A utility knife, or box cutter, offers you excellent task functionality. Even though it has a small size, a utility knife can perform big tasks such as cutting thick cardboard, plastic, twine, linoleum, wallpaper, drywall, and shaving wood.
One of the main reasons why a utility knife is so popular is its unique retractable blade. With just a press of a button, the blade locks into position and retracts back inside the handle for safe storage.
Ultra-portable, a utility knife is perfect for everyday carry. Some utility knives fold up just like a pocket knife like the FC Utility Knife. So, whether you need a cutting tool at home, the office, or the campsite, your utility knife will always be ready to work.
The 10 Best Utility Knives
- Sheffield 12113 Utility Knife
- REXBETI Utility Knife
- WORKPRO Folding Utility Knife
- Fancii FC Folding Utility Knife (Our Top Pick)
- Fiskars 770060-1001 Pro Drywaller’s Utility Knife
- Milwaukee Fastback Folding Utility Knife
- DEWALT Retractable Utility Knife
- Stanley 10-778L FatMax Retractable Utility Knife
- Home Planet Gear Box Cutter Utility Knife
- Slice 10515 Mini Box Cutter
Our Top Pick for the Best Utility Knife
Our top pick for the best utility knife is the Fancii FC Folding Utility Knife.
The Fancii FC Folding Pocket utility knife wins the top spot as it has everything you need to complete everyday cutting tasks.
This workhorse is comfortable to use, has a tough blade, a portable design, and a host of user-friendly features that will help you to work smarter and safer.
Check the price on AmazonHow to Choose the Best Utility Knife
Finding the right utility knife can be challenging and time-consuming. The following buying guide highlights all the necessary information you need to choose the best utility knife for your lifestyle.
Blade Material
Whether the blade is made out of carbon steel, die-cast steel, or stainless steel, the blade must be sturdy, strong, and maintain its razor-sharp edge over the long term. Carbon steel is better than stainless steel at maintaining a sharp edge, but this will also depend on how often you use the knife.
Blade Thickness
You also have to consider the thickness of the blade. Most blades are designed for everyday cutting tasks, but a thicker blade is better for cutting through thicker material such as vinyl.
Blade Lock Mechanism
The blade lock mechanism is extremely important as it allows you to safely and quickly lock the blade into position, and then retract it after use.
Utility knives usually have a sliding mechanism on the top of the knife such as the Stanley FatMax Utility Knife.
Other types have a Quick-release blade button on the side of the housing such as the Milwaukee Fastback Folding Utility Knife.
Even though all of these designs are excellent features, left-handed people may find the side button harder to use.
Ergonomic Handle
A utility knife should have an ergonomic handle. Design features such as a textured grippy surface, a curved handle, and a lightweight feel will make the knife easy to use with just one hand.
On-board Blade Storage
Some utility knives have a unique onboard blade storage area such as the DEWALT DWHT10046 Utility Knife. Onboard blade storage is a really smart feature as the handle may be able to store 4 or 5 blades at one time. So, instead of trying to find extra blades, the blades will be easily accessible inside the knife.
Replacement Blades
Manufacturers usually supply their replacement blades for an affordable price. However, you can also purchase standard utility blades from your local hardware store.
10 Best Utility Knives – Reviews
1. Sheffield 12113 Utility Knife
The Sheffield 12113 Utility Knife is a very good cutting tool for everyday tasks.
Its textured aluminum handle fits securely and comfortably in your hand. The sturdy and razor-sharp stainless steel blade cuts through paper, cardboard, and twine. A patented quick-change snap-lock sliding mechanism makes it so easy to access and retract the blade.
Although the knife comes with just one blade, it accepts all standard utility knife blades, or you can purchase replacement blades from the manufacturer.
For everyday carry around your workspace, attach the knife to your pocket with the handy pocket clip.
A great gift idea, the Sheffield utility knife is available in 4 attractive colors. You can also choose a stylish utility knife that has an aluminum/wooden handle and it also comes with a bonus leather sheath.
