Folding utility knives?

[Londinium Armoury]

While we're on the topic of utes...who makes top quality blades for them? Many mfgrs don't mention the steel they use, and the few who do, specify SK2 (or occasionally SK5).

SK2 aka C120U, aka W1A-11 1/2: It appears to be an inexpensive, simple, high-carbon (1.2%), non-or-low-alloy, low-speed, non-shock-resistant, low-grade steel. May have Rc in the 58-63 range.

Larrin says: “It’s more similar to White #1, 26C3, “silver steel,” or sometimes generically called “cutlery steel.” Or W1 with a high carbon content. 1095 would be the closest very common alloy but with more carbon of course…The extra carbon brings a bit more wear resistance and hardness than 1095.”

SK5 on the other hand appears to be a low/mid-range steel with 0.85% carbon. It apparently excels as a tough inexpensive carbon steel. CRKT, CS, SOG, and Ontario make knives with SK5. It may be similar to 1084 steel.

Strategy9 says: “It appears the only real world difference between sk5 vs sk2 is 30% more carbon content, (give or take)... So in theory, all other manufacturing processes (incl. HT) being equal, SK2 will hold an edge a whole lot better, whereas sk5 will be a whole helluva lot tougher…”

Man! With so many awesome tool steels available today, is this the best blade steel we can buy for a ute??? Where's the 3V, the REX something, the M4, the Z-Tuff, Caldie, Cruwear, Maxamet???

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Common Marketplace Options:

* Stanley Classic? Stanley Heavy Duty? Stanley Carbide?

* Lenox Gold claims a high speed steel (for those really fast cutters out there) and a titanium coating...? Hype? Some reviewers complain they dull quickly...

* Fiskars "CarbonMax" that "stays sharp 24x longer" and are $1 each?

* RapidEdge Serrated?

* HD’s Husky in SK5?

* Some folks swear by Irwin Blue "lasts 3x longer" blades?

* Dewalt Heavy Duty promises 35% sharper, 20% stronger, 75% longer cutting due to hardening...some people say they dull quickly? Dewalt Carbide?

* Craftsman maybe somewhat thicker? USA made? Have seen complaints of fast dulling...

* Dekton, Workpro, Westward boasts SK5 steel?

* Goldblatt SK2M that “lasts 3x longer,” thinner? Several reports of brittleness?

Difficult to find good info; most links are from these so-called “Reviewers” that are just trying to make money off their Amazon links.

Some of the better sources:

http://www.steelnumber.com/en/steel_composition_eu.php?name_id=970

http://zknives.com/knives/steels/steelgraph.php?nm=sk2

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/a-question-for-steel-nerds.1751122/

I've used the stanley carbide blades, they cut longer than any of the steel ones i've used.

 

[Bolstermanic]

OK, this is a cheat, because it's not folding. But grand-dad had some cool knives too, and still in use...

 

[Billy The Hungry]

OK, this is a cheat, because it's not folding. But grand-dad had some cool knives too, and still in use...

How old are utility knives? I thought utility knives with their replaceable blades were a relatively new idea.

The knife in this picture looks very old.

 

[Arathol]

How old are utility knives? I thought utility knives with their replaceable blades were a relatively new idea.

The knife in this picture looks very old.

Stanley introduced that style utility knife in 1936...

 

[kobold]

I think Olfa is one of the best ones. I really like their rotary cutters for example.

 

[ChrisB507]

I think Olfa is one of the best ones. I really like their rotary cutters for example.

Yes! Olfas are incredibly durable. The 180 cutter is a fantastic light duty snap-off blade.

 

[Bolstermanic]

I use utility knives every day for work....have em all Gerber, browning, kobalt, Milwaukee and so on....the one I'm stuck on and can't forsee straying from is outdoor edge's b.o.a....

That was a good recommendation, thanks. I ordered two, and they immediately kicked the Milwaukees out of my tool boxes. True one-handed opening, nice lock back, light weight, great jimping. The opening is not smooth like an upscale folder but it works fine. The blade moves around a bit like all my other folding utes. All told, a significant upgrade, especially being able to thumb it open with one hand, rather than go through Milwaukee's press-button-gravity-drop-flip-around-flick maneuver.

 

[Billy The Hungry]

Milwaukee Fastback. Best folding utility knife, in my humble opinion.

Forgive me if I've already posted this suggestion, been a long week and my brain is mush.

 

[Zulus]

Gerber EAB is pretty useable

 

[Londinium Armoury]

Does this count?

 

[sailfish]

Does this count?

To me it counts as a utility knife but I think the context in this thread is specifically the type that use a removeable disposable utility razor for a blade.

 

[Londinium Armoury]

To me it counts as a utility knife but I think the context in this thread is specifically the type that use a removeable disposable utility razor for a blade.

I don't own any folding replacement types, mine are all solid push ups.

 

[Bolstermanic]

Please forgive another non-folder image, but thought this might be interesting to you guys. Found in my 90-year-old dad's kit. Must have been how ute knives used to be? A solid "grind it yourself" bladestock that stuck out the back of the handle.

 

[sailfish]

Just saw this in the hardware store and had to get one. Never saw one like this. USA-made and the blade locks open.

 

[tacos3]

$10 on Amazon

 

[Owen K.]

Spectrum Energetics Utilizer 2.0. Solid piece of equipment. I recommend the non flipper version.

 

[splinterprone]

The Gerber EAB is an edc hall of famer, but the Milwaukee Fastback compact and Side Slide compact are a little more comfortable for me. One handed deployment is good too.
I haven't carried the Exceed Designs Ti-Rant knife yet. Version 2.0 will supposedly have a low profile deep carry clip.

 

[splinterprone]

Spectrum Energetics Utilizer 2.0. Solid piece of equipment. I recommend the non flipper version.

The deep carry clip option looks good. What are your thoughts on the flipper? Does it stick out too much?
Those knives are pricey, even the aluminum version.

 

[Owen K.]

The deep carry clip option looks good. What are your thoughts on the flipper? Does it stick out too much?
Those knives are pricey, even the aluminum version.

Deep carry is definately an improvement. I don't recommend the flipper for the average user as it does not lock open easily when flipped. The double detent system is much better with a thumb roll. I got the flipper as a guard against slipping when putting a lot of pressure down on sheet metal etc. Yes they are pricey but I haven't found a better US made alternative.

 

[splinterprone]

Deep carry is definately an improvement. I don't recommend the flipper for the average user as it does not lock open easily when flipped. The double detent system is much better with a thumb roll. I got the flipper as a guard against slipping when putting a lot of pressure down on sheet metal etc. Yes they are pricey but I haven't found a better US made alternative.

Sounds good. I might have to go for one.