I’m getting tired of stabbing my leg with a fixed blade utility knife.
Looking for suggestions on these new fangled retractable versions I see on tool store shelves.
Which one’s worth buying and which ones should I avoid?
Thanks,
Mike Guertin
Listeners write in about insulating an attic roof in a balloon-framed house, sizing a new heat-pump system, attaching extension jambs to a window or exterior door, and more.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
I like the old style stanley in the bright colors so I can find it.
Funny you should bring those up because I have a GC friend who bought a Neon green and neon orange one of those knives and switched one half of one with the other. Looked goffy but noone ever walked away with one. I love givin' him grief about his "Fung Scway" knives.
Get a bunch of easy to slide retractables and a stack of new blades, stock several new blades in each knife, put at least one knife in every bucket, bag and toolbox you own, and if you're lucky next time you need a knife you won't have to walk all over the place to locate one.
Now, on the subject of pencils...
http://www.stanleytools.com/default.asp?CATEGORY=RETRACTABLE&TYPE=PRODUCT&PARTNUMBER=10-788&SDesc=6%2D1%2F2%22+Instant+Change%26%23153%3B+Utility+Knife
Best feeling utility knife I've come across and easiest to use in regards to the blade change.
Tip for ya. I always tie a loop made out of parachute chord on my utility knife. It makes it way easier to snatch out of my pouch, as the chord saves you from having to dig for the handle. And it's nice to wrap around your wrist when working up on a ladder. That's a bad place to lose your grip on it.
Who Dares Wins.
yep. gunner has listed the best knife you could ask for. built like a brick @#%@ house & you can change blades quick! real quick... what more would you want?
super knife its the bomb just got a new one from the hd
Darkworksite4:
El americano pasado hacia fuera ase la bandera
Man, what's with the price variations on that knife.
Same model # from $9.96 to $15!
Pays to shop around.
I like the Stanley retractables. Number on the side is 10-099. Got bunches of them, all over the place. Sometimes I can find one when I need one.<G>
Carry one in my rear pocket all the time. Always getting caught by the metal detectors when I go to the courthouse to record a notice of commencement.
Also keep a tube of powdered graphite in the van. That drywall causes the knife to jam up after a period of use and a quick puff frees it up like brand new. Don't know why they insist on trying to make them better or just different, with the quick change feature or colors. Gray holds a blade in just the right position and every once in a while I deserve a break, even if it's just to change a blade.
Buy my blades by the 100 pack and have one mounted in the van for quick access. Got a good buy on several packs a while back at a flea market, about $9 vs $14 in the big box store. Looking for more 'cause I'm running low.
I prefer to stick GrandPa's old fixed blade/aluminum "General" utility knife in a real leather pocket inside the Occidental Leathers tool belt ...
that way ... still have a useful tool as opposed to the "close when ya need them" kind ... and don't end up sticking me in the leg!
Get a better belt!
btw ... that's the only tool I'd miss if everything was stolen.
only one that can't be replaced.
only tool that Gramps used then gave to my Dad ... and Dad used and gave to me.
Guess what the kid's gonna get when he's old enough ...
then it'll be 4 generations of blood on the damn thing!
across two families ... as Gramps was my Mom's dad ....
Jeff
Jeff
I do have a couple Oxy-lite belts. The leather is thinner than the 1/4" thick models - maybe thats why the blades penetrate....The fixed blade models I have are from my grandfather too. I stole them from my father's tool box (he didn't really use them) and put them to good use...mg
One more vote for the Stanley 10-788.
Jon Blakemore
Well, I guess since I'm from the West Coast I'm not going to agree with the "any knife if it's a Stanley".
I use Olfa knives and I have about 5 of them. My favorite is the big, full size job (I forget the model) and I always use genuine Olfa blades. The blade is sharp enough to shave with and I can perform delicate trimming with it. I like the fact that I can snap off the dull portion and have a new blade.
I have Stanley knives, and have had them for years. They sit at home and the Olfas work with me.
Quality repairs for your home.