Sheffield offers a limited lifetime warranty on the utility knife.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Affordable price
- Ideal for everyday tasks
- Study and razor-sharp stainless steel blade
- Convenient one-handed design
- Lightweight textured aluminum handle
- Patented quick-change snap-lock sliding mechanism
- Pocket clip
- Affordable replacement blades are available from the manufacturer
- Four stylish colors
- Available with a wooden/aluminum handle and a leather sheath
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Some complaints about the quick change mechanism being a bit stiff to use
- Not ideal for heavy-duty tasks
- Only one blade
2. REXBETI Utility Knife
Ultra-sharp and comfortable to use, the REXBETI Utility Knife is an excellent EDC companion for home use and professional cutting tasks.
This highly versatile utility knife has an extra-hard 4-position retractable steel blade that is extra hard and stays sharper for longer. It can be used to cut cardboard, plastic, foam board, fabric, twine, and art and craft materials.
You will have easy access to a blade every time as there is a conveniently placed quick-change button on the top of the knife. The knife comes with 10 blades and 3 blades can also be stored in the handle.
For better cutting precision and operator safety, the knife has a smooth retractable mechanism for the blade and a safety lock.
Ideal for one-handed use, the ergonomic rubber hand conforms to the shape of your hand and provides a nice firm grip.
Compact and lightweight, the REXBETI has a foldable design so it can be easily stored in your pocket or you can use the lanyard hole to attach it to your camping gear.
REXBETI offers this knife in a 2-pack.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very good price
- Perfect for cutting thick cardboard, plastic, foam board, fabrics, twine, and art and crafts materials
- Ultra-sharp and extra-hard 4-position retractable steel blade provides long-lasting sharpness
- Convenient sliding blade-lock mechanism
- Three blades can be stored in the handle
- Ergonomic handle offers a nice firm grip
- Safety lock
- Compact and lightweight
- Foldable design
- Lanyard hole
- Convenient 2-pack
- 10 bonus blades
Cons
- Handle is a bit fragile
- Blade can slip out if it’s not inserted securely into place
3. WORKPRO Folding Utility Knife
When you invest in the WORKPRO Folding Utility Knife, you will be able to perform any cutting task with confidence.
This superb cutting tool can be used for home DIY renovations, hobbies, and professional applications. Its die-cast steel blade is extremely strong and sharp and cuts quickly through paper, plastic, carpet, cardboard cartons, cloth, leather, PVC, and drywall.
The smart quick-change blade mechanism allows for quicker and safer blade changes. Just push the head-cover of the blade and drop down the cover of the blade. A thumb press also helps you to make deeper cuts in tougher material such as thick vinyl floor tiles.
Comfortable to use, the steel handle has an ergonomically curved shape and an anti-slip ABS grip. Locating the utility knife around your workspace or in your toolbox is very easy due to the bright red and blue design.
The WORKPRO utility knife comes with 5 bonus blades that are stored in the handle. To access your blades, press the slide switch to open the blade’s storage area. If you need more blades, the WORKPRO utility knife accepts most standard utility blades.
For unlimited portability, this lightweight knife can be attached to your belt or pocket with the handy belt clip.
WORKPRO offers a 1-year warranty on the utility knife.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Very affordable price
- Ideal for home DIY, hobbies, and professional applications
- Strong, durable, and sharp
- Sturdy steel handle has an ergonomically curved shape and an anti-slip ABS grip
- Bright red and blue design
- Quick-change blade release mechanism
- Thumb press also allows for deep cuts in tougher material
- Five-blade storage area in the handle
- Blade storage slide switch
- Compatible with most standard-sized utility blades
- Portable and lightweight
- Belt clip
- One-year warranty
Cons
- No instructions
- Stainless steel blades can lose their edge quickly
- Blade mechanism can be a bit stiff to use out of the box
4. Fancii FC Folding Utility Knife
The Fancii FC Folding Utility Knife is a great tool for everyday household tasks and simple DIY renovations.
