Okay, this thread may more aptly be titled: “What is the brand that sells what I think is the best utility knife?†That’s a little long, so “Best Utility Knife†will have to do.<!—-><!—-><!—->
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Do you remember those retractable grey plastic (metal blade release button) utility knives with the yellow (<!—-><!—-> <!—->Stanley <!—-><!—->) or red (Craftsman) plastic blade storage compartment that were a dime a dozen just less than a decade ago? They were the only retractable utility knife with quick blade change and blade storage I’ve ever used that wouldn’t lose its grip on the blade when cutting drywall. Notice: I said the only retractable utility knife. <!—-><!—->
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Stanley still makes a similar retractable quick-change that’s even made out of metal, but despite the higher quality of material (metal vs. plastic), it doesn’t hold the blade rigid (the blade wobbles slightly) and it doesn’t hold the blade secure – the blade fly’s out of the knife when scoring down a sheet of drywall.<!—-> <!—->
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The old retractable metal <!—-><!—->Stanley<!—-> <!—-> knife that goes for $3.99 is great except for the fact that you have to unscrew it and screw it back together to change a blade.<!—-><!—->
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<!—->Sheffield <!—-> makes a very elegant utility knife that holds a blade very rigid, just secure enough, and blade changes are almost as quick as the standard “quick change†models. However, the knife does not have any capability for blade storage. It also folds instead of retracts, which in certain situations, can be somewhat of a nuisance.<!—-><!—->
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At first glance, the retractable plastic Irwin knife would seem to be the obvious choice. However, the blade does not change so quickly, simply because the blade storage clip is something you must be rather careful with if you have more than one blade in it. The knife is also rather fragile, and you can feel it pushing apart in your hand as you apply downward pressure on a cut. The real bad thing about it being fragile though, is that it breaks too easily. I’ve also bought some that have held the blade safely secure as well as some that don’t. It seems to be hit or miss.<!—-><!—->
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Yeah, I know what you drywall guys are thinking: “Use a fixed blade utility knife for cutting drywall.†Well, I have one of those. What I’m looking for here is an all-around utility knife that can be relied on for everything.<!—-><!—->
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I’m looking for a utility knife that must meet all of these qualifications: <!—-><!—->
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Retractable<!—-> <!—->
Quick Blade Change (Without a screw gun)<!—-><!—->
Secure Blade (Won’t release blade when applying strong downward pressure)<!—-> <!—->
Rigid Blade (Blade doesn’t wobble when locked in knife)<!—-><!—->
Blade Storage Capability <!—-><!—->
Not too big and bulky. <!—-><!—->
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Any ideas?<!—-> <!—->
–T
Replies
I'm partial to the Lenox gold model. The only downside imo is the blade storage- there's a clamp inside the body that's not the easiest thing to use. You have to really force the blades down into it, and I've never been able to pull just one blade out of it- they all seem to come along.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009IBQC4
I would also have to say that the Lenox is the best that I have used in 15 or so years in the trade. Tough , quick change , comfy grip , a little pricey but I have had mine for three or so years and that is saying alot.
Lenox knifes and blades are above the rest.
Agreed, but give the Kobalt serrated a try..man them suckers are sweeeeeeeet.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"
I think I've got a Lenox model as well.
It's a blue one. has a great quick release opener, has ball bearing pressure point to keep the blade tight as well as what looks like graphite or maybe they are magnets slide strips to guide the blade.
Solid, easy to use - best I've owned yet.
The blade storage is a plastic holder that keys into a few holes in the body and has a spring metal pressure deally and holds 6-7 blades - has worked ok for me.
JT
I don't mind the screwing and unscrewing because I've never really found a "fast change" knife that took my abuse.
My primary "need" is that I am able to hammer the knife like it's a chisel. I beat the heck of out my utility knifes. It's much faster than gently sawing and shaving.
Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
I like the trick of unscrewing using a 16D nail.
Use the head in the slot to start it , then put the point in the slot and twirl between thumb and finger..never need a screwdriver.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"
Thats the way I've always done it. Box nails and roofing nails are superior for this task because the sloped head of the sinker tends to slip out. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
Yep. I had a helper just stare in wild wonder when I did it once..LOL, Kids.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"
I really like this one.
View Image
(The picture is a link to the Irwin page.)
It is the irwin "Pro Touch".
Not only is the blade held secure, but the blade holder is itself held secure to the body of the knife.
No removeable parts to fall out and get lost in the sawdust and drywall dust.
It opens with the simple 'push(then)slide' button on the side. And so far, I have never come even close to accidentally opening it, in use.
The grip is great. Plus, the size and shape sure help keep hand fatigue at bay.
Two thumbs up, from me.
I also like how long their blades last...
