For over 24 years, I have owned many utility knives from all sorts of companies. The last one was a Lutz 88 and it was very heavy and too bulky for my pocket. This utility knife, the remarkable Stanley 10-499 was introduced to the world in the 1970’s and unlike the Lutz 88, it’s still around because it is very lightweight, slim design, fits comfortably in my pocket and the handle feels nice and smooth. Compared to the rest, there is no comparison because we have an adjustable blade for the times you need to open a box without damaging the contents inside. It features a lanyard loop for your own personal preference, a convenient spare blade compartment without any magnets. There is no uncomfortable pocket clip to compromise your grip, making you more productive. The size is just over 6 inches long and the handle is much more narrow than the competition. This feels so comfortable in my pocket and the thumb slider just glides with a convenient push button quick blade exchange. The Stanley 10-499 has become my favorite utility knife of all time. The reason why this tool has lasted so long is because customers keep buying them (they really are THAT good). It fits in the pocket better than anything else out there. Recommended: Very highly.

Change blade easier and quickly saving time and having carry additional tool

The Button to expose the blade operates easy & doesn't feel gritty. However it doesn't stay in the locked position well. Extremely easy to accidentally expose the the blade.

I've had two 10-499 knives for over 15 years each and have been very pleased with the quick-change blade mechanism and with the three-position blade extension. I've used it with standard and carpet blades with no problems. I also like that it easily retracts or extends the blade for safe use and storage. After this long the only problem I see is that recently the spare blades have started to tend to work their way out of the holder into the interior of the knife, making it impossible to use the yellow quick-access button. I instead have to take the knife apart to replace a blade. I'm experimenting with whether keeping more blades in the holder helps with this. I also just used WD-40 to lubricate the interior of the knife because the blade extension mechanism was getting difficult. Now it's like I have a brand-new knife. As an inexpensive and rugged utility knife this is a great one.