We’ve cut through the clutter of online information to bring you the most talked about, most used, and most reliable utility knives available today. By analyzing reviews, data, and mentions across ten of the top tool-ranking websites, we’ve narrowed down the best to just 13 of the top utility knives on the market.
On the job and around the house, a utility knife makes life much easier. Whether you’re cutting shingles or whittling a plug for a stripped screw, this portable implement keeps things moving. These multifunctional tools were first used more than 500,000 years ago and feature interchangeable blades made to cut through different materials. Many offer a built-in hook knife and wire stripper. Utility knives may be built around a stationary handle or flip up similar to a pocket knife.
Check out these top products:
One. MilwaukeeTM Fastback® Flip Open Utility Knife
Price: 22
Milwaukee’s signature series utility knife, the Fastback features a single-handed opening mechanism, 10-gauge wire cutter and stripper, and gut hook. Built of all metal construction, this 7 ¼-inch utility knife is slim and lightweight but performs like a heavier gauge knife and stands up to daily use in all working conditions. An integrated wire form belt clip makes this knife easy to store and carry in your pocket or work belt. Milwaukee Tools is one of the nation’s leading names in power and hand tools, instruments, and accessories and backs the Fastback Flip Open Utility Knife with a limited lifetime warranty.
Top Product Features
- Tool-free blade changes
- Metal body
- Overall length 7 ¼-inches
- Built-in gut hook and wire stripper
Product Reviews
- "If the Fastback is not available, our next choice is the original Milwaukee 48-22-1901 Fastback. This knife shares many characteristics with our pick—it has the fast one-handed open/close, the comfortable and secure grip area, and the springy belt hook." -- TheWireCutter.com
- "Simple blade extraction and refill. Locks securely in open or closed position and with the push of one button you can flip it open or flip it closed. It includes a handy wire stripper in the handle as well." – ThoroughlyReviewed.com
- "The blade flips open 3X faster than the typical folding utility knife. You also have the convenience of being able to change the blade without having to use tools. The Fastback also has in integrated gut hook, making it very useful for cutting wires and small things. It also has a wire stripper." – KnifeUp.com
- "Many folding utility knives claim one-handed opening, few truly deliver, especially with the style of the Fastback II. You just thumb the release switch and flick your wrist. The blade flies out and locks, ready for action." -- HiConsumption.com
Two. Bessey Quick-Change Folding Utility Knife Wood Grain Handle
Price: 14.99
The Bessey Quick-Change Folding Utility Knife with wood grain handle goes from cutting carpet to notching wood in an instant. With a quick blade exchange, this classic style pocket/utility knife is easy to use and folds up for safe and easy storage and transport. The ergonomic handle is built tough and includes a belt clip for when you need your knife within easy reach. Accepts all standard utility knife blades. Bessey Tools is a German company with more than 125 years of experience crafting the world’s best steel tools.
Top Product Features
- Attractive wood grain handle
- Foldable; integrated belt clip
- High-quality material; German craftsmanship
- Accepts all standard utility blades
Product Reviews
- "The knife is well made, slim, has an easy, one handed open and close. With a little practice you can change blades with one hand. It's just a great knife. It's heavier than some other folding utility knives but I find that the weight helps me to "feel" which pocket I've got it in (a positive quality)." -- ThoroughlyReviewed.com
- "The Bessey D-BKWH folds like a regular pocket knife, instead of sliding like a box cutter. This, combined with the wood grain handle, gives it an old-timey feel that traditionalists will love." – Wiki.EZVid.com
- "This particular model of the Bessey has a wood grain handle, making it attractive as well as functional. This folding utility knife is compact enough to fit into your pocket, yet easy to grip and control. It accepts all brands of standard utility blades, and has a pocket clip providing easy access." – KnifeUp.com
- "This is without a doubt one of the best looking knives on the list. The handle is wood grain and very slender for easy storage and fast use. The blade can be operated one-handed, though it doesn’t work as quickly as the Fastback and can take a few tries if working with thick gloves." – HiConsumption.com
Three. DeWalt Folding Retractable Utility Knife
Price: 42
Another excellent choice in folding utility knives, the DeWalt is retractable and allows for cuts of varying depth with ease. Featuring DeWalt’s exclusive Rapid LoadTM blade swap system, this all-around useful knife doesn’t hold you up when it’s time to change the blade. With convenient blade storage, you’ll never have to stop on the job site again. Weighing just .34 lbs. and a handle length of 6 ¼-inches, the DeWalt is a lightweight yet durable and tough tool for all your cutting needs. DeWalt Tools are known for quality and are proudly made in America.
