The Best EDC Utility Knives Ranked

[@roy5515]

I got the O-knife on sale for $19. Insane workmanship, top notch graphite-like handle, and the flipper action is addictive. Best value.

[@tjp148]

Insane? It’s average at best. The blade locking thumb screw requires pliers to actually lock effectively

[@LegendarySkypenis]

A Milwaukee 6 in one utility knife is undisputed king. If your doing real work you have no use for something you have to baby.

[@Zeeangelofdeath]

For those of you that keep trying to put the fastback in there, it’s not in the same category, these are edc compact knives. Most of these can fit in the 5th pocket The fastback is a full size utility knife that folds. Not all of use want to have a big red utility knife hanging out like a gun holster

[@stevemt2013]

Man I would have loved this video 6 months ago. Not complaining, I ended up with the Civivi Utility and I love it. Happy for anyone who has this available when researching an EDC utility blade.

[@11FOXHOUND11]

One thing I don't see a lot, especially with utility blades, is left hand friendliness. I would have bought the Oknife right away, but theres no postion for a left handed pocket clip mount. And many of the utility blade holders are ergonomically designed for right hand deployment. Doable with my left hand with a few extra actions/movements, but still not as convenient as a ultility blade should be. Thats what pushed me towards the civivi, since button locks are basically ambi and the pocket clip is reversible too. I just ordered a thumb screw to make the blade change tool-less.

[@SirGalath]

Exceed designs Tirant is the way to go. Sadly not going to feature on a knifecenter video since they dont sell those there 😅

[@KleiberM]

I’ve been daily carrying the Otacle U1. I absolutely love it

[@thorin693]

Glad you like it but the handle is to short for me it nicks my hand every time I use it.

[@matts.4095]

@thorin693 That was happening to me too. I put on The lanyard string that it came with and I used snake knots doesn't happen anymore since I could move my hand back on The lanyard my last two fingers go on it and doesn't happen when I close anymore

[@emperorzurg4707]

@@thorin693 I knicked my palm too when I first got the U1 (twice and always with a new blade). But I learned to adjust how I close it so that doesn't happen anymore. The U1 is my favorite EDC blade for work.

[@BluestedSRT4]

I dig the Reate EXO-U Gravity Knife, but I EDC the Milwaukee fastback 6in1.

[@kevinwhitney9424]

This was a fun comparison. I own a few of these including the oknife, and I gotta say, I carry a Milwaukee fastback at work, and a Gerber prybrid outside of work. Period. The rest sit in a drawer. I have a cheap keyunity leather slip from Amazon that fits the prybrid perfectly, sits in the bottom of my pocket, still edc a folder clipped. Utility knife has its uses, but doesn't replace a folder. I like it as a secondary blade, but not my main clipped blade

[@mk_cichlids]

The pry bar on the prybrid is also perfect for cutting tape on boxes without even needing to deploy the razor. Plus, I picked it up on sale for $17! That, to me, should put it at the top of the list, best bang for the buck!

[@th00perman_]

I have the original Prybrid without the pocket clip, and it has plastic parts that hold the blade. I carry it for work, but it feels like it will break eventually. Is the blade-fastener still plastic? My only problem with it. 😅

[@boyscout399]

I chose the Exceed Designs Tirant

[@oddsavage]

I rock the Screw-Pop! It cuts, changes easy, opens beers, and is super light weight. Not in your study, but I'm just throwing that in.

[@malcomstringer4619]

That thing is very underrated. It is very keep it simple stupid. The retention magnet is amazing and the blade exchange is simple. I had one on my key ring until I upgraded to the Tirant Razor v3.

[@terryotis2134]

I have both the Oknife U1 and thr Screw-Pop. I agree with the video re: the Oknife and the comments about the Screw-Pop. The only negative about the Screw-Pop is that it is so small that you can lose it easily like I did at an Air bnb and it is rather an expensive item to replace at $30 Australian. I like it so much that I went ahead and replaced it. Fits in my wallet perfectly just in case I forget to pocket the Oknife.

