The Snap Off Knife is a kind of Utility Knife, wherein they differ on the blades and blade mechanism, giving the Snap Off Knife snap off blades for easy replacement and a locking mechanism and is used for cutting corrugated material, while the Utility Knife is an all around knife for cutting most materials.
This is a competitive comparison between two different utility knives.
The Standard Utility Knife vs Snap Off Knife.
So which one should you get?
It’s easy to say “both” is needed in your toolbox if you need to be able to do most tasks around the house or outdoors with some regularity.
Short Version / TL;DR
The focus will be on the mechanisms of these knives, and which one might be better for you.
As the name suggests, the utility knife is for anything that, well, requires a knife. The snap off knife is used when you need a knife and you’re not looking for something that will last too long.
Drawing parallels to an examination of their blades, it can be seen that the utility knife has a longer blade with more cutting power (due to the extra weight).
The snap-off knife is more like a slicer, with less cutting power and less versatility.
Choosing between them will depend on your needs:
Do you want precision work or some heftier tasks?
For precision cutting on a smaller scale like rough cardboards and most paper type material, the snap off knife will serve you well and good
For heftier tasks with some more grip power is required the utility knife can be your all-in-one knife
Utility Knife Function
The utility knife (sometimes called a utility knife for work) has a sharp short blade like the snap-off knife, but with some distinct features.
A medium-length utility blade makes the tool more versatile and able to handle a wide range of small work, in different orientations.
The grip is well protected by the handle, with good gloved hand protection around the base of the carbon steel blade. The steel is sturdy for hard work like cement cutting, or building nails. The blade tapers which means it doesn’t require an extender to make use of it’s full length.
Utility Knife Use
The utility knife is a full-size tool with some heft to it (in the form of weight). It does not have any replacement blades.
For most DIY jobs and hard work, this tool can be relied upon for most applications.
The handle is designed for good grip in both hands, and the blade extends outwards which makes it easier to use in awkward positions or with gloves on.
Some professional workers prefer this type of knife over a snap off due to its versatility. The length of the blade makes cutting easy where other knives do not, from tight corners to irregular surfaces like pipes or tiles: It has been known as a “pipe un-snapper” for this purpose.
Another use of it is being used as a hunting knife for smaller animals like hares and rabbits if there’s no other option.
In the market, the Olfa Blades and Stanley Tools are the most vouched for when it comes to Utility Knives.
Common Utility Knives
Folding Utility Knife
A folding utility knife, as the name suggests, is a versatile knife that folds into itself for storage. It is similar in appearance to a pocket-knife, with the major difference being that it can be used for different applications.
Unlike the snap-off knife which has a replaceable blade, this type of utility knife has one blade made from metal and cannot be replaced.
The surface area of the blade depends on the length which ranges from 4 to 12 inches. It has a larger handle than would be expected from such a small and portable-looking tool.
Fixed Utility Knife
A fixed utility knife looks much like a pocket-knife but with some significant differences. It also has a folding mechanism for its main blade, but unlike the folding utility knife, its blade cannot be removed.
The main purpose of this type of utility knife is to leave one blade extended for the most prolonged use, meaning that it is less versatile than the folding utility knife, but more convenient.
The extended length of the blade gives it more leverage which means less force is needed for any given operation. The surface area of the blade depends on its length and can range between 4 and 12 inches. This type of utility knife does not have a replaceable blade as the main objective is to leave one alone.
Another downside of the fixed utility blade is that even if it is for heavy duty work, you will need a blade storage to sheath it and keep it safe. You should also get a pocket clip to have it secure on your waist or belt if you need it on the go.
Stanley Tools Utility Knife
Stanley Tools is the first-ever brand to take on the Utility Knife and is still by far the most trusted when it comes to manufacturing Utility Knives.
Stanley has a reputation to live by and they are famous for it. They are one of the oldest manufacturers around that make tools and hardware, having been in business for over 100 years.
They have one of the biggest production facilities which helps them to keep up with demand and consistently come up with new ideas and offer only the best products on the market today.
If you want a proper EDC Utility Knife, go get a Stanley Tool one!
Snap Off Knife Function
The snap off knife is a versatile tool, able to cut and also grip the material with more control than a standard utility knife.
The snap-off knife comes in small sizes which are made from all metal blades and metal or plastic enclosing.
It is usually well protected by the handle which helps to prevent injury. The same blade can be used for most tasks, depending on your needs and the size of work that you require.
The blade has a great cutting edge on one side, and a rounded edge on the other, with the two sides connected by an integral handle allowing easy opening and closing.
This is useful because many tasks can be done with just one hand but allow fine control to make smaller cuts or grip the material more securely. The edged blade can be used like scissors or small knives, but not as accurate as anything precise.
The brands Olfa and Stanley Tools also provide the best snap off knife in the market.
Snap Off Blade
The blade is a single sheet of metal that is folded over at the end of the handle to form a blunt edge on one side and allow a sharp cutting edge on the other.
The junction between cutting and blunted edges are commonly just free from each other with no specific mechanism for that effect. The sharpness of both sides has been known to vary between cutters, with some having one side a sharp edge compared from the other.
When it comes to durability, the snap off knife blade is made with stainless steel, making it durable enough for cutting light to medium hard material like corrugated cardboard.
With snap off blades you are relatively safe should it managed to scratch through you as its not sharp enough to cause injury.
Lastly, the package of Snap Blades always comes with extra blades for a blade change and should you need another sharp blade set.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between A Box Cutter And A Utility Knife?
A box cutter is the same as a utility knife, it’s just another term for the utility knife. A utility knife is a tool used for cutting paper, cardboard or any other malleable material, and it has a replaceable blade.
Is The Kitchen Utility Knife Different From The Utility Knife?
Yes, the kitchen utility knife is made for all-around culinary use while the utility knife is made for trades and DIY projects. The kitchen utility knife has a longer blade and is heavier, it’s made with tougher steel to withstand chipping to get accurate chops and slices.
What Is A Serrated Utility Knife Used For?
A serrated knife functions the same as a kitchen utility knife. A serrated utility knife is a typical all-purpose kitchen knife that functions as a multipurpose kitchen tool. You can use it for slicing meats, bread, tomatoes, and vegetables. Serrated knives are better for cutting through foods with tough skin such as meat or harder fruits like pineapples.
Final Thoughts on Utility Knife Vs Snap Off Knife
This ends our Utility Knife Vs Snap Off Knife Comparison Guide.
We hope the knowledge you gained here will help you in the future with your DIY or Professional home projects. We want you to be sure of that what you get from us are 100% facts, so please don’t hesitate to ask for advice or to advise us in return with accurate facts.
You may be interested in our Utility Knife Guides and Reviews:
- Utility Knife Vs Pocket Knife
- Best Electrical Utility Knife
- How To Cut Vinyl Plank Flooring With A Utility Knife
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Weldon is a Single Dad who loves teaching others about the workaround in the house. He loves to write about DIY and Home Improvement Hacks and just recently had his first child. You’ll have some fun read with his write-ups and more of his works in his own home!
