Fiskars has come out with a new line of Fiskars Pro utility knives, which they say are sharper, smarter, and more durable knives for pros.
Shown above is the new Fiskars Pro retractable knife, with an MSRP of $20. It features a side blade switch and internal storage for up to 5 blades. It comes with (1) CarbonMax utility knife blade, which Fiskars says lasts 24X longer than the competition, and the knife also works with standard sized blades.
The new Fiskars fixed utility knife is a little different, with a folding blade guard that opens at the push of a button. It also has internal storage for up to 5 blades. Its MSRP is $18.
Next, there’s a folding utility knife, with dual locking system that prevents accidental blade release without sacrificing blade-change speed. The knife opens with a flick of the wrist, and has 2-blade storage capacity. This model also has a lanyard loop at the end of the handle. MSRP is $18.
There will also be two sizes of Fiskars Pro Snap-off utility knives, 18mm (shown here), and 25mm.
This design has a front-loading blade, with no loose parts. There’s an “integrated segment snapper” to capture used blades. MSRP is $18 for 18mm, and $20 for 25mm.
Replacement CarbonMax blades are available in 5-packs for $13 (18mm) and $18 (25mm).
One of the more curious of the new Fiskars Pro utility knives is this new Painter’s utility knife, which features a 5 gallon paint bucket opener and slotted screwdriver bit. The knife opens with a flick of the wrist and can store 2 blades internally.
It looks like the hook is built into the knife blade holder, meaning it’s at the ready when the knife is closed, and hidden when it’s open.
The slotted screwdriver bit stores in the handle when it’s not used. It looks to be a standard 1/4″ hex-sized bit, and so you could potentially swap it for a different bit if you want.
The screwdriver bit is inserted at the end of the tool, which, when the bit is removed, can be used to help seal the lid back onto a paint bucket.
MSRP is $30.
Lastly, there is also a new Drywaller’s utility knife.
The Drywaller’s utility knife also features a folding jab saw.
Fiskars says that the knife hinges open, for easier cleaning. This version has internal storage for 2 spare blades.
MSRP is $30.
Lastly, Fiskars’ CarbonMax blades will be available in a 10-pack for $13, or a 50-pack for $30.
The CarbonMax utility knife blades feature a carbon-bonding process for an edge-retention coating that Fiskars says helps them stay sharp for up to 24X longer than standard utility knife blades.
Fiskars is calling their new Pro CarbonMax blades the industry’s BEST blades. They’re compatible with all standard utility knives.
Additional Common Features
How are these knives shasper, smarter, and more durable?
Fiskars says that they have the:
- Longest lasting blade
- Best blade security
- Improved ergonomics
- Lasting durability
The knives feature improved locking systems, meant to prevent accidental release by means of audio and visual locking cues and smarter button placement. They built tabs into the knives so that blades won’t pull out when twisted.
Multiple grips allow for ergonomic control, regardless of hand positioning. Fiskars also incorporated their Softgrip handle material, with strategic texturing to enhance user comfort.
For lasting durability, Fiskars’ knives feature full-body metal construction with reinforced ends to resist pounding and drops.
First Thoughts
Fiskars is no stranger to cutting tools, but the pro tool market is relatively new to them, at least as far as general construction tools are concerned.
They came out with a line of IsoCore hammers 2-1/2 years ago, and the one I briefly tested was quite decent. The best part of their hammer is the Softgrip handle, which is exceptionally comfortable, but still durable.
That’s actually all I can think about when I see images of these new utility knives – how awesome they must feel in-hand, with their textured Softgrip handle grips.
The MSRP pricing on these knives is a little steep, but I can be forgiving of that. For something that a lot of pros use on a daily basis, for everything from light to demanding cutting tasks, extra comfort might be worth the premium.
Fiskars seems to have paid considerable attention to every aspect of their new knives, and they seem to have come up with a different design to suit most user preferences or needs. But I can still see some room for improvement. For example, what about the user who wants a retractable knife with more than “fully open” and “fully closed” settings?
The knives only come with one CarbonMax blade?
Dewalt’s carbide utility knife blades are said to stay 5X sharper than competitive blades. If that’s compared to “standard” blades, does that mean these CarbonMax blades are nearly 5X better than those? It will be interesting to see how they compare, especially since the CarbonMax blades command a 50% bump-up in price for a 50-pack.
I’m very eager to gives these new knives a try. First a new line of hammers and striking tools, now a new line of utility knives? Fiskars is expanding into new territory, and it looks like they’re quite serious about it too.