Made from anodized aluminum and equipped with a durable, extremely sharp, and rust-resistant carbon steel blade, this utility knife can be used for a variety of tasks. It can cut open cardboard boxes, slice rope, cut plastic, wallpaper, carpets, or shave wood.
You can safely shift the blade into position with the lock-back mechanism and change the blade with the quick-change mechanism.
The ergonomic non-slip handle is comfortable to hold for a prolonged period. Its bright red color makes the knife easy to spot around your workspace.
Compact, lightweight, and portable, this pocket utility knife folds up and opens with the press of a button. You can use the stainless steel clip to attach the knife to your belt or use the lanyard hole to tie the knife to your backpack.
This utility knife comes with 5 bonus blades, a pouch, and a storage case, and it accepts all standard utility blades.
Fancii offers a 100% money-back guarantee on the utility knife.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Strong anodized aluminum design
- Durable, sharp, and rust-resistant carbon steel blade
- Simple Lock-back Design
- Quick-change blade mechanism
- Comfortable ergonomic non-slip handle
- Bright red color
- Compact, lightweight, and portable folding design
- Opens with a press of a button
- Stainless steel pocket clip
- Accepts standard size utility blades
- Five bonus replacement blades
- Lanyard hole
- 100% money-back guarantee
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Not suitable for cutting very thick material
- Pouch is a bit small
5. Fiskars 770060-1001 Pro Drywaller’s Utility Knife
If you are a DIY enthusiast or a professional tradie, you will appreciate the cutting power and functionality of the Fiskars 770060-1001 Pro Drywaller’s Utility Knife.
Specifically designed for tougher tasks, the Fiskar’s knife has a solid metal construction that has been tested to withstand drops and impacts. Its CarbonMax blade stays sharp for longer and has better durability than carbide blades.
Fiskars offers you 2 tools in 1. The standard blade can be used as a razor-sharp jab saw to punch through drywall and the reinforced metal end to finish sinking screws and nails.
Whatever type of light or medium-duty task you have to do, the upgraded grippy textured surface is comfortable to hold.
You can access the blade quickly and safely with the innovative Push-and-Slide magnetic mechanism. The top-of-blade retraction button helps to prevent accidental blade extension.
Cleaning out the build-up of debris and drywall dust can be done easily with the knife’s hinges. The knife has a 2-blade storage area and accepts all standard utility blades.
Fiskars offers a full lifetime warranty on the utility knife.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Specifically designed for tough DIY renovations
- Solid metal construction
- Durable CarbonMax blades stay sharp longer than carbide blades
- Two-in-1 tool functionality
- Standard blade works as a razor-sharp drywall jab saw
- Reinforced metal end can be used to finish sinking screws and nails
- Upgraded ergonomic handle has a grippy textured surface
- Innovative Push-and-Slide Mechanism has a magnet to secure the blade
- Top-of-blade retraction button for extra safety
- Knife hinges allow for easy cleaning of debris and drywall dust
- Good two-blade storage capacity
- Full lifetime warranty
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Heavy
6. Milwaukee Fastback Folding Utility Knife
Whether you need a functional knife for DIY jobs around the house or your next outdoor adventure, the Milwaukee Fastback Folding Utility Knife is a practical tool for your toolkit.
The Fastback utility knife has a solid metal ergonomic body that is comfortable to hold. Its bright red color makes the knife easy to locate around a cluttered workspace.
Its innovative press and flip opening mechanism provide fast one-handed access to the razor-sharp steel blade. A quick-change button on the side of the knife also allows for tool-free blade changes, and there is an onboard storage area for 5 blades.
If you are an electrician or a fishing enthusiast, you will love the integrated wire stripper and integrated gut hook. For your safety, the utility knife has a metal extension over the button that prevents accidental blade removal. The tape measure blade notch allows you to grab and pull the end of a tape measure.
