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  • 10 Best Stanley Knives UK | Stanley Bosch Gerber and More 1
  • 10 Best Stanley Knives UK | Stanley Bosch Gerber and More 2
  • 10 Best Stanley Knives UK | Stanley Bosch Gerber and More 3
  • 10 Best Stanley Knives UK | Stanley Bosch Gerber and More 4
  • 10 Best Stanley Knives UK | Stanley Bosch Gerber and More 5

10 Best Stanley Knives UK | Stanley Bosch Gerber and More

While the utility knife has been around for centuries assisting those with various construction tasks, the modern Stanley knife that we all know and love was first launched in 1936. A convenient tool for a range of tasks, it cuts through materials quickly and precisely.


We've put together this guide to help you find the right Stanley knife for your needs and the project that lies ahead of you, with tips on handle construction and whether to choose a snap-off or retractable blade. We've even ranked the top 10 best Stanley knives on Amazon UK!

Last updated 02/02/2025

Quick List - Top Stanley Knives

1

Stanley

FatMax Pro Retractable Knife
FatMax Pro Retractable Knife

Durable Stanley Knife With Space for up to 15 Blades

2

Milwaukee

Fastback Foldable Pocket Knife
Fastback Foldable Pocket Knife

The Utility Knife Many Professionals Go to Again and Again

3

Stanley

Lightweight Retractable Knife
Lightweight Retractable Knife

Multiple Blade Positions Make a Flexible Tool for All Tasks

4

Bosch

Professional Universal Folding Knife
Professional Universal Folding Knife

Fold Away Blade for Easy Storage

5

Stanley

Snap Off Knife
Snap Off Knife

A Reliable Stanley Knife, Perfect for Every Task

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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Stanley Knife in the UK

  1. Choose a Fixed Blade for Heavy Duty Jobs, or a Snap-off Blade for Delicate Work
  2. Opt for a Robust Metal Handle for Regular Use
1

Choose a Fixed Blade for Heavy Duty Jobs, or a Snap-off Blade for Delicate Work

Choose a Fixed Blade for Heavy Duty Jobs, or a Snap-off Blade for Delicate Work

The most imperative factor you need to consider when choosing a Stanley knife is whether you require a fixed or snap-off blade. Fixed blade Stanley knives come in many variations, from retractable to folding, but the blade part stays the same throughout. 


This variation is for heavy-duty jobs like scoring and cutting robust materials, on-site or at home, such as woods and carpets. While the blades are fixed, almost all incorporate a convenient mechanism, allowing the user to quickly change to a new, sharper blade when required.


Snap-Off blades, on the other hand, are generally considered better for lighter materials and more delicate work. Not only that, but they're handy if you’re cutting materials that can leave a sticky residue, as the blade is quick and easy to get rid of. They can also be sharpened quicker by simply pressing down and snapping off the blunt part.


If you're looking for a reliable place to do your DIY at home, why not check out our folding work benches?

2

Opt for a Robust Metal Handle for Regular Use

Opt for a Robust Metal Handle for Regular Use

The final factor to consider when opting for a Stanley knife is the construction of the handle or body. As you’d expect, metal handles are sturdier and more durable, and should be top of the list if you're using your Stanley knife regularly.


A great choice for work, or for avid hobbyists who like to get stuck in during their own time, they come in many different sizes. Plus, some will also have belt clips, helping keep the tool handy when you're in the middle of your work.

