Grip Atlas: Ergonomics and Controlled Cutting with UTTIL

Achieving the correct result when cutting is not only about selecting the right knife, but also about how it is used. The proper grip and angle contribute to working with less effort, cleaner lines and greater confidence.

This mini guide offers practical and easy-to-apply ergonomic recommendations for everyday use within the UTTIL product family.

1) Four basic grips: Which one when?
A. Pencil grip

When to use: For short, controlled lines such as model details, template cuts, paper carving and typography.

How does it feel? A balanced grip guided by the thumb and index finger; control increases when the wrist remains parallel to the line and in a natural position.

Examples from UTTIL: NMUK09 / VMUK09 (HIPS body + TPE cover, finger rests) can provide a secure grip for fine work. PTUK07 family, especially PTUK07-30 (9 mm, 30° tip), can be preferred for precise cutting.

Examples from Mozart Blades: The Mozart Blades P1A and P1T models, featuring a metal body, TPE coating, and finger support, provide a controlled grip for fine work.

B. Power grip
Suitable for: Long, steady cuts in corrugated cardboard, thick cardboard and Styrofoam-like materials. It is necessary for cutting relatively hard or dense materials.

How does it feel? When the body is gripped with the palm and moved forward at a narrow angle, line continuity is easier. Continuing the cut by increasing the cutting depth in several passes gives a more controlled result. It is crucial for safety that the blade is segmented and the single segment is open in this type of cutting. For cutting deep and thick materials with a power grip, it is recommended to use segmentless blades or trapezoidal blades that match the desired cutting depth.

Examples from UTTIL: VMUK09 (screw-lock) increases stability in long and deep lines with a segmentless blade. NMUK04 / NMUK05 helps reduce pressure with its metal body weight. PAUK06 features a trapezoidal blade, enabling plunge cutting and power grip for both hands, and can be equipped with a hook blade if required.

Examples from Mozart Blades: Mozart Blades S2 and EVO models offer the best results for power cutting applications, such as thick floor coverings, thanks to their metal bodies, weight, and ergonomic design.

C. Pinch grip
Suitable for: Precise cuts requiring direction changes over short distances, manoeuvring in tight spaces, and scraping cuts (e.g., when trimming leather material or cleaning edge burrs).

How does it feel? Movements of the wrist or elbow direct the balance established by pinching between the thumb and index finger.

Examples from UTTIL: PTUK07 and PTUK08 family (pocket type, 9 and 18 mm) offer agile use in confined spaces. The TPE surface on the NMUK09 can provide reliable grip even when hands are sweaty.

Examples from Mozart Blades: The Mozart Blades P2A and P2T models, featuring a flat metal body and TPE coating, provide a controlled and secure grip for tasks that require a pinch grip.

D. Trigger grip
Suitable for: Rhythmic, serial cuts such as box dismantling, intensive packaging work and warehouse operations, as well as cutting insulation materials, providing a firm grip and cutting ability, especially with hook blades.

How does it feel? Placing the index finger on the trigger protrusion under the body and positioning the thumb on top of the body allows the body to be placed in the palm, providing a strong and controlled cutting action. For safety, it is imperative to ensure that the wrist remains straight, the flow is unobstructed, and your body is positioned outside the cutting line.

Examples from UTTIL: PAUK06 (trapezoidal blade, three-stage blade release) and PRUK06 (trapezoidal blade, automatic retraction) are compatible with this grip, as both models have an architecture suitable for use with either the right or left hand.

2) Right/left hand and blade direction

• In the PTUK07 family, the blade direction can be changed, which helps to see the line more comfortably when working with the left hand.
• PAUK06 / PRUK06 body structure can be used equally with both hands and is designed to maintain safe cutting, especially when gripping the trigger.
• NMUK09 / VMUK09 and other 18 mm bodies offer a natural grip for the hand; features such as back teeth and TPE surfaces enhance grip safety.
• Screw-tightened (VMUK series) models provide the ability to adjust blade stability and length, particularly when working on long or deep cutting lines.

3) Gloves, wet surfaces and friction

• Use of gloves: Nitrile or PU-coated gloves can generally improve grip. Excessively slippery palm surfaces should be avoided as they can reduce control.
• TPE's contribution: UTTIL NMUK09 / VMUK09 or Mozart Blades S2, P1, and P2 series feature a TPE coating that increases the friction surface, providing a safer grip whether used with gloves or on dry or slightly sweaty palms.
• Wetness: Drying the handle and the hand that will grip the knife before cutting helps improve cutting control.

4) Line management: ruler/guide and wrist angle

• Scoring (lightly scratching the surface): When the knife is brought close to the surface at a slight angle of approximately 10–20°, a smooth line can be achieved with a few light passes.
• Long lines: A metal ruler and preferably a non-slip base support line continuity. Securing the ruler and not directing the blade towards the body during cutting reduces unwanted accidents.
• Corner turns: Small, controlled movements of the wrist, combined with a pinching grip, contribute to smoothness in turns.

5) Blade selection and practical maintenance (with Mozart)

• Snap-off blades: When the tip becomes blunt, breaking off the segment safely helps maintain cutting quality. The break-off slot in the steel clips of the PTUK07 and PTUK08 series makes this process practical. For all other models, we recommend using pliers or a similar tool to break off the blade segments for safety reasons. Never force the tip to break uncontrollably, or attempt to break it by pressing it firmly against a workbench or flat surface.
• Segment-free (full) blade requirement: The VMUK series (screw-lock and single-piece blade models) is more suitable for deep and smooth cuts.
• Trapezoidal blades: The three-stage adjustable blade exit in the PAUK06 allows for stage and control according to different materials. The automatic retraction mechanism in the PRUK06 helps reduce accidents at the end of the cut, enabling safer cutting.
• Mozart Blades: All UTTIL models are compatible with Solingen-made Mozart Blades, which offer 9 mm/18 mm snap-off, 30° precision tips, TiN coating and trapezoidal/hook options for clean and continuous cuts.

6) Short safety summary

• Cutting away from the body is generally safer.
• Closing or locking the blade when the job is done can help reduce the risk of accidents.
• Keeping the work surface flat, dry, and non-slip enhances control.
• Collect snap-off segments in a safe container. It is recommended to replace all dull cutting tips with sharp ones as soon as possible.

The right UTTIL model, combined with the appropriate grip, can enhance the cutting experience by reducing effort, producing cleaner lines, and increasing confidence. Pen grip for precision, power grip for stability, pinch grip for manoeuvrability, and trigger grip strength in trapezoidal blade models; the ergonomics of UTTIL bodies and the cutting quality of Mozart Blades combine to deliver better results.