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Add to SafariWhen comparing Gerber EAB Lite Pocket Knife vs Stanley 10-788 Retractable Utility Knife, the Slant community recommends Gerber EAB Lite Pocket Knife for most people. In the question“What are the best everyday use utility knives under $20?” Gerber EAB Lite Pocket Knife is ranked 2nd while Stanley 10-788 Retractable Utility Knife is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose Gerber EAB Lite Pocket Knife is:
This utility knife can fit into pretty much anything: wallet, a bulky phone case, tight jean pockets, etc. It weighs 2.5 ounces (70 grams), making it one of the lightest utility knife out there, and its form factor is one of the smallest — when the blade is closed, the entire knife is only about 3 inches (7.6cm) long, with a height of 0.7 inches (1.7cm).
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Great for everyday carry
This utility knife can fit into pretty much anything: wallet, a bulky phone case, tight jean pockets, etc. It weighs 2.5 ounces (70 grams), making it one of the lightest utility knife out there, and its form factor is one of the smallest — when the blade is closed, the entire knife is only about 3 inches (7.6cm) long, with a height of 0.7 inches (1.7cm).
Pro Durable
This utility knife is well-built and durable. It can last for a long time with a lot of use, and is capable of withstanding rough/heavy-duty usage.
Pro Stylish and sleek design
This utility knife is made from stainless steel, giving it a nice silver polished finish.
Pro Accepts all standard-sized utility blades
Despite its small form factor, this utility knife can accept any standard-sized utility blade of all kinds (heavy-duty, contractor-grade, etc.)
Pro Great for heavy-duty use
The curved handle with cushioned grip surface makes this utility knife ideal for working on tough surfaces (e.g. dry walls) where more pressure is required — the grip helps with comfort & balance, and the curved handle gives you more control over the knife. The locking mechanism is also strong enough to withstand the pressure required when working on tough surfaces.
Pro Has a gut hook
This utility knife comes with a tiny gut hook which can be used to cut thin items (such as wires or strings) without sliding out the blade.
Pro Can store up to 10 blades
The blade storage compartment located in the handle (pictured here) can hold up to 10 blades.
Pro Comes with 3 blades out of the box
This utility knife comes with 3 blades in its storage compartment.
Pro Locking mechanism ensures blade stays in place
The locking mechanism is strong and can hold the blade out under high pressure, even if the blade is not fully extended.
Cons
Con Requires screwdriver to replace blade
This utility knife's blade is secured with a screw in the middle. This makes it inconvenient to replace — the screw has to be removed with a flat head screwdriver or a coin before the blade can be removed and replaced.
Con Closing the knife can be difficult and unsafe
In order to release the locking mechanism when the blade is locked in place, you have to push a small metal plate on the inside of the handle near the blade. This means the blade will be closing down where your hand is positioned, and while the knife's liner prevents the blade from touching that area, it can still be unsafe if you try to close it too fast with your hand in the way.
Con Pocket clip falls out easily
The pocket clip on this knife is not very tight. It can fall out easily if clipped on a thin surface.
Con Might be too small for some people
Because of how small this utility knife is, the grip can be uncomfortable for people used to knives with bigger handles.
Con Blade can be dangerous and difficult to replace
While this utility knife is designed to be and marketed as "Quick-Change," many users tend to experience the opposite. The blade is hard to remove and inserting a new blade requires some effort — you have to wiggle the blade around until you hear it click into the locking mechanism. You also have to hold the blade tightly with your fingers the entire time, which makes it more dangerous. There is a YouTube video here showing the process.
Con Form factor makes this knife not very portable
This is a retractable knife (instead of folding knife), so it might be hard to carry this around in a pocket or other small spaces. It's also huge, with the total length at around 9inches (22cm).