 

That’s not to say that plastic handles don’t have a place. This construction is more likely to be found on snap off Stanley knives due to their throwaway nature. So, if you’re only picking up a tool for use around the house in case of emergencies, you can opt for a plastic handle with a fixed blade to keep the cost down


For more heavy-duty work, consider an electric hand saw 

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Stanley Knives in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Stanley

FatMax Pro Retractable Knife

Stanley FatMax Pro Retractable Knife 1

Durable Stanley Knife With Space for up to 15 Blades

2

Milwaukee

Fastback Foldable Pocket Knife

Milwaukee Fastback Foldable Pocket Knife 1

The Utility Knife Many Professionals Go to Again and Again

3

Stanley

Lightweight Retractable Knife

Stanley Lightweight Retractable Knife 1

Multiple Blade Positions Make a Flexible Tool for All Tasks

4

Bosch

Professional Universal Folding Knife

Bosch Professional Universal Folding Knife 1

Fold Away Blade for Easy Storage

5

Stanley

Snap Off Knife

Stanley Snap Off Knife 1

A Reliable Stanley Knife, Perfect for Every Task

6

Gerber

Prybrid

Gerber Prybrid 1

Quality Construction and Craftsmanship

7

Stanley

Snap Off Blade Knife

Stanley Snap Off Blade Knife 1

Solvent Resistant for Easier Cleaning

8

Stanley

Quickslide Pocket Knife

Stanley Quickslide Pocket Knife 1

Complete Metal Construction That Won’t Break

9

Olfa

Duty Metal Handle Knife/Cutter

Olfa Duty Metal Handle Knife/Cutter 1

An Updated Design With Built-in Blade Snapper

10

Stanley

Throwaway Knives

Stanley Throwaway Knives 1

A Handy Pair of Craft and Trimming Knives

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Stanley
FatMax Pro Retractable Knife

FatMax Pro Retractable Knife 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
FatMax Pro Retractable Knife 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£13.95
High Mid
Reference price
£13.95
High Mid

Durable Stanley Knife With Space for up to 15 Blades

There was only ever going to be one brand taking our top spot. The question was, which style we would choose? In the end, we've opted  for the FatMax Pro as the die-cast aluminium body is not only built for strength and durability, but has the capacity to store up to 15 additional blades


Aside from the industrial body, you have the brass wheel blade lock for safety and a spring-loaded opening for a quick and easy blade change. It might be the heaviest, but that ensures you'll be able to complete small tasks, such as tapping in nail heads, when required. 

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Milwaukee
Fastback Foldable Pocket Knife

Fastback Foldable Pocket Knife 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Fastback Foldable Pocket Knife 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Fastback Foldable Pocket Knife 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£14.53
High Mid
Reference price
£14.53
High Mid

The Utility Knife Many Professionals Go to Again and Again

Although the Milwaukee Flashback might not have been the first folding utility knife, nor the most inventive, there is a certain appeal that has many professionals picking it up time and time again. 


The reason for this is that every feature offered works extremely well. The blade change is clean and quick, and the belt clip is sturdy and secure. The handle is comfortable, and there's also an accompanying gut hook and wire stripper

No.3

Stanley
Lightweight Retractable Knife

Lightweight Retractable Knife 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Lightweight Retractable Knife 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Lightweight Retractable Knife 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£2.57
Low Mid
Reference price
£2.57
Low Mid

Multiple Blade Positions Make a Flexible Tool for All Tasks

It's fair to say that many of the Stanley knives included in this article look for new and inventive ways to modernise this useful tool. However, sometimes it's best to stick to the classics when searching for a reliable choice


A popular Stanley knife that's been around for decades, it has an ABS (plastic) body that is both shock-resistant and lightweight. Moreover, there is also the option of 5 different blade positions, making it flexible depending on what task you have in front of you. 

No.4

Bosch
Professional Universal Folding Knife

Professional Universal Folding Knife 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Professional Universal Folding Knife 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£13.99
High Mid
Reference price
£13.99
High Mid

Fold Away Blade for Easy Storage

While this utility knife from Bosch might operate similarly to the other knives when in use, instead of retracting when you've finished, the blade folds away. This makes it easier to store, once you've finished using it. 


However, this small size doesn't affect the tool's comfort and cutting ability, with an ergonomic handle that's still easy to operate. Not only that, but the design also comes with a blade compartment for storing your spares

No.5

Stanley
Snap Off Knife

Snap Off Knife 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Snap Off Knife 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Snap Off Knife 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£6.67
Mid
Reference price
£6.67
Mid

A Reliable Stanley Knife, Perfect for Every Task

This offering from Stanley comes with a Dynagrip soft-touch polypropylene body. This ensures a light, strong and, most importantly, comfortable knife for general purpose use.


