Best Utility Knives with Retractable or Locking Blades

TL;DR: The Fiskars Softgrip Craft Knife packs a comfortable rubberized grip, a two‑stage lock and a lightweight 0.8‑ounce body into an 8.0‑inch tool that’s perfect for paper‑based crafts without breaking the bank.

What really stands out is the Softgrip handle: a full rubberized plastic barrel that measures 0.35 inches in height and 2 inches across, giving you a cushioned feel that many reviewers say reduces hand fatigue during long scrapbooking sessions. At just 0.8 ounces, the knife feels almost weightless in the hand, which helps maintain steady control for detailed cuts.

Compared with the six other knives in this roundup, the Fiskars is among the lightest options and is priced lower than the Excel Blades K9 that leads the list. Its 8.0‑inch overall length makes it longer than the pen‑style Excel Blades K47, but shorter than the bulkier Handy Tek Utility Knife, so it strikes a middle ground between compact pen knives and larger utility tools.

Users consistently praise the ergonomic barrel for its “cushiony” comfort and the two‑stage blade lock for added safety. Professional reviewers note that the knife excels at cutting paper, cardstock, thin plastic and vinyl, though they warn that the standard #11 blade can dull quickly on tougher plastics. The tool isn’t meant for heavy‑duty tasks like thick wood, and its bulkier profile may feel less nimble for fingertip‑level micro‑cuts.

Technically, the knife is retractable, uses a manual swap for #11 blades, and carries a limited‑lifetime warranty. Its no‑roll polygonal shape keeps the handle steady on the work surface, and the included blade cap adds an extra layer of safety when the blade is not in use.

Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option — the Fiskars Softgrip Craft Knife offers Barrel Height: 0.35 inches

Avoid if: You need a ultra‑compact pen‑style knife, require heavy‑duty cutting power, or are a professional demanding scalpel‑like precision.

TL;DR: The Beaditive Detail Craft Knife packs a 30‑degree snap‑off blade, an 8 kg auto‑lock, and a lightweight 32 g plastic handle for precise hobby work at $9.99.

What really sets this knife apart is its 30‑degree blade angle, which reviewers say delivers clean, precise cuts on paper, vinyl, plastic, and fabric. The auto‑lock slider can withstand up to 8 kg of pressure, so you can apply firm force without worrying about the blade slipping. At just 0.07 lb (32 g), the tool feels feather‑light in the hand while still offering the stability of a triangle‑shaped plastic grip.

Compared with the other six knives in our roundup, the Beaditive is heavier than the Scotch Titanium 18 mm (0.02 lb) and the Scotch Titanium 9 mm (also 0.02 lb), but lighter than the Handy Tek Utility Knife (0.23 lb). It also tips the scale slightly above the Fiskars Softgrip Craft Knife, which weighs 0.8 oz, giving it a modest heft that some users find reassuring. Unlike the Excel Blades K9’s retractable metal design, the Beaditive relies on a snap‑off blade system and an auto‑lock, offering a different balance of convenience and durability.

Users consistently praise the 30‑degree angle for producing “sharp, clean edges” on delicate projects, and the auto‑lock is highlighted as a “reliable safety feature” during long crafting sessions. One common comment notes the convenience of having 10‑30 snap‑off blades included, meaning you won’t run out of blades mid‑project. However, a few reviewers point out that the product listing does not provide dimensions, making it harder to gauge how the knife will fit into a cramped workspace.

Additional technical details reinforce its craft‑oriented focus: the blade material is high‑carbon steel, the handle is plastic with a triangle shape for ambidextrous use, and the knife stores up to 30 spare blades in its barrel. The auto‑lock mechanism is labeled “Auto‑Lock,” and the blade change mechanism is also snap‑off, matching the included blade type.

Best for: Hobbyists and professionals needing high‑precision cuts; the 30‑degree blade angle makes it ideal for detailed craft work.

Avoid if: You have limited desk space or need a knife with clearly listed dimensions for tight storage.

TL;DR: For $7.22 you get a 9 mm titanium‑coated snap‑off cutter with a 12‑segment blade, a 203.2 mm height and a soft‑touch grip that’s ideal for precise hobby work.