Aaron the Handyman
Vancouver, Canada
I never heard of Olfa knives. I'll have to look around. Thanks
I'll take almost ANY utility knife that has a quick-change blade over a fixed one. Hate digging up a screwdriver every time I need to change blades.I like the one with an angled handle, too - Makes it easier to pull on. I like the ones witha flares butt end, also. Keeps yer hand from slipping.
Blessed are the censors, for they shall inhibit the Earth.
http://www.olfa.com/
Look in a big box.Quality repairs for your home.
Aaron the HandymanVancouver, Canada
Hey Aaron....'zat my knife you got?......:>)........howzit going?If it is to be.... 'twil be done by me.
Remember Judy? I was back at her place and I got one for her work. I'm great.
I'm reading the posts from America here loving their Stanley knives. Hey, Phil, these are the same guys and gals who think square (Robertson) drive screws are new! They're still exchanging tips how to get flat blade screws out of hinges! LOL!!
I have Olfas for everything, as you know. Superb knife.Quality repairs for your home.
Aaron the HandymanVancouver, Canada
Stanley, the one with the retractable blade and the screw you remove to change the blade. My experience with the quick change stuff is that they're more trouble than they're worth, and don't last as long.
Gunner's got the plan...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
I use a fixed blade Stanley.
Used the retractable for years but despite rubbing the sliding bits with my pencil lead it would jam with drywall dust and try and close in use. I gots sick of it and now use the fixed blade.
To carry it I cut down an empty plastic caulk tube, left the 'piston' bit in the bottom and fixed the whole thing inside an unused hammer loop. Now the knife gets dropped in that, can grab it without looking, always at the right height and cant cut anything I dont want it too. Low tech, works for me.
Everything, 100% of it, depends on how you look at it.
DW
Stanley is in my bags. They make a yellow one that has rubber pads were your thumb lands and your fingers rest. Love that knife.
I don't care for the quick change myself I like the solid feel in my hand and it seems that the swing open ones are a little looser.
I have a Craftsman that is like my first tool that hangs on the peg board in the garage. the open feature will slide closed if you push to hard on the blade but I can't bring myself to turn it in for a new one. Just a little to sentamental about that one.
I got a hold of those new Irwin bi-metal blades and I have to say I like the way they cut--seem sharper than the stanley blades-and we'll see how long they stay sharp. Enjoy mike
Mike,
Check out the new Lenox retractable knife. They make two, a small cheap one, and a big, good one. Most rigid bladeholding of any retractable I have ever tried, and I have tried many of the ones out there, including the Stanley 788. I think Lenox makes the best knife, and the best blades. HD had them a short time only, then closed 'em out. Too expensive for the unwashed masses at $16.98 a pop. Worth it to me, though.
Bill
lenox discontinued the bi metal blades that the big box got rid of their new one has a titanium edge don't know if the big boxes will pick it up, but it's hard to imagine improving on them bought some irwin knives that came w their own bi-metal blades, can't believe how long they last
my vote is for irwin or lutz knives screw type blade change, but who cares w the new style blades cheap, fit & handle good, retractable, can afford to supply them to the rest of the world via my employees
I agree about the Irwin knives.
I recently bought the new pro model knife with retractable and quick change blade. Nice tool. I'm planning on buying a few more when I get back to the yard that carries them.
I paid $11 for the one I got.
hd has that big lennox knife clearaced out for 6.00,box of 50 blades for 5.00 now. the display of clearanced knifes are by the shingles here,kinda hard to find. larry
Two types of Stanley's. The Sportsman utility knife is always in my back pouch, while this type (10-499) is in all my bags/buckets/tool boxes. Even have one on my desk.
http://www.stanleytools.com/default.asp?CATEGORY=RETRACTABLE&TYPE=PRODUCT&PARTNUMBER=10-499&SDesc=6%22+Quick+Change+Retractable+Utility+Knife
Never had one jamb, changing blades is quick and easy, and the spare blades can be gotton to without a screwdriver. Have to buy them by the fistful when I can find them, which isn't often.
