Knives can be very versatile as an EDC tool, but they are not always the best for every job. Opening boxes lined with tape and breaking down cardboard and clamshell packaging can mess up your knife edge, layering it with gunk and adhesive while dulling even the most meticulously sharpened blade. For that kind of dirty work, a retractable utility knife would be a better fit, taking the brunt of the work with replaceable blades that require minimal maintenance and keeping your EDC knife sharp for more crucial tasks.
This guide looks at convenient and pocket-friendly utility knife options and box cutters that can help save your primary EDC knife from unnecessary wear and tear. From knives as tiny as zipper pulls to highly functional multi-tools that integrate a retractable utility blade, we round up the choices that could deserve a spot in your shirt or pants pocket, organizer, or daily pack.
Best Utility Knives — 2023 Edition
Best Overall Utility Knife for EDC: Exceed Designs TiRant [Buy]
Best Budget Utility Knife: Mossy Oak 2-pack [Buy] / [Full Review]
Best Premium Utility Knife: Rexford RUT V4 [Buy]
Best Utility Knife for Arts and Crafts: Olfa SVR-1 [Buy]
Best Utility Knife for Heavy-Duty Work: Milwaukee Fastback II [Buy] / [Full Review]
| Exceed Designs TiRant Razor V2 Utility Knife | Mossy Oak Folding Pocket Utility Knife | Rexford RUT V4 Utility Knife | Olfa SVR-1 9mm Utility Knife | Milwaukee Fastback II Flip Utility Knife |
| $$ | $ | $$$ | $$$ | $ |
| Blade Type: Standard | Blade Type:Standard | Blade Type: Standard | Blade Type: ABS Stainless Steel Snap-Off Blade | Blade Type: Standard |
| Material: Titanium and metal | Material: Aluminum | Material: Titanium | Material: Alloy steel | Material: Metal |
| Key Features: Flipper deployment | Key Features: Compact and portable | Key Features: Bottle opener and bit driver | Key Features: Easy blade change | Key Features: Extra blade storage |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
Content
Content
- 1 – Milwaukee Fastback II Flip Utility Knife
- 2 – Exceed Designs TiRant Razor V2 Utility Knife
- 3 – Gerber E.A.B. Lite Folding Utility Knife
- 4 – Lenox Tools Utility Knife
- 5 – Screwpop Ron’s Utility Knife
- 6 – Mossy Oak Folding Pocket Utility Knife
- 7 – Olfa Craft 34B Utility Knife
- 8 – Gerber Prybrid Utility Knife
- 9 – CountyComm Slide Lock Ti Utility Knife 2.0
- 10 – Gil-Tek RUK-S Utility Knife
- 11 – BigIDesign TPT Slide Utility Knife
- 12 – Slice 10495 Utility Knife
- 13 – Stanley Classic 99 Utility Knife
- 14 – Outdoor Edge SlideWinder Utility Knife
- 15 – Nova SK-022 Slim Auto-Retract Utility Knife
- 16 – Olfa SVR-1 9mm Utility Knife
- 17 – Rexford RUT V4 Utility Knife
Milwaukee Fastback II Flip Utility Knife
Key Features
One handed operation
Wire-stripper
Belt clip
Specifications
Blade type
Standard
Material
Metal
Size
11.54” x 4.92” x 1.18”
EDC Rating
Price
$
The Milwaukee Fastback maximizes what you can do with a single replaceable blade. This folding utility knife enjoys a one-handed operation thanks to a simple onboard button. Once out, you’ll be able to use its blade effortlessly for any cutting tasks. One distinctive feature is a built-in wire-stripper slot that can handle up to a ten gauge wire. A cord-cutting notch will allow you to cut through a small rope even when closed. Finally, a wire belt clip on its durable metal body can handle your EDC needs.
Exceed Designs TiRant Razor V2 Utility Knife
Key Features
Flipper deployment
Quick release
Super slim
Specifications
Blade type
Standard
Material
Titanium and metal
Size
7.64” x 4.53” x 1.77”
EDC Rating
Price
$$
The TiRant Razor is as durable as it is elegant. This low-profile utility folder features a slim profile, making it a breeze to carry anywhere. Thanks to its titanium construction, this is only enhanced by a 2.6 oz weight. For operation, the TiRant Razor features a flipper tab. After deployment, the blade is securely held in place via a locking mechanism. It uses standard utility knife blades that can be easily replaced via its quick-release mechanism.
