8 Best Hobby Knives of 2026

This precision-packed hobby knife set redefines what you can expect from an affordable toolkit, delivering three ergonomically distinct handles and 13 interchangeable SK5 steel blades that stay sharp through demanding tasks. The magnetic blade storage system is a game-changer—no more lost or scattered blades—and the diamond-textured grip on the medium and small knives ensures rock-solid control during delicate cuts. Whether you’re working on model detailing, scrapbooking, or pumpkin carving, this set eliminates the frustration of slippage and frequent blade dulling, making it ideal for crafters who want versatility without compromise.

In real-world use, the SK5 steel blades slice cleanly through materials like foam board, thin plastics, and balsa wood, maintaining edge integrity far better than cheaper carbon blades. The larger knife’s rubberized grip absorbs pressure during extended sessions, reducing hand fatigue—a major win for detail-oriented artists. However, while the chisel and nicked blades add functional diversity, they aren’t as finely tuned for ultra-micro work as specialized single-blade tools. It handles precision scoring and trimming with confidence but may require more frequent blade changes when tackling abrasive materials like layered cardboard.

Compared to the Fiskars Detail Knife, this JETMORE set offers greater versatility and blade variety at a slightly higher price, making it a smarter pick for multi-project users. While the Fiskars excels in simplicity and comfort for paper-based crafts, this kit is built for serious hobbyists who need adaptability across mediums—from soft leather to resin models. It doesn’t match the sheer volume of the EGYPAMID 55-pack, but its thoughtful organization and superior handle design deliver a more professional experience. For those seeking a portable, well-rounded precision system, this set strikes a rare balance of function, durability, and smart design.

The Fiskars Detail Craft Knife is a masterclass in refined simplicity, offering a solid aluminum handle and SoftGrip technology that delivers unmatched comfort during long crafting sessions. Its #11 blade is razor-sharp out of the box, ideal for precision paper cutting, photo trimming, and stencil work, solving the common issue of hand cramping with its balanced weight and cushioned grip. This isn’t just a knife—it’s a trusted companion for scrapbookers and papercrafters who demand accuracy without strain, and the included blade cap adds a layer of safety that’s often overlooked in budget tools.

During testing, it effortlessly handled cardstock, photos, and thin plastic sheets, providing clean, controlled cuts with minimal effort. The aluminum body resists bending, even under moderate pressure, and the SoftGrip zones prevent slipping, even with sweaty hands—a real advantage during marathon crafting. However, it’s not built for heavy-duty tasks; attempting to cut foam board or thin wood risks blade deflection or breakage. While it accepts standard blades (like #10, #16), the fixed blade length limits depth control, making it less suitable for deep scoring or layered materials.

Against the MulWark 41-piece set, the Fiskars shines in ergonomics and build quality but falls short in versatility. It’s the best choice for precision papercraft, where comfort and control matter most, while the MulWark set dominates in multi-material projects. For beginners or those focused on scrapbooking and cardmaking, this knife offers professional-grade handling at an entry-level price, delivering exceptional value through durability and ease of use—a true standout in its niche.

With a full spectrum of 13 specialized blades, the MulWark 16pc Exacto Knife Set stands out as the ultimate toolkit for complex crafting and modeling, where blade diversity is non-negotiable. The inclusion of #17 chiseling, #24 deburring, and #16 cranked blades means you’re equipped for scoring, sculpting, and tight-space trimming—tasks that leave generic knives struggling. Built with SK4 hardened carbon steel, these blades resist rust and retain sharpness, while the ergonomic rubberized handle offers superior control and anti-roll stability, making it a favorite among model builders and architects.

In practice, it excels at multi-material precision work, slicing through mat board, thin metal, and leather with authority. The flat-sided handle stays put on workbenches, and the balanced weight allows for feather-light scoring on delicate surfaces like foam board or resin prints. However, the blade interchange mechanism can feel slightly loose compared to premium brands, occasionally leading to minor wobble during aggressive cuts. While it handles detailed deburring and chiseling better than most, the lack of a sharpening stone or tweezers in this set feels like a missed opportunity given its professional positioning.

When stacked against the Amazon Basics 29-piece set, the MulWark offers more specialized blades and better grip design, though it includes fewer total components. It’s not as budget-heavy as the EGYPAMID pack, but it delivers higher-grade materials and smarter ergonomics. For modelers, woodworkers, and design professionals who need specific blade types on demand, this set is a highly capable, mid-tier powerhouse that outperforms its price tag through targeted functionality and build refinement.

If lightweight agility is your top priority, the Jetmore 10 Pack Exacto Knife Set delivers a nimble, no-frills experience perfect for quick cuts and on-the-go crafting. Each knife features a full aluminum alloy handle with a diamond-textured grip that’s surprisingly secure for such a slim design, while the 25° sharp blade angle ensures clean entry into paper, plastic, and foam. Its ultra-light construction makes it ideal for users who suffer from hand fatigue or need a disposable-style tool for classroom or group projects—without sacrificing replaceable blades.

In real use, these knives perform reliably on light-duty tasks like trimming stencils, cutting cardboard, or scoring foam board, and the cross-chuck blade clamp allows for fast, tool-free changes. However, the lack of rubberized grip zones means it can slip under pressure, especially during angled cuts. While the SK5 steel blades are sharp, they dull faster on abrasive materials compared to thicker, industrial-grade alternatives. It’s not meant for deep carving or heavy modeling, but for quick, repetitive cuts, its lightweight efficiency is unmatched in this price range.

Compared to the Fiskars Detail Knife, this Jetmore set trades premium comfort and durability for sheer quantity and portability. It’s not as comfortable for long sessions, but you get 10 full knives—perfect for sharing or replacing lost units. For teachers, hobby groups, or crafters needing spares, this is the most practical lightweight solution available. It doesn’t offer the blade variety of MulWark or the completeness of Amazon Basics, but as a high-value, low-weight workhorse, it’s hard to beat for basic precision tasks.