[@aperson1181]

@@malcomstringer4619 at $85 !? for a knife, ouch

[@milkncookie]

Being a person who travels a lot, I find it hard to EDC anything with a bladed edge as they were always going to be confiscated. Utility knives are a wonderful option as I can always dispose of the blade and and purchase new ones wherever my destination is.

[@rh426]

The Milwaukee fastback part number 48-2 2-1505 never leave the chat. It cost under $20. You can buy them at any home improvement store that carries Milwaukee. It has a slotted and a number to Phillips and also a hex driver, but most importantly you can carry a spare blade on it that most people don’t realize you can.

[@Zeeangelofdeath]

Listen If you like to carry a full sized utility knife that can fold have at it. But it’s not the same category. You can’t fit a fastback in your 5th pocket, if you are on a job site that’s different. But to edc when you aren’t working is overkill. Not all of Need 6 in one or want the bulk that comes with it. Some people work in a professional setting but still need to cut occasionally.

[@braegrimes8870]

Great video; pointing out that using 1/2 the blade is more desirable than using the whole blade in most cases. That way you can flip the blade around and have an instantly sharp blade. If you’re not using the entire blade length, then you’ll use all but a little bit otherwise

[@Nailed101]

Thank you for the review. It’s so helpful to learn the details of every item without buying them. It helps to make the right decision.

[@MC_Reds_Mark]

Great idea DCA. I just think you left two great options off the board… the Milwaukee Fastbacks. I have two different versions and they are both fabulous!

[@Magnum_Express]

I feel like this video was made just for me. I mentioned liking one of these on a recent video and boom; a whole video dedicated to the topic.

[@craigvaccaro3572]

I bought my daughter the OKNIFE EDC Retractable in Dessert pink. She's in school, in her first apartment. She would not carry a knife, so the fact that there's no clip is no big deal. It's a perfect fit !!

[@stevenlariviere5710]

I work in construction so a utility knife has a special place in my EDC. For myself, no utility knife with a non-standard blade requirement or need for an additional tool to change blades is even an option as it defeats the purpose of a utility knife for me. My top two are the Exceed Designs TiRant Razor as a "Gentlemen's" utility knife and the Milwaukee Fastback with an integral screwdriver as a "Tradesman's" utility knife, both very fidget friendly. The Fastback is kinda huge but the utility and fidgetness of it make up the difference. As for the TiRant, once you hold one in your had, you'll get it.

[@davidmoffatt370]

Exceed designs tirant is excellent. Add a hex cutout in one scale for a bit more utility as a driver? Fastback in the toolbox.

[@thorin693]

I have been carrying the prybrid since it came out, got the pocket clip version as soon as I saw it, but my favorite is the Tirant Razor v3 plenty of edge and you can get a 4 finger grip on it.

[@Sup_Fools]

Well now I feel silly for buying the 3 pack of workpro folding utility knife. I expected to lose or break one but they’re surprisingly good for how cheap they are. If you work with a lot of tape and boxes and need a utility knife you can pocket carry and leave a spare in your car it’s a great choice for 16.99 usd. It’s got a good deep pocket clip to hide it in your pocket and a snappy fidget fun button lock that flicks open and closed nicely.

[@MI_Prepper]

The civivi elementum is the greatest one ever made. I thought the black Olight U1 was the best until I got the civivi. Comfortable handle, flips out nice, can use most of the blade, mine locks the blade nicely. Mine is also green! Looks great!

[@SGyru]

This was a really fun video format. I said I'd save the video for later and just watch a min or two and here I am at the end of the video.

[@woodylorenz4404]

I really like this format and the point system. I actually received one of the Gerber models recently by random chance, so I had a little bit of rooting interest while watching the video. It's cool to know that these options are out there. Lots of stuff here is super budget friendly.

[@gregsteiger7829]

I Have the Otacle U1. Great utility knife. And I fidget with it all the time. And actually was fidgeting with it while I watched this video. GREAT JOB!

[@Hadeeez]

Surprised that the reate exo-u didn't make it on the list

[@TracyRoesler]

10000%

[@etherealicer]

That one gets -10 points from me because putting you thumb on top unlocks the knife.