Gerber E.A.B. Lite Folding Utility Knife
Key Features
Finger grooves
Small and portable
Lightweight
Specifications
Blade type
Standard
Material
Stainless steel
Size
2.8” closed
EDC Rating
Price
$
If you’re looking for a super-compact option you can take anywhere, you might want to keep the Gerber EAB Lite in mind. Designed to be as portable and lightweight as possible, the EAB Lite comes in at a 2.8” overall length and a 2.5 oz weight. Despite its smaller size, a generous 2.3” blade length when open will be more than enough for all your cutting tasks. Finally, Gerber outfitted it with ergonomic finger grooves and a strong liner lock to keep it comfortable despite its reduced footprint.
Lenox Tools Utility Knife
Key Features
Quick change
Blade storage
Stainless steel nose
Specifications
Blade type
Standard
Material
Stainless steel
Size
10.63” x 3.75” x 0.94”
EDC Rating
Price
$
With a hefty body and a stainless steel nose covered in titanium, the Lenox utility knife can take on more abuse than most. The use of only two buttons makes the operation quite simple. One lets you unlock the blade to rotate or replace it with a new blade. The second button allows you to access its internal blade storage, a convenient place to carry spare blades for quick on-the-field action. An ergonomic shape ensures the handle remains comfortable despite its wider frame.
Screwpop Ron’s Utility Knife
Key Features
One-handed operation
Magnetic and portable
Bottle opener
Specifications
Blade type
Standard
Material
Stainless steel and metal
Size
3.95” x 2.7” x 0.35”
EDC Rating
Price
$
Enjoying an extremely reduced footprint, Ron’s Utility Knife by Screwpop should be on the top of your list if you want to save as much space as possible in your EDC. Paper-thin and only 3.25” long, this knife will fit in nearly any pocket or attachment point. Thanks to its smaller size, the Ron features a one-handed operation designed around sliding the blade in and out. This works in tandem with a neodymium magnet that serves as a stop for the blade and a convenient way to keep it handy by sticking it on metal surfaces. Finally, a keychain hole and a bottle opener add even more utility to this tiny knife.
Mossy Oak Folding Pocket Utility Knife
Key Features
Framelock
Easy change
Compact and portable
Specifications
Blade type
Standard
Material
Aluminum
Size
2.95” x 0.94” x 0.43”
EDC Rating
Price
$
At only 3” when closed, this folding utility knife is a great alternative if you’re looking for something big enough for a full-handed grip while being compact enough to fit inside any pocket. Once unfolded, a secure framelock makes sure the blade stays in place while in use. A simple 2-step process handles Blade replacement: push upward on the small rectangular button and gently pull the blade out. Finally, a pocket clip also makes an appearance to enhance its portability even more.
Olfa Craft 34B Utility Knife
Key Features
Extra-slim
Lightweight
Portable
Specifications
Blade type
OLFA XB34
Material
Stainless steel
Size
4.57” x 0.91” x 0.41”
EDC Rating
Price
$
The Olfa utility knife stands out among its peers for its extra-slim lightweight construction and its elegant blade design. Weighing in at only 0.48 oz, you’ll barely notice it’s on you until it’s time to use it. Another peculiar thing about the Olfa 34B is its use of XB34 blades. These feature a pronounced tip for extremely detailed work and piercing tasks. One thing to keep in mind is that these blades are usually more expensive and harder to find. You should consider this as part of your workbench if you engage in many DIY projects.
Gerber Prybrid Utility Knife
Key Features
Push-button lock
Rugged
8 tools
Specifications
Blade type
Standard
Material
Metal spine with G10 scales
Size
4.25” x 1.3” x 0.4”
EDC Rating
Price
$
With eight everyday functions in total, this rugged multi-tool by Gerber puts the “utility” in “utility knife.” The Prybrid Utility comprises standard replaceable blades sandwiched between two G10 scales. These help the knife’s durability and grip without adding much weight. The blade itself deploys via a sliding button for adjustable length. Its other functions include a pry bar, a nail puller, a wire stripper, two sizes of flathead screwdrivers, a cord cut notch, and the ever-useful bottle opener.
