Look for handles that feature multiple blade positions, including the smallest cutting depth possible for your task

An automatic retraction mechanism is the one that comes to mind first when people think of auto-retractable knives. This is the standard kind of spring-loaded retraction that requires the user to engage a slider or button (sometimes called a trigger) to expose the blade and make the cut. Knives with blades that don’t retract exist too, and they have their place. If safety is your primary concern, you generally want some kind of retraction. The exception is when you can use one of Slice’s finger-friendly ® blades.You can easily identify the retraction mechanism on Slice ® retractable knives by the color-coded slider.

Best for reducing injuries due to blades left exposed when not in use AND accidents from slipping during a cut As with many tools, it really depends on your particular application, the emphasis you wish to place on safety, and to some degree, personal preference. With the information in this guide, you should have some ideas about what factors to consider. Don’t be afraid to try several different retractable knives to find your best fit; the right utility knife is well worth the research. From a safety standpoint, embedded blades not particularly safe because the blade is always exposed, though some models mitigate this with a cap or sheath. Slice’s micro-ceramic blades are an exception, safety-wise, because they’re finger friendly and too small to cause deep lacerations in skin. These tiny blades are featured on our popular Safety Cutter and Precision Cutter tools. Folding Handles Look for a spring mechanism with a tension that suits the material you’re cutting so it doesn’t self-retract too easily or not at all Although these fixed positions allow the user less control when it comes to choosing a specific blade depth, they doremove some potential hand strain because once the blade position is set, the user doesn’t have to engage any mechanism to keep the edge exposed. When you’re performing repetitive cuts over time, this adds significantly to your comfort.Users can bypass the auto-retraction by taping the slider in position so the blade is always exposed, thus negating any safety gains