The standout feature is its titanium‑coated steel blade, which the manufacturer claims lasts up to three times longer than a standard steel blade. The 9 mm blade width and 45‑degree angled tip let you make clean, detailed cuts in cardboard, foam board, plastic, rope, paper or vinyl. At 203.2 mm tall and only 0.02 pounds (9.07 g), the knife feels almost weightless in the hand, which helps reduce fatigue during long cutting sessions.

Compared with the six other knives in this roundup, the Scotch 9 mm sits in the lower‑mid price band – it costs $7.22, a bit more than the $6.84 Fiskars Softgrip Craft Knife but noticeably cheaper than the $11.46 Excel Blades K9 and the $20.21 Handy Tek Utility Knife. Weight‑wise it matches the Scotch 18 mm Utility Knife and the Excel K47 at 0.02 pounds, yet it’s far lighter than the Handy Tek’s 0.23 pounds. Its 12 snap‑off segments give you more cutting life than the single‑blade designs of the Fiskars and Excel K9, though the 9 mm blade is narrower than the 18 mm blades found on the Scotch 18 mm and Handy Tek models.

User sentiment highlights the long‑lasting titanium coating and the precise angled tip as real benefits for craft and DIY projects. Reviewers also appreciate the click‑and‑lock mechanism combined with a quick‑change cap, which makes blade swaps fast and safe. The soft‑touch plastic handle is described as non‑slip, adding confidence when you’re slicing delicate materials.

Best for: Entry‑level buyers or those on a tight budget — the Scotch Titanium 9 mm Utility Knife offers Height: 203.2 mm.

Avoid if: You want the best value‑per‑dollar in its price range.

TL;DR: The Excel Blades K47 is a 5‑inch, pen‑style utility knife that weighs just 0.02 lb, offers a lock‑stop retractable #65 blade, and earns a solid 4.5‑star rating from 584 reviewers.

What really stands out is the knife’s compact size – a 0.37‑inch height and 5.0‑inch overall length keep it pocket‑friendly while the 0.02 lb weight makes it feel almost weightless in the hand. The top‑mounted retractable switch doubles as a lock‑stop, so you can keep the blade extended for precise cuts without worrying about accidental retraction.

Compared with the other six tools in this roundup, the K47 is lighter than the Handy Tek Utility Knife (0.23 lb) and considerably shorter than Handy Tek’s 1.18‑inch height and 6.7‑inch length. It shares the same 0.02 lb weight as the Scotch Titanium 18mm and 9mm knives, but those models are taller (215.9 mm and 203.2 mm respectively) and have longer blades, so the K47 feels more maneuverable for fine‑detail work. The Excel Blades K9, by contrast, is taller at 15.88 mm and longer at 127 mm, making the K47 the more compact choice for tight‑space projects.

User sentiment highlights the comfort of the pen‑style handle and the convenience of the included pocket clip. Reviewers appreciate the lock‑stop feature for reducing hand fatigue during extended crafting sessions. The only recurring note is that replacement #65 blades must be bought separately, which adds a small ongoing cost.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high-quality option — the Excel Blades K47 offers Height: 0.37 inches

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns

TL;DR: The Scotch Titanium 18mm Utility Knife packs a titanium‑coated, 3X sharper snap‑off blade, ergonomic soft‑touch grip and click‑and‑lock safety for $9.15, earning a 4.8‑star rating from 371 reviewers.

What really sets this knife apart is its 18 mm titanium‑coated snap‑off blade, which the manufacturer claims is three times sharper than standard blades and can open more than 1,000 boxes per tip. The quick‑change system lets you snap a fresh segment without tools, while the click‑and‑lock mechanism holds the blade securely during cuts. All of this sits in a contoured, soft‑touch plastic handle that’s marketed as ergonomic, keeping hand fatigue low during long projects.

