool, and a Strong wire clip for belt attachment.
If you can afford to spend a few extra bucks, this is one to consider owning.
Who makes the Best Utility Blades?
Many different brands manufacture utility blades, and while they are all functional, there are noticeable differences in quality.
Available utility blades range from Craftsman’s standard honed blade to longer-lasting blades like Lenox’s titanium-edged blades and DeWalt’s ultimate “Carbide Edge” blade.
DeWalt promotes its carbide-edge blades as 35% sharper, lasting 10X longer than standard honed utility knife blades.
Conclusion
Finding the best utility knife, with the number of choices available, can be a daunting task.
However, with our utility knife reviews above, we hope we’ve made that research more accessible and quicker ahead of purchasing a Utility Knife and finding the one tool that suits your needs perfectly.
Ultimately, choose the type of utility knife that allows you to accomplish the bulk of your daily tasks and one that you can use safely.
If you would like to leave us a comment or suggest another Utility Knife review or any products you would like to see reviewed, please don’t hesitate to comment below.
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Additional Resources & References:
- How To Choose the BEST Utility Knife – Besthomegear.com
- 7 Safety Tips for Using a Utility Knife – Doityourself.com
- How To Remove an Old Dishwasher – Besthomegear.com
- Safe Use of Utility Knife (PDF) – Ehs.Yale.Edu
- What are the 10 Most Efficient Space Heaters? Best Home Gear.Com
