Choosing the right utility knife goes far beyond finding the sharpest blade. The latest advancements in safety, ergonomics, and materials mean that there is an incredible range of utility knives now available. These knives are designed with precision and versatility in mind, providing both DIY enthusiasts and professional tradespeople with reliable, ready-to-use tools for everyday tasks.
With that in mind, read on to discover which utility knives are the most popular in 2025.
Table of Contents
What makes utility knives different from other knives?
Global market value of utility knives
The best utility knives in 2025
Folding utility knife
Retractable utility knife
Snap-off blade utility knife
Fixed-blade utility knife
Final thoughts
What makes utility knives different from other knives?
Utility knives differ from other knives in their purpose and design. They either come with a fixed or retractable blade that’s rugged, versatile, and compact, making them perfect for various tasks like opening packages, scoring materials, and cutting tape.
Other key features of utility knives include an ergonomic handle for better grip, safety features such as a retractable blade, and in most cases, the ability to replace the blade. Although other knives, such as pocket knives, also have multiple blades and functions, the utility knife is designed primarily for practical cutting tasks.
Global market value of utility knives
Due to an increased need for cutting tools, the utility knife market has grown substantially in recent years. Improvements in blade technology have helped more utility knife styles appeal to a wide variety of consumers. With a growing emphasis on safety in the workplace, it’s now more important than ever for utility knives to also include safety features.
At the end of 2024, the global market value of utility knives exceeded USD 4.69 billion. This number is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of at least 7.98% between 2024 and 2030, bringing the total market value to approximately USD 6.87 billion.
The best utility knives in 2025
As materials, designs, and safety features improve, utility knives increasingly appeal to modern-day consumers. There are several versions of utility knives now available on the market, with each one serving a different purpose. Choosing the right one will depend on the environment as well as specific tasks for which they are needed.
According to Google Ads, “utility knife” had an average monthly search volume of 74,000 in 2024. Searches remain consistent throughout the year, with a small increase in October and November when searches go up to 90,500 each month. This shows that utility knives are very popular regardless of the time of the year, as indicated by their usefulness in the household, at work, and even in schools.
Keep reading to find out which styles of utility knives are the most in-demand in 2025.
Folding utility knives
Folding utility knives are a convenient cutting tool that’s both compact and durable. Their easy-to-use one-handed opening design also allows for quick access, while the secure locking mechanism prevents accidental retraction. The replaceable blade system also makes them ideal for long-term use.
Most folding utility knife models will feature an ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip, making them ideal for everyday tasks as well as for professionals.
Retractable utility knives
One of the safest cutting tools on the market is the retractable utility knife. This knife is designed with convenience and precision in mind, with an adjustable stainless steel blade that slides in and out. This allows for better control and reduces the overall risk of accidents. Modern variations of the retractable utility knife include a mechanism for auto-retraction to ensure that the blade retracts when it isn’t being used.
Retractable utility knives can be used for a wide range of tasks thanks to their easy blade-change system and comfortable grip.
Snap-off blade utility knives
The snap-off blade utility knife is the perfect choice for detailed work such as packaging and crafting. This type of knife is known for its precision and sharpness, with the retractable segmented blade allowing dull sections of the knife to be broken off in order to provide a fresh cutting edge.
The secure locking mechanism adds stability, and the comfortable handle makes control easy. Unlike other styles of utility knives, snap-off blade knives are particularly lightweight, so they may not be the best option for professionals in working environments where hardier tools are needed.
Fixed-blade utility knives
The fixed-blade utility knife is popular for buyers looking for a heavy-duty cutting tool. They’re known for their durability and strength, with a non-retractable blade that provides maximum cutting power, making them the best option for industrial and construction work. They’re particularly suited for cutting through tough materials such as rope, carpet, and even drywall. As fixed-blade utility knives have no moving parts, they offer increased reliability and reduce the risk of injuries.
However, since the blade doesn’t retract, it’s important that the handle features a non-slip grip. A protective sheath is also preferential for storage purposes.
Final thoughts
When choosing a utility knife in 2025, buyers will look for specific features such as the retractability of the blade, the ergonomic handle, and its ease of use. Selecting a model that offers a good balance between durability, convenience, and safety is also crucial.
When it comes to utility knives, there’s an ideal option for every task, whether that be crafting at home or using it at a construction site – choosing the right one will likely mean the difference between ease and effort.
