Knife Blades

About Knife Blades

Knife blades are essential consumable items for tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts who rely on sharp, reliable cutting tools. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks an extensive range of replacement blades including standard utility blades, snap-off blades in 9mm and 18mm widths, heavy-duty trimming knife blades, hooked blades for specialist applications, and safety blades designed to minimise injury risk. Whether you're a carpet fitter scoring vinyl, an electrician stripping cable, or a builder opening packaging on site, having fresh blades to hand ensures precision, efficiency, and workplace safety.

Our selection features trusted brands including Stanley, Milwaukee, Irwin, Faithfull, and Facom, ensuring compatibility with the most popular knife handles used across UK trade sites. Available in various pack sizes from individual blades to bulk dispensers, these high-carbon steel and bi-metal construction blades deliver excellent edge retention when cutting cardboard, plastic, roofing felt, plasterboard, insulation materials, and countless other applications. A sharp blade requires minimal force and produces clean cuts, whilst dull blades increase the risk of slips and accidents.

Applications

Knife blades are used daily across virtually every trade and industry:

• Carpet Fitters & Flooring Specialists: Precision cutting of carpet, vinyl, laminate underlay, and flooring materials with hooked blades
• Electricians: Stripping cable insulation, opening packaging, cutting cable ties and conduit
• Plumbers: Cutting pipe insulation, trimming sealant, and opening materials
• Builders & General Tradespeople: Opening packaging, cutting plasterboard, insulation, roofing felt, and daily cutting tasks
• Decorators & Painters: Trimming wallpaper, cutting masking tape and protective sheeting
• Warehouse & Logistics Workers: Opening boxes, cutting strapping, and packaging removal
• Shopfitters & Joiners: Cutting sheet materials, trimming edge banding, and precision marking
• Roofers: Cutting felt, membrane, and insulation with hooked blades
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvement projects and general household cutting tasks

Choosing The Right Knife Blades

Blade Type: Standard utility blades suit general-purpose work, snap-off blades (9mm or 18mm) offer multiple fresh edges, hooked blades excel at flooring and roofing applications, and safety blades reduce injury risk in high-volume environments.

Compatibility: Ensure blades fit your knife handle. Most utility blades follow standard dimensions for Stanley-type knives, but verify compatibility with specialist handles from Milwaukee, Irwin, or Facom brands.

Blade Thickness: Heavy-duty blades provide extra rigidity for tougher materials, whilst standard gauge options suit everyday applications. Consider 0.6mm heavy-duty blades for demanding work.

Pack Quantity: Small packs (5-10 blades) suit occasional users, whilst tradespeople benefit from bulk packs or dispenser tubs containing 50-100 blades, offering better value and reducing restocking frequency.

Material Quality: Premium blades from Stanley, Milwaukee, and Irwin feature superior steel quality and heat treatment, delivering longer edge life despite higher initial cost.

Safety Information

Knife blades are extremely sharp tools requiring careful handling. Always retract or cover blades when not in use, and never leave exposed blades unattended. According to HSE guidance, dull blades are more dangerous than sharp ones as they require excessive force that increases slip risk. Replace blades regularly before they become noticeably dull, and always cut away from your body with hands clear of the cutting path.

Dispose of used blades responsibly in dedicated sharps containers or blade disposal tins – never loose in general waste where they endanger cleaning staff. When changing blades, consider wearing cut-resistant gloves, and use the knife's integrated mechanism or pliers for snapping off dulled segments. Store unused blades securely in original packaging away from children.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change knife blades?

Replace blades as soon as they become dull or require excessive force to cut. Professional tradespeople cutting throughout the day may need several blade changes daily. If you're forcing the blade or getting ragged cuts rather than clean edges, it's time for a fresh blade.

What's the difference between 9mm and 18mm snap-off blades?

The width determines blade strength and application suitability. 9mm blades are ideal for precision work, paper, and thin cardboard. 18mm blades offer greater rigidity for heavier materials like thick cardboard, plastic sheeting, and plasterboard. Most tradespeople prefer 18mm for site work.

What are hooked blades used for?

Hooked blades feature a curved cutting edge designed for cutting surface materials without damaging what's beneath. Carpet fitters use them to cut carpet and vinyl without scoring the subfloor, whilst roofers employ them for cutting roofing felt and membrane. The hook pulls the blade through material rather than pushing downward into the substrate.