Electrician's Knife with Spearpoint & Screwdriver Blade

Everyone is probably familiar with the venerable TL-29 electricians knife. A beautiful spear point slip joint blade combined with a locking slotted driver & insulation cutter. The old timers got an awful lot done with these pocket tools, & they're still useful today. If you prefer the traditional style TL-29, I'd suggest getting a Klein Electricians knife made by Utica. They are virtually identical to the ones made 80 years ago, w/ wonderful craftsmanship & carbon steel. I love mine. If you work in more humid or wet environments, or want something just a bit sturdier, the Colonial electricians knife is for you. It uses 440a heat treated to about 60 hrc, so the edge usually holds a bit better than the 1095 carbon steel of the Klein, (sharpening techniques aside.) The blades are nearly 1/8" thick at the spine, but taper to a thin edge. These knives slice with the best of them. I'd prefer a duller slotted driver, along the side edge, but I took care of that myself. I left a shirt shark section for cutting insulation, though I don't do that often. Sorry, Grandpa Charles, I never approached your mastery! Despite the lack of a locking main blade, these knives are so sturdy & well made, they're excellent tools for the job site. The saw cut Delrin handles over good grip while allowing you a decent "screwdriver" handle. The slotted driver is about 7/32", making it good for popping off a wall plate, changing a receptacle, or even light duty prying. The corner edge is good for scoring painted-over plates. As much as I love the Utica/Klein's, which are a bit more elegant, the heavy duty build & especially the stainless steel makes the Colonial/Ideal my constant companion. The Utica's are quite tough, & a bit lighter & summer in the pocket. But as far as I know, Utica doesn't make a TL-29 with a stainless slotted blade. Both makes are real bargains for an American-made classics, and the Ideal saves you about $20 over buying a non-branded Colonial.