Stanley No. 199 Utility Knife Value Guide

The Stanley No. 199 is a mid-century design icon, recognized as the first utility knife to feature a die-cast metal handle with internal blade storage. This specific 1940-1960 era model is highly collectible for its distinctive fleur-de-lis textured grip and durable American craftsmanship.

What affects the value of Stanley No. 199 Utility Knife?

• Condition of the original cast aluminum finish, specifically looking for minimal pitting or oxidation.
• Crispness of the fleur-de-lis textured grip pattern, which can wear down with heavy industrial use.
• Presence of original vintage Stanley steel blades stored within the handle cavity.
• Mechanical integrity of the assembly screw and the alignment of the two handle halves.

How to Identify Stanley No. 199 Utility Knife?

• Look for the specific fleur-de-lis textured pattern cast directly into the aluminum handle scales.
• Verify the 'No. 199' model number and 'Made in USA' stampings on the cast aluminum body.
• Check for the fixed-blade design, as this model does not feature a retractable mechanism.
• Ensure the handle halves are secured by a single slotted screw which allows access to the internal blade storage.

History of Stanley No. 199 Utility Knife

First introduced in the 1930s, the No. 199 is a design icon and one of Stanley's most enduring tools. It was the first utility knife to feature a die-cast metal handle that could store spare blades inside. This specific version features the fleur-de-lis textured pattern on the handle, a classic design element from the mid-20th century.