Oh snap! Lenox Fast Snap utility knife breaks new ground
Most of us who use a utility knife regularly can appreciate the convenience of a snap-on blade. But breaking them down and finding where the pieces go is the challenge we have to tackle. The Lenox Fast Snap utility knife solves these problems in a brilliantly innovative way.
advantage
- Easily snap off the blade with one hand
- Magnets catch broken blade fragments
- excellent hand comfort
- strong and sturdy
- value for money
shortcoming
- no obvious disadvantages
Editor's note: Check out our best utility knives article to see our top picks in the category.
At first glance, the design of this utility knife looks a lot like many slide-and-break models. Using the plastic slider, you can advance or retract the blade, or pull it all the way back to replace it.
There's no lock in your blade's position, but a positive stop keeps you from slipping while cutting.
The shape of the handle is clearly well thought out and fit our hands perfectly. The level of comfort and grip security is raised several notches thanks to the blue overmolding on the bottom of the handle and the top rear.
If there was nothing else special about this design, Lenox would have had a winner…but it just got better.
Instead of snapping off the used part of the blade on the handle, pivot the front out to snap it off. Push the front of the blade to the indicator marked with the arrow first. Press the red release on the top forward, then kick to the left to easily snap off the blade with one hand.
It's easy enough, but it's worth noting that you'll need to use your right hand (sorry, lefties) to make the snaps.
Adding another layer of convenience, a magnet attaches to the part of your broken blade so you can easily control when and where you dispose of it. On any given day, we reduce the amount of sharp blade fragments that litter our workshop.
Lenox equips the Fast Snap utility knife with a carbide blade that we love to use. If you prefer another brand, such as OLFA, the 18mm blade is fine.
Lenox Fast Snap Utility Knife Prices
We expect this utility knife to retail for $14.97 when it hits Lowe's in December 2021. Excellent value for money.
the bottom line
Lenox knocked it out of the park with their Fast Snap utility knife. From the shape and feel of the handle to the snap-on mechanism and magnetic catch, this is the best snap-on utility knife we’ve ever used. Unless your job site has specific safety requirements for a utility knife you can use, we highly recommend giving the Lenox a try.