5 Best Roofing Knives to Get More Jobs Done Faster

Best Roofing Knives to Get More Jobs Done Faster

The utility knife is a roofer’s best friend.

It can be used for everything from trimming asphalt shingles to gutter placement. Having this lightweight and easy-to-handle tool can save someone working on projects big and small a lot of time and energy.

Some utility knives even have added features that can make roofing specifically even easier.

Here are the best utility knives for roofing on the market.

Best Roofing Knife

Our picks for the best roofing knives include:

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Stanley Twin Blade FatMax Knife


Coming out to just over $15, the Stanley Twin Blade FatMax Knife is a surprisingly affordable knife that makes the top of the list.

Folks love it because it’s two knives in one, allowing them to switch easily between the hook and straight blades. This is due to the interlock mechanism that allows only one blade to slide out while the other is secured in place.

An important feature that is non-negotiable for a utility knife is durability. Roofers need to know that their knives can handle being dropped from stories high on job sites without falling apart. Luckily, the Stanley Twin Blade can take a beating.

Pros

  • Essentially two knives in one
  • Storage holds up to nine blades
  • Durable
  • Hook and straight blade easily interchangeable

Cons

  • Larger than the average utility knife – may be more difficult to fit in your tool belt
  • Blade storage requires a special screwdriver
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AJC Hatchet Guardian Angle Knife


Yes, you read that right, it’s angle, not angel. The clever play on words isn’t the only thing that the AJC Hatchet Guardian Angle Knife is bringing to the table.

What really sets this knife apart from its competitors is the ergonomically-designed handle. The unique loop-shaped handle increases leverage while decreasing pressure on your wrist, meaning you can cut a variety of materials with ease, without straining your wrist.

Another thing that makes this knife superior for use on roofing projects is that the blades are specifically designed to cut through shingles. With three different specialty blades, it’s easy to understand why this knife is a favorite among roofers.

Pros

  • Ergonomic design reduces fatigue
  • Designed specifically for cutting shingles
  • Three different blades
  • Hand and knuckle protection

Cons

  • Pricy
  • Does not accommodate common blades
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Lenox Tools Utility Knife


This Lenox Tools Utility Knife is praised for its perfectly-weighted handle that fits perfectly in the palm of your hand.

People love the design of the handle that makes it easy to cut through roofing materials all day. The grip that it enables contractors to have makes it less likely to slip out of your hands and onto the ground below you. But if you do, don’t worry. This knife is durable.

Something that people love about this utility knife is the blades that it uses. They are made from titanium-coated stainless steel and the knife can store up to 10 of them at a time.

Pros

  • Well-designed handle fits well in your hand
  • Titanium-coated stainless steel blades
  • Stainless steel knife nose prevents wear and tear
  • Stores up to 10 blades

Cons

  • Some complain that it’s not as durable as it claims
  • Blades can be wiggly
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Stanley Fixed-Blade Utility Knife


Another Stanley knife on the list, the Stanley Fixed-Blade Utility Knife is a classic for a reason.

The simple design of this knife is what so many contractors love about it. It’s great for projects where having control of the knife is of utmost importance. It’s also the cheapest knife on the list, making it our budget pick for utility knives.

The fixed blade is incredibly secure so that you know it won’t go anywhere, but this also means you have to be careful carrying it around since there is no safety guard to protect from accidental cuts.

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Securely fixed blade prevents slipping
  • The design allows for full control and accuracy
  • A trusted knife for over 50 years

Cons

  • No safety shield
  • The blade is so secure that changing it out takes longer
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WorkPro Folding Utility Knife


If your tool belt is looking a little full, this WorkPro Folding Utility Knife could be just what you’re looking for.

This small but powerful utility knife folds into a compact 3-inches, palm-sized tool that is perfect for keeping in your tool belt or even just your pocket.

Its size doesn’t make it any less effective, though. It accepts all standard blades and has a reinforced backing to the blade that adds leverage.

It also has other convenience features like a quick-change blade mechanism that makes changing out the blade easy and a clip that makes it easy to clip onto your belt.

Pros

  • Convenient size makes it easy to carry around
  • Comes with three of these knives in one package
  • Back-lock mechanism increases leverage and security
  • Quick-change blade mechanism makes changing the blade easy

Cons

  • Can be hard to open and close
  • Easy to accidentally trigger the quick-change mechanism, causing the blade to fall out
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What Is a Roofing Knife?

Roofing knives are multi-purpose knives that are sized to fit comfortably in your hand. They can be used for cutting boxes, rope, plastic, leather, wallpaper, and even asphalt shingles.

They are important for roofers to have in their toolbelt for their convenience and versatility. They also make it convenient to cut open packages, score wood for marking purposes, and of course, cut things like insulation and asphalt shingles.

The utility knives listed here were chosen because of their ability to cut through roofing materials specifically.

Are Roofing Knives Worth It?

If you ask any roofer, they will tell you that a utility knife is non-negotiable. They make a roofer’s job infinitely easier.

Here are a few reasons they are so important:

Efficiency

Having a small knife can cut down on your time dealing with other large and unnecessary tools. Need to cut an asphalt shingle? Use your roofing knife. Need to cut through a zip tie? Roofing knife is right there.

Easy to Use

Utility knives are much easier to use than other tools.

Inexpensive

With roofing knives as cheap as $10 or less, there’s no reason not to get one.

More Roofing Tools and Equipment

We’ve used our industry expertise, partnerships, and analysis to find the absolute best roofing tools and equipment online. If you liked this post on the best roofing shoes, consider checking out some of our other guides to find top products.

Summary

A utility knife is a must for any roofer. Use a knife from this list that is right for you and reap the many benefits that a convenient roofing knife has to offer you.

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