Specialty Knives Designed For Carpet Installers
One of the most important tools an installer carries is also one of the most inconspicuous--a knife. That small blade is indispensable when it comes to installing flooring and has literally hundreds of uses. That's why investing in the right knife is so important, says Lori Rhoads, the inside sales manager at Better Tools located in Centerville, Ohio. Carpet knives are sturdier than regular knives and have specialized blades that get the job done right. But aside from that, she says, it's really a matter of preference. Each installer really should find the knife they feel most comfortable with.
"The installers are looking for a carbon knife that holds the blade tightly because they have to make so many precision cuts. With the carpet knife they need something that's easy to hold because they have to hold it for a long time. So we tried to make it so that it was very precise and so that there's no wiggle in it--it's a tight fit," she says. "Installers judge carpet knives on how easy they are to hold, how light they are, how sturdy and how durable they are. It becomes like their favorite pair of shoes. A good carpet knife is their go-to, that's the one they look for. And that's the one they'll use."
Better Tools has recently released a knife with an ergonomic handle designed to be more comfortable in the installer's hand. The company also now offers a flip knife that can rest in the installer's pocket for easy carry and is recommended for smaller jobs.
American Safety Razor Company also offers a pocket version of a carpet knife, though the company chose not to compete in the regular market with other fixed knife companies. Still, says Grahame Poferl, director of customer development at Personna American Safety Razor Company, a good knife is imperative.
"We still came out with a carpet knife, but it is more of a pocket knife. It wasn't intended to be a primary knife for an installer but something for them to have when they are not carrying their tool belt or carrying their tools. Something to keep in their pocket for small jobs," he says. "That's taken off very well."
Since a carpet knife can be your best friend or worst enemy, says Chris Dooley, upper Midwestern sales representative for California-based Crain Cutter Co, it's important it feels right in your hand.
"We think a larger diameter knife is better. It's easier to hold because you don't have to grab it so hard. It stays in your hand. All of our knives are nice and smooth--otherwise they just collect adhesive," he says. "We have a hook on the end of it that naturally your little finger goes into, so again, you're not squeezing it and it's sliding out of your hand."
A selection of of 20 types of knives and blades for carpet professionals is available at InstallationTools.com.
"The installers are looking for a carbon knife that holds the blade tightly because they have to make so many precision cuts. With the carpet knife they need something that's easy to hold because they have to hold it for a long time. So we tried to make it so that it was very precise and so that there's no wiggle in it--it's a tight fit," she says. "Installers judge carpet knives on how easy they are to hold, how light they are, how sturdy and how durable they are. It becomes like their favorite pair of shoes. A good carpet knife is their go-to, that's the one they look for. And that's the one they'll use."
Better Tools has recently released a knife with an ergonomic handle designed to be more comfortable in the installer's hand. The company also now offers a flip knife that can rest in the installer's pocket for easy carry and is recommended for smaller jobs.
American Safety Razor Company also offers a pocket version of a carpet knife, though the company chose not to compete in the regular market with other fixed knife companies. Still, says Grahame Poferl, director of customer development at Personna American Safety Razor Company, a good knife is imperative.
"We still came out with a carpet knife, but it is more of a pocket knife. It wasn't intended to be a primary knife for an installer but something for them to have when they are not carrying their tool belt or carrying their tools. Something to keep in their pocket for small jobs," he says. "That's taken off very well."
Since a carpet knife can be your best friend or worst enemy, says Chris Dooley, upper Midwestern sales representative for California-based Crain Cutter Co, it's important it feels right in your hand.
"We think a larger diameter knife is better. It's easier to hold because you don't have to grab it so hard. It stays in your hand. All of our knives are nice and smooth--otherwise they just collect adhesive," he says. "We have a hook on the end of it that naturally your little finger goes into, so again, you're not squeezing it and it's sliding out of your hand."
A selection of of 20 types of knives and blades for carpet professionals is available at InstallationTools.com.
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