Perfect for everyday carry, this compact utility knife has a durable wire belt clip and a lanyard hole.
Milwaukee offers a limited lifetime warranty on the utility knife.
Pros
- Great quality
- Excellent value for money
- Strong, razor-sharp blade
- Solid all-metal ergonomic body is comfortable to hold
- High visibility bright red color
- Innovative press and flip opening mechanism
- Quick change button for tool-free blade changes
- Tape measure blade notch
- Integrated gut hook and wire stripper
- Metal extension over the button prevents accidental blade removal
- Easy-to-access onboard storage for 5 blades
- Wire form belt clip and lanyard hole
- Compact folding design
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Pricey
- Blade can wobble a bit
- Bonus blades have to be purchased separately
7. DEWALT Retractable Utility Knife
Sturdy and sharp, the DEWALT Retractable Utility Knife is an excellent choice for everyday household tasks and professional applications.
The razor-sharp carbide steel blade slices through a wide range of materials like butter such as cardboard, wallpaper, plastic, twine, and even carpet.
Made in the US, the knife’s rugged metal body is designed for prolonged tool life. Its comfortable multi-material handle has a rubberized top and a textured underside that gives you an improved grip and maximized control. Spotting the knife around your workspace is very easy due to the bright yellow color.
You will be able to work smarter with DEWALT’s unique rapid load blade changing system. At just a press of a button, the retractable blade can be adjusted for variable cut depths. Onboard blade storage gives you instant access to new blades.
Lightweight and compact, this knife fits in your pocket or you can use the lanyard hole to attach the knife to your backpack.
As the DEWALT utility knife comes with a large 10-pack of blades, you will spend more time working on your project and less time looking for extra blades.
DEWALT offers a lifetime warranty on the utility knife.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Rugged metal body for prolonged tool life
- Razor-sharp steel blade
- Retractable blade offers variable cut depths
- Rapid load blade changing system
- On-board blade storage
- Ergonomic solid all-metal body
- Rubberized and textured multi-material handle
- Improved comfortable grip and maximized control
- Bright yellow color
- Lightweight and compact
- Lanyard hole
- Large 10-pack of blades
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Blades can dull quickly
- No belt clip
8. Stanley 10-778L FatMax Retractable Utility Knife
Functional and durable, the Stanley 10-778L FatMax Retractable Utility Knife is a convenient solution to all your light to medium household cutting needs.
Home maintenance gurus, hobbyists, and carpenters cannot go wrong with this rugged and durable utility knife.
Whether you need to cut through cardboard, wallpaper, twine, or insulation, the carbon steel blade is sturdy, razor-sharp, has a long-lasting precision-honed edge, and it does not wobble.
The FatMax has a sliding mechanism for fast access to the blade and the button-activated pop-up blade change dispenser makes it easy to change the blade.
Soft black panels are comfortable to hold and give you a good secure grip, and the high-visibility bright yellow color makes the knife very easy to see. A blade wiper removes excess dirt and debris which helps to protect the knife. The knife also comes with onboard blade storage and 5 bonus blades.
Stanley offers a limited lifetime warranty on the utility knife.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Functional and durable
- Ideal for home maintenance gurus, hobbyists, and carpenters
- Cuts through cardboard, wallpaper, twine, or linoleum
- Carbon steel retractable blade is sturdy, razor-sharp, and has a long-lasting precision-honed edge
- Blade clamp eliminates any blade wobble
- Sliding blade mechanism
- Push-button blade change dispenser makes it easy to change the blade
- Additional blades can be stored in the handle
- High visibility bright yellow color
- Soft-touch panels are comfortable to hold and easy to grip
- Blade wiper removes excess dirt and debris
- Five bonus blades
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Not ideal for cutting through thick drywall
- Can be hard to insert the blade back in
9. Home Planet Gear Box Cutter Utility Knife
Featuring an ergonomic design and a multi-length adjustable blade, the Home Planet Gear Box Cutter Utility Knife offers you loads of cutting application versatility,
This utility knife has a durable zinc-alloy body and a super-sharp retractable blade.
