Lutz 30188 2 Pack #88 SpeedMaster Quick Change Retractable Blade Utility Knife, Orange

My 1st experience with the Lutz quick change utility knife was at the steel recycling plant, where they had them strategically placed next to the register. I picked one up, and took it home to give it a try. I have used "quick release" utility knives in the past, and found the mechanism difficult to operate.I am amazed at how easy it is to change the blade on this Lutz. No tools required, complete blade change within 30 seconds.Slide the safety lock tab over, push the lock slider switch over, separate the two orange case halves, change the blade (either flip the current blade, or grab a new blade from the storage space in the case), mate the two orange case halves together again, and push the big button opposite of the slider. That's it. Simple.I'm not sure why these aren't in every hardware store, instead of the cumbersome utility knives with a screw that function well until you have to change the blade (frequently unless you fork over for the expensive "titanium coated blah blah blah" blades.Overall, these Lutz knives are rated 10/10....or 5/5 on Amazon.

This is the best quick-change knife I have used. It is also the fastest without being cumbersome. Not as fast as the knives that have a push button release for the blade only without opening the handle, but far more sturdy and reliable like the old fashioned split handle knives. This knife is a bit bulky and very square bodied compared to the common Stanley, but I like this design better than the other quick-change knives that are much larger, heavier, or have the bent/banana shaped handle. This Lutz quick-change design is the best of both worlds providing a happy medium between the classic Stanley slim body and the oversized under performing quick-change competitors. Small hands may not like the feel of this knife if you are used to the Stanley. Also, the sliding action of the blade drags a little when using thicker heavy duty blades. Not terrible, but notable.I would buy is knife again in the future.

As a flooring and finish work expert, I can tell you.... not all of the tools and products nowadays are necessarily as good as they were just a decade ago. The Lutz #88's are an exception. They are simply unbeatable. I will break a stanley in a heavy week. I've had one Lutz break over the past 8 years. They're simply incredible. I keep one in every tool box, bag, truck, shop, house, and each employee gets 2. I will forever use these #88's. If you are hesitant, don't be. Just buy one already.

Sticks a little on closing, so be sure you don't leave the blade sticking out. Otherwise, it is great to be able to change blades without a screwdriver.