This utility knife handle is inspired by existing neck knife designs from companies like CRKT, Benchmade, and others. I wanted to create a simple, elegant knife handle that prints fast and uses less hardware than existing utility knife handles. I secondly wanted to design a sheath that securely holds the knife in a neck-worn configuration or clipped to clothing or other gear. This is my V1 result.
Handle cutouts to minimize filament use and print time while maintaining strong hand feel
Single screw blade retention
Sheath with multiple mounting points, including for a necklace-style cord.
Sheath option with clip for attaching to backpack, tactical vest, etc.
Plain sheath option (no clip)
What this knife is:
A small, efficient, ergonomic, printable utility knife handle
A knife for everyday cutting tasks
What it isn't:
Ultra heavy duty
A prying knife
A survival knife
Blade Specifications:
This handle is designed to carry utility knife blades with the following features:
Shape: trapezoid with notches for locking
Length: ~2.4 inches (≈61 mm)
Height: ~0.75 inches (≈19 mm)
Thickness: typically ~0.024 in (≈0.6 mm)
Filament:
I printed these in both basic PLA and PETG. The PLA variants are shown in the images in the post, but PETG is rather stronger and generally recommended for applications that require greater strength or durability for this knife. The profiles provided should work well with either PLA or PETG.
Handle Assembly:
ASSEMBLE WITH CARE!! Utility knife blades are extremely sharp and should be handled with extreme caution
Required Materials:
5*M3x5mm machine screws
Thats it!
Use 4 M3x5mm screws to attach the handle grips to the handle.
Consider screwing them in once without the handle grips attached, then removing them and using sandpaper and a pick or a small drill bit to remove the excess plastic that the screw displaced. This will help the grips sit flush when fully installed. See photos below.
Pre-Tapping plastic with the screw
Pre-tapping hole pushes some pastic out of the way
Clear the hole of the dislodged plastic with a pick
Lightly sand the plastic that was pushed up during tapping
The hole should now be a lot cleaner and clear of debris
Use 1 M3x5mm screw to secure the blade to the handle
Insert the blade into its slot in the main handle. It should stay there on its own without moving.
Install the blade-keeper by sliding it horizontally across the top of the blade and pressing it into place until it clicks (i.e. don't rotate it into place)
Install the screw in the bottom hole to secure the blade to the handle.
Sheath Assembly (Clip version):
The clip can be inserted in either direction, depending on how/where you want the sheath to be mounted.
Once you decide which direction to mount the clip, simply insert it into the slots and press it in firmly. If you find it difficult to get it in, consider pressing the clip against a solid surface such as a stone countertop or similar. Use both hands (not pictured) to increase stability.
Ensure the clip is settled all the way into its slot. It should not protrude at all at the bottom of the slot in the sheath and should be completely out of the way.
It is press fit into the slot fairly securely in my opinion, but if you want to be extra careful, use some superglue to securely adhere it to the slot forever.
NOTE: Any use or assembly of this tool with a utility blade is dangerous and should be undertaken at your own risk and using proper protective equipment such as anti-cut gloves, eye protection, and other relevant equipment.
itsradio
