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Tools Cutting Tools

Best Utility Knives

Eliza McGowen
Written by Eliza McGowen
Updated December 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Kutir Retractable Box Cutter Utility Knife
Kutir
Retractable Box Cutter Utility Knife

Ideal for cutting heavier materials, with handy extras like storage for replacement blades, this sturdy knife is a star player in many toolkits.

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Bottom Line

Ideal for cutting heavier materials, with handy extras like storage for replacement blades, this sturdy knife is a star player in many toolkits.

Pros

Effortlessly slices through cardboard, and handles thick material like carpet very well. Blades are easy to replace, and lock securely in place either open or closed. Extra blades store within removable cartridge in handle. Solidly built handle.

Cons

Knife is too large and heavy for some smaller users. Snap-away blades dull quickly when cutting stiffer materials. Locking screw can get in the way when cutting.

Best Bang for the Buck
Olfa L-1 18mm
Olfa
L-1 18mm

Detail cutting is no problem for the securely seated blade in this knife.

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Bottom Line

Detail cutting is no problem for the securely seated blade in this knife.

Pros

Blade stays steady for precise cutting along marked lines. Snap-away design keeps sharp blade available throughout a task. Feels good in the hand for its size, and allows for a secure grip.

Cons

Locking wheel can be stiff to turn, and location is inconvenient to reach during cutting jobs.

Stanley Classic 99
Stanley
Classic 99

A classic, go-to utility knife with a good-sized, sturdy handle that is easy to grip while cutting.

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Bottom Line

A classic, go-to utility knife with a good-sized, sturdy handle that is easy to grip while cutting.

Pros

Sturdy handle and blades thick enough to handle tougher cutting jobs. Fast, easy, and safe to open and retract blade.

Cons

Blade doesn’t slide smoothly. No instructions for assembly, which can be a little confusing the first time.

Fancii FC Folding Pocket Utility Knife
Fancii
FC Folding Pocket Utility Knife

Large and easy to hold, and while this utility knife’s blades tend to dull quickly, changing them is fast and easy.

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Bottom Line

Large and easy to hold, and while this utility knife’s blades tend to dull quickly, changing them is fast and easy.

Pros

A durable box cutter and utility knife. Large handle makes knife easier to hold and use. Opens and retracts smoothly, and lock-back helps secure blade. Changing out blades is easy thanks to a single release button. Holster and extra blades are nice extras.

Cons

Blade loses its edge quickly. Handle and blades loosen up over time and wiggle during use. Some find the handle too big to use comfortably.

Tarvol Box Cutter Utility Knife (3 Pack)
Tarvol
Box Cutter Utility Knife (3 Pack)

Trades away some sturdiness for more convenient snap-away blades and a budget price point.

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Bottom Line

Trades away some sturdiness for more convenient snap-away blades and a budget price point.

Pros

Very lightweight construction. Blade easily opens and retracts. Relatively well-built handle for a disposable utility knife.

Cons

Blades are somewhat difficult to snap away. Handles feel a bit flimsy. Also, blades aren’t sharp enough for heavier materials.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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First Reviewed
December 21, 2022
52
Models
considered
28
Hours
researched
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The team that worked on this review
Our Top Picks
Kutir
Best of the Best
Kutir
Retractable Box Cutter Utility Knife
Bottom Line
Ideal for cutting heavier materials, with handy extras like storage for replacement blades, this sturdy knife is a star player in many toolkits.
Shop Now
Olfa
Best Bang for the Buck
Olfa
L-1 18mm
Bottom Line
Detail cutting is no problem for the securely seated blade in this knife.
Shop Now
Stanley
Top Pick
Stanley
Classic 99
Bottom Line
A classic, go-to utility knife with a good-sized, sturdy handle that is easy to grip while cutting.
Shop Now
Fancii
Top Pick
Fancii
FC Folding Pocket Utility Knife
Bottom Line
Large and easy to hold, and while this utility knife’s blades tend to dull quickly, changing them is fast and easy.
Shop Now
Tarvol
Top Pick
Tarvol
Box Cutter Utility Knife (3 Pack)
Bottom Line
Trades away some sturdiness for more convenient snap-away blades and a budget price point.
Shop Now
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