Best Locking Utility Knives of 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Locking utility knives are essential tools for anyone who needs to cut through a variety of materials on a regular basis. These knives are designed to be versatile and durable, with blades that can be easily replaced when they become dull. The locking mechanism ensures that the blade stays securely in place during use, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. Whether you're a professional tradesperson or a DIY enthusiast, a locking utility knife is a must-have tool for your kit. With a range of sizes, materials, and features available, there's a knife out there to suit every need and budget.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Locking Utility Knives
Fiskars Pro Folding Utility Knife
The Fiskars Pro Folding utility knife is a reliable addition to your tool kit, featuring a dual-locking blade system to keep the blade safe when not in use. Its ergonomic design with deep grooves and contouring accommodates multiple grips, and its slim profile allows it to fit compactly in your pocket or tool belt. You can easily replace blades with its interchangeable blade system, and it comes with one CarbonMax utility blade that lasts 24X longer than standard utility blades. Its reinforced metal end provides reliable resistance against pounding and drops. Overall length is 6.25 inches, and it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Klein Tools 44303 Folding Utility Knife
The Klein Utility Knife is designed for versatility and convenience. It features dual blade positions, allowing you to open the blade at either a 135-degree or 180-degree angle. This flexibility is perfect for various cutting tasks. With built-in storage for five extra blades, you’ll always have replacements on hand. The knife also includes a side-button release for quick and easy access, ensuring you can get to work without delay. Plus, a strap cutting slot lets you slice through straps even when the knife is closed, making it an efficient tool for everyday use.
Pacific Handy Cutter RSC-432 Restaurant Safety Cutter
The Pacific Handy Cutter Safety Cutter is an NSF certified utility knife that offers a safer work environment, especially in food service areas. Its disposable feature helps eliminate loose blades, reducing potential injuries while remaining a cost-effective option. The unique auto-locking safety hood is designed to keep the user safe by automatically covering the blade after each cut, reducing the risk of workplace injury. Additionally, the bladeless tape splitter safely and easily opens boxes damage-free, avoiding exposure to blades while cutting tape, which further prevents injuries and extends the life of the blades. This safety cutter is ideal for food service, food manufacturing, restaurants, grocery stores, and more.
WORKPRO Premium Utility Knife
The WORKPRO Premium Utility Knife is a heavy-duty box cutter that is durable and lightweight, with SK5 razor blades that are up to 64 HRC. It has a retractable blade with 3 adjustable positions and a quick-release button for easy blade replacement. It can slice through cardboard, carpet, drywall, rope, vinyl, leather, and flooring, making it great for general and precision cutting. The matting body and ergonomic design make it hand and environment-friendly, and it comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee and lifetime support.
WORKPRO Premium Axis Lock Utility Knife
The WORKPRO Utility Knife features an innovative Axis-Lock mechanism that ensures safe and enjoyable use, allowing you to open and close the knife with ease. Constructed from premium materials, including stainless steel and aerospace-grade aluminum, it is built to withstand tough working environments. The patented blade locking system keeps the blade securely in place for precise cutting, while the quick-release button makes blade replacements a breeze. With its heavy-duty design, this knife is perfect for cutting through boxes, plastic packaging, and straps, making it a reliable tool for any project.
OLFA 18mm Heavy-Duty Utility Knife (L-1)
The OLFA 18mm Heavy-Duty Utility Knife (L-1) comes preloaded with a razor-sharp 18mm LB Heavy-Duty Silver Snap Blade made from Japanese tool steel, making it great for industrial or construction applications. The sturdy handle made from high-impact ABS plastic provides extra leverage for tough cutting projects. Its custom ratchet lock control provides custom cutting depths, and its multipurpose heavy-duty design is perfect for cutting through drywall, roofing, flooring, rubber, gasket materials, and more. Pairing this knife with OLFA 18mm Blades provides optimal results.