Yeah, it may be cold, but at least it's a wet cold !
I like the Irwin too and it's used primarily in the shop.
I carry several Stanley 10-989 "yellows" in assorted tool kits and is my main squeeze at the jobsite. Don't need to worry as much when someone needs to "borrow" it.
The knife is a little longer than standard and feels good to my hand. Stores 5 blades, a recessed snap button unlocks the "scissors" type handle for blade changes. I have on occasion inadvertently unlocked the Irwin handle but haven't managed yet do it with the 989
You can, however dump the blades and the retracting mechanism if your not "focused" on the blade change with the 989
View Image10-989
Thanks guys. I think I’d like to try either the recommended FatMax 10-777, or the Swivel-Lock 10-989. I've seen the <!----><!---->Lennox<!----> at Berland's House of Tools, and although it seems good for the most part, but it also seems rather big and bulky when seen at the store. Perhaps I should give it a try though too.
Here are the links to the knives I mentioned in my original post:<!----><!----><!---->
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The <!----><!---->Stanley<!----><!----> Retractable Quick-Change<!----><!---->
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The <!----><!---->Stanley<!----><!----> Retractable<!----><!---->
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The <!---->Sheffield<!----><!----><!---->
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The Irwin<!----><!---->
BTW, what would you prefer beat on a utility knife for as opposed to a chisel?
-T
Edited 2/12/2008 11:23 pm ET by JourneymanCarpenterT
Berland's House of Tools
Ah yes...Nothing else like it. The only place I've ever seen the Makita 16" circular saw on the shelf ready to go.You get out of life what you put into it......minus taxes.
Marv
Ya gotta check out the Cornwell utility knife.
Next time you see a Cornwell toolman at an Auto shop stop in to check it out.
Best quick change model I have seen.
Russell
"Welcome to my world"
Kobalt serratedLennoxCornwellYouns keep posting names, but I'm not seeing any pictures or links to the knives, yet...
Yeah, it may be cold, but at least it's a wet cold !
Sorry, no pics.
I don't even own the knife I am talking about. But I will soon.
Maybe a pic then.
Russell
"welcome to my world"
Try this.
http://www.cornwelltools.com/OnlineCatalog/Common%20Service/232cuttingtools,.html
GN-12119
Russell
"Welcome to my world"
That works.Thanks.=0)
Yeah, it may be cold, but at least it's a wet cold !
Kobalt are at Lowes, I just got a knife ( just like the Irwin you posted) and 2 blades for like 5 bucks..and a 10 pack of blades ( serrated) for about the same.
I still use the Stanly 10-99 I think it is, like the OP first described. And have at least 4 different others..keep a hook blade in one, and the good lennox in most of the others.
I caught flak from Dale when I was working with him, for resharpening dull blades on a weekend and reusng them during the week..LOL I broke that habit.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"
I hate retractable blades for several reasons.
First, you waste time openning and closing it. A proper sheathe/holder means there is no need whatsoever for retraction for safety.
Secondly, the slot that works the tracking mechanism is right where I lay my forefinger to put pressure on the tip and to guide the blade, so using a retractable all day can end up braeking the callus there or causing ablister in a soft-skinned version of a carpenter.
Third - the dang things wobble and have loose blades so they are inherently dangerous for hard use. That wobble means a lack of control, less accurate cuts, and greater chance of cutting your own self
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Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
No loose blade on the Lennox model I use. Maybe looser than a fixed - but definitely no wobble that causes problems.Find a good one - maybe you'll change your mind - they are out there.JT
I do have a couple Lennox, and they are pretty good, but nowhere near as solid as a good fixed blade
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Julian,I have several of the same blue Lenox retractable knives that you have, and it is my go-to choice. The bad news is that they discontinued that model, replacing it with the gold ones.The blue with the ball bearings is the tightest blade on a retractable knife I have ever used. By this I mean very little lateral play with blade extended. It is a bit large, and can be hard to retract when dirty because of the tight tolerances inside.The Lenox gold knives are good, but looser than the great blue model. The blue ones were made in Spain, the gold ones in Taiwan or China.In any case, gotta love those bimetal blades.Bill
Somewheres, I've got a 30yo General diecast alum no paint, retractable, solid. Retired when I could not find blades for it anymore. It was straight-bodied and filled the hand well so comfortable.
That's what I've been saying...I bought 3-4 of them on clearance at $6 each - should've bought a few more I guess.Have two now - I have a habit of giving stuff away, and sometimes regretting it...Good knife!JT
I agree. Whenever I'll be using a utility knife for more than a few minutes, the fixed blade is the one I go to. Simple, comfortable, effective and safe with the proper sheath.
I have an old sheath that's still in ok shape. I've been looking for a replacement, but haven't found one yet.