[@microwavegommmm916]

​@@etherealicerYou can still grip it with your palm and fingers though,can't you?

[@etherealicer]

​@@microwavegommmm916 Its a pretty obvious place to put pressure, especially on a heavier cut. That is definitively a design flaw. Pity, because the rest is really cool.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

I daily carry the Stanley 10-049. You can get two different blade styles for it and it is inexpensive. Paul Sellers is a woodworker and he put me onto the knife as a marking knife on wood. I found it works well for so many things and it is great for saving my primary blade's edge. I put it in a PNW Bushcraft pocket slip for pocket carry, and I have extras in my tool chest and portable tool box with a couple others and extra blades kept in original packaging in case they stop production,.

[@bikecommuter24]

I got what he calls the Gerber and used to carry it daily but I now use one from Milwaukee Tools, it is bigger but I can swap out blades without a screwdriver, I think something like the EAB is for someone who doesn't; use a knife a lot but Im constantly opening boxes, plastic wrap, trimming hoses, etc, and occasionally need a screwdriver which my 1505 has, nothing against these other knives some of them look very nice.

[@jamesmacy7880]

I think you missed the ExceedDesigns Tirant Razor and the Tirant Razor-M

[@knifecenter]

I own the Tirant V3, and it would be neck and neck with the BiD Ti Frame Lock, less one point for lack of "extra features" -DCA

[@tobyhall1399]

​@knifecenter the tirant is half the price of the big idea designs

[@diverson63]

I don't usually like edc utility knives, but the Reate EXO U gives me 4 fingers+ room. Comfort, safety, usable edge, deployable ease, ease of operating the lock, the pocket clip is comfortable and bearly noticeable are all pluses. The blade ease of changing the blade isn't difficult, just be careful the first time. The retaining clip went flying the first time but not difficult. Extra feature on this utility is it is a great fidget tool. The cost is a little higher at $77 but good for what you get. The only downside is if you don't live in a free state that allows you to carry gravity/ otfs you can't carry one.

[@SeniorSupreme]

I rock the Otacle in sprinkle finish at work. It’s used for all kinds of stuff that ruins edges. Best work knife IMO. My GEC 86 stays sharp and damage free thanks to the otacle.

[@plunder3624]

As a utility knife aficionado I have all of the those knives featured in the vid. However, the very best is still the *Tirant Razor V3* by Exceed Designs hands down. Yeah, sure, it's also one of the most expensive options. But it's totally worth it. I have it always on me, the likability factor goes through the roof!

[@profosist]

As someone who started with the original EAB the only real downer it had was that the blade change required removal of the screw. Ran that one for better part of a decade. Preferred the design over the lite but I bought plenty of those as gifts. Tried both the utility knife and xacto versions of the Gerber prybrid and both are built worse and way bigger than needed, especially when compared to something from Tactical Keychains.

[@profosist]

Oh my one issue with EAB, especially lite is the part for you pointer finger is a bit small and if your baring down on some thicker cardboard you might try and grip the blade. Got myself a nice scar one time doing that.

[@tamasritecz8852]

Hi, I really liked the video, this format is nice! It was good to see your point of view. I prefer the smaller ones from your list for EDC, they could be used as a backup for a primary blade, and additional features like screwdriver and prybar is always nice to have around. I only missed the Fastback from your list, I think it is also an excellent utility knife with cool features.

[@wllclda1]

I see a lot of comments about the Milwaukee fast back. The reason it is not on this list is because they do not sell it on knife center. Only knives they sell are on this list

[@davidcooke8825]

Lots of fun. Can’t believe how you guys keep coming up with fresh ideas. Thanks

[@fulcan3rd]

Loved the format. I ended up with an Elementum Utility and really love it. Luckily I don't have to change out blades every day so that parts no biggie to me. If I had seen this I probably would have gotten the Olight Oknife Otacle U1 if I had watched this first just because of the price difference and similarity.

[@JosePerez-nz4bl]

Really well made video. You guys make knives a science and I love it. Very helpful.

