Our panel of experts put utility knives to the test. But which one will come out on top?
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| HAMER – Folding Utility Knife (KFU) | WATTMASTER – Utility Knife (WATUK1) | KLEIN TOOLS – Folding Utility Knife (44131) |
| RRP $34.25 | RRP $13.95 | RRP $18.46 |
| THE LOWDOWN: Made from forged steel, this knife has features ideal for tradies. Maintaining a sharp blade is essential when stripping cables all day, and the easy blade change button is a quick, safe way to make sure you have the edge needed. The folding mechanism allows the blade to lock in the ‘open’ or ‘safely closed’ position. | THE LOWDOWN: This utility knife from Wattmaster features a zinc-plated body, easy blade change feature and a retractable blade. It holds five spare blades, Includes two spare blades, and has a 27mm exposed blade length. | THE LOWDOWN: Lockback knife and utility knife together with an easy push-button open and close. Triple ground blades stay sharp longer and contain a wire stripping notch. The patented snap lock and sliding mechanism enable quick blade changes, while the heavy-duty, durable construction features a sturdy aluminium handle with fold-out blade housing. |
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| Billy Cooperfrom Billy Cooper ElectricalExperience: 21 years | Grant Youngfrom Electrickery Electrical ServicesExperience: 30+ years | Peter Blissettfrom Beam Electric Pty LtdExperience: 36 years |
| “This immediately felt like a quality, well-made knife as soon as I picked it up.” – Grant |
| Billy:Did the job!The quick-change blade is a handy feature, and it clips to the side of your tool belt. I didn’t like the pull-back release button to open and close the knife, this needs to be smoother. Having extra blade storage would have improved it. | Grant:Quality productThis immediately felt like a quality, well-made knife as soon as I picked it up. It’s comfortable to hold, and the locking mechanism is solid and easy to use. It feels well-made, reliable and built to last. It’s full-time in the tool belt! | Peter: Solid pickA very solid and well-made tool! Blade replacement is safe and easy, the pocket clip works well, and the bright orange colour makes it easy to find. It could have been improved by simplifying the opening mechanism. |
| VERDICT: DecentRATING: 6/10 | VERDICT: Top notchRATING: 9/10 *TOP PICK* | VERDICT: My FavouriteRATING: 8/10 *TOP PICK* |
| “I liked the extra blade storage, and the price – you know what you’re getting in a knife like this.” – Billy |
| Billy:Good priceI liked the extra blade storage, and the price – you know what you’re getting in a knife like this. Better blade security would have improved it – the blade seemed too loose. It was pretty good overall, but not the best I tested. | Grant:Feels weakIt’s lightweight – but the mechanism feels weak. It feels like it wouldn’t take too much to clog it up or break. While probably adequate for use in a store as a tape and box cutter, I couldn’t use it as an everyday electrician’s knife. | Peter: Not up to scratchThe rubber coating on this knife provides a solid, slip-resistant grip. I liked the provision of onboard storage for space blades, but I feel that this knife is of poor quality and feels flimsy. It’s also quite bulky to carry, and doesn’t fold. |
| VERDICT: Value for moneyRATING: 7/10 | VERDICT: No thanksRATING: 2/10 | VERDICT: Not for meRATING: 4/10 |
| “I consider this the crème de la crème of knives!” – Billy |
| Billy:Perfect!The quick-release open and close was great and easy to use. I didn’t really find a use for the cable stripper function, and storage onboard for extra blades would have been good. I consider this the crème de la crème of knives! | Grant:A good optionThis feels similar to my top pick but not quite the same quality. Easy push button operation of both the opening mechanism and blade swap felt good. Overall, this is a good mid-range knife. Great to have in the van as a backup! | Peter: A strong contenderThis was a well-made, solid tool. It feels secure when using; the blade release is easy, and it can be opened with one hand. This was a nice tool, and almost as good as my top pick, but just slightly less well-made. |
| VERDICT: The bestRATING: 9.5/10 *TOP PICK* | VERDICT: Good backupRATING: 6/10 | VERDICT: A good choiceRATING: 7/10 |
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