Best Locking Utility Knives of 2025

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 2, 2025

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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

Fiskars Pro Folding Utility Knife Cover #TOP 1
Fiskars Pro Folding Utility Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Klein Tools 44303 Folding Utility Knife Cover #TOP 2
Klein Tools 44303 Folding Utility Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Pacific Handy Cutter RSC-432 Restaurant Safety Cutter Cover #TOP 3
Pacific Handy Cutter RSC-432 Restaurant Safety Cutter
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Locking Utility Knives

#TOP 1

Fiskars Pro Folding Utility Knife

770030-1001
Orange/Black
Fiskars Pro Folding Utility Knife Cover
Fiskars Pro Retractable Folding Utility Knife, Box Cutter with Long-Lasting CarbonMax Razor Blade and Dual Lock Safety, Orange/Black

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.

What We Like
High-quality
Easy blade change
Comfortable ergonomics
Durable blades
Great for various tasks
#TOP 2

Klein Tools 44303 Folding Utility Knife

44303
Orange
One Size
Klein Tools 44303 Folding Utility Knife Cover
Klein Tools 44303 FLICKBLADE Folding Utility Knife with Blade Storage, Utility Knife with 5 Blades, Compact with Side Release Button and Dual Locking Positions

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.

What We Like
Dual blade positions
Convenient blade storage
Quick side-button release
Strap cutting slot
#TOP 3

Pacific Handy Cutter RSC-432 Restaurant Safety Cutter

E22202-4
Blue
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Pacific Handy Cutter RSC-432 Restaurant Safety Cutter Cover
Pacific Handy Cutter RSC-432 Restaurant Safety Cutter with Auto-Locking Safety Hood, Disposable, Food-Safe NSF Certified Safety Box 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.

What We Like
NSF certified for food safety
Auto-locking safety hood
Disposable and cost-effective
#TOP 4

WORKPRO Premium Utility Knife

W013053AU
1-Pack
WORKPRO Premium Utility Knife Cover
WORKPRO Premium Utility Knife, Retractable All Metal Heavy Duty Box Cutter, Quick Change Blade Razor Knife, with 10 Extra Blades

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.

What We Like
Comfortable grip
Smooth slider operation
Quick change blade feature
Lightweight yet sturdy
Comes with extra blades
#TOP 5

WORKPRO Premium Axis Lock Utility Knife

W011060
WORKPRO Premium Axis Lock Utility Knife Cover
WORKPRO Premium Axis Lock Utility Knife Folding, Heavy Duty Metal Box Cutter with Quick Open Lock, Quick Change Blade Razor Knife, Foldable Pocket Knife with Belt Clip

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.

What We Like
Safe and easy operation
Durable, high-quality materials
Quick blade replacement
Heavy-duty construction
#TOP 6

OLFA 18mm Heavy-Duty Utility Knife (L-1)

5003
Standart
Pack of 1
OLFA 18mm Heavy-Duty Utility Knife (L-1) Cover
OLFA 18mm Heavy-Duty Utility Knife (L-1) - Multi-Purpose Custom Cutting Depth Utility Knife w/Ergonomic Grip Handle & Snap-Off Blade, Replacement Blades: Any OLFA 18mm Blade

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.

What We Like
Razor sharp 18mm blade for industrial or construction applications
Sturdy handle made from high-impact ABS plastic for extra leverage
Custom ratchet lock control for custom cutting depths
#TOP 7

Sheffield 12115 Ultimate Lock Back Utility Knife

12115
Brown
Pack of 1
Sheffield 12115 Ultimate Lock Back Utility Knife Cover
Sheffield 12115 Folding Utility Knife, Quick-Change Utility Knife Blades, Lightweight Hardwood Handle, Box Cutter, Cardboard Cutter

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.

What We Like
Easy and quick blade replacement with patented mechanism
Secure blade lock back release feature
Comfortable and firm grip with textured aluminum handle
Versatile and powerful, can cut through a wide range of materials
Stylish design with classic wood-grain and aluminum handle
#TOP 8

ValueMax 2-Pack Box Cutter Knife

V000200A
Multicolor
ValueMax 2-Pack Box Cutter Knife Cover
ValueMax 2-Pack Box Cutter Knife, Self-Retracting 3-Position Locking Blade, Safety Sheath, Lanyard, Extra Blades Included

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.

What We Like
Versatile and safe
Efficient for different types of cuts
Dual-sided edge guide for both left and right-handed users

Slice 10400 Box Cutter with Ceramic Blade

10400
Locking Blade
10400
Slice 10400 Box Cutter with Ceramic Blade Cover
Slice - 10400 Box Cutter, 3 Position Manual Button with Ceramic Blade, Locking 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.

What We Like
Stylish and durable
Safer to use than traditional utility knives
Ceramic blade lasts up to 10x longer than steel blades
Easy to access blade storage
#TOP 10

WORKPRO 18mm Retractable Knife

Retractable
WORKPRO 18mm Retractable Knife Cover
WORKPRO 18mm Retractable Utility Knife, Heavy Duty Snap-off Box Cutter with 10-Piece SK5 Blades for Cartons, Cardboard and Boxes, Perfect for Office and Home Use

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.

What We Like
Sharp SK5 steel blades
Easy blade replacement
Automatic safety lock
Lightweight and portable
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does a retractable knife cost?

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Editor's Notes

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.

Written by
Harry Stack Avatar

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.