You can make precise cuts in cardboard, paper, drywall, carpet, leather, or vinyl flooring as the blade can be adjusted to 4 different lengths. Once you have selected the right blade size, 1/8, ½, ¾, or 1-inch, the lock-back button secures the blade into position.
Ergonomically designed, the TPR rubber curved handle fits well in your hand and protects your knuckles as you cut. Additional blades can be stored into the handle and the red button opens and locks the blade storage area.
Compact and lightweight, this EDC box cutter fits in your pocket, backpack, or glove box.
The Home Planet Gear knife comes with 5 blades and also accepts standard utility blades.
Home Planet Gear offers a 100% refund or money-back guarantee and a lifetime warranty on the utility knife.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Affordable price
- Can be used for cardboard, paper, drywall, carpet, leather or vinyl flooring
- Durable zinc-alloy body
- Heavy-duty retractable blade that is sharp and built to last
- Four variable blade positions
- Lock-back blade button
- Ergonomically designed curved TPR rubber handle
- Replacement storage is built right into the handle
- Compact, lightweight, and portable
- Five bonus blades
- Accepts standard replacement blades
- 100% replacement or refund guarantee
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty use
- Some reports that the blade is hard to reload
10. Slice 10515 Mini Box Cutter
If you need an emergency cutting tool at home, the campsite, or your favorite fishing spot, the Slice 10515 Mini Box Cutter offers you amazing functionality.
The double-sided ceramic blade has an extra hard edge that stays sharp up to 11 times longer than metal blades and will never rust.
The blade extends out from the housing up to a ¼-inch, which makes this tool ideal for cutting paper, plastic wrapping, corrugated cardboard, foam, or vinyl. This smartly designed box cutter is packed full of innovative user-friendly features.
As it has a mini size, the box cutter fits in the palm of your hand and it can be used right-handed or left-handed.
Even though the Slice 10515 requires you to manually control the blade, its bright orange textured slide mechanism locks and retracts the blade with just the press of a finger.
The blade’s finger-friendly safety edge keeps you safe. To replace the blade, just use the lock/unlock button on the back of the housing.
An integrated magnet allows the box cutter to be attached to any metal surface.
Perfect for EDC, this lightweight and portable mini box cutter slide easily into your back pocket. It also has a convenient keyring hole that you can use to attach the cutter to your car keys.
You can choose from a manual blade retract design or an auto-retract design. The Slice Mini Box Cutter comes with a standard rounded-tip blade or you can purchase separately a pointed-tip blade 4-pack.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Innovative design
- Double-sided ceramic blade stays sharp up to 11 times longer than steel and never rusts
- ¼-inch long blade can be used for paper or plastic wrapping, corrugated cardboard, foam, or vinyl
- Mini size fits comfortably in your palm
- Can be used right-handed or left-handed
- Bright orange textured manual lock and retract slide-mechanism
- Easy to use Lock/Unlock blade replacement button
- Integrated magnet
- Perfect for EDC
- Convenient lanyard/key-ring hole
- Available in an auto-retract model
- Comes with one standard rounded-tip blade
- Pointed-tip blade in a handy four-pack can be purchased separately
Cons
- Not designed for heavy-duty use
- Mini size can make it difficult to open larger boxes
- Plastic housing does not feel very durable
- Only comes with one blade
Our Top Pick for the Best Utility Knife
Our top pick for the best utility knife is the Fancii FC Folding Utility Knife.
The Fancii FC Folding Pocket utility knife wins the top spot as it has everything you need to complete everyday cutting tasks.
This workhorse is comfortable to use, has a tough blade, a portable design, and a host of user-friendly features that will help you to work smarter and safer.
Check the price on Amazon
