Knives that use Contractor style blades.

Chako · **on:** June 07, 2009, 02:15:18 AM

I tend to find these types of knives handier for my EDC then a regular style knife.

Here are the 4 that I currently have and use.

The first two are identical in how you load the blades. A metal covering swings out once you push away the backing mechanism. The red handled knife has a simple lock back mechanism. Press the mechanism down to release a blade which pulls right out. The last one employs a screw.

My favorite due to its small size...

However, there was a recall of this model. Take a close look to ensure yours isn’t an older design.
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/PRHTML07/07295.html

First Two knives:
Pros:
-   Blades are secure once locked in.
-   No rattling.
-   When a blade wears out, flip it around. When that wears out, insert a new one.
-   Solid lock back system.
Cons:
-   Inserting and removing blades a Kludged process.

Red handled knife:
Pros:
-   Blades are secure once locked in.
-   Blades are replaceable.
-   Solid lock back system.
-   Better contoured handle for comfort and grip.
-   Very easy blade insertion/removal mechanism.
Cons:
-   Blades rattle something fierce as the locking mechanism has some play.

Gerber EAB knife:
Pros:
-   Compact design.
-   Locking mechanism holds the blade well, resulting in no rattling.
-   Good sized pocket clip can double as a money clip. Holds better in a pocket then the other designs.
-   Blades are replaceable.
- Greater cutting surface than the other knives.
Cons:
-   Handle a bit blocky.
-   Clip can cut into fingers when holding the knife, reducing some comfort if held wrong.
-   Blade locking mechanism a bit dodgy, having to play around with a small screw to insert/remove a blade.
-   Older models had a recall. Seems to be fixed on my copy.

Conclusion:
All of these knives are very small folders that use contractor style blades that are cheap and plentiful. They are also very cheap to buy. I think the most expensive of the lot was around 20 Canadian. I just find these more useful for heavy cutting jobs. When the blade dulls all around, put in a new blade. No worries about sharpening, etc. The convenience factor is big with this style of folder.

Anthony · **Reply #1 on:** June 07, 2009, 02:23:53 AM

I have a Husky brand knife exactly of the same design of the first two of yours pictured, and I love it. I actually EDCed it as my main folder for a long while before the clip became loose. It's now glued on with Python glue and I use it around the house. I'd rather cut open a bag of maneuer with a disposable razor than a nice folder!

I also modified mine a bit in regards to the blade locking mechanism...I removed that little tab and used a pair of pliers to squeeze that locking peice a lot tighter than it originally was. It made the knife more streamlined and tighter.

jzmtl · **Reply #2 on:** June 07, 2009, 02:43:00 AM

I tried edc the gerber but it didn't work out. I don't do a lot of dirty cutting so that's not a concern, plus the blade length on it is pretty short, and with the two sides that hold the blade it can't cut deep, i.e. peel and core apples.

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #3 on:** June 07, 2009, 02:56:25 AM

I have a Husky too that is awesome. I have a couple others that have a slideout blade, but they are not nearly as nice to use as the Husky one. Really like the feel in my hand too.

Poncho65 · **Reply #4 on:** June 07, 2009, 03:49:48 AM

I like that style of knife as well

I have the Gerber EAB and a couple different Craftsman models

They really save your good blades when you are cutting the worst stuff

Poncho65 · **Reply #5 on:** June 07, 2009, 03:50:43 AM

and the good thing about the Crasftman ones is that they have a lifetime warranty

so if you break it you can get another

gafftapegreenia · **Reply #6 on:** June 07, 2009, 04:20:24 AM

The folding razor knives are one of my favorite things ever. I EDC a simple Husky brand one.

Nikos · **Reply #7 on:** June 07, 2009, 04:28:59 AM

Any thoughts on the [Lenox] utility knife or the [Superknife]?

gafftapegreenia · **Reply #8 on:** June 07, 2009, 04:33:37 AM

The superknife is "supposed" to be the best since it's the one that started the trend.

The Lenox could easily be a re-brand, however, not all brands will hold the slightly beefier Lenox Gold blades. That one clearly will.

Chako · **Reply #9 on:** June 07, 2009, 04:35:35 AM

The Superknife has a locking mechanism very similar to my red handled one. This means the blade probably rattles during use. It is solid, and the blade doesn't move much, but it does rattle something fierce. May or may not be an issue with you.

Pacu · **Reply #10 on:** June 07, 2009, 05:13:08 AM

i have a Kobalt branded one from Lowes and a Craftsman that is a bit on the heavy side. I also have the Gerber but it's crap IMO. Set screw is always loose even with loctite. Think i might have the recalled one.

The Lenox Gold replacement blades last way longer than the standard blades.

PyroJames · **Reply #11 on:** June 07, 2009, 06:27:15 AM

I EDC my Superknife 1.5 everyday. I've carried it for so long now that it just feels natural to EDC. I also have a Superknife 2 (SK²) but I haven't used it yet. Superknives are excellent. I've never had any problems whatsoever with my superknives. (Though gafftapegreenia is right, the lenox blade isn't a perfect fit on my Superknife 1.5. They fit perfectly on my SK² though.) The Gerber EAB is also fantastic. I picked one up last year when it was on sale for $8 at Canadian Tire.

Here's a detailed review on the EAB that I wrote (with pics of my SK and SK2):
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,8332.0.html

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #12 on:** June 07, 2009, 01:24:14 PM

So I was thinking...

These would be illegal in the UK too...
Dang! that is an oppressive situation. These utility knives are really awesome.

Benner · **Reply #13 on:** June 07, 2009, 01:27:09 PM

Quote from: Mr. Whippy on June 07, 2009, 01:24:14 PM

So I was thinking...

