Best Starrett/Utility Knife Reviews and Buying Guide
A Starrett knife is a useful tool for any adult to own even if DIY isn’t really your thing. They can be used for multiple tasks such as making clothes, crafts, as well as regular DIY tasks such as cutting wire and other repair tasks where thick materials need to be cut through. Having the right tools go a long way in helping with any handy project so choosing the perfect Starrett knife is an important task.
But where to start? If you’re looking for some advice on what type of Starrett knives are available, what to look out for when buying one and want to see reviews of some of the best Starrett knives around then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about buying a Starrett knife and point you in the right direction of some excellent products.
What is a Starrett knife?
This might be the first time you have heard of a Starrett knife so, if this is the case, let us give you a brief explanation. A Starrett knife, also sometimes known as a utility knife, is a multipurpose knife which keeps the sharp blade safely locked away when you’re not using it. To release the blade there will be a lever in the body of the knife which easily unleashes the blade when you need it. Starrett knives are designed to be very sharp so can cut through all sorts of materials and you can control the depth of cutting with the thumbwheel on the edge of the knife.
What are the benefits of using a Starrett knife over a regular knife?
The Starrett knife is so useful due to the fact that it is a very adaptable knife. Whereas some knives, such as pocket knives, have a fixed immovable blade with a Starrett knife it is possible to remove and switch the blades if you need a sharper or blunter point. Thanks to the sharp point on Starrett knives it is also pretty straightforward to get a precise cut. Another benefit of the Starrett knife is the key safety feature of this knife is that when it is not in use the sharp blade is safely tucked away.
Starrett Knife/Utility Knife Buying Guide
#1 Types of Starrett Knives
A key feature of a Starrett knife is the fact that the blade can be nicely tucked away when you’re not using it. The way the knife is retracted can be done by two different mechanisms – sliding or folding. Read on to find out about the two different types of Starrett knives that are available.
#1 Sliding Starrett Knives
A sliding Starrett knife functions exactly as it sounds – through the use of a lever on the side of the knife which you push up to gradually release the knife which slides into place. Sliding Starrett knives are good if you are going to be using the knife to cut through thicker materials and need to exert more pressure as sliding knives allow you to lock the blade securely into place. You can also find quick release sliding Starrett knives if you want to get to that blade as quickly as possible.
#2 Folding Starrett Knives
As opposed to Starrett knives where the blade is released through a sliding motion you can also purchase Starrett knives which have a folding mechanism. This means that the blade is unleashed via the unfolding of the knife. This type of utility knife is better for tasks that require precision work as they are lighter and allow the user to have more maneuverability when using the knife. Look out for knives that have a safety clip on them which mean the knife can’t open on its own.
#2 What to look out for when buying a Starrett Knife
Now you know about the different types of utility knives out there you need to consider the features of the knife and what it is you’re after to find the perfect knife for you. Check out our list below to ensure you are fully in the know about all of the features of an excellent utility or Starrett knife.
#1 Quality of the blade
Be sure to check out what material the blade of the utility knife is made out of and whether or not the product you are purchasing comes with extra blades for you to use. The best blades are made out of carbon steel and you will generally find that the blades that come with utility knives are razor blades. In terms of durability, it is definitely best to opt for a blade made out of Carbon steel.
#2 Size
Size is an important consideration when it comes to choosing the perfect utility knife for your needs. Make sure the dimensions of the knife are suitable for the size of your hand as you want it to sit comfortably there. You will find that utility knives, in general, are pretty small but be sure to check out the measurements of the knife you are intending to buy before making the purchase. In terms of the size of the blades, these usually range from around 1-5 inches long.
#3 Adaptability
One of the main attractions of a utility knife is that it is incredibly adaptable and is designed so that multiple costume changes aren’t a problem. In other words, you want to find a knife where it is easy to change the blade – should this be because you need a specific type of blade to cut through something or when the blade you have been using has worn out and needs replacing. It is best if the utility knife can be changed by you easily rather than having to purchase any extra tools (or expertise!).
#4 Grip
Of course, when you are cutting with a sharp knife, you want to make sure that the features of the knife are as safe as possible. Look out for utility knives that have rubber in the handle which will help your hand to stay in place and not slip when you are using the knife. Look out for textured handles for a really substantial grip.