CountyComm Slide Lock Ti Utility Knife 2.0
Key Features
Compact
Full titanium build
Twist retract
Specifications
Blade type
No. 11 hobby blade
Material
Titanium
Size
1.85″ closed
EDC Rating
Price
$
The CountyComm Slide Lock Ti 2.0 proves that big things can come from small packages. Measuring only 1.85” when closed, the Slidelock employs a complete titanium construction, keeping things strong and lightweight while holding its own as a box cutter. It uses a No. 11 hobby blade that retracts and extends by twisting a knob on its body.
Gil-Tek RUK-S Utility Knife
Key Features
Made in USA
One-handed operation
Small and lightweight
Specifications
Blade type
Standard
Material
6061 T6 Aluminum
Size
3.5” x 1.13” x 0.19”
EDC Rating
Price
$
This USA-made utility knife was designed with both portability and ease of use in mind. It remains small and lightweight at 3” long when closed and weighing 2 oz, so you can easily add it to any EDC. It also features a one-handed operation that lets you slide and lock the blade in place by directly pushing it. Though it lacks a pocket clip, adding a lanyard slot makes up for it. The RUK-S Comes in titanium, brass, and aluminum options, so you can pick the one that best suits your style and budget.
BigIDesign TPT Slide Utility Knife
Key Features
Small and portable
Multiple integrated tools
Pocket clip and lanyard
Specifications
Blade type
Standard
Material
Titanium
Size
4.1” x 2.6” x 0.9”
EDC Rating
Price
$$
Making another entry into the multi-tool list, the TPT slide comes in with a chunky titanium body and extra functions to spare. As its name implies, this portable utility knife operates using a slider to deploy and retract the blade. Its compact footprint allows for an easy one-handed operation of the actual blade and most of its other functions. These include a bottle opener, a flathead screwdriver, a hex bit opening, a mini pry bar, and a scraper edge. The TPT has been outfitted with a lanyard slot and a removable pocket clip for EDC purposes.
Slice 10495 Utility Knife
Key Features
Lanyard hole
Finger-friendly blade
Ambidextrous
Specifications
Blade type
Ceramic blade
Material
Carbon steel
Size
3.94” x 1.02” x 0.47”
EDC Rating
Price
$
If you place safety features very high on your list, and your tasks don’t require much piercing, the Slice 10495 might be what you need. This ambidextrous utility knife ships with a rounded tip, #10404 zirconium oxide blade with a safety grind, making it extremely finger-friendly. However, this means that blade replacements are only available through the manufacturer. The knife features an automatic folding design for portability, enhanced with a lanyard hole. While it ships with a rounded blade, pointed options are available on Slice’s website.
Stanley Classic 99 Utility Knife
Key Features
Handle storage
Interlocking nose
Three-position
Specifications
Blade type
Standard
Material
Alloy steel
Size
8.43” x 3.94” x 1.26”
EDC Rating
Price
$
It would be unwise to make a list about the best utility knives and not include the Classic 99 by Stanley. As you might have guessed, it features an uncomplicated, reliable design that has been tested and used for decades. Slide the blade through its interlocking nose and place it in one of three preset positions to start working. If your blade dulls or breaks, you need only replace it with another you can store inside its metal body. It is worth mentioning that accessing the blade storage does require taking apart the knife with a screwdriver.
Outdoor Edge SlideWinder Utility Knife
Key Features
Removable pocket clip
Extra tools
Compact and lightweight
Specifications
Blade type
Standard
Material
Synthetic
Size
1” x 1’’ x 1”
EDC Rating
Price
$
If you want a sturdy knife you can keep around without worrying about space, the SlideWinder could be the right fit for you. The body is constructed from stainless steel parts and a glass/nylon chassis, texturized for an enhanced grip. Aside from its sliding utility blade, you’ll find a flathead and a Phillips screwdriver on its corners, along with a trusty bottle opener. The SlideWinder is a compact addition to any glove box, toolbox, kitchen drawer, or jacket pocket, thanks to its size and removable clip.
