If you’re in the market for a new utility knife, our experts have put three of the best to the test so you can purchase with confidence.

Klein Tools – FLICKBLADE™ Subcompact Folding Utility Knife (44307)

RRP: $23.95

The Klein Tools Subcompact Utility Knife is a compact, versatile knife measuring  4in closed and 6in opened for convenient everyday carry. It features two locking positions, angled for specialised tasks or standard for precise cutting, along with a quick-release button for fast, tool-free blade changes. A durable steel clip and smooth side-button operation ensure secure attachment and effortless use.

Wattmaster – 170mm Knife Utility with 2 Spare Blades (WATUK1)

RRP: $14.77

Wattmaster – 170mm Knife Utility with 2 Spare Blades (WATUK1). RRP $14.77

This knife is built for durability and precision. Featuring a strong zinc alloy body and retractable blade, it ensures safe handling and reliable performance. The knife includes an easy blade change mechanism and internal storage for up to five spare blades, with two spares supplied.

HAMER – KFU – Folding Utility

RRP: $34.24

Made from high quality forged steel, the Hamer utility knife has the features that are ideal for tradies. The easy blade change button is a quick, safe way to make sure you have the edge needed. The well-engineered folding mechanism allows the blade to lock in the open or safely closed position and includes a handy belt clip on the body. 

Rory’s Review

Klein Tools – FLICKBLADE™ Subcompact Folding Utility Knife

Size and convenience

The two-position locking blade is convenient, and the built-in belt clip feature makes it easy to carry without taking up pocket space. Being able to clip it onto your belt and open it with one hand adds to its everyday practicality. Overall, the combination of smart design, ease of use, and portability makes this knife very practical.

One downside to this knife is that it does not include storage for spare blades.

Verdict: Great option
Rating: 9/10 TOP PICK

Wattmaster – 170mm Knife Utility with 2 Spare Blades

Easy to handle

This is a good utility knife that combines ease of use, comfort and practicality, while the spare blade storage ensures you’re always prepared.

The main drawbacks come down to its size and portability. While the larger handle contributes to a comfortable, secure grip during use, it also makes the knife bulky and less convenient for everyday pocket carry.

Verdict: Second best
Rating: 7/10

HAMER – KFU – Folding Utility Knife.

Large and expensive

I really like how this knife folds up, making it compact and easy to store when not in use. The belt clip adds to its convenience, and it feels solid and well-built in the hand.

The main drawbacks of this knife are that it requires two hands to open, which can be inconvenient. Additionally, its larger size makes it less comfortable to carry. The higher price is another consideration, compared to similar knives that offer more compact designs or one-handed operation.

Verdict: Not for me
Rating: 4/10

Jordan’s Review

Klein Tools – FLICKBLADE™ Subcompact Folding Utility Knife
Reliable and practical

This knife has a solid build that fits nicely in the hand. It’s easy to open and also fits comfortably in the pocket, making it practical and convenient for everyday use.

A downside is the lack of built-in blade storage. It was the favourite overall and proved good to use for daily tasks. The knife feels reliable and practical for regular, everyday use – and is a good price.

Verdict: Excellent
Rating: 9/10 TOP PICK

Wattmaster – 170mm Knife Utility with 2 Spare Blades
Solid Performer

This is a good all-round knife with the bonus of inbuilt blade storage. It’s a great option to keep as a spare knife in the toolbox, ready when you need it.

One downside is that it’s too bulky to comfortably keep in your pocket all day, making it better suited to the tool bag than everyday carry. Otherwise, it performs well and is reliable for everyday tasks.

Verdict: Reliable choice
Rating: 8/10

HAMER – KFU – Folding Utility Knife.
Close contender

The knife is built solid and feels durable, giving confidence it will hold up to regular use. It also fits nicely in the hand, making it comfortable to use for extended periods.

The knife lacks any inbuilt blade storage, which is a missed opportunity. It’s also quite fiddly to open, so it is a bit cumbersome to use if you’ve only got one hand free. If it were easier to open, it would probably be the favourite of the three.

Verdict: A strong contender
Rating: 8/10

Alex’s Review

Klein Tools – FLICKBLADE™ Subcompact Folding Utility Knife
Compact and light

This knife is a great everyday choice – it feels really safe and solid in my hand. The flickable retention for one hand use and two position options makes it the pick of the bunch and feels very reliable.

The one downside is no spare blade storage, meaning your work could be interrupted more than it should be. If that wasn’t the case it’d be top marks.

Verdict: A winner
Rating: 8/10 TOP PICK

Wattmaster – 170mm Knife Utility with 2 Spare Blades
Old school

This knife goes back before we even had folding knives. This for me is more of a warehouse/back-up knife as you couldn’t carry it on you all day, although it is nice having the simplicity of a one hand slide motion without the need to open.

This one might be for the tradesman who doesn’t carry a knife on them. This knife also has spare blade storage which is fantastic.

Verdict: Not for regular use
Rating: 6/10

HAMER – KFU – Folding Utility Knife.
Heavy and clunky

Straight out of the packet, this knife felt a bit stiff and it took a bit of an effort to open. It also has no spare blade storage, which is frustrating. It is robust though, so you should be able to throw it around.

You need two hands to open it which is OK but it can be a little dissatisfying when you’re in a particular situation and you need to access the knife quickly.

Verdict: I’ll pass
Rating: 5/10