October 29, 2026 — A serious safety concern has been reported involving the DeWalt DWHT10998 retractable utility knife, where razor blades are ejecting from the tool during use, posing a significant risk of severe injury. An incident report details how a blade flew out and narrowly missed a child, highlighting a potential critical design flaw in the product.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On October 9, 2026, a consumer reported an alarming incident involving their DeWalt DWHT10998 retractable utility knife. The individual had purchased two of these knives (UPC 076174109986) and was using one to cut down a cardboard box, an activity for which the tool is commonly used. The knife had only been used approximately six times prior to the incident. While making a third cut, with the blade extended and cutting away from the user as recommended, the razor blade suddenly ejected from the front of the knife. Shockingly, the loose blade flew across the room and narrowly missed striking the user’s child in the face. The consumer explicitly stated that the blade-release switch was never engaged.
Following this near-miss, the consumer conducted a closer inspection and testing of the knife. They discovered that the blade was unable to be securely held; it would come loose and eject even with gentle force applied perpendicular to the blade, specifically from the side where the quick-release switch is located, and without the switch being activated. Further inspection revealed that the second knife purchased by the consumer exhibited the exact same dangerous flaw. The consumer concluded that this product is unsafe and suffers from a critical design defect.
Safety Concerns
The reported incident with the DeWalt DWHT10998 retractable utility knife presents severe safety concerns due to the unexpected ejection of razor blades:
- Immediate Dangers: The primary and most immediate danger is the risk of severe lacerations, punctures, or eye injuries from a high-velocity, uncontrolled razor blade. As demonstrated in the incident, a flying blade can travel a significant distance and hit bystanders, including children, with potentially catastrophic consequences.
- Long-Term Risks: Injuries sustained from such incidents can lead to permanent scarring, loss of vision, nerve damage, or even more serious internal injuries if vital organs are struck. The psychological trauma from a near-miss or actual injury, especially involving a child, can also be substantial.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone in the vicinity of the user, particularly children or pets, is at risk from ejected blades. The user themselves is also at risk, as the blade could eject in an unexpected direction. Professionals and DIY enthusiasts who rely on these tools for daily tasks are particularly vulnerable due to frequent use.
- Property Damage Potential: While human injury is the paramount concern, an uncontrolled blade could also cause damage to property, such as furniture, walls, or other objects it strikes.
The alleged critical design flaw, where the knife cannot securely hold a blade without the quick-release switch being engaged, indicates a fundamental defect that undermines the very purpose and safety of a utility knife.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own a DeWalt DWHT10998 retractable utility knife should take immediate action to ensure their safety and prevent potential injury:
- Immediate Steps: Stop using the DeWalt DWHT10998 retractable utility knife immediately, especially if you experience or suspect a similar blade retention issue. Do not attempt to use the knife, even for light tasks, until the issue is resolved or the product is replaced.
- How to Check Your Product: Carefully inspect your DeWalt DWHT10998 knife. With the blade extended and without engaging the quick-release switch, gently apply perpendicular force to the side of the blade (the same side as the quick-release switch). If the blade comes loose or ejects, your knife may have the same defect. Even without active testing, if you’ve noticed any unusual blade movement or lack of stability, assume the product is compromised.
- Prevention Measures: If your knife exhibits this flaw, safely remove any blade currently installed (if possible) and store the tool in a way that prevents accidental use. Consider discarding the defective knives to prevent future incidents.
- Reporting Procedures: If you have experienced a similar incident or have confirmed this defect in your product, it is crucial to report it to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. Your report helps identify hazardous products and facilitates potential recalls.
Manufacturer’s Response
Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., the manufacturer of the DeWalt DWHT10998, has acknowledged the incident report with a “Yes” response. This indicates they are aware of the reported issue. Consumers should monitor for further communications from the manufacturer regarding potential investigations, safety advisories, or recall information.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
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Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.