Klein Tools44005 Pocket Knife, Stainless Steel Lockback Knife with 2-5/8-Inch Hawkbill Blade, Nylon Handle

Having used the 44005 (Resin + Plastic Handle) and 44006 (Aluminum Handle), I much prefer the "feel" of the 44005; it seems like it was designed more thoughtfully- for instance: when the '06 the unlocking mechanism rests uncomfortably low on the handle, meaning its user will be using just a few fingers to unlock it or they will need two hands. Both knives are excellent, but I personally prefer the black resin/plastic handle over the aluminum.

I'm an electrician by profession and one of the tools we're told to have is an electrician's knife. I (along with most other people I work with) have always just carried a folding utility knife with me instead. I learned my lesson when I sliced my wrist open while removing insulation from a 4/O wire. I was extremely close to hitting a tendon but missed it by about one centimeter. I needed ten stitches and had to miss a couple days of work. While I was home I did some research on electrician's knives, trying to find the best one. Eventually, I settled on two of them because I wasn't sure which one to get. The one you're reading about now and  Klein Tools 1550-4 Carbon Steel 2-5/8-Inch Sheep foot Slitting Blade Pocket Knife .First of all, if you're an electrician and are carrying around a utility knife, do yourself a favor and switch to one of these. I was very skeptical at first but I honestly feel so much more comfortable using this type of knife versus a utility knife. I feel a lot more in control when I'm removing insulation off of a wire. The blade doesn't slip much compared to a utility knife. In my opinion, it's a better and safer job. Now on to my review...I really wanted to like this knife. It's made by Klein Tools (in Japan) so you know you're getting a quality product. It has a rubberized insert in the handle and is extremely light weight. You almost don't know it's there. The blade is stainless steel and has a thumb stud for quick opening. No oil is necessary as it opens and closes with ease out of the box. Most importantly, it feels great in your hand and the blade didn't become loose during the time that I used it.My two criticisms are the blade itself and the price. The Amazon review says that it's a hardened blade but I wasn't impressed by it. When I was using it, the blade didn't stay sharp for too long. If one day I was tying in service equipment one day, I would have to sharpen the blade when I got home. Don't get me wrong, it would still be useful if you didn't sharpen it but I was expecting better considering it cost me $33 at the time I purchased it. Currently it's priced at over $38 and I, honestly, don't believe it's worth that. You're better off buying the cheaper one I mentioned above.If you're doing light work with this knife then maybe it's the right choice for you. But, there are better and cheaper alternatives to this knife. It's a quality knife but I not at all what I was expecting. For me, the better option was the carbon steel knife that Klein offers (1550-4). I have also written a review on that one if you're deciding between the two of them! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask in the comments.I hope this review was helpful!

Bought this knife for my son who does electrical work. Very sharp, but super lightweight. Great value.

I work in the power line industry and we are hard on our tools! This knife delivers again and again. Sharp, fast to deploy, this knife never lets me down. Japanese Steel and excellent craftsmanship meet in the best blade since the samurai sword! A deal at twice the price!

Not a bad knife. I am a ground man for an electric utility and I bought this to strip service wires and it's a little small for that. Better suited for indoor wiring.

Love this knife. Top quality product. I'm an electrical lineman, and I carry this daily.

Perfect knife for line work. It's light and compact. Very sharp blade for stripping wire. This is the only knife I will buy from now on. Fits in my hand well and is easy to open and close even though it is not spring loaded.

Good knife. It's much better than other hawkbill knives made of mystery metal.