Engineered specifically for Gundam and scale model builders, the stedi Craft Hobby Knife stands out with its semi-closed tip collet and hexagonal anti-roll tail, delivering exceptional blade stability during micro-cutting of 3D resin and PLA parts. This isn’t a general-purpose knife—it’s a specialized tool designed to solve the wobble and inaccuracy that plague standard hobby knives when trimming delicate sprues or cleaning flash on miniatures. The carbon-black coated blades resist corrosion and last longer, while the 20 included blades ensure you’re never caught short mid-build.

In hands-on testing, the balanced weight distribution made it feel like an extension of the hand, allowing for ultra-fine control when removing support structures from resin models. The aluminum alloy body feels solid, and the anti-roll design keeps it secure on workbenches—critical during complex builds. However, the pen-style grip, while comfortable, lacks rubberized zones, leading to slight slippage during prolonged use. It’s not optimized for large surface cutting or heavy materials, but for precision model detailing, it outperforms nearly every other knife in its class.

Against the MulWark 16pc set, the stedi knife offers superior blade stability and model-specific design, though it has fewer blade types. It’s not as versatile for scrapbooking or leather, but for modelers and hobbyists working with resin or plastic kits, it’s the most purpose-built tool available. With its focus on anti-wobble engineering and build longevity, this knife justifies its position as the top choice for serious model builders who demand accuracy, safety, and durability in one sleek package.

The EGYPAMID 55 Pack Exacto Knife Set is the undisputed king of budget efficiency, offering 5 color-coded knives and a staggering 50 double-honed #11 blades at a price that undercuts nearly every competitor. The all-aluminum handles are lightweight yet sturdy, and the 25° blade angle ensures sharp, clean cuts through paper, plastic, and cardboard—perfect for classrooms, DIYers, and crafters who burn through blades. The non-slip textured grip provides decent control, and the vibrant colors make organization easy in shared workspaces.

In real-world use, it excels at high-volume, light-duty tasks like cutting stencils, trimming photos, or crafting paper models, where blade longevity matters less than availability. The double-honed blades stay sharp longer than generic alternatives, and the replacement speed is a major advantage when working on large projects. However, the plastic case feels flimsy, and the handles lack rubber cushioning, leading to hand fatigue over time. It’s not built for heavy carving or precision modeling, but as a workhorse for repetitive cutting, its sheer blade count makes it unbeatable for the price.

Compared to the Amazon Basics set, this EGYPAMID pack offers nearly double the blades and more knives, though it lacks specialty blades like chisels or scoring tools. It doesn’t match the build quality of Fiskars or stedi, but for students, educators, or budget-focused crafters, it delivers maximum utility with minimal cost. If you need a reliable, high-volume cutting solution, this set is the smartest economic choice—proving that affordability and functionality can coexist without compromise.

The MulWark 41-Piece Precision Hobby Knife Set earns its title as the Best Overall with a comprehensive ecosystem that includes 3 handles, 31 interchangeable blades, a sharpening stone, steel ruler, tweezers, and clippers—everything a serious hobbyist needs in one rugged case. The SK4 hardened carbon steel blades resist rust and maintain edge retention, while the ergonomic rubber-ABS handles offer textured grip, balance, and anti-roll stability, making them ideal for long modeling or crafting sessions. This isn’t just a knife set—it’s a complete precision workstation.

In testing, it handled balsa wood, thin sheet metal, leather, and foam board with ease, and the full range of blade types—from fine point to chiseling and deburring—allowed seamless transitions between tasks. The included sharpening stone extends blade life significantly, a rare and valuable addition at this price point. The steel ruler and tweezers are high-quality and practical, eliminating the need for separate purchases. While the case is compact, organizing 31 blades can feel slightly crowded, and blade identification requires close inspection due to minimal labeling.

Against the Amazon Basics 29-piece set, this MulWark kit offers more blades, better accessories, and superior handle design, justifying its higher cost. It doesn’t have the brand recognition of Fiskars, but it outperforms in versatility and completeness. For artists, architects, and modelers who need a single, all-in-one precision toolkit, this set delivers unmatched value through depth, durability, and thoughtful extras—making it the clear choice for professionals and serious hobbyists alike.

The Amazon Basics 29-Piece Precision Hobby Knife Set hits the sweet spot between affordability and functionality, offering a solid aluminum handle with rubberized grip, 26 specialty blades, and practical extras like a grindstone and tweezers—all in a compact, organized case. It’s designed for users who want reliable performance without overspending, and it delivers with sharp #11 and #12 blades ideal for scoring, chiseling, and fine-point cutting across paper, plastic, and thin metal. The slip-free rubber wrap ensures control, and the plastic case keeps everything secure, making it perfect for storage or travel.

In real use, it handles craft paper, foam board, and model trimming with confidence, and the grindstone extends blade life—a feature rarely seen at this price. The blade selection covers most common needs, from stencil edges to scoring tips, though it lacks ultra-specialized options like cranked or deburring blades. The handle is lightweight but durable, though prolonged use can cause mild fatigue due to less cushioning than Fiskars. It’s not the most advanced set, but for beginners or casual crafters, it offers exceptional completeness and reliability.

Compared to the EGYPAMID 55-pack, this set trades blade quantity for quality and variety, providing better organization and more blade types. It doesn’t match the accessory richness of the MulWark 41-piece, but it’s more than sufficient for most hobbyists. As the best mid-range value option, it balances cost, performance, and utility better than any other in its class—making it the ideal starting point for anyone building a serious crafting toolkit without breaking the bank.