Top Product Features
- Metal body for long-lasting use
- Interchangeable blades with built-in storage
- Comfortable slip-resistant handle
- One-handed operation
Product Reviews
- "The best part about DeWalt’s folding retractable utility knife is that it manages to be foldable without sacrificing the quality of its retractable blade. The button mechanism is durable and holds under high pressure, but this knife maintains the portability and ease of use of a folding knife." – TheSawGuy.com
- "Blade changes are rapid thanks to the one-button system that can easily be operated with gloves on. The entirely metal body is durable and weather resistant. The lockback system is nearly as stiff as a retractable but can fold up for easier storage. Even has a wire stripper." – HiConsumption.com
- "If you are confused as to whether you should go for a retractable knife or a flip one, this is the knife for you as it offers both features in a single knife. You have the option of locking the back and slipping the blade away. You can also fold it up if you have less time on your hands." – ExtensivelyReviewed.com
Four. OLFA 18mm Ratchet-Lock Heavy-Duty Utility Knife
Price: 9.95
OLFA’s 18mm ratchet-lock utility knife is used to cut heavy gauge linoleum, drywall, carpeting, and other tough materials throughout the job site. Featuring a unique ratchet locking system, this fixed-handle utility knife allows for a one-handed use and provides custom depth settings. Each blade is double honed to allow for superior sharpness and longevity. Preloaded with snap-off blade. While it looks about as basic as utility knives come, OFLA’s three blade refill options makes this anything but run-of-the-mill. OFLA is a Japanese company; founder Yoshio Okada is credited with inventing the first ever snap-off blade.
Top Product Features
- Heavy duty; built tough
- Three blade options: snap, solid, and hook
- Carbon steel blades
- Ratchet lock
Product Reviews
- "The OLFA 5003 L-1 boasts a carbon steel blade that has superior durability, which prevents dullness and will also prevent you from having to change the blade very often." – TheSawGuy.com
- "It is poetic in its simplicity using carbon-steel blades mounted into a stainless steel body that is meant for punishment. If you aren’t slicing up block of wood or cutting acetates down to size, this is probably going to be overkill, but the price is still right. Truly the burly man’s blade." –HiConsumption.com
Five. KOBALT Utility Knife & 11 Blades, Foldable/Quick Release
Price: 10.47
The KOBALT aluminum handle foldable utility knife makes cutting easy and efficient. With a quick release blade lock, you can remove a blunt blade in seconds and resume the task at hand without delay. This stylish knife includes 11 total blades; one preloaded and 10 refills in a safety dispenser. Weighing just 4.2 ounces and boasting a slim design, you can carry this foldable knife without taking up precious tool box space. Built of aviation-grade aluminum, the KOBALT Quick-Change Folding Lockable Knife cuts through the competition with a lifetime warranty. KOBALT tools are engineered with excellence and designed for people who like to finish what they start.
Top Product Features
- Lifetime warranty
- 11 included blades
- Stainless steel belt clip
- All-purpose
Product Reviews
- "The Kobalt Quick Change is made from aviation-grade aluminum, so it's durable enough to live in your toolbox for years. It folds and locks smoothly, so you'll have no trouble getting it to work when you need it. The knife sticks out a little more than we'd like, however." – WikiEZVid.com
- "The body is built of aviation-grade aluminum which makes it tough and light, the texture doesn’t just look cool either, it’ll seriously aid in grip when you need to bear down on the knife. The quick release lever is a nice touch as well, allowing you to quickly switch out blades." – Homethods.com
6. CH Hanson FlipKnife Dual Blade Utility Knife
Price: 13.32
What makes this utility knife stand out is the fact that it’s two knives in one. The FlipKnife features dual sliding ends that hold any standard size blade. You don’t have to choose between a straight blade and hook blade, you can have them both in hand at all times. Or if you prefer, simply use the second blade as backup and cut your blade changes in half. A durable body and soft, slip-resistant grip make this the ideal knife for extended use. Two blades included. Manufactured by CH Hanson, a family company in its fifth generation.
Top Product Features
- Hook blade and straight blade included
- Two knives in one
- Built to withstand daily use
- Great choice for roofing application
Product Reviews
- "It has two chambers to hold retractable blades and ships with a standard straight blade along with a hooked blade. This tool makes fumbling around with two different knives an obsolete concept, as you can quickly switch from one to the other in under a second." – TheSawGuy.com
- "This qualifies more as a weird specialty tool than just a simple utility knife. It has dual retractable sides, one offering the standard razor edge and the other comes equipped with a hooked blade, but can be outfitted with anything under the sun. This is typically favored by roofers who need the hooked blade." – HiConsumption.com
- "It is more of a specialty tool than a simple utility knife. It has dual retractable sides with one side offering the standard razor edge and the other being equipped with a hooked blade. It also works well for anyone who is looking to use two knives to get the job done." -- ExtensivelyReviewed.com
7. Gardner Bender Voltage Sensing Electricians Knife with Wire Stripper
Price: 10.5
Until now, a utility knife was just that, a knife. Today, Gardner Bender has changed the game by adding an integrated voltage sensor, making the Circuit Alert the perfect tool for electricians. This slide-lock knife cuts, rips, trims, and shapes and features a built-in wire stripper for added usability. Easy-to-change blades and a stable locking mechanism add to the functionality of this 3-in-1 tool. Gardner Bender tools was founded in 1956 and offers an extensive selection of electrical tools including test instruments and power cable pullers.
