Dewalt has a new ToughSeries utility knife, DWHT10999, that caught my attention.
The new Dewalt ToughSeries utility knife looks to build upon Dewalt’s older designs, featuring a retractable blade mechanism and ergonomically-angled handle shape.
It has a metal body with rubber overmolding in thoughtful places, and a lanyard loop at the end,
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The utility knife also has a built-in blade storage compartment that can fit up to 10 spares.
Dewalt emphasizes the knife’s durability in harsh conditions, debris resistance, and a re-engineered slider for a smooth experience.
It looks to work in a similar manner as Dewalt’s other fixed-handle utility knives, with an extend-to-change blade holder, but there’s a new twist.
They say:
Slide-and-click blade change-insert blades with the press-free blade changing system
Acme Tools has a video, embedded below, showing that the insertion of a fresh blade doesn’t require the blade change button to be actively squeezed.
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Price: $15
Discussion
I have 3 different ergo-shaped fixed-handle Dewalt utility knives in active use right now in different spaces, and they’ve proven to be extremely durable and comfortable to use.
I switch between Dewalt angled utility knives and Milwaukee folding FastBack knives. I also have a Milwaukee side-sliding knife in the house for communal use.
The new Dewalt ToughSeries knife looks like it could be an improvement, but time will tell. At the least, it looks tougher than the ones I’ve been using. Maybe it’s also thicker – would that be a pro or a con?
As for the 10-blade storage, I suppose it’s better to have and not need than to need and not have.
I’ll likely pick one up at some time. There’s nothing wrong with my older Dewalt fixed-handle knives, but I’m eager to see what the “press-free” blade change mechanism is all about.
blocky
If the press-free blade mechanism holds up, then it looks like a winner. I’ve had a few knives fail over the years because of little tabs that hold the blades failing – sending an otherwise decent handle and slide mechanism to the trash.
From the video, it looks like there isn’t any play in the blade when entering a cut. That could be really nice to work with, although I’m also pretty accustomed to slop in a cutter and can cut with just about anything.
Bonnie
I love the old version, so as long as there’s no downsides to the revision I expect I’ll love these too.
Matt
Agreed. I can logic out how I think that click on mechanism works (just a simple shape change to the ‘holder’) and if so, this would improve on an already very good knife.
Who knew such a simple tool could still be improved?
WastedP
I recently bought a non-retractable Tajima razor knife that if fine, but it wasn’t cheap. The tool-free blade change is convenient, but, honestly, the Stanley 99E is the perfect razor knife. At $5-$6 each, leave one everywhere and you will always have one handy. They’re efficient, cheap, and “ergonomic” enough. It’s one of those rare tools that is probably never going to be eclipsed by a new innovatoin.
Wayne R.
I feel the same about the Stanley 10-499. Same knife but with added blade storage and quick change.
fred
My most used utility knife is a Tajima self-retracting.
https://www.amazon.com/Tajima-VR-103-Self-Retracting-Piece-Utility/dp/B007JQ7O2U
It is not so much because it fits my hand perfectly. I actually find it a bit small for my hands. But it hangs in the garage for quick access and when little hands come to visit, I think it safer. I also find the Tajima refill blades to be a step up from most others that I’ve tried.
The choice of a utility knife seems to be more a matter of personal preference than many other tools. It’s probably because of your need to get a good grip on it and how it feels in your hands. While we often standardized on brand or model of tool in our businesses, I recall keeping several styles of knives in inventory. One that seemed popular was not retractable at all:
https://www.amazon.com/AJC-Hatchet-057-MCGA-Guardian-Angle/dp/B00004Z2F0
WastedP
I like the Tajjima blades. They feel stiff and seem to last longer than Stanley/FatMax replacements.
eddiesky
I like my folding Milwaukee better than my folding DeWalt Ute knife.
Tucker
I prefer the good old Stanley 99E style knives. Cheap enough I can leave them everywhere, sometimes multiple everywhere. Typically, I paint them a bright/neon color so I can more easily find them.
I admit I have not tried more recent toolless change ones, but my memories of them usually were of frustration and the mechanisms not working well or getting gummed up.
JR Ramos
Most of the crop of utility knives over the last couple decades has decidedly NOT caught my eye. I picked up a couple folders and they mostly sit in bags/kits that see very little use. The good old Stanley 99 is such a classic winner, and decent copies of those about (the original is still pretty much the same, and also cheap). I don’t quite understand how so many people have difficulty and then complaints about changing blades (on many types of knives, it seems).
I want a knife to be simple. It’s a simple tool, it gets used roughly and quickly, and it needs to be durable. Lots of them anymore aren’t.
The last one that caught my eye and I think I may still buy someday is this one from Jonard that I saw in a local networking supply house. It’s actually a winner in most aspects, very solid and functional: https://www.amazon.com/Jonard-UKN-3-Retractable-Utility-Knife/dp/B086MHRTB5
The last one before that was the old whale tail fixed Stanley with the big gold knob and durable yellow plastic sheath (was it the Titan? Ages ago, lots of copies now). That was a big improvement and got popular with lots of trades fast.
This is another category of something I’m starting to think of as “marketed evolution of product.” A boring, simple, effective utility knife just isn’t exciting to advertise, nor to read marketing bullet points about…pump it up and increase the price so it’s interesting….
Stuart
Tools like this are impulse buys, similar to the limited edition “smokin’ hot peach” Jack Links beef jerky you’ll find at the end of a supermarket aisle.
There are always users looking for their first utility knife, but many more who could benefit from an improved experience.
I’d bet we’ll soon see this in a quarter pallet display at Home Depot. Actually, I think that’s how I purchased all of my Dewalt utility knives, in “new!” or “value 2-pack” floor displays.
bg100
Looks like a good knife. I have the previous generations of DeWalt tool free knives, and I have no complaints with them. I’ll do what I usually do and pick these up on a 2-for-1 Christmas special.
MattT
Utility knives strike me as one the most needlessly overdesigned tool niches on the market. I’ll stick with the classic simple cheap Stanleys and similar.
Don Julio
I’ve got a few utility knives of various brands, including several Milwaukee Fastbacks, which I’ve also given as gifts.
Last Spring I got a Klein Flickblade. Great action and more comfortable in the hand than any of the others I’ve owned. It always does what I expect it to do.
https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-44303-FLICKBLADE-Positions/dp/B0CVY8XBJ2/