I just picked up a new knife that seems like a winner. Sheffield, I think, its a lockblade pocket knife that has a utility blade at the end of the locking blade, if you can see the picture in my head. Little brother has been using one for a few months and loves it for his electrical job. Like having a razor sharp utility knife for a pocket knife, and never needs sharpened, blade change is easy and fast.
Lefty - Lurker without an attitude or a clue
I'm not sure what all this praise for the Stanley10-788 is all about. Had one and eventually tossed it (actually threw it across the room) because it kept leaving blades stuck in things you were trying to cut.
I kinda dig these folding-types, too. They are strong, hold blades and feel good. I've also noticed the locking mechanisms getting better since they were put to market-they used to unlock themselves in tight quarters.
Generally, the more gimmicks they have, the more there is to go wrong. Buy an old fixed-blade as a backup.
because it kept leaving blades stuck in things you were trying to cut.
Wouldn't be because those bargain blades you bought wouldn't seat over the nubbs and in the groove right would it? :o)
I agree with Rez, either your blade wasn't seated properly or the knife was defective. I have never lost a blade. The only problem is the retract can get clogged with asphalt or gypsum, but I try to stay away from those materials as much as possible anyways.
Jon Blakemore
Rez & Jon:
Stanley blades, seated properly.
Agree with the gypsum problem, but I suppose that happens to any retractable.
Guess I should have sent one of you guys the dang thing ;)
I had the same problems with that knife. Blades slipped out all the time. Reading this thread wondering how it is getting the praise also. Glad to see your post. Guess it is not just me.
I had the same problem with the 10-788 releasing blades. Weak design coupled to sloppy execution. Did it with all blades, and the blades were too loosely held in the knife to give any control when doing any precise work.
Bill
yep, the 10-499 is my main carry knife..it's old, but stout.
As an aside note..an oldtimer showed me a trick, (or I might have actually thought it up myself..lol) take a 16 d nail and loosen the screw on the old unscrew to fix knives with the head of the nail..then flip the nail to the pointy end in the screw slot and twirl out the screw by spinning the nail...I could switch a blade faster than anyone on site, never needed a screw driver.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
OK, I've been doing that to change blades for a long time, here I thought I thought it up!
I'm with Aaron. I've got the Stanley 10-788, and it stays at home while I use either an Olfa H1 (extra heavy duty) or the Olfa PL-1 (heavy duty). You can get a variety of snap-off blades for them, including hooked roofing blades (extra heavy duty blade choices are more limited than for the heavy duty knives) . Sharper than heck, and just snap a new (stainless) blade when you need a new edge. When I cut insulation or have another reason for needing a longer blade, I simply extend the blade out about 2", something I can't do with the Stanley.
Easier to change blades on Olfas than on Stanleys.
I suspect the Stanley will outlast me. I know my Olfa's will, despite receiving far greater abuse.
See http://www.olfa.com
Regards,
Tim Ruttan
In the old days we used canvas aprons. One day, while hanging sheetrock, the blade poked out the apron and I cut four fingers very deep. I don't ever want to see a fixed blade knife again. The yellow Stanley 10-989 is my favorite. The color makes it hard to lose and the simple push and twist blade change works great once you get the hang of it. The extra length is perfect in my hand.
Beat it to fit Paint it to match
I've used retractable Olfa knives for years, but I wanted to try the new bimetalic blades, so I went looking for a utility knife. The Lennox blades were displayed beside a super-heavy-duty Lennox knife body that felt really nice in my hand. It's now my favorite.
It's not retractable, but the blade change is so easy that I just open it up and remove the blade when it's an issue.
I get the cheap, retractable ones with the screw in the middle. For the $1-2/ea, I can buy a bunch of them and don't have to spend much time looking for one... and don't cry if I lose one.
I've never used anything but retractable...slim Stanley push button change is my main choice, I am the one writing the checks...time is of the essence...blah, blah, I figure the blades are disposable, why not be able to do it quickly and get on with work...Fixed blade story: tile buddy always had one sticking out of his back pocket. He got a dog who traveled to jobsites. This dog is a chaseaholic. Throwing stuff kept the barking down<G> Tile buddy's sitting on a sheetrock bucket taking a break, knife's in back pocket, dog has dropped stick in front of him and walked behind him while barking the throw the damn stick command. Stick get's thrown & dog runs by the knife...he got the stick and 80 stitches... Don't worry, we can fix that later!