Nova SK-022 Slim Auto-Retract Utility Knife
Key Features
Auto retract
Super-slim and lightweight
Easy blade change
Specifications
Blade type
Nova SB009 SK2 9mm blade
Material
Metal
Size
6.5” x 0.59” x 0.39”
EDC Rating
Price
$
Shaped like a pen but outfitted with a razor-sharp blade, the Nova SK-022 makes a fine addition to any office or crafting station. Adding even more convenience, it features an auto-retractable blade. It works like any box cutter; however, the blade automatically goes back into the body when you release the deployment button. The exceptionally slim blade is perfect for detailed work, piercing tasks, and hard-to-reach spots.
Olfa SVR-1 9mm Utility Knife
Key Features
Razor sharp
Easy blade change
9mm blade
Specifications
Blade type
ABS Stainless Steel Snap-Off Blade
Material
Alloy steel
Size
8.66” x 2.56” x 0.46”
EDC Rating
Price
$
Another super-slim design from Olfa, the SVR-1 9mm could be a great addition to both your crafting station and your EDC. Featuring a 9mm snap-off blade, the SVR-1 excels at more detailed work and reaching into places where wider blades would struggle. Its convenient snap-off nature makes it easier to keep working if your blade fails or dulls out. Despite its super-slim profile, this made-in-Japan knife features a stainless steel body, making it much more durable than its plastic counterparts. Finally, a small pocket clip allows you to carry it inside a shirt or pants pocket without much issue.
Rexford RUT V4 Utility Knife
Key Features
Slide mechanism
Replaceable razor blade
Split-ring hole
Specifications
Blade type
Standard
Material
Titanium
Size
3.53″ x 0.90″
EDC Rating
Price
$$$
While pocket knives tend to be the EDCer’s preferred tool for cutting tasks, sometimes the humble utility blade can get the job done even better. And few utility knives can round out an EDC better than the Rexford Utility Tool from knife designer Todd Rexford. In its 4th iteration, the RUT features an improved lock mechanism and slimmer construction in a pocket-friendly profile. The RUT’s core functionality is its integrated replaceable razor blade, which gives you access to a sharp blade for precision tasks or cutting through packing tape. It’s helpful in a pinch or when you don’t want to risk dirtying or damaging your primary EDC knife. But the RUT is more than a utility blade: it has the added functionality of a pry bar, bottle opener, and flathead screwdriver.
How to Choose the Best Utility Knife for Your EDC
While most of us are used to opening up packages with a trusty pocket knife, that‘s not a good idea in the long run. That is if you want to keep maximizing your blade’s lifespan. Sure, one or two now and then is ok, but regular pocket knives weren’t designed to deal with all the gunk and glue found in packaging tape. That doesn’t mean they can’t; you’ll just have to clean and re-sharpen them more often.
That’s the primary purpose of the replaceable utility blade. They are thin, highly sharp blades meant to deal with tough, repetitive tasks that might damage regular pocket knives with constant use. Instead of re-sharpening and cleaning a blade after a day or two of opening packages, a utility blade was meant to be disposed of and replaced.
Pocket knives, on the other hand, can handle tougher, heavy-duty tasks that might be too demanding for utility blades, like camping applications, food preparation, and cutting or piercing through denser material.
In conclusion, if it’s a to be performing quit in the long rune often, and the materials might mess up your blade, use a utility knife. And if it requires more versatility and strength, a pocket knife is usually the way to go.
Types of Utility Knives
- Safety Knives: Safety knives focus on reducing accidents as much as possible. They typically come with blunted tips to prevent piercing and cutting hooks to guide your hand. Some more sophisticated blades even come with special grinds to reduce their cutting power against human skin.
- Retractable Knives: Most knives on this list (and on the market) count as retractable knives. Retractable blades gained popularity due to their ease of transport and generally safer operation. Retractable blades also provide more versatility regarding blade length, letting the user decide depending on their task.