I agree on all counts. You forgot to mention that the blade often gets gooped up when cutting goopy stuff. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
I agree. I like it when the blade is locked open fully extended. I put a leather sheath on my tool belt so it doesn't have to retract.
Stanley fat max (10-777) meets all of your listed criteria. I like mine. I've had the same one in my belt for close to two years of daily use, it's finally broken in just right. You have to get used to the thumb wheel. If you reef on it to much it's difficult to extend and retract the blade. Need to back it off just a bit after changing blades.
http://www.stanleytools.com
Now that looks like a good ute !!I wonder if the thumbwheel that locks the blade in place after you slide it out, would make it solid enough for even Piffin...
Yeah, it may be cold, but at least it's a wet cold !
Just retired my old Stanley retractable 10-499 when the thumb retractor spring broke from metal fatigue. The diecast knife body and swing-out yellow plastic blade magazine are still fine. That yellow blade mag was a winner of a feature imo.
Have another cheaper backup retractable Stanley, the screw-it-apart-to-change-a-blade kind, that I misplaced somewheres.
Last week bought a FatMax 10-777 which seems like a stable platform. Like you said, getting the thumbwheel pressure right takes a few days' use. The blade magazine is a bit weird and will take getting used to. I may grow to like this knife.
Noticed today at the yard that Stanley has a new, slightly slimmer FatMax, with perhaps less dogleg in the body, and a slightly different thumbwheel. Cheaper too, by maybe $5. The older fatter model was not in stock.
Edited 2/12/2008 12:29 am ET by Pierre1
I got the fatmax and I don't like it. I don't think I'll ever like a retractable one.
Is there any fatmax product out there that's any good?They make an awful lot of BS - few times, it's been like Fatmax my a$$ - #### falling apart or doesn't work that great to begin with.Only good things about the tapes are the standout - the ergonomics of them suck.Plastic fantastic craptastic mostly.JT
I do like my fatmax 25' for framing but i grab other tapes for everything else.
I am partial to the Max Steel 25' version, about the size if the old chrome Stanley but with 8-9 standout.
I don't do a bunch of framing, but I prefer the leverlock stanley's.The Fatmax's blade lock bites.JT
I do not like the Fat Max, have not yet learned to like the leverlock ones either, here is the one I like:
View Image
http://www.stanleytools.com/default.asp?CATEGORY=HT%5FTAPES%5FMAXSTEEL&TYPE=PRODUCT&PARTNUMBER=33-599&SDesc=25%26%2339%3B+x+1%26%2334%3B+MaxSteel%26%23174%3B+Tape+Rule
That has been my tape of choice for the last 5 years or so as well.
I do remodeling, not strictly framing, and find it to be a nice all around tape.
One of the old regulars (andybuildz?) who turned me on to this one from Bessey:
View Image
Light years better than all the old Stanley's of various flavors I've worn out over the years
Does not work for all situations but general use and ease of blade change this is becoming my favorite.
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Wow am I the first one to vote for OLFA knives.
I do have that Olfa breakaway with the black blade. I like it but it is not for all task use. Breakaways tend to get extended past the first break point and break unexpectedly for me. Realizing it is my bad. Have not seen a true utility Olfa.
View Image
I probably have about 10 different versions I have tried.
That looks like a good comfortable grip
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
It is and my old hands appreciate it. It would not be if you were a fulltime rocker. I like the squeeze to extend, a little pressure on lower handle and thumb on side button to retract.
Someone was looking for sheaths, I think Lowes still has the leather AWP ones. Not as cool as the old oil tanned ones though.
Thanks, I don't shop at Lowes too often because HD is so much closer, but I happened to stop in a local hardware store today and picked up another sheath.
i just picked up one of these at home depot, haven't had a chance to use it yet.
Uggggh. I have one of them, and I hate it.
It won't fit in my knife slot in my bags, everytime I really have to hang on to it ( like scoring metal on a brake) I wind up squeezing the handle and the blade retracts, the trap door pops off if ya drop it.
You can have mine if I can find it..I may have tossed it off a roof.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"
Agree on all of that, I said it did not work for all applications. Unorganized as I am I do not have a knife slot in my bag and try to stay off roofs. Although yesterday I did go screw down some tin on neighbor's garage, fourtunately low pitch but 2+ stories off ground.
I have not had mine pop open from dropping it. Hey, you dropping if standing on the ground is sort of like coming off a roof (;-).
I had one and then Lowes had them 50% off and I got a couple more to increase chances of being able to find one.
Lutz 357
http://www.shelterinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=418
The awful thing is that beauty is mysterious as well as terrible. God and the devil are fighting there, and the battlefield is the heart of man.
