While the utility knife has been around for centuries assisting those with various construction tasks, the modern Stanley knife that we all know and love was first launched in 1936. A convenient tool for a range of tasks, it cuts through materials quickly and precisely.
We've put together this guide to help you find the right Stanley knife for your needs and the project that lies ahead of you, with tips on handle construction and whether to choose a snap-off or retractable blade. We've even ranked the top 10 best Stanley knives on Amazon UK!
For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:
For a more in-depth look at the comprehensive top 10 selection, make sure to read on to learn more about the different types of Stanley knives available and understand how our ranking was determined.
This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.
Image | 1 ![]() Stanley | 2 ![]() Milwaukee | 3 ![]() Stanley | 4 ![]() Bosch | 5 ![]() Stanley | 6 ![]() Gerber | 7 ![]() Stanley | 8 ![]() Stanley | 9 ![]() Olfa | 10 ![]() Stanley |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | FatMax Pro Retractable Knife | Fastback Foldable Pocket Knife | Lightweight Retractable Knife | Professional Universal Folding Knife | Snap Off Knife | Prybrid | Snap Off Blade Knife | Quickslide Pocket Knife | Duty Metal Handle Knife/Cutter | Throwaway Knives |
Features | Durable Stanley Knife With Space for up to 15 Blades | The Utility Knife Many Professionals Go to Again and Again | Multiple Blade Positions Make a Flexible Tool for All Tasks | Fold Away Blade for Easy Storage | A Reliable Stanley Knife, Perfect for Every Task | Quality Construction and Craftsmanship | Solvent Resistant for Easier Cleaning | Complete Metal Construction That Won’t Break | An Updated Design With Built-in Blade Snapper | A Handy Pair of Craft and Trimming Knives |
Price | £13.95 | £14.53 | £2.57 | £13.99 | £6.67 | £18.97 | £6.68 | £9.75 | £3.99 | £2.69 |
Fixed / Snap-Off Blade | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed | Snap-off | Fixed | Snap-off | Fixed | Snap-off | N/a |
Body Construction | Metal | Metal | Plastic | Metal | Plastic | Metal | Metal | Metal | Metal | Plastic |
Dimensions | 25.9 x 9.2 x 2.6 cm | 26 x 8 x 2.3 cm | 20.5 x 7.6 x 2.2 cm | 21 x 10.6 x 2.5 cm | 17 x 5 x 3 cm | 10. 7 x 3.3 1 cm | 21 x 7.5 x 2 cm | 22 x 8.7 x 2 cm | 20 x 8 x 1.3 cm | 15 x 6 x 1 cm |
Weight | 283 g | 140 g | 43 g | 137 g | 81 g | 82 g | 180 g | 181 g | 20 g | 19 g |
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The most imperative factor you need to consider when choosing a Stanley knife is whether you require a fixed or snap-off blade. Fixed blade Stanley knives come in many variations, from retractable to folding, but the blade part stays the same throughout.
This variation is for heavy-duty jobs like scoring and cutting robust materials, on-site or at home, such as woods and carpets. While the blades are fixed, almost all incorporate a convenient mechanism, allowing the user to quickly change to a new, sharper blade when required.
Snap-Off blades, on the other hand, are generally considered better for lighter materials and more delicate work. Not only that, but they're handy if you’re cutting materials that can leave a sticky residue, as the blade is quick and easy to get rid of. They can also be sharpened quicker by simply pressing down and snapping off the blunt part.
If you're looking for a reliable place to do your DIY at home, why not check out our folding work benches?
The final factor to consider when opting for a Stanley knife is the construction of the handle or body. As you’d expect, metal handles are sturdier and more durable, and should be top of the list if you're using your Stanley knife regularly.
A great choice for work, or for avid hobbyists who like to get stuck in during their own time, they come in many different sizes. Plus, some will also have belt clips, helping keep the tool handy when you're in the middle of your work.
That’s not to say that plastic handles don’t have a place. This construction is more likely to be found on snap off Stanley knives due to their throwaway nature. So, if you’re only picking up a tool for use around the house in case of emergencies, you can opt for a plastic handle with a fixed blade to keep the cost down.
For more heavy-duty work, consider an electric hand saw
This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
£13.95
Fixed / Snap-Off Blade | Fixed |
---|---|
Body Construction | Metal |
Dimensions | 25.9 x 9.2 x 2.6 cm |
Weight | 283 g |
£14.53
Fixed / Snap-Off Blade | Fixed |
---|---|
Body Construction | Metal |
Dimensions | 26 x 8 x 2.3 cm |
Weight | 140 g |
£2.57
Fixed / Snap-Off Blade | Fixed |
---|---|
Body Construction | Plastic |
Dimensions | 20.5 x 7.6 x 2.2 cm |
Weight | 43 g |
£13.99
Fixed / Snap-Off Blade | Fixed |
---|---|
Body Construction | Metal |
Dimensions | 21 x 10.6 x 2.5 cm |
Weight | 137 g |
£6.67
Fixed / Snap-Off Blade | Snap-off |
---|---|
Body Construction | Plastic |
Dimensions | 17 x 5 x 3 cm |
Weight | 81 g |
£18.97
Fixed / Snap-Off Blade | Fixed |
---|---|
Body Construction | Metal |
Dimensions | 10. 7 x 3.3 1 cm |
Weight | 82 g |
£6.68
Fixed / Snap-Off Blade | Snap-off |
---|---|
Body Construction | Metal |
Dimensions | 21 x 7.5 x 2 cm |
Weight | 180 g |
£9.75
Fixed / Snap-Off Blade | Fixed |
---|---|
Body Construction | Metal |
Dimensions | 22 x 8.7 x 2 cm |
Weight | 181 g |
£3.99
Fixed / Snap-Off Blade | Snap-off |
---|---|
Body Construction | Metal |
Dimensions | 20 x 8 x 1.3 cm |
Weight | 20 g |
£2.69
Fixed / Snap-Off Blade | N/a |
---|---|
Body Construction | Plastic |
Dimensions | 15 x 6 x 1 cm |
Weight | 19 g |
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