#5 Lock
The nature of utility knives means that you slide the blade into place when you want to use it. Because of this, you want to make sure that there is a substantial lock in place on the knife which will hold the blade securely in place as you use it. In addition to the lock being substantial, you also want to make sure it is easy to operate so that you can access the blade smoothly and without difficulty. There is nothing more frustrating than an awkward lock!
#6 Blade type
Of course, the blade of the utility knife is an important part of the product as this is what you will be using to cut through your desired materials. As stated above most utility knives will come with a standard razor blade but there are also some that will come with a double-sided razor or a hook blade. A hook blade is useful if you are wanting to cut out flexible materials such as flooring and leather. Make sure you check out utility knives that come with multiple different blades included in the price as then you will really be getting value for money, as well as a range of devices to hand to cut the necessary materials you need.
#7 Safety features
Safety features are incredibly important when it comes to sharp objects and the utility knife is no exception. Make sure that your knife of choice comes with a cover for the blade that you can put in place when you are not using it but you don’t want to slide it back into place. This can be useful if you are using the blade for extended periods and don’t want to have to repeatedly slide the blade back and forth into place. Other additional safety steps you can take to make sure you avoid injury when using a utility knife are wearing cut-resistant gloves, dispose of old blades properly in designated sharps bins, cut away from your body when cutting, have a steady and stable work surface that will not move when you cut and ensure you always either cover or retract the blade when you are not using it.
Starrett Knife Reviews 2022
Starrett is one of the number one brands when it comes to utility knives. They have a range of products to suit all needs and tastes. Check out our favorites below.
#1 Best adjustable Starrett knife: The S011 ProSite hidden edge utility knife
If you are after a utility knife that is versatile enough to deal with a variety of tasks, from opening boxes to slicing through rope, trimming carpets, and cutting wallpaper to size, then this versatile Starret knife will do just the trick. Thanks to its unique design you can adjust the depth at which this knife cuts to which is why it is suitable for such a variety of tasks. Once you’ve tried this knife you won’t be looking back.
Other pros of this knife are that: the blade can be safely stored and concealed when you are not using it; it comes with a 1-year warranty; it is easy to adjust the blade length using a simple lever mechanism; you can adjust the cutting depth with a simple twist of a thumb-wheel, and; the ability to change blades as well as a handy storage place for spares in the handle. The downside of this knife is that it is quite bulky.
#Starrett_Knife #Starrett_Knves #Utility_Knife #Safety_Knife #Adjustable_Knives
#2 Best Aluminum Starrett Knife: The extract plus aluminum die-cast folding utility knife
If you’re after a less bulky knife that is sturdy and has good safety features, then you should check out this die-cats aluminum utility knife. The single button lock design ensures the blade is safely secured in position easily so you can dive right into your cutting tasks. The folding design also means this product fits snugly in your pocket for whenever you need it and at just a little over 6 ounces is a handyman’s dream.
Other good things about this knife are that: it is particularly sturdy thanks to the clever folding design and die-cast aluminum; it is a great price for a Starrett knife; it is suitable for blade changes; it comes with a handy pocket clip adding to its portability, and; it has a comfortable design. The downside of this knife is that the cheaper price means it is a bit more fiddly to use than other Starrett products and is sometimes a bit rough around the edges.
#Aluminum_Knives #Starrett #Starrett_Knife #Utility_Knives #Foldin_Knife
#3 Best retractable Starrett knife: The Plus KUXP060-N aluminum pocket utility knife
For those looking for a Starrett knife that is great for difficult angles, this should be the nife of choice. The handy curved shape of this knife makes it perfect for getting around corners in hard to reach places whilst retaining the necessary control and precision to make a beautifully clean cut. The single flick-switch to lock the blade in place makes it easy to adjust the knife to just where you need it and it retracts back into its safe tortoise-like shell when you don’t need it.
Other things to like about this Starrett knife are that: even though it is incredibly cheap it is very well made with no rough and around the edges parts; it is a sturdy device that will last you for many years; it has a strong aluminum blade, and; it is nice and lightweight making it perfectly portable. The downside of this knife is that it is quite fiddly to change the blade but at this price it’s worth the occasional struggle on the few occasions this issue arises.
#Starrett #Knives #Retractable_Starrett_Knife #Retractable_Knife #Precision_Knives
#4 Best value Starrett knife: The Starrett KS06R with large break-away utility knife
If your budget is very tight but you have your heart set on a knife of Starrett quality, then you should check this great value piece out. It comes complete with a retractable blade that you put in yourself, weighs just 4 ounces, and is under 8-inches long. This makes it super portable and easy to handle. The partially clear handle is also handy when you want to see the right depth to adjust the blade to.
