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10 Best Drywall Knives 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Goldblatt Drywall Hand Tool Kit - Stainless Steel Joint Knife, Taping Knives, Paniter Scraper, Mud Pan

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,440
Blade Material
Handle Design

Most important from
2515 reviews

Blade Material
Excellent quality and built to last a lifetime, with polished stainless steel that cleans up with ease.
Handle Design
Very sturdy with great handles, making them comfortable to use.

The Goldblatt Drywall Hand Tool Kit is a comprehensive set designed for drywall installation, repair, and painting. It includes a variety of joint and taping knives with stainless steel blades, which are known for their durability and ease of cleaning. The blade widths in this kit range from 4 to 12 inches, offering flexibility for different tasks. This variety can greatly benefit users who handle multiple drywall projects.

The blades also feature a precision ground edge, which ensures clean and smooth application of materials. The inclusion of an alloy metal hammerhead on the putty knives is an added feature for setting nails, which can be quite handy. The handle design is another notable strength; made from polypropylene (PP) and thermoplastic rubber (TPR), the handles offer an ergonomic, anti-slip grip. This design minimizes fatigue during prolonged use, making the tools comfortable to handle.

Flexibility is high, especially with the 6-inch and 4-inch flex joint knives, allowing for smoother application of compounds. The seamless, curved inside corners of the 12-inch mud pan prevent material buildup and make cleaning easier, while its polished stainless steel construction ensures longevity. A minor drawback could be the weight of the kit, which is 4.36 pounds. This might be slightly cumbersome for some users when carrying all pieces together. This kit is especially suitable for professionals and serious DIY enthusiasts looking for a reliable, all-in-one drywall tool set.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,440
Blade Material
Handle Design

Most important from
2515 reviews

Blade Material
Excellent quality and built to last a lifetime, with polished stainless steel that cleans up with ease.
Handle Design
Very sturdy with great handles, making them comfortable to use.
#2

DEWALT Stainless Steel Taping Knife 4-Pack + Free Bonus 6" Soft Grip Putty Knife | 8/10/12/14" Blades, Soft Grip Handles | DXTT-3-171

Rating
9.8
Blade Material
Handle Design

Most important from
977 reviews

Blade Material
These knives are very well built and maintain their shape without rusting, even after over a year of use.
Handle Design
Feels great in the hand and exudes quality, making it a favorite for professional drywallers.

The DEWALT Stainless Steel Taping Knife 4-Pack, along with a bonus 6-inch soft grip putty knife, offers a mix of sizes (8, 10, 12, and 14 inches) that cater to various drywall tasks. These knives feature premium stainless steel blades, known for their corrosion resistance and durability. The blades provide precise flexibility, ensuring a smoother finish and quicker application.

The handle design stands out with a full soft grip made of glass-reinforced nylon, which is both impact and solvent resistant, promising comfortable, all-day use with minimal fatigue. Additionally, the knives have a hammer end for resetting drywall nails and a large hang hole for convenient storage.

The set includes a rigid anodized backplate that is wider and thicker than many competitive models, adding to the durability and ease of use. These tools are built to last and suitable for professional daily use, supported by DEWALT's nationwide service network. The rigid backplate may not offer the flexibility some users prefer, and the weight (3.64 pounds) might be heavier compared to other options. Despite these minor drawbacks, the DEWALT taping knife set is a reliable choice for construction, renovation, and related tasks.

Rating
9.8
Blade Material
Handle Design

Most important from
977 reviews

Blade Material
These knives are very well built and maintain their shape without rusting, even after over a year of use.
Handle Design
Feels great in the hand and exudes quality, making it a favorite for professional drywallers.
#3

DEWALT DELUXE Stainless Steel Putty Knife Set | 4/5/6/8/10-Inch + 3-Inch Included for FREE | Soft Grip Handles | DXTT-3-139

Rating
9.6
Blade Material

Most important from
178 reviews

Blade Material
The stainless steel construction ensures these knives are rust-free, offering worry-free use for life.

The DEWALT DELUXE Stainless Steel Putty Knife Set offers a comprehensive range of blade sizes from 3 to 10 inches, making it versatile for various drywall tasks. The stainless steel blades are resistant to corrosion and designed with precise flexibility, ensuring a smoother finish and efficient application.

The inclusion of a rigid anodized backplate enhances durability and stability, which is a notable strength for professional use. The soft-grip handles are ergonomically designed and lightweight, providing comfort during extended periods of use, and are made from impact and solvent-resistant nylon.

This set also features an alloy metal hammer end for resetting drywall nails and a large hang hole for easy storage, which adds to its practicality. Although the set's professional-grade quality might be more than what a casual DIYer needs and the price could be higher compared to non-professional sets, it is ideal for professionals or serious DIY enthusiasts. This set is built to last and backed by DEWALT's service network but might be overkill for occasional users.

Rating
9.6
Blade Material

Most important from
178 reviews

Blade Material
The stainless steel construction ensures these knives are rust-free, offering worry-free use for life.

Buying Guide for the Best Drywall Knives

Choosing the right drywall knife is essential for achieving a smooth and professional finish on your drywall projects. Drywall knives come in various sizes and materials, each suited for different tasks. Understanding the key specifications will help you select the best knife for your needs, ensuring efficiency and quality in your work.
Blade MaterialThe blade material of a drywall knife is crucial because it affects durability, flexibility, and ease of use. Common materials include stainless steel, carbon steel, and plastic. Stainless steel blades are rust-resistant and durable, making them ideal for long-term use. Carbon steel blades are strong and flexible but may require more maintenance to prevent rust. Plastic blades are lightweight and inexpensive but less durable. Choose a blade material based on the frequency of use and the type of work you are doing.
Blade WidthBlade width determines the coverage area and the type of task the knife is best suited for. Drywall knives typically range from 4 inches to 14 inches in width. Smaller blades (4-6 inches) are ideal for taping and patching small areas, while medium blades (8-10 inches) are versatile for general use and smoothing joints. Larger blades (12-14 inches) are perfect for finishing large areas and applying final coats. Select a blade width based on the size of the area you are working on and the specific task at hand.
Handle DesignThe handle design of a drywall knife affects comfort and control during use. Handles can be made from wood, plastic, or rubber, each offering different levels of grip and comfort. Wooden handles are traditional and provide a solid grip but may be less comfortable for extended use. Plastic handles are lightweight and easy to clean but may not offer the best grip. Rubber handles are ergonomic and provide excellent comfort and control, especially for prolonged use. Choose a handle design that feels comfortable in your hand and allows for precise control.
FlexibilityFlexibility refers to how much the blade can bend during use. Flexible blades are better for spreading joint compound smoothly and evenly, while stiff blades are ideal for scraping and removing excess material. The level of flexibility needed depends on the specific task. For general drywall work, a moderately flexible blade is usually sufficient. For finishing and smoothing, a more flexible blade is preferred. Consider the type of work you will be doing and choose a blade with the appropriate level of flexibility.
Edge TypeThe edge type of a drywall knife can be straight or beveled. Straight edges are common and versatile, suitable for most drywall tasks. Beveled edges are angled and can provide a smoother finish, especially for final coats and detailed work. The choice between straight and beveled edges depends on the precision required for your project. For general use, a straight edge is typically sufficient. For finishing touches and detailed work, a beveled edge may be more effective.

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