Utility and Pocket Knives for Holiday Decorating


Utility & Pocket Knives for Holiday Decorating

Published: November 19th, 2025

Utility and pocket knives for holiday decorating on a floral background.

Holiday decorating brings out a surprising number of small tasks that are easier with the right tool in hand: trimming ribbon, opening decor boxes, shaping craft materials, tightening hardware, and assembling displays. Whether you prefer the precision of a compact utility knife or the versatility of a traditional pocketknife, the right blade can make these seasonal projects smoother, faster, and far more enjoyable. This guide highlights a selection of dependable utility knives and pocket knives that excel during holiday prep, offering clean, controlled cuts and practical functions while adding a touch of style or festive character. From replaceable-blade workhorses to collectible seasonal editions, each knife here earns its place as a helpful companion throughout the busy decorating season.


Utility Knives

Gerber

EAB Mini (Black)

The Gerber EAB Mini is a compact utility knife designed for precise cutting tasks, making it especially useful when the holidays require trimming ribbon, opening decorative boxes, or shaping craft materials. Its 4.2-inch overall length and 1.3-ounce weight keep it unobtrusive on a keychain or in a pocket, while the black stainless-steel body provides a sturdy, confident feel during detailed work. The Exchange-A-Blade design uses standard utility blades, allowing quick replacements when tackling thick packaging or repetitive cuts. A secure slide-lock mechanism holds the blade firmly in position, giving you controlled performance whether you’re slicing wrapping paper or scoring cardboard for displays. Compact, durable, and easy to keep within reach, the Gerber EAB Mini delivers practical cutting capability without the bulk of a full-sized knife.

Kizer

Drop Bear Utility (Clear)

The Kizer Drop Bear Utility, designed by Azo, delivers precise cutting performance for holiday decorating tasks that benefit from a compact folding tool with replaceable razor blades. Its 2.74-inch bead-blasted blade offers clean, controlled cuts through wrapping paper, tape, cardboard, and craft materials, and the combination of SK5 and 50Cr15MoV provides dependable strength for repeated seasonal use. The knife opens smoothly with a thumb stud, and the clutch lock mechanism secures the blade during detailed work around ornaments, displays, and tight spaces. The 3.95-inch acrylic handle offers a lightweight, modern feel with a clear view of the knife’s inner workings, while the 6.69-inch overall length and 2.83-ounce weight keep it easy to carry throughout your decorating projects.

Outdoor Edge

UtiliPro (Black)

The Outdoor Edge UtiliPro offers practical versatility for holiday decorating tasks that call for a compact folding knife with a replaceable razor blade and useful built-in tools. Its 1-inch 420J2 stainless steel blade makes clean, steady cuts through tape, twine, packaging, and craft materials, while the 420J2 stainless steel frame and black textured GFN and stainless handle scales provide a secure, comfortable hold during repeated use. Ambidextrous thumb studs allow easy blade deployment, and the thumb-actuated release makes changing blades straightforward when switching between projects. A line cutter, pry bar, flathead, Phillips drivers, and a bottle opener add helpful utility as you move through setup, adjustment, and cleanup. Measuring 4.3 inches closed and weighing 3.1 ounces, the Outdoor Edge UtiliPro keeps essential functions close at hand for seasonal work.

Marble's

Red Aluminum Utility Knife

The Marble’s Red Aluminum Utility Knife is a practical choice for holiday decorating, offering controlled cutting performance for tasks that call for a compact razor-blade tool. Its 1.25-inch replaceable stainless steel blade makes clean, precise cuts through wrapping paper, ribbon, twine, cardboard, and ornament packaging, and the secure locking mechanism keeps the blade steady when trimming garland, shaping craft materials, or opening decor boxes. Two black sliders on the handle allow quick, tool-free blade changes, making it easy to keep a sharp edge ready during long decorating sessions. The 4.5-inch red aluminum handle is lightweight and comfortable, and its bright color is easy to spot among seasonal supplies. A tip-down pocket clip keeps the knife close at hand as you move between rooms and projects.