[@brandongoede5907]

I carry the Otacle U1 and on the safety note I should point out that the blade tip is very close to the bottom of the scales, so depending on how you hold it it can bite the meat of your palm when you close it. It has gotten me multiple times.

[@uddos]

i use the gerber eab light..i modified it and it's the best for many reasons for me..

[@SethRosenzweig]

How about cutting some boxes? IMHO any of the knives that encase the back of the blade won't slide through cardboard as a utility blade should and that is a major difference. If the knives showcased had been put to actual use the results might be quite different. Keep up the good work, I'm always happy to watch.

[@JerryLoffelbein]

I've tried a decent amount of utility knives over the years. My absolute go to is the Fiskars Pro button lock folder. It's one of very few that I have confidence and comfort in when it comes to double-wall cardboard as it's strong as an ox and seems to support the blade better than all the slide-style mechanisms. It's a bit thiccer than those on the table though, and I haven't checked if KnifeCenter actually carries it (or the Milwaukee Fastback that many others swear by). Nice that it's usually $13-16 as well. A fun alternative I've been using more than I expected is the Boker+ Bill & Ted. It's fun to have a decent size knife blade that includes a retractable utility blade on the other side of the handle for the smaller tasks, or ones that would compromise the edge of the main blade (cutting sandpaper for instance).

[@mikegrabenstein9004]

Terrific format. Made it much Easier to pick my next utility knife. Really wanted Civivi to win but the olight otacle looks great.

[@ajohnson6416]

Love the Gerber Prybrid! I use it more than my knife. I have the BID TPT as well and carry that on nights out.

[@matthewhunter9254]

The Milwaukee fastback what ever version is the best hands down for commercial use no argument required if you actually work. The eab is the other clear winner for price and reliability the whole ah you need a tool well the money you saved keep a lucky penny in your pocket and you can change the blade that by the way won't slip put when you actually have to cut something

[@SamGrey]

Fastback has left the chat…

[@red6743]

@@SamGrey beats all these

[@Bayou987]

@@red6743easily

[@Mattcruzedc]

I am a fastback fan!!

[@khangphantruong]

just because it's not cool they don't list it. it's actually a tool not just a toy

[@red6743]

@@khangphantruong While I agree, I think they're only showing items they sell.

[@m0riss]

I think you should also consider "stealth". All the sliders except for the Gerber Prybird should get a +1 because you can deploy the blade without anyone noticing. The flippers should get a -1

[@onceKilos]

one of the very few videos here talking about the great outdoor edge utilipro, for some reasone it doesn't receive all the love it deserves and it only costs $15 . i have one, replaced the plastic scale with a copper scale i made myself and is an awesome piece

[@th00perman_]

I have a Gerber EAB and it's great, but very simple. Also have the Gerber Prybrid, it has *plastic parts* that hold the blade instead of metal-on-metal, feels like it will break easily. Gonna grab an Otacle or Elementum instead 😅

[@TheKoukimonstar]

You left you some really nice ones like the Chaves knives CHUB OTF, Flipper, and slider, Exceed Designs TiRant Razor V3, and the hawk knives design shortcut. There are a few others, but those should deff be in your video as you are a knife shop. Overall good video and comparison.

[@thomasstammmerc1]

I love my Gerber Prybrid.Perfect for my job.

[@IOSARBX]

KnifeCenter, cool video you deserve more subscribers

[@RichardPoogerman]

This was an awesome presentation and I ended up getting a U1 largely because of it. While I went in with the understanding that the pocket clip wasn't reversible, despite the fact that it easily could be with some minor milling on the opposite scale, I didn't expect to find a crossbar lock that was intentionally not ambidextrous. This boils my blood and I will never buy another OAnyrhing ☹️

[@TovarichSputnik]

Really enjoyed that. So tempted now but I carry too much stuff as it is and with multitools etc. I already have at least 2 blades, usually 3 (or more).

