What is the difference between a pocket knife and a utility knife?

Author: Garrison Lowe  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 30, 2025

The main distinction between a utility knife and a pocket knife is that a utility knife is an all-purpose tool for cutting fibre or wood-like materials, whereas a pocket knife is a type of utility knife with a spring-loaded blade designed for self-defense but can still be used for practical purposes.

How do you identify a utility knife?

A pairing knife's larger cousin, the utility knife is bigger than a paring knife but smaller than the che'fs knife. This in-between size is very similar in length to a steak knife with a shape more like the chef's knife.

What is a utility knife?

A utility knife is any type of knife used for general manual work purposes. Such knives were originally fixed-blade knives with durable cutting edges suitable for rough work such as cutting cordage, cutting/scraping hides, butchering animals, cleaning fish scales, reshaping timber, and other tasks.

Is a petty knife the same as a utility knife?

Petty knives (which are also called utility knives, not to be confused with utility box cutters; I'll get more into the nomenclature of petty versus utility later in this review) are smaller than a chef's knife (which usually have 8-inch blades) but larger than a paring knife (which have 2.5- to 4-inch blades); They ...

What do you cut with a utility knife?

It is designed for light-duty activities such as cutting cardboard to medium-duty activities such as cutting drywall, carpet, and other materials. To ensure you can complete your project safely and accurately, it's important to understand what a utility knife is and what materials it is used for.

Utility Knife vs Pocket Knife: Which One Should You Buy?

What is the advantage of a utility knife?

Efficiency: With a utility knife, you can quickly and easily cut through a wide range of materials, saving time and effort compared to using scissors or other cutting tools. Portability: Utility knives are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry with you wherever you go.

What should a utility knife be used for?

The blade is longer than a paring knife and narrower than a chef's knife. A utility knife is generally six inches long and works well for slicing fruit, tender pieces of meat, or sandwiches. As the “knife of all trades,” it's a handy go-to for the everyday chef.

What size is a utility knife?

The average blade length of a paring knife is namely between 7 and 11 cm. And that of a chef's knife between 17 and 18 cm. With exceptions of 20 cm and sometimes even 30 cm long. With an average blade length of between 13 and 15 cm a utility knife falls nicely in between.

Should I get a paring knife or a utility knife?

A utility knife is more suitable if you require a knife that can handle various cutting jobs. Size: Think about the size of the ingredients you usually work with. If you often work with small fruits and vegetables, a paring knife's compact size will be beneficial.

Is a serrated utility knife the same as a bread knife?

Serrated utility knife

This type of knife has a blade between 4 and 7 inches in length. It may look like a bread knife, but it's shorter and sharper.

What foods do you use a utility knife for?

Fresh fruits and veggies can add a pop of color, flavor and nutrients to just about any meal, and the utility kitchen knife is the perfect tool for the job! Use this handy knife to slice and dice toppings for salads and sides, burrito and poke bowls, pizzas and flatbreads, tarts and more!

Why are utility knives so sharp?

High-Carbon Steel: This material retains a sharp edge longer due to its hardness. High-carbon steel blades are standard in professional-grade utility knives.

Is a utility knife necessary?

Utility knife blades are an essential tool for practically every organization. Whether you run a restaurant kitchen, commercial factory, manufacturing warehouse, or office space , a good utility knife with a sharp blade and sturdy handle is an absolute must-have!

What is another name for a utility knife?

Box cutter, utility knife, sometimes a “Stanley knife” or, rarely, an “X-ACTO knife” (both examples of a genericized trademark) although an “X-ACTO knife” can also refer to another kind of craft knife that resembles a scalpel and this is probably the more common usage.

What do you call a single edge knife?

Many Japanese knives are single-beveled, such as the Santoku Genten. One side of the blade is completely straight, while the other contains the angle that forms the edge. These knives are sometimes referred to as chisel edge.

How is a utility knife different?

The main distinction between a utility knife and a pocket knife is that a utility knife is an all-purpose tool for cutting fibre or wood-like materials, whereas a pocket knife is a type of utility knife with a spring-loaded blade designed for self-defense but can still be used for practical purposes.

What is the safest type of utility knife?

The safest utility knife typically has a self-retracting blade. This design is considered safer as it automatically retracts the blade when not in use, reducing the risk of accidents.

What angle should a utility knife be?

Most blades manufactured in North America are approximately 20 degrees, providing a good balance between durability and sharpness. This range contains the best angle for knife sharpening when you're looking for a general-use blade.

What is the best knife to cut with?

  • Wüsthof Classic 8-Inch Chef's Knife. ...
  • Mercer Culinary 8-Inch Millennia Chef's Knife. ...
  • Misono 8.2-Inch Molybdenum Gyuto. ...
  • Mac Knife Hollow Edge 6.5-Inch Santoku. ...
  • Tojiro Fujiro DP Cobalt Alloy Steel Split with Base Deba Knife. ...
  • GLOBAL 7 Inch Vegetable Knife. ...
  • Victorinox 3.25-Inch Swiss Classic Paring Knife.

What size knife is considered a pocket knife?

Blade Length & Type

Blade length and type determine the length and type of a pocket knife. Varying regulations exist in different jurisdictions—some allow up to 3 inches, while others permit 4 or 5 inches. This accounts for most everyday carry knives.

What is a santoku knife used for?

The Santoku knife is an all purpose Japanese knife, adept at slicing, dicing, and mincing. The name santoku means 'three virtues' for the knife's ability to cut fish, meat and vegetables equally well.

Are all utility knife blades the same size?

However, not all utility knives are created equal. The blade shape and size can vary greatly, and understanding these differences can help you choose the right-hand tool for the job.

What is the safest knife to use?

The Slice micro-ceramic-blade tools are ideal safety knives for cutting plastics, paper, or any other thin material. Because the tiny blades are extremely unlikely to penetrate skin, these tools are favorites with adults who have impaired motor skills or limited dexterity, and those who work with children.

What precautions should be taken when using utility knives?

Consider using cut resistant gloves for added protection. Keep the blade covered when not in use or when in storage. Discard used blades in an appropriate container. Always store and transport knives with the blade retracted fully or with a guard in place.

What size and use is a utility knife?

What Is a Utility Knife? Whereas a chef knife typically has an 8 inch blade or longer, a utility knife (sometimes called a petty knife) measures just around 5 or 6 inches—slightly longer than a paring knife, which is typically around 4 inches in length.

Previous article
Which refrigerant is ozone friendly?
Next article
How do you quiet noisy pipes?