Civivi

Elementum Utility (Green)

The Civivi Elementum Utility brings a smooth, refined feel to holiday decorating tasks that benefit from a compact folder with a reliable razor edge. Its 2.26-inch 6Cr12MoV blade, finished with a clean stonewash, slices neatly through wrapping paper, gift tags, twine, and lightweight packaging, making it a helpful tool to keep nearby during seasonal prep. The flipper opening provides quick access when you need to trim tape or shape craft materials, and the aluminum handle keeps the knife light in hand while offering enough control for careful, detailed cuts. Measuring 3.65 inches closed, 5.91 inches overall length, and weighing just 2.3 ounces, the Civivi Elementum Utility carries easily in a pocket, and the tip-up clip ensures it stays secure as you move through decorating chores.

Rivery Manufacturing

Zero (Original Red) (CadLabCNC Collaboration)

The Rivery Manufacturing CadLabCNC Zero Original offers quick, precise cutting in a compact form that’s especially useful during holiday decorating. Its replaceable stainless steel razor blade provides clean, controlled cuts through wrapping paper, ribbon, tape, and craft materials, and the out-the-front design allows fast one-handed deployment when opening decor boxes or trimming garland without interrupting your workflow. The 6061 aluminum handle is lightweight, durable, and shaped for a comfortable hold, and its red finish is custom-anodized by CadLabCNC, giving the knife a distinctive look that stands out easily among holiday supplies. Measuring 2.7 inches closed and 3.2 inches overall, the Zero stays unobtrusive in a pocket while delivering dependable cutting strength for detailed seasonal tasks. Proudly made in the USA.


Pocket Knives

Rough Rider

Christmas 2025 Red & Green Jigged Bone Half Hawk

The Rough Rider Christmas 2025 Red & Green Jigged Bone Half Hawk pairs traditional styling with festive seasonal details, making it a fitting companion for holiday decorating and collecting. Its 3.75-inch carbon steel hawkbill blade features a flat grind and carries a “Merry Christmas” etch on the front and a “Happy Holidays” etch on the back, adding a cheerful touch to light tasks like opening ornament boxes or trimming ribbon. The handle combines a green jigged bone front scale with a red jigged bone back scale, each accented by nickel-silver bolsters and a holiday shield set into the front side. Measuring 7.75 inches overall with a comfortable 4-inch handle, the Half Hawk blends classic pocketknife character with seasonal flair, creating a display-ready piece suited for collectors and holiday enthusiasts alike.

Victorinox

SMKW Exclusive Santa Tinker

The Victorinox SMKW Exclusive Santa Tinker brings festive charm to a proven multi-tool platform, combining cheerful seasonal artwork with the dependable functionality Victorinox is known for. At 3.62 inches closed and 2.08 ounces, it slips easily into a pocket during holiday prep. The 2.62-inch spear point blade and 1.5-inch pen blade handle wrapping paper, ribbon, and small packaging with clean, controlled cuts, while the Phillips driver is ideal for tightening ornament hangers, battery compartments, and light fixtures. The large and small flathead drivers assist with decor hardware and quick household adjustments, and the can and bottle opener with a wire stripper adds practical utility during gatherings. A reamer with a punch and sewing awl, along with tweezers and a toothpick, supports detailed fixes as you work through seasonal projects.

Case

SMKW Exclusive PB&J Christmas 2025 Trapper (Engraved)

The Case XX SMKW Exclusive Christmas 2025 Trapper brings festive character to light cutting tasks that come up throughout the holiday season, pairing Case’s SMKW Exclusive Peanut Butter and Jelly Bone handles with practical Tru-Sharp performance. Its mirror-polished blades include a 3.25-inch clip point and 3.27-inch spey, with the clip point featuring a crisp “Case Christmas 2025 Trapper” engraving that marks the knife as a seasonal edition. The blades offer clean, controlled cuts for ribbon, wrapping paper, and small packaging, while the nickel silver bolsters engraved with a peanut and jelly jar add a playful touch to the traditional Trapper frame. The 4.13-inch handle provides a comfortable grip during decorating or gift prep, and the cheerful Christmas shield ties the design together. Made in the USA.


Written By

Drew Clifton

Drew Clifton

Drew is the lead writer for SMKW's Knives 101, crafting informative and engaging content for the world’s largest knife store. With expertise in knife history, design, and functionality, Drew delivers articles and product descriptions that educate and inspire knife enthusiasts at all levels.


Expert Reviewed

T.C. Barnette

T.C. Barnette

T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.