Whether you call them utility knives or box cutters, the truth about these knives is that they aren’t really all that complicated or attractive. Let’s be honest, most of us just use them to open mail or Amazon packages. That said, a utility knife is one of those items that you don’t want to be caught without when you actually need one. Have you tried opening a really well-wrapped package with kitchen shears? Talk about a struggle.
Another thing about utility knives is that when you do buy one, you want it to last. That’s a no brainer for purchases, but with utility knives the need for a lasting product is there because you typically won’t remember you even have one until you need it, let alone remember when it needs to be replaced.
So, lasting and useful. That’s all our utility knives have to be and yet the ones on this list go a little above and beyond that.
TOP CHOICES
Best Overall
REXBETI 2-Pack Utility Knife
- Ergonomic rubber handles prevent slippage and give a sturdier grip.
- 2-pack set with 10-piece spare blades.
- Quick changing blade mechanism.
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Best Premium Option
Fiskars 770020-1001 Pro Utility Knife
- Side blade lock mechanism keeps the blade from sliding backwards.
- Reinforced metal ends.
- High quality carbon steel blades.
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Best Budget Knife
Stanley 10-499 QuickChange Retractable Blade Utility Knife
- Comes in a 4-pack set.
- Blades around 2-7 inches in length.
- Easy blade replacement.
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1Internet's Best Premium Utility Knife
With a name like “Internet’s Best”, it’s easy to start expecting a lot from this knife, but really, it’s all you need from a utility knife at a price point that makes sense. While it’s not going to hold up to constant and heavy use like the more premium options on this list, this box cutter does come with a slip-resistant rubber handle.
The Internet’s Best Premium Utility Knife comes in a 2-pack, 10-pack, and 20-pack set so you can actually pick beyond the 2-pack set. That said, the set is quite durable and already comes with 5 different blades. You’ll find a quick lock, release, and retract blade mechanism on the sides of the knife.
PROS
- Comes in a 2-pack set with 5-blades.
- Anti-slip rubber grip.
- Lock, release, and retract mechanisms on the sides and top of the blade handle.
CONS
2Stanley 10-499 QuickChange Retractable Blade Utility Knife
Best Budget Knife
The Stanley 10-499 QuickChange Retractable Blade Utility Knife isn’t as comfortable to use as the others on this list, but what you do get is a super durable all-steel knife that can hold up to abuse.
The knife comes with a locking mechanism that keeps the blade in place while you’re using it. Oh, and it comes in a 4-pack set so you get the most bang for your buck in one pack.
PROS
- Comes in a 4-pack set.
- Fully retractable blades around 2-7 inches in length.
- Quick change mechanism for easy blade replacement.
CONS
3KATA 2-Pack Heavy Duty Utility Knife
The KATA 2-Pack Heavy Duty Utility Knife comes with a more premium handle but with a thinner, less sturdy blade. That said, the knife is still serviceable and even comes with multiple safety guards that protect your hand from the blade even if it slips.
The knife can also be folded along three different angles to accommodate what you need to cut into and cut through.
PROS
- Aluminum alloy blades.
- Rubber handle allows for a stickier grip.
- Comes in a 2-pack set.
CONS
4REXBETI 2-Pack Utility Knife
Best Overall
The REXBETI 2-Pack Utility Knife has one of the better knife designs at this price point. Sure, it doesn’t have a recognizable brand name, but it does come with 10 spare blades, a comfy rubber handle, and a quick blade change mechanism that’s super safe and easy to replace the knife blade with.
Not to mention, you won’t have to worry about misplacing your knife blades as the knife handle has a storage compartment that you can put them all in.
PROS
- Ergonomic rubber handles.
- 2-pack set with 10-piece spare blades.
- Quick changing blade mechanism.
CONS
5Leven Cute Retractable Box Cutters
Okay, cute is the last thing you would look for from a knife unless you’re the type who likes to film unboxing videos. In that case, you might want a more stylish, if a bit cutesy option in the form of the Leven Cute Retractable Box Cutters.
These box cutters don’t have all the fancy bells and whistles of the others on this list, but it does have a paw shaped handle.
PROS
- Fully retractable blade.
- Comes in a 3-pack set.
- Made of carbon steel.
CONS
6Fiskars 770020-1001 Pro Utility Knife
Best Premium Option
The Fiskars 770020-1001 Pro Utility Knife is the most expensive knife on this list and the best one. The build quality on this utility knife is amazing, you can just feel the weight of the material that went into it and know that it’s by no means your flimsy box cutters from a school supplies shop.
The knife hinges open and shut to allow for easy blade replacement. At the side of the handle is a side blade actuation to keep you from cutting yourself no matter how tough the material you’re cutting into.
PROS
- Side blade lock mechanism keeps the blade from sliding backwards.
- Reinforced metal ends.
- High quality carbon steel blades.
