Customer Reviews

Irwin 2085200 Pro Touch 2 Piece Retractable and Fixed Blade Utility Knife Kit with 20 Irwin Bi-Metal Blades

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I just purchased this item from amazon. Its quality is just average. But with 2 knives for less than 10 dollars, it is a good deal. By comparison on average, a retractable knife at HD cost $10. The best quality utility knife I has is a retractable Lenox. Just holding it will convince you, but it costs 15 dollars for one knife.
Its quality deserves 3 stars, but the price give it one more.

The Irwin fits nicely in my hand and is really durable. It has earned a permanent place in my tool pouch. Also, the bi-metal blades are AWESOME, pricey but awesome. Do yourself a favor and try one of these knives.

I never owned a fixed blade knife. Love the fixed blade. Small, blade is very secure and won't wobble or come out.

However, I can not say the same for the retractable knife. I've had the blade pop out several times due to side torque on the blade. There is a "feature" of the knife that allows the blade to be changed without opening the tool. This feature also allows the blade to come loose without opening the tool.

I recommend the set simply because of the price/value combination. There are much better retractable blade knives, but not many that match the value of this set. Can not give 5 stars because of design flaw of retractable knife.

I got a great deal on these, so I don't worry that I get absolutely no use out of the fixed blade knife. I don't know any situation where I want a fixed raser blade sticking out around the workshop. I have been using the retractable bladed knife for quite a few things, including roofing with hook blades. I haven't had a blade come out of my knife and cutting shingles when they are cold takes quite a bit of force. The no tool opening to change blades is fast and convienient. Also, the spring clip inside the knife, to store extra blades, works well. I just put "bad" blades at the bottom and refill the blades when I've used all the good ones.

I have a couple of the fold lock type of razer knives around the shop, but the ease of use for the sliding open makes up for the larger size. I also like to practice what I learned years ago while stocking. Opening boxes, you only need to put the blade out 1/4". If you do something stupid, you can't cut down a full 1" as you would with a fully exposed blade.

Update: Well, I would have to drop my review down to 3 stars with recent experience. Apparently cutting shindles actually side loads the blades less than cutting with a standard straight blade. When I have the straight blade trapped in plastic, I was able to reproduce the blade pull out problem. I don't remember ever having this problem with my old Stanley retractable. That has kind of dampened my enjoyment of this knife. I still use it, but am more careful with tougher cutting tasks.

The fixed unit is ok, but a folding utility knife is better. The sliding unit is junk. The blade does not stay in the knife. Easy to change the blade, but who cares if the blade won't stay put.

This is a great knife. The blades are incredibly sharp. All around great value.

GREAT utility knife set! I do NOT have one single complaint! OK...Heres the "BUT" part...Wait until they go on sale! This set has been listed by Amazon for as little as $8.05! If you can hold off and watch (almost daily)as I do, you WON'T regret this purchase at ALL for the price!

I would recommend this set. It is a great deal and good quality. Bought this for my Hubby and he works construction, uses it everyday and loves it.

Have had these blades for five years now and STILL they are awesome! Never had a blue blade break on my and they stay sharp for a very good amount of time! I will admit though, I use the retractable one a LOT more as I tend to feel the fixed blade knives are too unsafe. But for the price of two I figured why not?

Best razor knives I have ever used. Very easy to to hold & use, especially since I have mild pain in my fingers. Thanx, Mike