What do we think about "Utility Knives"

E

EDCanAdamas

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Yesterday at a local flea market I found an old Craftsman folder for $2, its one of the models Shrade made for Sears before they went belly up in 2004. Having not noticed any folding knives in Sears, much less any "Craftsman" branded one, I went online to look. Apparently Sears didn't feel like contracting out their "house brand" to any of the existing or new knife companies, so they are now only selling "Utility Knives" :(.

This got me to thinking; are "Utility Knives", the ones that are essentially a metal frame for disposable razors, really knives. Yes, I understand that they techically fit the most loose definition of a knife, but I have never really thought of them that way. I personally think that "Utility Knives" are the awful (and predictable) result of a throw away culture and a culture that is afraid of folding knives.

In many ways the emergence of the "Utility Knife" is at odds with the folding knife and fixed blade. Why maintain a folder when you can buy packs of razors to fit in a metal handle? Why allow your employees to carry folders (which some corporations consider "weapons") when you can provide "Utility Knives" with the sub one inch razor blades?

So here are my questions for you guys:

1. Do you consider "Utility Knives" to be "Knives"?
2. Do you feel any kind of resentment over the widespread proliferation of "Utility Knives" today, or are you happy they are what they are?

Full disclosure: I do own and use "Utility Knives", but only for tasks that I would not want to ruin a real knife on.
 
Tons of contractors and even some that are knifeknuts use them a lot and find them convenient. I will use one for craft and hobby work (although I could use a folder.)

Honestly I do consider them knives with a specific purpose. I totally see your point, but I don't personally feel they are at odds with the folder or fixed blade. But this is an interesting topic.
 
1. Yes, I consider utility knives to be knives.

2. No, I do not feel resentment at their proliferation. Not everybody wants nor cares about traditional or modern pocketknives, and even many that do would rather ruin a utility knife blade on some especially nasty jobs.

These utility knives are not a new or recent phenomenon. They've been around for several decades. I had one I used to sometimes use back in the 1970s. And back then, a LOT of men and boys still carried pocketknives.

Jim
 
James Y said:
1. Yes, I consider utility knives to be knives.

2. No, I do not feel resentment at their proliferation. Not everybody wants nor cares about traditional or modern pocketknives, and even many that do would rather ruin a utility knife blade on some especially nasty jobs.

These utility knives are not a new or recent phenomenon. They've been around for several decades. I had one I used to sometimes use back in the 1970s. And back then, a LOT of men and boys still carried pocketknives.

Jim
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That. Very much that. I don't want to ruin my favorite pocket knife when I could just use an utility knife.

Don't get me wrong, I love and use my edc on a regular basis, but some jobs need a tool that you do not have to worry about.
 
1. Do you consider "Utility Knives" to be "Knives"?
Yes

2. Do you feel any kind of resentment over the widespread proliferation of "Utility Knives" today, or are you happy they are what they are?
No, and yes.
 
EDCanAdamas said:
1. Do you consider "Utility Knives" to be "Knives"?
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Are exacto knives real knives? Are scalpels real knives?

A removable blade doesn't really mean anything. A knife if still a knife, regardless of the design. Keep in mind that the old cruciform stilettos were regarded as knives even though they didn't have a cutting edge.

2. Do you feel any kind of resentment over the widespread proliferation of "Utility Knives" today, or are you happy they are what they are?
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There's no resentment on my part. The fact people are carrying around cutting implements means we as a society haven't completely degraded just yet. Plus folding utility knives are wonderful for lending out to people who don't know how to properly care for a knife, and if it breaks because they misused it, most of the time you just need to change out the blade.
 
1. Yes they're knives. "Utility" to me means they're meant to be used, and nothing else. Not fondled or saved, used. Like a screwdriver, do you baby your screwdrivers?

2. No, doesn't sit in the same category of knives for me. For example, I don't feel kitchen knives are in any way encroaching knife carrying culture.
 
To me it's like a lot of these knife laws: What's the difference in an automatic and a good assisted or flipper where opening is concerned. One is banned, the others aren't. Because of perception.

If I'm using a utility knife no, I don't consider it a knife--more of an 'edge.' I'm sure if I were FACING one though I would feel it to be a knife.

It's all in perception. Both have the same purpose....to put an edge on target.

Only resentment I would harbor is in the same way I resent goofy laws like the one above.
 
I prefer to EDC a Gerber Superknife. I think it is a huge shame that there are not more higher-end disposable blade models. I'd happily purchase such a knife. Most of the ones out there are very cheaply made and don't have great ergonomics or longevity. In fact I am considering getting a custom made razor blade holder to fit in the place of the blade on a Benchmade so I can have the comfort of the handle and strength of the lock while still having disposable blades. If anyone knows of any premium folding and locking razor blade holders, please tell me.
 
Utility knife, box cutter, disposable blade, call it whatever you want, it is a tool designed for a job. I do believe in using the right tool for the job. I have them and use them. I also save on the wear on my knives by using the utility knife for un boxing bigger items such as water heaters, commodes, dishwashers. I'd rather use a utility knife in a muddy ditch than my Sebenza or Strider. Like any cutting tool they have their place.
 
To me a utility knife is a real knife, have a few, one in every tool bag. On my work bench I use home made utility knives made from left over scraps of steel.

IMG_0854.jpg
 
In the Traditional forum they say a knife is traditional if your grandfather would recognize it. The retractable Stanley 99 was introduced in the 1930s. For some of you, you great grandfather might recognize it.

Working for my father, I used them before I could shave. Kept one in my carpenter’s belt for decades, until I retired. If the blade got dull and I had my stone with me, I’d give it a few licks and sharpen it. If not I’d install a new blade.

Of course it’s a knife. One of the most popular knives in the world. I also kept a folding hunter in my pocket, for when I needed a longer blade. But you can do a lot with a good handle and a short blade.

If you’re talking about those goofy folding utility knives—I’ve never owned one and I don’t intend to.
 
They are often the correct tool for the job, cutting a lot of cardboard, sheet rock, carpet etc.

I don't EDC a utility knife but they are in my various tool boxes at home and in the car.

Because the blade's edge is so fine it will eventually bend or get completely dull, just recycle them.
 
Raymond1000 said:
In the Traditional forum they say a knife is traditional if your grandfather would recognize it. The retractable Stanley 99 was introduced in the 1930s. For some of you, your great grandfather might recognize it.
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You're serious? The 1930s?

This is why I come here. I had no idea the history went back that far. And despite that, the design is still around and hadn't been altered all that much. That speaks a lot for longevity. Now I really need to get myself a Stanley 99.
 
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