[@paullambert4445]

I have the Oknife U1 and love it. I carry it every day. My wife wanted one, I bought one for my son for his birthday and when my brother saw it he had to have one also. A utility with a cross bar lock and a full blade how do you beat that? The full blade is a big selling point. 🎸🔪

[@Practical_EDC]

I watched the entire video waiting for you to pull out the obvious winner here - Milwaukee FastBack - unquestionably better in every way and would gain all the points on your board, and more. I'm kinda surprised and disappointed you left it out.

[@davidgarrett5671]

They don’t sell anything from Milwaukee

[@gordonmacdowell8117]

There's also the TiRant Razor for people who feel they should spend a few hundred dollars on a utility cutter and I seem to remember a luxury cutter out there that was a few hundred dollars more than that. The older (15 years ago) straighter design Gerber EAB Utility is literally the only Gerber knife I've ever liked and I still use it from time to time. I'm not a fan of their new design for the EAB Lite.

[@lordquenntillieusiii9250]

I like it to just have half the blade out because when it is dull you can flip it vs of 3/4 of the blade are sticking out you can flip it but then only the very top of the blade would be sharp

[@mcsquirgle]

I kind of prefer the standard Olight Otacle utility knife. It is no nonsense, but it has that contoured and chamfered G10 and that kind of makes it for me.

[@bloodgain]

I really enjoyed the showdown format! You gotta put some grid lines on your cork board for my OCD, though. 😄

[@Kyle_Sentz]

I don't know how much of an issue it actually is but I know GideonsTactical on KZbin and a couple people in our edc group had an issue with the elementum one where after a handful of opening and closing, the retaining screw loosened and the blade would fly out when they opened it. Also I love this format, would love to see the same thing but with pliers based mulitools. Take models from Gerber, Sog, Leatherman and Victorinox and come up with some criteria and see who comes out on top

[@TDAWDepthFinder]

I like this comparison! As far as which one I would buy I have to go with the Otacle U1 since it’s the only one I already have lol.

[@corrademeyer107]

I would have liked to see the Boker Kalashnikov Boxcutter in your lineup, but thanx for a very informative comparison!

[@charlestemkin270]

I am a fan of DCA videos and a longtime customer of KnifeCenter, but I was disappointed in this one because your rating system left out an important factor. An issue I have had with a number of utility knives is that the razor blade came loose when I was cutting through tough cardboard. I realize that you can frequently open boxes and then dispose of them by cutting through tape or cutting through one layer of a cardboard sheet and then folding the sheet on the cut, but sometimes that isn't possible. And they are supposed to be boxcutters. So how well the utility knife holds the blade is a significant factor both for safety reasons and as a measure of how well the knife can perform its basic function, and it would be great if you could bring your knife expertise to bear on it.

[@dennispoley6005]

Oknife for the win!

[@RebelScum409]

Klien has a version thats almost a carbon copy of the Milwaukee fast back. Klien improved on it greatly. Its much better with a 50% lock in and the bit driver is way better. Bit driver locks too on klien where Milwaukee does not and is loose.

[@Robert_Thomas832]

Used snap-off for work. Sharpening for me is part of the fun of knife use.

[@wugypropuh7792]

It is not all in same category , with handle or no , small or keychain , etc. Good video

[@dshelly]

Although expensive, it would have been cool to have included the Chaves CHUB family (slide, flipper, OTF) into this equation. I carried the slider daily for over a year before the OTF came out.

[@jufuh1503]

I like this format, maybe you could give it a try with a beat the icon? Not a fan of utility blades, but it's a great video i'll keep in mind for gifts 👌

[@jackjackman1654]

Would have liked to see how the WorkPro utility knife would have done. Its a pretty nice budget option.

[@mhsvz6735]

Olight Oracle UI for my money. Thanks for another great review.

[@SPUTNIK6996]

the two best utility knives on the market right now are the fastback and reate exo-u. Very suprised those arent in this video when its intended for knife people

[@greggordon6215]

I've had the TPT Slide in my pocket since release. Very light and think yet always there when needed. Agree about changing the blade, that's too hard. Easy but way too hard! lol Other than that though, it's a fantastic size and weight for just dropping in the pocket.

[@mr.mickles]

Love to see you do EDC scalpels.