These would be illegal in the UK too...
Dang! that is an oppressive situation. These utility knives are really awesome.

Yup they are (surprise surprise

).

Still, no issue for me as they do nothing for me whatsoever.

Lorenzo · **Reply #14 on:** August 28, 2009, 10:39:03 AM

Last month I bought one almost identical to the third on the OP (backlocking, similar blade retention, similar placement of bolts etc.) but about half the size, using its own custom-made blades. Could not resist its cuteness

:
Made by Stayer (a cover brand for lots of inexpensive tools made in China).
And I've seen on Toolmonger that serrated (or at least wave-edged) contractor blades are coming!

ducktapehero · **Reply #15 on:** August 28, 2009, 05:21:28 PM

I have several of those. My favorite are the ones from Lowe's. I've got a keychain sized one that takes little hobby blades and 2 full sized ones. One of those has a blue anodized handle and the other has a stainless steel handle. That one weighs about 4 lbs.

Pacu · **Reply #16 on:** August 28, 2009, 05:56:04 PM

My friend let me borrow his at work and it said Blackie Collins on the side of it.
Made by ?

Nutznboltz · **Reply #17 on:** August 28, 2009, 06:19:45 PM

I find the lockback versions a little too stiff to one hand open so its the superknife for me also. I carried a anodized red one for work over the past 7-8 years and still use it today.
Working in a maintenance dept. the pinkish red colour was an excellent deterrant to would be thieves. Everyone borrowed it but no one wanted to keep it.

Inzelique · **Reply #18 on:** September 03, 2009, 08:53:05 PM

Hello!
Long time lurker first time poster. I LOVE

these knives! I have carried a Sheffeild Model that works exactly like the first 2 for the past 5 years. I also "customized" it by breaking off the tab and tightening it. I just recently replaced it with one of the origional model Superknife. The blade change takes a bit longer but it holds the blade SOLID. also i always use the Lenox blades or other Ti coated blades. They hold an edge forever and dont rust. I also have several other models that i have tested out. The husky models that use the stud to open the knife and to change out the blades are DANGEROUS. If you turn the knife upside down to cut rope, watch wher you put your finger. i've flung the blade past my ear three times

! The Irwin knife (looks and works like the Lenox knife) is pretty cool because you cannot change the blade unless the knife is unfolded to 45 degrees. However it is HUGE

. Also have a couple of the minis and one "medium" Husky. The blades for both of these odd sized knives are available at Home Depot and Harbor Freight. I looked all over for them until I could stock up on enough blades. I've played with dozens other models but the Superknife is far and away the best

. The Sheffield is a close second because it locks the blade it solid with no wiggle and can change out a blade in seconds.

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #19 on:** September 03, 2009, 10:20:39 PM

Welcome to the forum mate

Pacu · **Reply #20 on:** September 04, 2009, 12:09:38 AM

x2 on those Lenox blades. They are far superior to those crap ones bought in bulk. Last longer too

PyroJames · **Reply #21 on:** September 04, 2009, 12:11:24 AM

I love those Lenox blades but just recently, switched to the full serrated utility blades. Those are nice too.

Lorenzo · **Reply #22 on:** September 04, 2009, 08:42:09 AM

My gripe against those folding contractor knives is that they all don't seem to fit asymmetrical blades, not enough place in handle. By asymmetrical blades I mean like those:

They give a lot more cutting edge, don't they?

Nutznboltz · **Reply #23 on:** September 04, 2009, 02:43:11 PM

Quote from: Lorenzo on September 04, 2009, 08:42:09 AM

My gripe against those folding contractor knives is that they all don't seem to fit asymmetrical blades, not enough place in handle. By asymmetrical blades I mean like those:
(Image removed from quote.)
They give a lot more cutting edge, don't they?

Wow, that is really cool, I've got to make me one of those. Perfect keychain knife:tu:

PyroJames · **Reply #24 on:** September 04, 2009, 02:46:47 PM

I agree, those look really cool. And they're made by Stanley? I haven't see that type of blade yet in local stores. I like the look of them.

Nutznboltz · **Reply #25 on:** September 04, 2009, 02:50:07 PM

Quote from: PyroJames on September 04, 2009, 02:46:47 PM

I agree, those look really cool. And they're made by Stanley? I haven't see that type of blade yet in local stores. I like the look of them.

I believe those would be homemade,standard contractor blades reshaped.

Inzelique · **Reply #26 on:** September 04, 2009, 08:26:02 PM

do a search for the Sheffeild Rhino. Yes a disposable blade hunting knife. (at work so I can't post a pic sry)

PyroJames · **Reply #27 on:** September 04, 2009, 09:10:36 PM

Quote from: Inzelique on September 04, 2009, 08:26:02 PM

do a search for the Sheffeild Rhino. Yes a disposable blade hunting knife. (at work so I can't post a pic sry)

It looks cool but I'm sure it won't fit in my SuperKnife.

Inzelique · **Reply #28 on:** September 04, 2009, 09:21:34 PM

Sure it will fit! You just can't close the knife

Lorenzo · **Reply #29 on:** September 05, 2009, 11:46:50 AM

Quote

Wow, that is really cool, I've got to make me one of those. Perfect keychain knife:tu:

Won't say perfect 'cause digging the blade from the keytag (those are key tag frames) can't be done fast. It is more storage than a proper handle.

Quote

I believe those would be homemade,standard contractor blades reshaped.

Nope, storebought. They are longer than standard trapezes and asymmetrical. Just noticed them browsing at a tool store.
And I'd gladly pick up some Rhino blades, those are nice and well, rather rhinocerous

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Knives that use Contractor style blades.

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