Customer Reviews for Stanley Instant Change Knife

Just moving the blade in and out works. The yellow side button does release the blade for changing. 1.I found it difficult to open the storage area. Ergonomically holding on to the top section while pushing the slide button does not allow for enough room to hold on while lowering the storage area. 2. When changing the blades putting the newer blade in was not fully explained. I lost the directions that came with the knife. Is the in and out slide for the knife supposed to be all the way forward or all the way back? The video instructions were not clear. Written directions would have made it easier possibly. 3. The video instructions had no vocal instructions to accompany it plus the stop/start button was covered by the cookies protection image. 4. The blades, in my opinion, do not last very long. In product support it would help customers if written instructions and/or a downloadable manual would be helpful. Adding vocal instructions to the support video and separating the cookie image from the start/stop button would make it possible to stop the video to see better where everything is when performing blade changes. The video goes so fast and the gloved hand covers much of the rest of the knife product it is difficult to perform those actions. I hope this review helps Stanley assist customers.

I had to watch a video on the Stanley site to figure out how to use it. The tolerances are so poor though, that, like the man in the video, you should wear gloves because jamming the buttons down to make it work while handling a blade is dangerous since all the buttons are tight to move. I spent the extra money over a regular one because it looked super "robust." In retrospect the cheapies are way easier to use and more sensible in design.

After decades of using the good ol steel knives, I thought I'd treat myself to one of these fancy, cushy jobs... It is still like new because it was such a let-down! The blade doesn't stay out when you're using it, you have to constantly stop and push it out again or hold the button while you're cutting. I don't have time to stop and screw around like that when I'm working! And opening it to change blades is supposed to be so easy, I wish the blade staying out was that tough! No, this was a def fail on Stanley's part. A real disappointment and a waste of money! Well, unless you're a housewife, maybe?

Just bought this knife because we had a box of Stanley blades and couldn't find our knife. I came to the Stanley site to see if there were better instructions than the ones on the package (which was quite difficult to remove) and found out from the reviews that most of the other purchasers are having the same problem as I am. I bought the most expensive Stanley cutter in the store because I (foolishly) thought it would be the easiest one to operate. My husband and I are both having trouble getting the blade in at the right depth or getting it out. It was good to read the reviews so that we know that we're not just clumsy oafs but that a lot of other people have the same problem.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This is the best utility knife that I have! I love the easily replaceable blade and the blade storage in the back. And the small slot to cut strings and stuff with, is just really handy!

The blade release mechanism will clog with residue if used to cut drywall....requiring the knife to be disassembled. The blade is not held tight. It can wiggle. Terrible design. Blade release is plastic. Junk.

Only people giving this 1 star for the quick change feature not working properly are just too stupid to figure it out and probably shouldn't have something so sharp in their possession anyway. Some moron even complained that it was extremely difficult to take apart to change the blade. This knife requires ZERO disassembly to change the blade. Extra blades store in the drop down handle, and the button up front releases the blade for changing. There is even a youtube video for those who never made it to 3rd grade. How can these people be so dumb! Its very easy and a super awesome utility knife!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I really like the weight and balance of the curved ergonomic handle design. Great heavy duty knife with nice quick access blade change and blade storage in the handle.

Forty-five minutes at least to remove packaging includes time taken to search the web instructions to open the packaging (I found very little instruction but a lot of complaints about packaging). The trick is to get the paper beyond the slot where you open and close the knife. I had to cut, snip and pull. I came very close to returning it to Home Depot. Inserting the blade was not as bad. Had a little challenge but maybe it’s because it’s new to me and I’m still frustrated with the packaging. Beyond that, we’ll see.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Instantchange retractable knife is always ready to use! Once you get the hang of it, the blades are quick and easy to change in seconds. The knife is sturdy and feels great in my hand due to the curved shape and thumb grips. I also noticed this knife has a string cutter as well! Definitely a must have, multi-purpose tool that would be a great addition to anyone's tool box!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Easy blade change and storage feature. Quality product. Very sturdy! Cuts amazing!