[@Mattcruzedc]

Fastback 1505, tpt slide and prybrid are the 3 best.

[@joshuaschoonyan3263]

100% agree.

[@monkeylife2318]

The best advantage of a utility knife it is that you can take of the blade to take a flight and buy cheap utility blade once at destination. 👍✈️

[@bladerunner766]

I have the otacle u1, but I will always use my exo u over it at work any day of the week. Should have been included

[@christophwilhelm6431]

Both blade positions curiously not included: GILTEK V1 VICE PIRANHA T&P AVIS PRY

[@plausible.deaniability]

the milwaukee fastback and reate exo u not being in this trendy vid is a crime

[@stephenmartin7907]

I agree. The Milwaukee fastback would have beaten the rest of them hands-down. One of them has a screwdriver on it, which gives it even a little more utility.

[@mrbuttons1243]

They don't sell Milwaukee tools.

[@itsjustashow]

The fastback is also massive

[@rays5163]

thats because they dont carry them

[@dannyjudson932]

Facts

[@tylerbarnes7628]

Does the path of the blade actually cross the path of the blade edge when closing the Big I frame lock?it almost looks like an argument could be made for the edge of the blade not crossing there your finger would be when unlocking.

[@CharlieMander843]

Nothing is better than Milwaukee fast back, I prefer the one that just holds extra blades. I wanted something smaller and more premium/EDC focused. My favorite ive found is the TiRant Razor V3, and after watching this video im still confident that its the best EDC focused option available. The Reate EXO also interests me but I haven't tried it. This video is disappointing not having the best options on it to compare.

[@kjreames]

The Reate EXO-U is hands down the best, but that would make for a very short video.

[@adamkolb113]

Sweet Ive been looking at getting one or five of these. Good idea guys.

[@applejuice-4706]

Hands-down tyrant, razor by exceed designs is the one I use every day switching the blade without a tool is the reason I chose it

[@unknown-me6hu]

I got the fast back it’s all u need

[@ligaar0849]

Gonna stick with whatever i get from home depot. They do the job just fine.

[@velvetine74]

The O'Knive Otacle U1 is either a rebrand or it has been copied by a company on Ali Express called 9Ti EDC and they do G10 and Titanium ones.

[@Melkorify]

The best video you have made, altho not including tirant takes a point away, from you.

[@vicpetrishak7705]

Workpro utility razor blade holders are inexpensive . All four stainless steel with three painted red , blue , and green . Push button lock open / closed . 3 for $20.00 Amazon 10/5/24 Usually quality and Chinese Made do not mix , however well manufactured .

[@markjones1337]

This is the best game show since The Price is Right (UK, not sure what it was called in the US)

[@DiogenesOfCa]

I love this format!

[@priority2]

Excellent testing. Thank you DCA❤

[@hoo_li]

Liked this style of video. looking forward to more

[@LucaSavoja]

are you missing the workpro with button lock, 3 for 10 bucks?

[@rwe1]

Shouldn't have deducted a point for the Civivi and it should have probably gotten a point for fidgetyness. The Prybird is good. Cutweasel gets a bonus point for the name.

[@jctsea]

Gotta say- The Reate EXO-U has been a game CHANGER. While I snagged one at a competitor, I LOVE Knifecenter and All that DCA and crew does.

[@cscam246]

One of my most carried

[@velvetine74]

I really want one but I live in the UK and customs would seize that immediately, even if it shipped bladeless. Gravity Knives are a big no no here :(

[@jctsea]

@@velvetine74 That's a rough go. Sorry to hear- 3d print perhaps?

[@velvetine74]

@@jctsea So, not to go too in depth but even owning a gravity knife in your own home is potentially a 7 year sentence. Involuntary Manslaughter is 4 years??????? Crazy, lol

[@suehillstad4206]

Love my Reate EXO-U!

[@oflofl7177]

funny that the standard eab is lighter than the eab lite

[@Hectorszenshopedc]

I have been interested in this category ❤❤❤🎉

[@chrismiscellaneous]

I have otacle u1 and it is amazing