Knafs Yuti Utility Knife Assessment

With EDC knife manufacturers like Kizer and CIVIVI launching upscale variations of labor knives, I’m not stunned to see utility blade folding knives changing into a pattern. That mentioned, I’ve made appreciable effort to keep away from folding knives that use disposable razors as their blade. 

I by no means actually thought-about them a part of the EDC or outside knife section. I as soon as purchased one from Residence Depot’s home model, Husky, after I was reworking my home. It has a pocket clip and anodized handles, however it lives in my software pouch till I want it for handyman duties on my “honey-do” listing.

However a few weeks in the past, Knafs introduced its first launch of the yr was going to be the Yuti, an EDC utility blade folding knife. Primarily based on its Lander sequence of knives, the form was interesting, as was the G10 deal with scales, crossbar lock, and deeper-than-deep pocket clip. So, I figured, why not strive it out and see what all the excitement is about?

In brief: In terms of a pocket knife that you simply’re going to hold day-after-day, it’s simple to get wrapped up in high-functioning knives with fancy blade metal. Nevertheless, whenever you remove the blade metal from the equation, utility knives just like the Knafs Yuti develop into a viable choice, past simply folks working within the trades.

Knafs Yuti Utility Knife Assessment

Design & Options

Primarily based on the form of the favored Lander line of knives, the Knafs Yuti is interesting each in dimension and geometry. With the deal with being just a little over 4 inches, you’ll be able to anticipate to get a full, four-finger grip for optimum management. Jimping on the backbone of the blade holder enhances that stage of management.

For deal with scales, the Yuti makes use of G10 with help from inset stainless-steel liners. The knife additionally incorporates a crossbar lock and a deep carry pocket clip. All of this units the Yuti up rather well for years of reliability, by numerous days of use and abuse.

Relating to how the blade is retained, Knafs went with a T8 thumbscrew. This lets you use a T8 torx bit or your fingers to tighten and loosen the screw. The Yuti can settle for any commonplace utility blade in addition to all kinds of variations that function the double notch within the high.

One other function of the Yuti that shall be accessible after launch would be the means to swap out the deal with scales. That is one thing Knafs has been recognized for since its begin. It provides a big selection of deal with scales in addition to 3D drawings that enable the top person to develop their very own deal with scales.

First Impressions

Once I select a knife to make use of in my day-to-day life, a part of the decision-making course of includes the blade metal. Sure, in making that call, I take into account helpful work. Nevertheless, I by no means thought-about having a knife with a disposable blade to depend on for extra than simply that. 

Then I remembered that hunters have been utilizing knives with disposable blades for processing sport for years now. The place this resolution is probably not long-lasting, it’s environment friendly. Within the area, it eliminates the necessity for sharpening. The entire attraction is there.

With the Yuti, the G10 deal with scales, crossbar lock, and compact but fascinating ergonomics amplify the attraction. The preliminary really feel in my hand is snug because it tucks into my palm. The design of the entrance of the deal with works in unison with the underside of the blade holder in a manner that lets you choke up on the blade. This grip enables you to have interaction the backbone jimping in a manner that may allow you to be extra aggressive along with your method and motion.

That mentioned, the pocket clip sits greater than the butt of the deal with and may irritate your palm because it digs into it. I reached out to Knafs about this and was informed this was one thing they’re aiming to alter on the manufacturing fashions.

Why Ought to You Purchase a Yuti?

Lots of people carry this type of knife as their EDC. They depend on them for work and play, in all environments, similar to most of us do with commonplace pocket knives. 

There’s a big group of parents who’ve adopted totally different variations from Milwaukee as their every thing and solely factor in the case of knives and instruments that experience round of their pockets. The very best functioning Milwaukee FASTBACK accessible, which has a button lock, blade storage, and a quarter-inch bit driver, will value you half the value of the Yuti. The truth is, Milwaukee’s base mannequin is barely $13. 

So what can be the rationale for spending $50 on a software just like the Yuti? In brief: expectations. 

The place somebody can abuse their Milwaukee utility software till failure and simply go to the ironmongery shop and exchange it, there’s no motive to imagine the Yuti will fail. In all of my expertise with knives, each professionally and personally, I’ve by no means seen G10 deal with scales or a crossbar lock fail. With the Yuti, you’re simply going to wish to search out what your favourite disposable razor is so you’ll be able to depend on that as properly.

Within the Area

One other widespread title for this type of knife is “pastime knife.” Primarily, a utility blade folder is an X-Acto knife on steroids. They’re designed to be extra task-driven and never as exact. That’s to not say I couldn’t get the Yuti to comply with a sample for a leather-based sheath I’m making; it’s simply not meant for doing small-scale element work.

However I by no means figured I’d carry a knife just like the Yuti as my pocket folding EDC. But, right here we’re, and, fairly truthfully, there’s no useful distinction. Positive, utility blades are cheaper and don’t boast qualities like toughness and corrosion resistance, however you’ll be able to exchange them affordably and simply.

For those who chip the MagnaCut blade on a costlier knife, you’re going to wish to place in some work to repair it, after your anxiousness stops redlining. 

I’ve finished loads of helpful work in my time sufficient to know that there are higher blades on the market. This is the reason I swapped out the utility blade that got here with the Yuti with a Stanley Carbide Blade. These blades final twice so long as the standard utility blade. A ten-pack will run you $10 and final you a complete yr, even for those who’re splitting your time between work and play.

The one factor that I’m just a little laser-focused on is the thumb screw that holds the blade in place. I haven’t had any problem the place it’s come unfastened throughout use, however it’s been a bit unfastened after driving round in my pocket for some time. That is one thing that could possibly be addressed by tightening it with a T8 bit, however I do like the power to tighten it by hand if I have to swap out the blade within the second.

Who’s It For?

After every week with the Yuti, I’m very glad with it general. It’s simple to hold and enjoyable to fidget with and use. I additionally don’t thoughts doing among the extra demanding duties that I do know might wreck an everyday knife blade with it. I’d typically spend extra time with a knife earlier than reviewing it, however that’s due partially to seeing how the blade materials performs. That’s not an element right here.

Do I believe it’s best to commerce in your conventional folder for it? That relies upon. For those who’re somebody who works within the trades and desires an reasonably priced knife whose highest stage of upkeep is changing its $1 disposable blade, go get the Yuti now.

In any other case, it does make a pleasant entry-level knife or an alternate knife for somebody who is aware of they’re going to finish up doing bullwork that will destroy a knife blade. The place down the highway I’ll return to a standard folding knife with some fancy knife blade metal, the Yuti will at all times be with me in my pack.