Your Guide to Box Cutters

There are a wide variety of utility knives, safety scrapers, slice knives and other cutting products available. How do you know which cutting tool is right for your application? We’ll help you learn the difference between utility knives, slicers, box cutters, and safety scrapers and pick the right tool for the job.

Utility Knives: Types, Uses and Safety Features

Utility knives are versatile and handy tools for the home, garage, shop, construction site, warehouse or packaging line. Also called razor blades or box cutters, these multipurpose knives have endless uses, from opening cartons to trimming carpets.

What Is a Utility Knife?

A utility knife (box cutter) is a type of blade used to perform utilitarian work. While utility knives were originally small fixed-blade knives for everyday use, most people now think of a utility knife as a small knife with a retractable or foldable blade. Modern utility knives typically use disposable razor blades that can be easily replaced when they get dull. This type of knife is sometimes called a Stanley knife after the company that invented the iconic grey steel retractable-blade model. Utility knives come in a wide variety of forms for different uses.

What Are Utility Knives Used For?

Utility knives are valued for their sharp blades and ergonomics, which allow users to make straight, precise cuts. They have many different applications, including:

• Box cutting/carton opening
• Trim work (plastics, wood, carpets, rubber, etc.)
• Marking cut lines
• Drywall cutting
• Cutting tape or cords
• Film cutting

What Are the Different Types of Utility Knife?

Utility knives come in many different forms and with different blade sizes and handle styles. Some models include:

• Folding utility knives (pocket knives): These knives have a sturdy folding, non-replaceable blade, which may be straight or serrated. They can be used for a variety of cutting tasks. Since the blade is not replaceable, you’ll need to take good care of it, which may include regular sharpening. These knives are not as safe as retractable razor knives for making long cuts or opening cartons. However, a sturdy serrated blade is a better choice for cutting thicker, denser materials like wood or drywall.
• Folding replaceable-blade utility knives: These folding pocket knives use a replaceable razor blade instead of a fixed blade. They usually have a sturdy hinged handle and a quick-change mechanism for the blade.
• Retractable safety razor knives: The iconic utility knife, these models have a replaceable razor blade that retracts into the knife handle when not in use. A locking mechanism will usually allow you to control how much of the blade is visible, from the entire blade to just the tip. A retractable utility knife is safer to use because it gives you more control, and the blade can be retracted when not in use. In addition, it’s easy to change the blade, so the knife edge and tip are always sharp—and a sharper knife is a safer knife. These knives are a good choice for making long, straight cut lines, trimming thinner materials, and opening cartons. They are available in a variety of models, from economical plastic to sturdy metal versions that will last a lifetime. Some models allow replacement blades to be stored inside for added convenience.
• Snap-off blade utility knives: These knives are similar to razor knives, but instead of using standard razor blades, they use a strip of connected snap-off blades. When the knife goes dull, the end blade can be easily snapped off and disposed of, revealing a fresh, sharp blade tip. Like standard razor knives, the blade retracts into the handle for safety when not in use. These knives can be used for the many of the same kinds of tasks that standard razor knives are used for. They may not be as sturdy as a standard razor model, so they are generally used for lighter-duty tasks. However, they are highly economical, and the snap-off blades are very easy and convenient to use. Strips may have 8-10 snap-off blades, so you always have a fresh one ready when you need it.
• Disposable utility knives: Some utility knives do not have replaceable blades. Instead, the blade is embedded in a plastic handle, and the whole thing is tossed when it becomes dull. These knives come in different styles, including hooked film cutters and T-style cutters (with two blades). The cutters usually have small, recessed blades and a thin plastic grip. They are best used as film cutters or tape slicers; they are not the best choice for heavier-duty applications. A hooked film cutter is best for cutting stretch wrap and films over products because the back side of the plastic housing protects the product underneath the film.
• Klever makes a hooked-style cutter with a replaceable head. The X-Change Cutter provides the safety advantages of a hooked blade, which minimizes the risk that the blade will come in contact with product or fingers when opening boxes or cutting films. The sturdy plastic handle is long-lasting, and blade heads can be replaced as needed.
• Economy cutters: This is the simplest version of a utility knife. These cutters just consist of a metal sleeve that holds a razor blade, which can be extended and retracted using a simple slide mechanism. They are highly economical (under a buck each), and the slim design means they will fit easily into a pocket (with the blade retracted, of course!) or toolbox.
• Slice knives (pen cutters): These small, convenient cutters are great for opening boxes, marking cut lines and small cutting projects. Their primary distinction is their small size and retractable blade. Some styles are shaped like a pen. Others have an ergonomic rounded design. Only a small blade tip is visible, so they are best for light-duty tasks.
• Safety scrapers are made for scraping rather than cutting. Like razor knives, they use a retractable and replaceable razor blade. However, the blade extends as a straight edge instead of a pointed blade. They can be used to safely scrape paint, caulk or tape off of surfaces without damaging the surface underneath. Be careful when using the scraper to keep the blade parallel to the surface to avoid gouging.

What Kind of Blades Are Used for Utility Knives?

Different kinds of utility knives use different blades. When buying replacement blades for a utility knife or box cutter, make sure you are getting the right size and type.

• Many utility knives use standard razor blades. A universal razor blade will fit most models of razor utility knives or safety scrapers. Look for one with a safety blade dispenser for added safety and convenience.
• Snap-off replacement blades come in strips. They come in different sizes, so be sure to check which ones are compatible with your knife.
• Slice cutters require their own slice replacement blades that fit the small size of the cutter.

Choosing the Right Style of Utility Knife

There are several things to consider when choosing a utility knife, box cutter, slice knife, or scraper.

• Cost: Utility knives are available in a wide range of price points, from basic economy cutters that cost less than $1 to heavy-duty models costing $12 and up. Disposable cutters and basic economy blades will be the cheapest up front, but remember they are not designed to last very long. If you want a tool that will have a permanent place in your toolbox, a heavy-duty utility knife will be the best investment in the long run. Safety features will also drive up cost but are usually well worth it to reduce workplace injuries.
• Safety: Different knives have different safety features. For maximum safety, look for safety features like self-retracting blades and blade locking mechanisms. For disposable cutters, look for a t-model or hook-model that protects fingers from contact with the blade. Remember to change blades frequently for razor-style or slice knives; dull knives are a leading cause of injury, as they are more likely to slip during use. Be sure to choose a knife appropriate for the task and follow all safety guidelines for use.
• Durability: Durability is directly related to cost: utility knives meant to last will be more expensive than disposable or economy models. The classic grey metal retractable utility knife is both highly affordable and very durable. On the other hand, if you have many people using utility knives, it may be wiser to hand out cheap disposable models rather than trying to track and manage more expensive and durable knives.
• Style: What will you be doing with your utility knife? For film cutting and box cutting, a hook-style cutter or t-cutter minimizes the risk of product damage. Heavy-duty applications such as carpet cutting or wood trimming will require a robust utility knife with a standard razor blade or a premium folding knife with a serrated blade. Choose a style that is appropriate for your task.
• Ergonomics: How does the knife fit in your hand? How much control does it give you over cutting? If you are only using the knife for occasional carton-opening and precision doesn’t matter, a cheap plastic handle or metal economy sleeve may be fine. But if you are using the knife frequently and need more precision—say, for marking cut lines or trimming down materials to exact dimensions—an ergonomic handle can make a big difference for both comfort and control.

What’s the best utility knife for your needs? Benchmark has a broad range of knives, cutters, slicers and scrapers. Talk to a product specialist to find the right knife for your application.