- Fyodor Dostoyevski
gotta side with piffen and blue
fixed utility knife-----into a sheath. firm,accurate and safe.- blade changes are simple---and really, how much time does it take to change a blade.
also use the roofing nail head as a screw driver-What---800 thousand gazillion times?
The older,metal stanleys were great
BUT- currently using what we call bananna knives. Bright yellow, slight bananna curve---much more knuckle friendly when cutting shingles--and did I say YELLOW--which makes them MUCH easier to retrieve when you drop them 3 stories off a roof into the bushes or--worse--pachasandra.
I carry 2---one with regular straight blade and one with a hook blade
by the way---they are quick change---and I THINK a new model is available for the sissies who insist on a retractable blade, LOL.
real men use fixed blade knives :>)
Stephen
I have a couple of the Lutz 357 knives. Also a bunch of the common Stanleys. Always grab the Lutz, and am disappointed if I can't find one right away. Really good knife.Bear
I have one of the old Stanley retractables, originally gray paint as I recall, just plain aluminum for many years now. I don't like changing blades because the guts usually fall out. I'd use a fixed blade knife but I prefer to carry the knife in the leg pocket of my bibs or jeans.
My simple answer is to carry a small sharpening stone in my pouch's tape pocket, under the tape. I can dress up the blade any time in a few seconds and it's good for a full day of cutting rock.
I sharpen the blade at a lower angle than the way they come from the factory. This allows the blade to pass through gypsum like butter, no sticking. Much better cutting....MUCH. Sharper edge, lighter pressure on the knife, less fatigue on the hand.
Here's my favorite for roofing work
View Image
I have that one. It's pretty beefy.
I love this knife, simply because it gives me two blades in one handle. I have a fixed rockers knife in my drywall bag, but other than that, this is the knife that is used most of the time.
View Image
I usually run through about one a year, either because they have worn out, or I lose them out of my sheath when slouching in a movie seat.
I don't care much for break aways; they snap out when I'm not expecting it, and the tips seem to snap more often than standard blades.
The auto loading QuickBlade is gimmickey, not very reliable, and the trap door pops open once in a while, spilling the blades.
View Image
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
I have that Stanley top one too..lost the rubber button for the utility blade in the first week..and the switch out blade wont hold an edge very well at all. It lives in a tool drawer and don't get to play much. It was a gift from a HO I was working for, so I felt bad not carrying it on his job..but now that I am gone, so is the knife.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"
I have to admit I use the blade more to pry with than to cut, lol. But it is handy having both tools in one on my hip.
I've lost two of them at the movies. Now when I go to the movie, I have to remember to shuck the sheath, which also contains a mini-mag light and assorted pens/pencils/magic markers and even a paint can opener.
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
Years ago i went to Sears and saw they had a fixed knife for 99cents I bought 2 dozen of them, I use them for roofing with a hook blade and sheetrock cause i can put my thumb on the side of the blade and cut while the other hand holds the tape, No need to draw lines, Sheetrockers taught me this. If im doing carpentry work i use a regular stanley with extra blades that retracks, If im doing roofing i put a straight blade in a yellow banana knife and a hook in the fixed, So by sight and feel i know which knife i want. I like the banana knife as its easy to change blades even with gloves on, Plus i feel i look pretty darn cool holding something that looks like a banana.
jouneyman Carpenter,
I hate to do this since I haven't read any of the postings thus far but sheffeld does make a folding utility knife that holds several blades in it..
I love mine!
It's thick enough to be comfortable to your hand as you make that bizillionth cut for the day and changing the blade is just a quick flick..
Edited 2/13/2008 11:50 am ET by frenchy
Thanks for the recommendation. For some reason I was unable to access Sheffield's website yesterday. That's why I posted a link to Amazon.com for the sheffield I have.
I just checked out Sheffeild's website today. Is this is the knife you're reffering to?
http://www.sheffield-tools.com/heavy-duty-lockback-utility-knife-p-1194.html
It looks like an awsome buy!
BTW, I found those old utility knives I was talking about in my original post, but perhaps this new folding Sheffield can satify both retractable and fixed-blade lovers.
-T
Edited 2/13/2008 7:42 pm ET by JourneymanCarpenterT
Jouneyman CarpenterT
Exactly! I've abused mine now for about a year and aside from some scuffing and a little glue on it. It's as nice now as when I bought it.
If the blade is strong enough then the rest of it will take anything you toss at it (or drop it from) Just for information I carefully hoard all the original baldes like they were gold, they are significantly superior to the Stanley replacements.. sharper and less likely to break..
I know you said retractable, but I said janky. I stopped using retractables and switched to "danger blades" years ago. The Fat Max Extreme is the way to go. I used to go through 2-3 retractables a season, and have had my Fat Max Extreme for two years(10 shingle roofs and many, many many sheets of rock)