A utility knife, also known as a box cutter or utility blade, is an essential tool for cutting and trimming various building materials such as drywall, wallpaper, rope, twine, plastic sheeting, and fiberglass insulation. Utility knives are available in three main types - retractable blade, fixed blade, and snap-off blade - which we discuss more below.
Utility Knife Basics: Types, Uses, and Blades
Discover everything you need to know about utility knives, including types and blades. Read now to learn how to choose a utility knife for your cutting tasks.
Types of Utility Knives
Retractable Utility Knife
A retractable utility knife is ideal for general use. This type of knife offers adjustable cutting depths, allowing you to tailor the blade position to the task at hand. For added safety, the blade can be retracted completely into the handle when not in use, reducing the risk of accidental cuts.
Fixed Blade Utility Knife
A fixed-blade utility knife locks into a fixed, non-retractable position between the halves of the knife handle. This improves blade stability in severe cutting applications and allows the knife to accept special-purpose blades that are too large to retract into the handle.
Snap-Off Blade Utility Knife
The blade of a snap-off utility knife is segmented to snap off easily, providing a fresh, sharp edge without the need to disassemble the knife. This type of knife is a good choice for light-to-medium-duty applications and is especially useful for cutting adhesive materials like packing tape.
Utility Knife & Box Cutter Blades
Utility knife performance depends heavily on the blade you choose. Blades are available in a variety of materials, including carbon steel, ceramic, and stainless steel. Here’s a breakdown of the blade types to help you pick the right one:
- Regular Duty Blades: Designed to cut thin materials that require precision cutting. They are suited for thin paper cutting, marking/scoring wood, opening cartons, slicing plastic film, and cutting string or twine.
- Heavy Duty Blades: Designed for cutting tougher materials that require more force. They have enhanced durability compared to regular-duty blades. Ideal for roofing materials, wallboard, floor covering, fabrics, vinyl, tubing, rubber, plastics, leather, and more.
- Extra Heavy Duty Blades: Recommended for fixed-blade utility knives only and used for cutting thick, dense sheet materials. These blades are ideal for papermill slabbing and wallboard.
- Snap-Off Blades: Designed for quick replacement of sharp edges, snap-off blades are available in 7, 8, or 13 edges for extended usability.
- Special Purpose: Tailored for cutting specific materials, such as linoleum, insulation, or specialty fabrics.