Other pluses about this knife are that: it is great value so if you need to buy a few of these for your business it won’t break the bank; it is cheaply made but still made from strong materials and has an aluminum blade; it can be shipped anywhere you need in the US, and; it comes with handy instructions to help you put it together. The downside of this knife is that you do have to put it together yourself and it won’t last as long as the other knives on this list.
#Starrett_Blades #Starrett_Knife_Blade #Replacement_Blades #Starrett_Knife #Knife_Tool
#5 Best Starrett knife for precision cuts: The KUXP020-N Small Extruded Aluminum Automatic Locking Utility Knife
If you’re after a utility knife capable of making precise cuts and one that won’t leave you out of pocket, then you should check out this nifty little Starrett device. The small knife blade is sturdy and made from good quality aluminum and designed to make cuts in difficult to reach places whilst retaining maximum control and being able to make nice and precise cuts. This knife is also corrosion resistant and has an easy switch to lock the blade in place.
The other pros of this knife are that: it is incredibly cheap in price but not in application; it is small, lightweight, and portable weighs in at under 2.5 ounces; it comes with 4additional blades to be used as replacements if you need them, and; it is manufactured using metrological testing so you can be sure of its absolute precision to a minute level. The downside of this knife is that the blade is so small it is not suitable for all tasks you might expect a utility knife to be able to handle.
#Precision_Knife #Precision_Knives #Starrett #Lock_Knife #Portable_Knives
Utility Knife Reviews 2022
While we love the Starrett knives there are also other excellent brands out there which you are also sure to love. Here are some of our favorites.
#1 Best Stainless Steel Utility Knife: OLFA 5019 SVR-2 9mm Stainless Steel Auto-Lock Utility Knife
This excellent value utility knife made by OLFA is constructed using the finest quality stainless steel. It has an auto-lock function which means that when you slide out the blade it automatically locks safely into place, it will also do the same when you slide the blade back into its housing. What’s great about this utility knife is that it can be used whether you are left or right-handed.
This is a great tool to go for if you are wanting to do precision cutting such as cutting traces on circuit boards or tidying up edges on wood or plastic cuttings. You can also use this as a marking tool if you are planning on doing any woodwork. An extremely durable and user-friendly utility knife you will be using this knife from OLFA for years to come.
#OLFA #Utility_knife #Durable #Stainless_steel #Precision #Cutting #Wood
#2 Best Easy to Use Utility Knife: COSCO 091508 Easycut Cutter Knife w/Self Retracting Safety-Tipped Blade, Black/Blue
This utility knife from Cosco comes in at excellent value and is a great choice if you are just starting out in the utility knife world and don’t want to be spending too much money. This is a lightweight utility knife with a plastic outer casing which comes in an attractive blue and black color. Changing the blades in this knife is easy and it even comes with a couple of extra blades which are stored in the blue section of the knife.
Incredibly easy to use, the retracting mechanism means that the blade is easy to release and to put back into its housing after using. It is also possible to adjust the blade length of this knife so you can alter depending on what you are cutting. A great tool to have around the house whether it be for opening boxes, DIY tasks or completing a special craft project – you’re sure to love this utility knife.
#Cosco #Easy_to_use #Utility_Knife #Cheap #Blades #Cut #DIY #Retractable
#3 Best utility knife for wire stripping: The Milwaukee 48-22-1903 Fastback 3 Utility Knife
If you’ve taken on a bit of a project, need to do some wiring, or just fancy getting your hands on a versatile utility knife, then this is a great option. This tool comes complete with a handy clip so it can be attached to a work belt ready for action and the blade storage of up to 4 blades means you shouldn’t ever be caught out by a broken blade. Designed specificity for wire stripping, this knife can cut up to a 12 gauge wire.
Other things to shout about with this knife are that: it is particularly easy to change the blades on this knife thanks to the handy lock mechanism on the bottom of the knife; the blade can be locked in two separate positions for flatter vs angular cuts; it is suitable for use with all standard size utility blades, and; it has an ergonomic handle so you won’t be getting any nasty repetitive strains when using this all day. The downside of this knife is that it doesn’t come cheap.
