utility knife

American  

[yoo-til-i-tee nahyf] / yuˈtɪl ɪ ti ˌnaɪf /

noun

PLURAL

utility knives

1. any of various knives, often with a retractable, replaceable razorlike blade, used for a variety of cutting, scraping, or scoring work.

   The crafts department sells a fully equipped tool kit, complete with all the sizes of utility knives that you’re looking for.

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Etymology

Origin of utility knife

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Working on a thick sheet of glass, she uses the blade from a utility knife to work the glue into the paper and smooths it out on the surface with her fingertips.

From Barron's

Calfo said there is no evidence that Sarey, who was 26 years old and homeless, and suffered from challenges with his mental health and substance use, threatened the officer or posed a threat to him, since Nelson never lost control of his gun and a folding utility knife that came off his vest was recovered, unopened, by a witness.

From Seattle Times

The prosecution said Ms Beal had purchased a forged handle utility knife in the days before the alleged murder and also said she was in possession of a chisel and cable ties.

From BBC

Keep a box with these essential basics: a tape measure, claw hammer, utility knife, level, crescent wrenches, hex keys, a handsaw, pliers, multiple screwdrivers and a collection of screws and nails.

From Seattle Times

A: A utility knife and a razor scraper would probably work better than a screwdriver.

From Washington Post