Utility knives are affordable tools with replaceable blades and sturdy handles, used in various industries. They come in different designs, including ratchet mechanisms, segmented blades, and fixed blades. Popular brands include X-Acto and Stanley, and they are also known as carpet or box cutters.
A utility knife is an inexpensive tool made by encasing a razor blade in a handle that provides a manual grip. Utility knives are used in a wide variety of industries, from graphic design to construction, and can be very useful tools to keep around the home or shop. Most hardware stores stock utility knives, and they can also be ordered from manufacturers.
The basic design of the utility knife consists of two parts: a replaceable blade and a sturdy handle. The blade is designed to be replaced whenever it starts to dull, while the handle can be used for years. Many utility knives are made with double-ended blades so that the blade can be turned over and reused. The blade housing may also include storage space for several extra blades for your convenience.
In one version of the design, the blade is locked in place with a ratchet mechanism that allows the user to move the blade back and forth. The blade can be fully retracted for safety and storage or extended for specific tasks. The possibility of controlling the length of the blade gives the operator greater precision; for example, the blade can be kept short to open a box without damaging its contents, or extended to cut something wide.
In another variation, the blade is made in segments. A snap or segmented blade is designed so that the user can simply break off the tip of the blade as it begins to dull. Eventually all segments will be used and a new blade will need to be installed. The segmented blades also feature ratchet mechanisms so the knife can be pushed out of the housing to expose new segments.
A fixed blade utility knife is made with a razor blade anchored in place. Fixed blade knives are often used for craft work and tasks that require a high level of control and the blades can be quite small, with different widths available. The blade can be changed or exchanged for another by unscrewing the housing to allow the blade to come out.
X-Acto and Stanley are two popular brands of utility knives, with some people referring to these useful tools as carpet or matting knives. “Box cutter” is another common term used to refer to utility knives. Like other sharp tools, a utility knife can be dangerous in the wrong hands and these blades should be stored responsibly.
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