blades are very difficult to change to take it apart you need three hands would not recommend this and willl never buy another sorry also to open the blade storage is not as easy as it should be!!!!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Blade changes are a pain in the bottom on most knives that claim quick changes. This one is easy.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I’ve been using this knife for about a month. I wouldn’t go anywhere without it. It’s easy to handle and the quick change feature makes it super easy to replace the blade.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] There are of course a ton of retractable box knifes out there... and watch Stanley's overlooked on the shelfs by tradesmen time and time again. Sorry Stanley, some of your stuff is not as "sexy" looking... So why do I give this 5 stars and why do I have at least 3 of them in my kit/truck/work shop?... simple: they work. They are durable. The last. They jam less the other guys. I've tried the others, lured by a tackier softer grip... yeah, those grips fall apart... Stanleys does not. What can I say. Its not the sexiest looking knife but she will stand the test of time.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Whats not to love. Feels great in your hand, doesn't slip and the on board blades mean I will always have a replacement

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] this knife is really great! extra blades are right at your fingertips. the handle is slightly curved to make it easier to hold.a nice upgrade to my old stanley knife that I've had for a lot of years.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Easy-change feature is excellent. Took a while to figure out how to get the packing material off (this was WAY too hard), and how to insert the blade... suggestion would be to have 2 easy explanation pictures versus a bunch of words... done. Otherwise this is one of my favorite knives.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I love the quick change of blades. I constantly use this feature and it saves a lot of time compared to the screw.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Overall this knife does the job, the handle is very comfortable and well built. The blade retraction system is the biggest let down as it feel very gummy and doesn’t move easily. When in need of a utility knife I would go to one of the more classic versions.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] For many, a retractable blade knife becomes your pocket knife and this knife can do that too. It has a curved, hand filling grip with a rubber back for your palm and rubber pad at the tip to give your index finger a firm, solid rest for accurate work. With the blade retracted, there is a convenient slot to cut yarn or even a seat belt in an emergency. Reverse your grip and it stays solid in your hand. No tools required to change a blade! Spare blades are contained in the hinged storage compartment in the grip, held safely in place by a well protected but easily accessed latch. To change the blade, fully extend it, push and hold in the yellow button, remove the old blade, insert the new one. All done! My advice? Don't lend it to anyone, you won't get it back. All in all, highly recommended!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Blade change makes it so easy to have a sharp blade each time.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] the blades are really easy to load, works really well

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The handle shape really fits my hand well so it feels very secure when cutting. I had a little trouble figuring out the blade loading, but once I got it, it went in well and was secure.

My partner and I got this utility knife as a housewarming present. It’s really difficult to take the blades out, and I’ve yet to be able to get the blade to lock into place or go all the way back in once it’s removed. Incredibly dangerous to have the blade loose, or still sticking out slightly. I’m pretty sure the yellow button is defective. It doesn’t make a difference if I push it in or not. Really disappointed with this product.

I made a special trip to buy a utility knife and purchased this one for a project I needed to complete. After fumbling around for 30 minutes trying to access the blades and then insert one for use, I had to give up (something I loathe to do) because it’s impossible to keep the blade in place once it’s inserted. Why Stanley Tools does not bother to provide instructions is beyond me- maybe because even with instructions the product is inferior. I was not able to complete my project and tomorrow I am returning this knife!!!!!

I have had Stanley Utility Knives for over 50 years. They have been great. Could change blades simply even using the claw on a hammer to open the case. I bought this Instantchange Utility Knife since it looked to have a more comfortable handle. Putting the first blade in was difficult. Need 3 hands to put the knife back together! I would recommend this design for the Rube-Goldberg Design of the Year! Instant Change is a joke.

I have used this knife for years, I own propably a dozen of them. The blade change is flawless if you know what you are doing, push blade all the way forward, past last stop and push yellow tab as directed, easy peasy. The curved handle fits your hand much better than a straight knife. Keep up the good work Stanley.

The blades that come with this knife do not fit, they are too small and consequently will not lock into place. How did this get past quality control and onto shelves? Just an idiotic way to tarnish your brand name. Other complaints are that the spring adjustment is flimsy and looses it's rebound over time and the stupid plastic tag you have to remove to use it. It's a shame as I would have given the product 4 stars if it came with the right blades and the adjustment mechanism wasn't so flimsy.

It was hard to place the blades. Had to do too much and still didn't get it right.