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Using Different Kinds of Knives


by DoItYourself Staff

Utility Knife Safety Tips

 

  • Always wear safety glasses when using utility knives. Blades can snap off unexpectedly.
  • Always use sharp blades. Dull blades are a safety hazard, requiring more force to make the cut, which can lead to tool slippage.
  • Always pull the knife toward you when cutting, and make several passes when cutting thicker materials.
  • To prevent slippage, make sure blades are seated properly in the knife.
  • Never leave a utility knife unattended, especially with the blade exposed

    •  

    Retractable Blade Utility Knife

     

  • General-use tool designed to cut materials such as drywall, cardboard cartons, laminates and plastic.
  • Blade retracts into body of knife for safer operation and storage.
  • Some models have up to 3 different blade positions for different cutting depths.
  • Higher-end models have rubber grips and ergonomic designs for better gripping.
  • Handle generally unscrews or swivels open to permit blade changes.
  • Many models have extra blade storage in handle.
  • Some models have spring-loaded blades that automatically retract when the knife is released.

    •  

    Fixed Blade Utility Knife

     

  • Blade locks between the halves of the knife to provide more blade stability than retractable models.
  • Handle generally unscrews or swivels open to permit blade changes.
  • Higher-end models have rubber grips and ergonomic designs for better gripping.
  • Unlike retractable knives, accepts larger or special-purpose blades that can’t retract into the handle.

    •  

    Snap Blade Knife

     

  • Blade sections snap off (generally between 8 and 13 per blade) without having to open the tool to change blades.
  • Generally used for cutting light- and medium-duty materials such as wallpaper, rubber, vinyl and leather, or materials with adhesive backing that will stick to the blade and prevent sharp, accurate cutting.

    •  

    Carpet Knife

     

  • Designed for trimming and cutting carpet and other flooring materials.
  • Angular design provides easier access to hard-to-reach places.
  • Many models feature retractable blades and blade storage in handle.

    •  

    Precision Knife

     

  • A pencil-sized tool used for precision cutting of lightweight materials, such as paper or poster board.
  • Also called a hobby knife or X-Acto® knife.
  • Ultra-sharp blades made from surgical steel come in a variety of sizes in triangle and curved shapes.
  • Contains a built-in chuck to hold and secure blades.
  • Some models feature blade storage in the handle.

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    Courtesy of NRHA.org
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