#Milwaukee #Milwaukee_Knives #Wire_Cutter #Wire_Strimmer #Utility_Knife
#4 Best utility knife for durability and tough tasks: Francii’s FC folding pocket utility knife with holster
For the clumsy handymen out there this knife is a great choice as it is made from sturdy stuff. The blades are made from heavy-duty carbon steel whilst the casing is made with strong anodized aluminum formed with a useful no-slip grip. The included holster also helps to ensure you are less likely to drop this all the time even if you are incredibly clumsy! With five additional blades included this device will last you for a long time.
Other good things about this utility knife are that: you can replace the blades with any standard sized blades and they are easy to replace with the built-in changing mechanism; it is easy to use with a single button to lock and unlock the blade as and when required; it is rust-resistant; it comes with a money-back guarantee if you don’t like it so you can try it for free, and it is built to last. The downside of this knife is that it is quite small.
#Sturdy_Knife #Durable_Work_Knife #Utility_Knives #Lock_Knife #Safety_Knife
#5 Best utility knife kit: Holtzman’s Premium Utility Knife & Folding Pocket Knife Set
If you are after a set that comes complete with a standard cutting knife, a utility knife, and a handy penknife with a range of other useful tools, then you need look no further than this excellent set. The knife and utility knife come as part of a single tool that fits easily into your pocket or can be clipped on to a work belt with the handy clip this set comes with. This high-quality knife is suitable for both DIY jobs at home and professional use.
Other pluses about this particular utility knife set are that: it is both durable and lightweight and able to cope with tough tasks such as cutting through rope or wire; it comes inside a stylish gift box; it comes with a frankly ludicrous lifetime warranty; it is great for both camping enthusiasts and professionals; it uses carbon steel blades that are replaceable and extremely durable, and; it is super sharp. The downside of this kit is it requires you to splash the cash more.
#Sharp_Knives #Knife_Kit #Penknives #Utility_Knife #Folding_Knife
#6 Best utility knife for safety features: Home Planet Gear’s box cutter utility knife with multi-position blade and lock-back safety
If you have tried utility knives before and struggled with slippage, then you should check this super-safe utility knife which comes with a special safety grip to protect your hand and knuckles. The fully retractable blade adds to the safety of this device, whilst the blade can also be extended from as little as an eighth of an inch all the way through to 1-inch with excellent control. So if you want to make precision cuts whilst keeping your fingers safe, this is the box cutter for you.
Other pluses about this device are that: it comes with a quick-release blade and complete with 5 replacement blades stored in the handle; the body is made from zinc-alloy making it supremely durable; it has an ergonomic design so is suitable for long tasks; it can cope with cutting cardboard through to thin wooden floor tiling, and; you can get 20% off if you buy multiple tools and it comes with a money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied. The downside of this device is it is bulky.
#Safety_Knives #Box_Cutter #Utility_Knives #Precision_Knife #Precision_Cuts
#7 Best folding utility knife: WORKPRO’s 3-piece folding utility knife set
If you envisage needing a few utility knives, then this set of three is a good option. Each knife folds almost in half to make them safe and portable when the blade I snot in use. These utility knives are particularly good for dealing with softer materials that you need to cut through such as carpet, leather, and plastic and come with an impressive 10 replacement blades to keep you going for a long time, to begin with.
Other positives about these folding knives are that: they are suitable for use with any standard size utility blade; they have a built-in clip so they can be clipped on to your tool belt easily; they are made with stainless steel which is more durable than aluminum variants; the handles are ergonomically designed, and; they fold down to just 5.5 inches. The downside of these knives is that the blade can only be lengthened and cannot have the angle changed.
#Knife_Set #Folding_Knives #Safety_Lock #Stainless_Steel_Knives #Soft_Material_Knife
Conclusion
Investing in a utility knife is something you certainly won’t regret. Whether you need it for every day DIY jobs or to help out with craft projects having a utility knife will make cutting materials so much easier and efficient. Whether you choose a sliding utility knife or a folding utility knife you can rest assured that when your knife is not in use the blade is safely stowed away (as long as you retract the blade properly).
When choosing your utility knife there are some important features that you need to think about before purchasing. A firm and sturdy handle with good grip is essential to ensure that the knife remains safely in your hand whilst you cut, look out for if the knife is adaptable and can have easy blade changes depending on your project, check out its safety features and make sure the blade is made out of a quality material. A utility knife is a great value tool to have in your repertoire that will come in handy more than you think!