Sheffield 12115 Ultimate Lock Back Utility Knife
The Sheffield 12115 Ultimate Lock Back Utility Knife is a versatile tool that can cut through a wide range of materials, from carpet and paper to rubber hoses and Sheetrock. Its patented quick-change blade mechanism allows for easy blade replacement without any need for unscrewing. The lock back release feature ensures the blade stays securely in place when opened or closed, and the textured aluminum grip provides a comfortable and firm hold. With its classic wood-grain and aluminum handle, this knife is not just practical but also stylish.
ValueMax 2-Pack Box Cutter Knife
The ValueMax 2-Pack Box Cutter Knife is a versatile and safe tool perfect for workers, teachers, students, and other professionals. It has three blade depth positions, making it efficient for top cut, shallow tray cut, and deep cut. The dual-sided edge guide allows both left- and right-handed users to make quick, accurate cuts. It is perfect for precision cutting of cardboard, plastic straps, twine, carpet, rope, vinyl, or leather. The quick-release feature is easy to use and comes with 10 heavy-duty reversible SK5 blades with replacement storage built right into the handle. The package includes two box cutter knives, 18 blades, holsters, and lanyards with a 180-degree rotating system for comfortable use.
Slice 10400 Box Cutter with Ceramic Blade
The Slice 10400 Box Cutter is an innovative and stylish utility knife that is safer to use than traditional knives. It features a 3-position manual slider button that allows the blade to stay locked in three positions, a zirconium oxide ceramic blade that stays sharp up to 10x longer than steel blades, and easy blade change without tools. The ceramic blade is non-conductive, anti-magnetic, chemically inert, and never rusts. It is designed for cutting corrugated packaging, foam, vinyl, boxes, cardboard, etc. To cut paper and thinner items, try the Slice 00116 Precision Cutter or 00100 Safety Cutter.
WORKPRO 18mm Retractable Knife
The WORKPRO Utility Knife offers exceptional cutting performance with its 18 mm SK5 steel blades, ideal for tackling various materials like paper, cardboard, and plastic. You'll appreciate the user-friendly design, which allows for easy blade replacement; simply snap off the worn blade and replace it with one of the 10 extras included. Safety is a priority with an automatic lock plate and a handle designed for comfort during use. Plus, its lightweight and reliable build make it easy to carry around for both home and office tasks. This knife is perfect for all your DIY projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does a retractable knife cost?
Compare Similar Utility Knives10771 Locking TRADESMAN Utility KnifeSheffield 12113 Ultimate Lock Back Utility KnifeFolding Lock Back Utility KnifePittsburgh 2 Piece Lockback Utility Knife SetGeneral Tools 855Stanley FatMax ロッキングリトラクタブルナイフ 10-778Mini Utility Knife - Box Cutter, Folding/Lock Back - 5 Blades & Quick Change - Black 93439Husky Wood Handle Folding Lock-Back Utility KnifeStanley Classic Retractable Utility KnifeWorkPro Folding Utility Knife Set Quick Change Blade, Back-Lock Mechanism 3-Piece with 10-Piece Extra BladesC.K. T0954 CuttermesAmazonBasics Heavy Duty Auto-Load Rubber Grip Utility KnifeFastback MilwaukeeEstwing Folding Lock Back Utility Knife with Disposable Razor BladeKlingen-Klappmesser "Picard 0070126-000Nebo Folding Lock-Blade Utility KnifeTajima LC-560 Heavy Duty Auto Lock Utility KnifeHart Folding Lock-Back Utility Knife with Removable Belt ClipACE Utility Knife Fold Lock
During our locking utility knives research, we found 24 locking utility knives products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 102,796 customer reviews through our big data system to write the locking utility knives list. We found that most customers choose locking utility knives with an average price of $12.06.
The locking utility knives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of locking utility knives, including Fiskars, Klein Tools, Pacific Handy Cutter, WORKPRO, OLFA. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.