- Fixed Blade Knives: While fixed blade utility knives offer less flexibility than retractable blades, they offer more reliability as a trade-off. Since they have fewer moving parts, knife malfunction or failure becomes less likely. And since you don’t have to “deploy” the blade, it’s always ready for use. They also tend to be more durable than their counterparts.
Types of Utility Blades
- Hook Blades: These blades excel at cutting extremely thick or heavy-duty materials. These are normally used for linoleum, carpet, or trimming the edge off roof shingles.
- Serrated Edge Blades: While more uncommon, serrated utility knives excel at cutting through tougher, fibrous materials. These may include twine, netting, burlap, rope, and thick leather.
- Pointed Tip Blades: Some blades will have a more pronounced tip than standard blades. This makes them ideal for detailed work, piercing tasks, and reaching into places where thicker blades normally couldn’t.
- Rounded Tip Blades: Some blades come with their tips rounded or dulled out. This is usually done to enhance safety measures. Whitypically means that you won’t be able to pierce through the material, you’ll significantly reduce piercing-related accidents.
- Snap-Off Blades: These are commonly found in stationery or hobby knives. They’re typically long blades divided into smaller, even sections. They’re designed this way so that you can snap off the section when the tip breaks instead of replacing the entire blade. These knives usually come with a mechanism to perform these tasks safely.
Features You Should Consider
- Folding: A utility knife that can fold usually means that you can more easily add it to your EDC. When not in use, you can store it inside a pocket or bag without occupying too much space, compared to bulkier, more traditional knives. But when it’s time to work, you’ll be able to open it up for a full-hand grip, which is usually more comfortable and precise.
- One-handed operation: One-handed operation is not required but is usually preferred for utility knives. This means deploying and retracting the blade efficiently with just one hand. A lot of the usual tasks for utility knives require your second hand to be in use as an anchor.
- Grip type: A comfortable, ergonomic grip is of paramount importance when it comes to utility knives. Since you’ll be performing repetitive cuts, an ergonomic form factor can reduce strain or injury. And as far as detailed work goes, an uncomfortable grip can affect not only your body but also the quality of your work.
- Durability: If your environment constantly tests your equipment, getting a particularly durable knife is highly recommended. Heftier knives will usually stand up to abuse more efficiently, even if made with plastic. However, even smaller knives can withstand wear and tear with titanium or high-quality aluminum builds.
- Portability: For EDC, portability is usually king. That’s why with the rise of utility knives, more and more designs have come out with lanyard holes and pocket clips. Compact, minimalist designs have also increased in popularity since they help save precious pocket space.
- Blade storage: Some knives have built-in storage for spare blades, usually inside the handle. This is handy if you often find yourself on the field, where stopping your work to retrieve spare blades would be less than ideal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the use of a utility knife?
Utility knives were designed to perform strenuous, repetitive tasks that might quickly dull a blade. They are made to be disposable and replaceable. Some of these tasks include: Cutting through boxes, tape, and dense materials.
What do you call a utility knife?
A utility knife is called by other names, such as a box cutter, razor blade, or craft knife. They are mainly used in crafts and repair projects where precision is needed. They’re also used in rough cutting tasks because the blades are usually replaceable instead of a dedicated EDC pocket knife.
Is a utility knife a weapon?
Utility knives generally perform poorly as weapons. While extremely sharp, their thin structure makes them prone to break when improperly used.
What is a serrated utility knife used for?
While more uncommon, serrated utility knives excel at cutting through tougher, fibrous materials. These may include twine, netting, burlap, rope, and thick leather.
How we picked
Decades of experience and deep connections in the everyday carry industry give us a unique viewpoint on the market to inform our product recommendations. We have the depth of information for thousands of products that have come before and an extensive eye on the market to see what’s new and trending for each piece of gear. The result is a buying guide that we feel is informative and useful for EDCers of every trade, industry, and budget.
What is Everyday Carry?
Everyday Carry is both the concept of what people carry in their pockets and the process of picking out gear that thoughtfully considers what one wants or needs in their daily lives. It encompasses everything from style to preparedness to utility, meaning an entire industry full of valuable tools and essentials to choose from.
Why you should trust us
Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men’s essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise with the industry and familiarity in design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.