Top Product Features
- Built-in voltage tester
- Made in the USA
- Durable handle and changeable blade
- Cuts and strips with one tool
Product Reviews
- "This knife is truly a jack-of-all-trades. Its standard retractable blade is nothing to sneeze at, but that’s not the best part. It’s most notable feature is it’s high voltage warning system--this knife will alert you if you’re approaching a hot wire, and its handle is insulated to protect you from an accidental shock." – TheSawGuy.com
- "This is a great option built entirely with the electrician in mind since it bears not only the typical blade but also cable ripping and wire stripping tools that work wonders. The volt meter that alerts you when you are working on a hot wire while the heavily insulated frame keeps you from taking a jolt." – HiConsumption.com
- "This knife is equipped not only with a typical blade but also carries cable ripping and wire stripping tools that work rather well. The feature that ensures that it stands out among the rest of the options is the voltmeter. It alerts you when you are working on a hot wire." -- ExtensivelyReviewed.com
8. Milwaukee Fastback II Flip Utility Knife with Storage
Price: 21.15
More than just a simple utility knife, the Fastback is an all-purpose cutting tool that activates with one hand. Featuring magnetic in-handle storage, the Fastback always has a spare blade at the ready. Outstanding control and comfort are achieved through the Fastback II’s ergonomic design while its sturdy all-metal body can’t be beat for durability. With a gut hook and 10-gauge wire stripper, this press and flip knife fits well at any work site. This is one tool you won’t want to leave laying in the tool box.
Top Product Features
- Gut hook; works without opening the knife
- Tool-free blade changes
- Magnetic storage in handle
- Tough metal casing
Product Reviews
- "The Press and Flip feature which allows for one-handed opening. No worries about this utility knife not being able to handle the rigors of the job. The all metal body is durable and tough and made to last. Have this utility knife on hand when you need it with the wire form belt clip." – ThoroughlyReviewed.com
- "The Milwaukee FastBack II can easily be opened one-handed, making it ideal for quick cuts. There's also a stripper that works on up to 12-gauge wire, which is very convenient for speeding through electrical jobs. The belt clip will ensure that it's there when you need it." – Wiki.EZVids.com
9. Stanley Dynagrip Retractable Utility Knife
Price: 7.17
The Dynagrip® Retractable Utility Knife by Stanley offers a cushioned grip for maximum comfort in extreme conditions. It uses ultra-heavy duty blades that remain sharp and securely in place use after use. This knife’s durable yet lightweight 6-inch body holds seven additional blades so you can keep on working. A slip-resistant grip keeps the knife in your hand through the blood, sweat, and tears you put into your work. Built by one of America’s most iconic tool makers, this utility knife is a Stanley exclusive and offers a limited lifetime warranty.
Top Product Features
- Retractable
- Patented nose secured blade
- Slip-resistant
- Strong and durable for long-lasting performance
Product Reviews
- "The Stanley 10-779 Dynagrip probably has the best grip of any of the knives on our list. This retractable utility knife features cushioned pads along the handle that are both comfortable in your hand and will prevent slipping." -- TheSawGuy
- "This knife features a cushion grip surface for comfort even in extreme temperatures. A slip-resistant grip prevents slipping even on angled surfaces. The 5-5/8-inch handle has a patented interlocking nose to secure the blade. This utility knife comes with Stanley's limited lifetime warranty." – HiConsumption.com
10. Milwaukee Fastback Flip Utility Knife (with Blade Storage)
Price: 17.99
Like its brothers, the Fastback Flip is a versatile knife and brings Milwaukee’s reputation to the table. Robust and always ready, the Fastback Flip features a gut hook and wire form belt clip, making it usable and storable. The intuitive design allows for easy connection to a lanyard when your pockets are out of reach. In-handle blade storage and an all metal body come standard on this model. An integrated wire cutter/stripper adds utility to this all-around useful, single-hand opening knife. A valuable resource for resourceful men and women who need their tools to serve more than one purpose.
Top Product Features
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Belt clip and lanyard hole
- Wire stripper
- Integrated four-blade storage in handle
Product Reviews
- "The Fastback can be easily (and quickly) opened and closed with one hand, and it locks in both the open and closed positions or at a 45-degree angle for ease of making strong, downward cuts, like on a carpet. Also, you can store four additional blades onboard the Fastback Flip." -- TheWireCutter
- "This Utility Knife with Blade Storage is designed to improve user productivity. Press and Flip one-handed opening provides fast access to the blade. On-board magnetic blade storage holds four additional blades to improve user efficiency. Also includes an integrated wire stripper." – PopularMechanics.com