As with all Stanley products, you can expect a quick and easy cutting thanks to the clever notched wheel system which moves the blade on. It's safe, straightforward and simple, making it perfect for everyone from DIY experts to those who just require something reliable for household use. 

No.6

Gerber
Prybrid

Prybrid 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Prybrid 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Prybrid 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£18.97
High Mid
Reference price
£18.97
High Mid

Quality Construction and Craftsmanship

While practicality is always the most important factor when it comes to tools, there's nothing wrong with having one that looks pretty cool as well. Thankfully, the Gerber Prybrid delivers on both fronts, with a nifty, compact construction and top quality craftsmanship


With this Stanley knife, you will get a true utility blade for slicing, cord-cutting, prying, driving screws, stripping wire, and even opening bottles. The only downside is that there isn't a belt clip. 

No.7

Stanley
Snap Off Blade Knife

Snap Off Blade Knife 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Snap Off Blade Knife 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Snap Off Blade Knife 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£6.68
Mid
Reference price
£6.68
Mid

Solvent Resistant for Easier Cleaning

If you're looking for a knife that's capable of cutting through sticky residue without the struggle of having to clean it once you're done, then look no further! As well as being a snap-off system, this tool is also solvent resistant, meaning it's even easier to keep clean. 


Furthermore, it has a fast and simple change through mechanism so there should be little trouble when it's time to switch the blade. Unfortunately, the blade lock at the back has been known to come loose, which can be both frustrating and potentially dangerous. 

No.8

Stanley
Quickslide Pocket Knife

Quickslide Pocket Knife 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Quickslide Pocket Knife 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Quickslide Pocket Knife 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£9.75
Mid
Reference price
£9.75
Mid

Complete Metal Construction That Won’t Break

This Quickslide pocket knife from Stanley is housed inside a complete metal body, ensuring that it's solid and durable. So, regardless of the work environment you find yourself in, you won't ever have to worry about it breaking.


The real highlight is the sliding blade, which works seamlessly with just one hand. There's even a slide safety feature that ensures the blade is never accidentally extended. That said, some buyers have found issues with the ergonomics and mechanism due to the tool's small size. 

No.9

Olfa
Duty Metal Handle Knife/Cutter

Duty Metal Handle Knife/Cutter 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Duty Metal Handle Knife/Cutter 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Duty Metal Handle Knife/Cutter 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£3.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£3.99
Low Mid

An Updated Design With Built-in Blade Snapper

This offering from Olfa is a modern iteration of their classic snap-off cutter that was first released in the 1950s. While it might be small in size and weight, there are a lot of impressive features packed in. 


For example, it comes with an auto-lock slide, pocket clip, and built-in blade snapper. That said, it does have one reoccurring issue. The body, although it's made from metal, has a yellow stopper at the back that is prone to popping out. 

No.10

Stanley
Throwaway Knives

Throwaway Knives 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Throwaway Knives 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Throwaway Knives 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£2.69
Low Mid
Reference price
£2.69
Low Mid

A Handy Pair of Craft and Trimming Knives

Here we have a couple of Stanley knives that are slightly different from the others on this list as they're designed to be thrown away. However, as the blades have a decent lifespan, they're still a good option if you're looking for something handy to open parcels, trim plastics or shave wood. 


As you'd expect, they're not the sturdiest of options, so we would avoid them if you're looking to get stuck into some tougher projects. Plus, they will require repurchasing at some point. Although, they do come with a plastic guard to protect the blade when not in use. 

Top 5 Stanley Knives

No. 1: StanleyFatMax Pro Retractable Knife

No. 2: MilwaukeeFastback Foldable Pocket Knife

No. 3: StanleyLightweight Retractable Knife

No. 4: BoschProfessional Universal Folding Knife

No. 5: StanleySnap Off Knife

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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