TechGearLab

The OLFA LA-X stands apart from the competition on account of its long blade &#40;3.25"&#41; that is scored to allow the top section to be broken off to expose a sharper tip section. The blade's length offers a real advantage when cutting along a feature such as a straight edge or in a slot. Conversely, when precision work is required, simply retract the blade to its shortest setting to increase rigidity. Moreover, the handle's rubber inlay combined with the flaring shape enhances the grip and, thus, the cutting control.   
While the LA-X is a practical tool, often one owned in conjunction with a traditional utility knife, it is not without some shortfalls worth mentioning. For starters, the blade carriage is made of plastic which is not nearly as durable as metal. The blade lock is also a bit flimsy. We did not experience any issues with these parts; however, we would not recommend this model as a stand-alone for heavy use. With that in mind, when you need the extra blade length or a fresh edge in quick order, reach for this tool.

The OLFA LA-X stands apart from the competition on account of its long blade &#40;3.25"&#41; that is scored to allow the top section to be broken off to expose a sharper tip section. The blade's length offers a real advantage when cutting along a feature such as a straight edge or in a slot. Conversely, when precision work is required, simply retract the blade to its shortest setting to increase rigidity. Moreover, the handle's rubber inlay combined with the flaring shape enhances the grip and, thus, the cutting control.   
The LA-X is a practical tool, often owned in conjunction with a traditional utility knife, but it's not without some shortfalls worth mentioning. For starters, the blade carriage is constructed of plastic which is not nearly as durable as metal. The blade lock is also a bit flimsy. We did not experience any issues with these parts; however, we would not recommend this model as a stand-alone for heavy use. With that in mind, when you need the extra blade length or a fresh edge in quick order, reach for this tool.

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Wirecutter

This less expensive version of our pick has the same one-handed action, but it lacks the blade storage.

Budget Pick

expert-review

The Best Utility Knife

America's Test Kitchen

This petty knife felt and performed almost exactly like our winner—perhaps not surprisingly, since they share most of the same specs. Just as agile and nearly as sharp, it made quick work of every task, and felt great in our hands as well. Like our winner, its handle can be a little slick when wet.

The Kobalt is one heck of a pocket knife, boasting sound construction and plenty of space for a firm grip. Much like a traditional pocket knife, this tool has a spring lock that is quite secure when its blade is in the open position. We really liked this feature because the tool offers users leverage comparable to non-folding knives while eliminating concerns of an unexpected closure. Additionally, when the knife is folded up, you can rest assured that the stiff pocket clip will keep the knife in place even when squatting or high-stepping.  
Despite the burly construction and secure pocket clip, this model isn't without shortcomings. First off, though not impossible, unfolding the knife is quite hard to manage with one hand. However, closing it without the use of two hands is even more difficult — bordering on dangerous — and we don't recommend attempting it. Finally, there is no onboard blade storage. Counterbalancing this issue is a blade swiping system that is simple and effective. All in all, this is a quality knife at a competitive price.

The Kobalt Utility With 11 Blades is one heck of a pocket knife, boasting sound construction and plenty of space for a firm grip. Much like a traditional pocket knife, this tool has a spring lock that is quite secure when its blade is in the open position. We really liked this feature because the tool offers users leverage comparable to non-folding knives while eliminating concerns of an unexpected closure. Additionally, when the knife is folded up, you can rest assured that the stiff pocket clip will keep the knife in place even when squatting or high-stepping.  
Despite the burly construction and secure pocket clip, this model isn't without shortcomings. First off, though not impossible, unfolding the knife is quite hard to manage with one hand. However, closing it without the use of two hands is even more difficult — bordering on dangerous — and we don't recommend attempting it. Finally, there is no onboard blade storage. Counterbalancing this issue is a blade swiping system that is simple and effective. All in all, this is a quality knife at a competitive price.

If you like simple, affordable, dependable tools, then the Stanley 99E is likely your kind of knife. This blade has a narrow handle but offers ample grip. It has just one moving part, and it stores up to 10 extra blades. Speaking to the quality and simplicity of the design, the blade carriage has very little play, which is more than we can say about much of the competition.
Our main concern about the 99E is that its two halves are secured with a screw that has to be backed out when you want to change out a blade. While it's not that big of a deal, it does require a screwdriver or a penny if you're in a pinch. Annoyingly, the loose blades that are stored in the handle will spill out if you're not mindful to turn the handle flat when you separate the two halves. Yet, we found this model to be an effective tool designed to take a clobbering and keep on cutting. 

If you like simple, affordable, dependable tools, then the Stanley Classic 99 is likely your kind of knife. This blade has a narrow handle but offers ample grip. It has just one moving part, and it stores up to 10 extra blades. Speaking to the quality and simplicity of the design, the blade carriage has very little play, which is more than we can say about much of the competition.
Our main concern about the 99E is that its two halves are secured with a screw that has to be backed out when you want to change out a blade. While it's not that big of a deal, it does require a screwdriver or a penny if you're in a pinch. Annoyingly, the loose blades that are stored in the handle will spill out if you're not mindful to turn the handle flat when you separate the two halves. Yet, we found this model to be an effective tool designed to take a clobbering and keep on cutting. 

The LENOX Quick-Change addresses all of the common problems inherent in the classic utility knife design. The grip is nicely curved to match the shape of the hand in a thumb-out grip position, which prompts precision and pressure on the blade. As such, it is comfortable and effective. The internal blade storage is easy to access, and the no-tool blade release is quick and easy. The combination of these two features makes switching to a sharp blade a breeze. Moreover, the buttons are big and grippy, making it easy to operate all aspects of the knife. Finally, the internal blade storage clamp goes a long way to eliminate rattling while at the same time helping to keep the extra blades as sharp as ever.
While the design of the knife is certainly well thought out, the manufacturing could be better. For example, there is a bit of play in the moving parts, particularly in the blade carriage. Additionally, the handle closure tolerance is a bit larger than we would have liked. We did not experience any failures during our testing. However, if you're going to use this blade for frequent, heavy-duty work, you might want to consider a model with fewer moving parts. That said, for most non-professional work, this model will be a godsend.

The LENOX Utility Knife Quick-Change addresses all of the common problems inherent in the classic utility knife design. The grip is comfortable and effective, nicely curved to match the shape of the hand in a thumb-out grip position, which prompts precision and pressure on the blade. The internal blade storage is easy to access, and the no-tool blade release is quick and easy. The combination of these two features makes switching to a sharp blade a breeze. Moreover, the buttons are big and grippy, making it easy to operate all aspects of the knife. Finally, the internal blade storage clamp goes a long way to eliminate rattling while at the same time helping to keep the extra blades as sharp as ever.
While the design of the knife is certainly well thought out, the manufacturing could be better. For example, there is a bit of play in the moving parts, particularly in the blade carriage. Additionally, the handle closure tolerance is a bit larger than we would have liked. We did not experience any failures during our testing. However, if you're going to use this blade for frequent, heavy-duty work, you might want to consider a model with fewer moving parts. That said, for most non-professional work, this model will be a godsend.

Utility Knife Comparison