Been a long time fan of fixed blade utility knives. The Stanley model 199 is my favorite.
Biggest step to keep from stabbing yourself is to get a good tool pouch with a slot that accepts the knife smoothly. Shielding the blade and keeping the knife in a consistent position.
The other thing is to develop consistent work habits. The knife always goes into the sheath or other prearranged spot. Mine always goes in in the same orientation. I can literally work in the dark, a good thing for an electrician as we leave when the lights come on, and largely by touch.
It is not the tool but the operator that needs to change. A slice or two and a little blood is just part of the learning process. Stick with it and you will adapt, or bleed to death.
I tried various retractable blade knives but once you get used to the consistency and stability of a fixed blade one I find the retractable versions lacking and annoying. I have also found that a lot of people who use retractable blade knives get more cuts from them than I do with my fixed blade version.
I notice that they toss their knife into a nail pouch haphazardly. Sometimes they forget to retract the blade. Sometimes the blade extends while in the pouch. Seldom do they know which direction the blade points. A lot of cuts from this blind reaching and fishing. The blade retracts while they are cutting with heavy pressure causing them to slip.
Better a knife that you know has its teeth out. You just have to know where those teeth are. Consistency, in both tools and work habits, is good.
I used to always use the 10-199, but finally I started using the retractable model and have never looked back.
I never cut myself with the fixed blade but I got tired of carrying a Klein 10-1 to change out the blade as needed. I'm sure you always have a phillips in your pouch so not as much of a concern for you.
I thought I would never adjust to the feel of the 10-788 but after a few months I proved myself wrong.
Jon Blakemore
They make it easy. The Stanley 199 will take a Philips blade or straight. Any coin, even a nickel or the edge of a key, will work too. As an electrician I pretty much always have a screwdriver. Lacking a screwdriver I have a leatherman on my belt.
In the rare case where I have to cut a lot of abrasive materials I slip a small carborundum stone, 3/4" by 3" I think, in my pouch and touch up the edge a bit when it gets a little dull. While I consider my next move. Take a second or two if you do it like voting, early and often. I don't need to even look at it.
I haven't tried this on the bi-metal blades.
I got gunner's knife too, about two months ago. I use it once a week. I keep it in the number 1 tool box. Best knife I ever owned.
I'll jump in twith the other Canadians, Olfa...Olfa...Olfa.
I have a couple of standard utility knives, but I only use them for cutting drywall, or ashphalt shingles with the hooked blade. If I'm not doing either of those projects, they're taking up room in the toolbox. Olfa for everything and I mean everything else.
Need to cut some carpet out of the way to get the baseboard tight?...Olfa.
Need a razor sharp blade to cut poly or slice insulation? ....Olfa
Installing vinyl flooring? .... Olfa
Emergency tracheotomy? ..... Olfa
Gotta Agree, the Olfa H-20 is the perfect retractable for a carp. Cut's anything... the snap off edge is great for aluminum work on a brake, or whenever you need a fresh tip. Also the H-20 is thick enough that I have never snapped one off when i was not trying to. Come to Canada, buy an Olfa, watch your fingers.
this knife is also known as a box cutter.
I like the Stanley 10-499 for most applications. It certainly is not high tech, but blade change is lightning fast. The mechanism is reliable. Its yellow storage compartment also holds hooked blades. Stanley's blades are sharp and stout. The Olfa blades are more finely honed, but they don't hold up well in a prying situation.
Olfa, cheap, sharp and I like the colour yellow. I have about six of them keep them in the truck, tool boxes, pouch and over-alls, stop every once in a while and replace all the short blades then keep on going.
Only thing is when you keep so many of them other guys on the job think you have to many and tend to borrow.
I've always used the stanley 10-079. I got em all over the shop and truck with different types of blades in em. I don't care about speed to change a blade. At my age I need the break and the extra time to remind myself that the blade is sharp now.