Makita B-65785 Retractable Utility Knife with Trapezoid Blade and 2 Spare Blades

Makita B-65785 Retractable Utility Knife with Trapezoid Blade

Makita B-65785 is a utility knife with a retractable trapezoid blade - the classic type where a slider pushes the blade out and the same slider takes it fully back into the body when you are not cutting. The pack holds 3 blades in total: one fitted and 2 spares. The slider locks the blade in 3 positions and is a safety slider - it needs a double action to push the blade out. The blade changes with one click, a string cutter is built into the body, and the handle stores up to 5 spare blades. EAN: 0088381537728.

What it is for

A trapezoid blade is a solid blade with no snap-off score lines, so it takes pressure and side load better than a segmented blade. Makita describes it as a professional blade. This is the knife you pick up for work that needs force: cutting cardboard, boxes and packaging, film and tape, scoring and cutting plasterboard, cutting carpet, linoleum and PVC flooring, insulation boards and membranes. The blade is a standard one, so spares are easy to find and you do not need a special size made only for Makita.

Blade in 3 positions and a safety slider

The blade is pushed out with the knurled slider on top of the body and locks in one of 3 positions. That lets you match the blade length to the material: the shortest setting is enough for film and cardboard, and thicker material gets more blade. The slider is a safety slider - it takes a double action to extend the blade, not a single nudge. That protects against the blade coming out by accident in a pocket or a bag. After the cut, slide the blade fully back into the body.

One-click blade change

The quick-change mechanism releases the blade with one click. That matters on plasterboard, carpet and insulation, where the blade dulls quickly and has to be changed often. The knife takes all standard trapezoid blades. Makita's own refill pack for this model is B-65517 (10 blades), which the manufacturer has replaced with P-90598 (10 blades).

String cutter and blade storage

A string cutter with a recessed blade is built into the body. It cuts string, twine and cord without extending the main blade - the cutter works even with the blade retracted. The handle has a blade storage compartment that holds up to 5 blades, so the spares always travel with the knife instead of sitting in a separate box at the bottom of the bag.

Body and grip

The body is metal, and the side of the handle carries a rubber insert for a comfortable, secure grip. The handle is curved to follow the palm. The colours are Makita's own blue and black.

Technical specifications

What's in the box

• 1 Makita B-65785 utility knife with a trapezoid blade fitted
• 2 spare trapezoid blades - marked "2x" on the blister card
• Packaging: blister on a backing card printed with article number B-65785
• No case and no holster

Tips for use and care

• Extend the blade only as far as the material needs - that is what the 3 slider positions are for. A short blade is steadier and safer.
• Cut away from your body and away from the hand that holds the material. On plasterboard, guide the knife along a metal straightedge.
• Change the blade as soon as it starts tearing instead of cutting: a dull blade needs more pressure and slips more easily. A standard trapezoid blade is symmetrical - when one point goes dull, turn the blade round and use the other.
• Retract the blade after every cut, and always before the knife goes into a pocket or a bag.
• Do not throw used blades into the bin bare - wrap them in tape or collect them in a closed container.
• Keep the slider channel clear of plasterboard and insulation dust. After working in damp conditions, dry the knife and the blades so they do not rust.
• Do not use the knife as a lever or a screwdriver - a trapezoid blade is hard, but it does not tolerate bending and can snap.

Questions and Answers