At $9.15, it sits above the budget‑friendly Fiskars Softgrip ($6.84) but well below the Handy Tek ($20.21) and Excel Blades K47 ($17.93). Its 4.8/5‑star rating outperforms every other knife in the seven‑product roundup, and the 371 reviews give it the strongest social proof. Weighing just 0.02 pounds (9.07 g), it matches the lightweight feel of the Scotch 9mm and Excel K47, and is noticeably lighter than the Handy Tek’s 0.23 pounds. With a height of 215.9 mm, it’s taller than the 203.2 mm Scotch 9mm model, giving you a bit more leverage for cutting thicker cardboard or foam board.

Customers repeatedly mention the blade’s long life and the comfort of the grip, echoing professional observations that the precision‑angled blade cuts smoothly through dense materials. The only downside noted is the lack of extensive third‑party reviews, so you’re mainly relying on user sentiment and the brand’s reputation. For bulk storage, the kit includes a case that’s 307.34 mm deep and 279.4 mm high, which can be handy for workshops that keep several knives together.

Best for: Entry‑level buyers or those on a tight budget — the Scotch Titanium 18mm Utility Knife offers Height: 215.9 mm

Avoid if: You want the best value‑per‑dollar in its price range

TL;DR: The Excel Blades K9 is a heavy‑duty metal utility knife with a 127 mm length, 15.88 mm height, and a retractable blade, delivering durable performance at $11.46.

What really sets the K9 apart is its solid metal construction and retractable blade system. The knife measures 127 mm overall length, 15.88 mm in height, and 30.48 mm wide, and it ships with three #92 deep‑hook blades that are .024 inches thick. The adjustable depth mechanism lets you fine‑tune the cut, while the retractable mount accepts 2, 3 or 4‑notch utility blades for added versatility.

Compared with the six other knives in this roundup, the K9 feels more robust than the plastic‑handled Beaditive Detail Craft Knife and the Fiskars Softgrip model. It is noticeably longer than the Scotch Titanium 9 mm utility knife’s 12.7 mm length, and its metal body contrasts with the lightweight plastic housings of the Handy Tek and Scotch Titanium 18 mm knives. While its $11.46 price sits above the sub‑$10 budget options, it remains cheaper than the premium‑priced Excel Blades K47 and Handy Tek offerings.

Professional reviewers highlight the heavy‑duty metal frame and the depth‑adjustment feature as key strengths, noting that the knife handles wood, sheetrock and other tough materials without flexing. Users consistently praise the durability and the fact that the included blades stay sharp through demanding projects. No major complaints appear in the available feedback, and the 30‑day hassle‑free warranty adds a modest safety net.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance — the Excel Blades K9 offers Height: 15.88 mm

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality

TL;DR: The Handy Tek Utility Knife packs a snap‑off 18 mm high‑carbon steel blade, a built‑in lock and quick‑change system in a 6.7‑inch, 0.23‑pound body for heavy‑duty box cutting, but it sits at a premium price point.

What really stands out is the 18 mm snap‑off blade made from high‑carbon steel, paired with a retractable mechanism and a built‑in lock for safety. At 6.7 inches long and 1.8 inches wide, the knife offers a solid grip thanks to its non‑slip plastic (PP) handle, and it weighs 0.23 pounds, giving it a sturdy feel without being overly bulky.

Compared with the other six entries, the Handy Tek is noticeably heavier than the ultra‑light Excel Blades K47 (0.02 pounds) and the Scotch Titanium 9 mm and 18 mm models, which also weigh 0.02 pounds each. It’s also longer than the Excel Blades K9’s 5.0‑inch length, giving you more reach for larger packages. While the Fiskars Softgrip craft knife is slimmer and lighter, the Handy Tek’s robust construction targets professional, high‑volume environments rather than casual hobby use.

Reviewers appreciate the durable housing and the sharpness of the high‑carbon steel blade, noting that the quick‑change feature speeds up blade swaps during busy shifts. The built‑in lock earns praise for added safety on busy workstations. On the downside, some users mention the 18 mm blade width can feel coarse for fine‑detail tasks, and the $20.21 price tag is higher than many budget‑oriented alternatives. The heavier feel also means it’s less ideal for extended one‑handed use.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance — the Handy Tek Utility Knife offers Blade Width: 18 mm

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns