Are All Utility Knives Created Equal?

R

RedLynx

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Aug 5, 2011
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Hi guys,

I need a carpet cutting knife. I have to admit, I am tempted to press one of my already-owned knives into service as one; I'm curious about one or two.

But either way, before I run out and grab a cheap utility knife, I thought I'd ask if there are any "good vs. bad ones."

I know all are relatively similar and about the cheapest knife type you can buy but, amazingly, in all my years of being into knives, I haven't had much use for the replaceable-blade utility/Stanley knives.

Thanks guys.
 
Might not be my place to suggest this, but check out a Mini Tuff Lite instead of one of those utility blade holders.
 
asdf12345 said:
Might not be my place to suggest this, but check out a Mini Tuff Lite instead of one of those utility blade holders.
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I have the regular sized one and it was one of the knives I had in mind to "try out" for this type of work... hmm....
 
Use a utility knife. That's what they're made for. Buy one that is large so your knuckles are away from where you're cutting. I know there are a lot of cute ones and yeah they sell.... but if you're going to work with one, buy one that is large like the big stanley or something like 5 or 6" long.
 
22-rimfire said:
Use a utility knife. That's what they're made for. Buy one that is large so your knuckles are away from where you're cutting. I know there are a lot of cute ones and yeah they sell.... but if you're going to work with one, buy one that is large like the big stanley or something like 5 or 6" long.
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Good advice. In general you would avoid the smaller ones? Or the folding ones I see various hardware employees using, etc?
 
Yes. Just get a basic one. No fancy release needed. No stanley with the extra fixed blade... wasted money. I have bought and used many and have learned bigger is better. Depending on how much carpet you're cutting, I'd probably have 4-5 blades but the two or whatever that come with one is usually enough for a single job. When done, toss in your tool box and you're ready for the next job. Cobalt bimetal blades are good (Lowes). I keep enough utility knives in my van for a small crew.

With a regular knife, you run the risk of slicing across nails and staples. Why even take the chance?

The folding ones are fine for boxes and stuff.
 
If you're going to be using it with great regularity then get one of the ones with the big flared handle. Nice and comfy, even though they're bulky. Good advice here from 22.
 
I am a plumber by trade and when it comes to work related utility knives that require mainly cutting task I cannot recommend highly enough the Milwaukee Fastback Utility Knife and Lennox Gold Tipped Razor Blades. The fastback is small enough to easily carry in your pockets without being noticed at all during work compared to some other bulky knives. It is stout enough to handle whatever you throw at it and with its flip deployment, lockup is solid compared to some of the sliding razor knives that start to fail or become cumbersome after repeated use.

The reason why I recommend the gold tipped Lennox razors are two-fold. The blades are coated with titanium and offer a very resilient cutting edge. Compared to a few others that I have used they seem to last much longer when put through rigorous cutting tasks. The most important factor would be that they are made from a combination of different metals; under heavy load the razors tend fold over or bend instead of snapping or breaking off. (Ive had a couple actually chip and break but they are very few) This allows you to use the razor to pry materials in certain situations without the risk of shattering. Broken razor blades can be very dangerous in the workplace especially when many of us need to be on our hands and knees to get things done.

I see no reason to use a traditional knife compared to a utility razor knife which excels in this field. Due to the high demand of cutting, it would be unreasonable to stop and take the time to sharpen a blade rather than throwing in a replacement in order to get back to work. Overall, the value that this ten dollar razor knife offers steals the show. Ive had great success with it and highly recommend you to give it a try. Also I feel like Milwaukee gave us knife-lovers a throwback, sometimes I find myself just flipping this thing for fun like I do my knives at home.
 
I have one of the Lennox white gold utility knives. Nice utility knife. Hefty and a good grip. I bought it on a whim..... $12 or something and wondered if it was better.... It really keeps your knuckles away from what you're cutting. The folding ones are good if you carry a utility knife with some regularity, but for one or two day use, I think basic is better. But the folding ones are nice... just go large.
 
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My favorite is this Kobalt from Lowe's. Big comfy handle with good grip, pocket clip, locks open and shut, designed to be easily opened and closed with one hand and its got the strap, cord cutter notch if you like that.


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I have the Milwaukee and the Kobalt mentioned above. Both are great. The Kobalt is my most recent purchase, so it tends to be my favorite....you guys know how that goes.
 
No matter how sharp a normal knife is, the geometry of the thin utility razors always wins for work like that.
 
I like a folding one made by Klein tools. Also worth noting: they may be harder to find, but you can buy hooked utility blades in the standard size. Will make cutting carpet much more pleasant.
 
I have a buddy that lays carpet for a living. I texted him about your post and he responded emphatically about using a Stanley Fat Max. In his words "hands down the best knife for the job." He did also mention to keep it on your person at all times as he's had a few "disappear" while working.
 
I have no experience in installing carpet, what I do have experience in is opening boxes. Hundreds a night for years.
I learned to love the orange safety razors I was given from Allway Tools. They have a light spring that pulls the blade back into the handle when its not held open.

Take it out of the back pocket.
Cut.
Put back in pocket.

No open. No close. Simple.
Load a decent blade and a half dozen spares in the handle. You're good to go.
Move fast and don't worry about the edge.
 
ATwistedStaple said:
I have a buddy that lays carpet for a living. I texted him about your post and he responded emphatically about using a Stanley Fat Max. In his words "hands down the best knife for the job." He did also mention to keep it on your person at all times as he's had a few "disappear" while working.
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Hey, thanks for the extra effort man, appreciate it.
 
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