A new utility knife just popped up at Home Depot’s website, and it has me a little puzzled.
Shown here is the Dewalt DWHT10319 all-metal utility knife. What’s so special about it? Dewalt says that this new model offers the blade security of a fixed knife with the convenience of a retractable knife. They say that it has 3 times the blade retention compared to their traditional utility knives.
Three times the blade retention, huh? That’s something I would like to see added to a Stanley FatMax folding utility knife that slipped once during use. The blade got stuck into the material I was cutting and pulled right out of the knife.
Other features include:
- Bi-material handle
- Improved blade changing system
- Blade storage for up to 5 blades
- “Ideal for use in drywall and cardboard”
- Lanyard loop
- Small cord or wire cutter
It looks to have a tool-free blade change mechanism.
Dewalt says that their new all-metal (I guess all-metal except for the grip material) is made in the USA with global materials.
Price: $13
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The new Dewalt utility knife isn’t quite yet available for purchase, as of the time of this posting, but I expect for it to be in stock soon.
First Thoughts
Did they really have to call this as an “all-metal” knife? Even the most basic utility knives are often all-metal, although I think I once saw a super-cheapened Stanley knife made from plastic.
The Stanley 99, less than $5 via Amazon (add-on), a hi-viz version with different handle contours, less than $6 via Amazon, and many other utility knives from Stanley and other popular brands, are also all-metal.
The curved ergonomics and simpler-looking blade change mechanism seems to justify the price, in my opinion.
From what I can tell, this looks to be a less-frills version of another new Dewalt utility knife that I examined at Dewalt’s 2016 new tool media event.
I discussed this knife in our 5 Hot Tools from the Dewalt Media Event post.
Actually, nevermind. The grip is different, the blade storage compartment is different, and well, it’s a completely different knife.
I’m not sure I’m enticed enough to stay on top of the release of this new all-metal knife, as I’m trying to do for the other model, but I’ll pause to give it strong consideration if I run into a display at Home Depot.
Hmm… maybe this model is meant to replace the standard Dewalt retractable knife that has in the past appeared in special promo 2-packs? I have at least 2 of these knives floating around, and while they’re great, I tend to favor more compact non-folding utility knives, and folding utility knives like Milwaukee’s FastBack knives.
I like that Stanley and Dewalt offer so many utility knife styles, and the new acquisition of Irwin and Lenox will add even more models to the ranks. I just wish that it was easier to find specific knife models and replacement blades in stores. No store carries everything, meaning I sometimes have to hunt down favored models.
Buy Now(via Home Depot)