DeWalt 3 in. 9-in-1 Painter's Knife with Nylon Handle

My painting and drywall kit always starts with a dependable 9‑in‑1, and DeWalt’s painter’s knife earned a spot on my belt quickly. It’s a compact 3-inch blade with a surprising amount of capability built in—enough to serve as the “one tool in hand” when you’re hopping between scraping, patching, and touch-up tasks. After several jobs—trim repaints, drywall repairs, and a ceiling patch—I’ve come to trust it, with a few caveats worth noting.

Design and build

This is a well-executed take on the classic multi-function painter’s knife. The hardened, tempered carbon steel blade is polished and lacquered, and there’s a full-length internal tang that runs into a riveted nylon handle. The handle is lightweight and solvent-resistant, with a large hang hole, and there’s a metal-alloy hammer end capping the butt.

A few details stood out in use:
- The blade stock isn’t overly thick, which keeps it lively for scraping and spreading, but it still feels rigid thanks to the full-length tang.
- The lacquered finish does help with early corrosion resistance and makes compound and paint less inclined to stick. It will wear over time, as expected.
- The hammer end is genuinely useful for setting drywall nails and brads. It’s not a replacement for a proper hammer, but it’s more than a decorative cap.

At just 3.2 ounces and roughly 9.5 inches long, it rides light on a pocket or in a holster without feeling flimsy.

Functions in practice

DeWalt lists nine functions. In real use, here’s what mattered and how they performed.

• Straight scraper: The primary edge scrapes well. I used it to pull peeling latex off exterior trim and to shave down high ridges in joint compound. The edge comes square and true; a quick pass on sandpaper kept it crisp after a day of scraping.
• Curved scrapers (concave and convex): These are genuinely handy for molding profiles and inside curves. On crown and cove, the convex profile helped me clean flaking paint without digging corners into the wood. The concave edge lets you work around small rounded surfaces without chatter.
• Gouger: This little notch is easy to overlook, but it’s great for plowing out loose material from small cracks, setting popped drywall paper, or cleaning out nail holes before filling. It’s faster and neater than improvising with the corner of the blade.
• Roller cleaner: The semicircular cutout cleared a 9-inch roller sleeve better than expected. One firm squeegee stroke each way pulled out a lot of paint before washing, saving time and water.
• Can opener and bottle opener: The can opener lip has the right leverage, and it opens lids without deforming the rim. The bottle opener works; it’s more of an off-hours perk than a job requirement.
• Nail puller: For brads and small finish nails with proud heads, the slot near the blade does the trick. It’s not a pry bar—use it to begin a pull or to remove misfires, not construction nails.
• Screwdriver: Think light-duty slotted work—outlet covers, switch plates, and hose clamps. If a fastener is tight or corroded, reach for a real driver rather than risk twisting the edge.

The hammer cap deserves a separate note. It’s sized for tapping drywall nails that back out or setting corner bead staples that didn’t sink flush. Anything heavier and you’ll feel the limits of the handle and mass, but for quick taps it’s effective and saves the walk back to the toolbox.

Ergonomics and control

The nylon handle is a standout. It’s shaped with a gentle palm swell and a subtle thumb index, so you can choke up for precision or back off for leverage. Even with compound or paint on my gloves, I never felt like I was fighting for grip. The balance is neutral—right at the ferrule—so spreading joint compound or wood filler feels controlled rather than tip-heavy.

A note on shock: the solid tang and firm handle transmit some vibration on stubborn scraping. It’s not harsh, but you’ll notice it on old oil paint or thick adhesive. The trade-off is better control and less flex.

Durability and maintenance

Carbon steel is the right call for a tool like this—it takes a keen edge, resists rolling, and holds up to light prying better than thin stainless. After weeks of use, the edge shows normal micro-nicks from encountering hidden fasteners; a quick dress on a diamond card brings it back. The lacquer helps fend off rust, but it’s not a force field. Wipe the blade at the end of the day, and add a thin oil film if you’ve been in wet or alkaline environments (fresh compound, cementitious patches).

The riveted handle and metal butt have stayed tight, with no wiggle or hot spots opening up. The hammer end hasn’t mushroomed or loosened. Labels peeled off cleanly (thank you), which seems minor until you’ve scraped adhesive off a brand-new blade on other models.

Where it excels

• Punch-list versatility: It’s ideal for that end-of-day circuit—shave a paint run, touch up spackle, pry a rogue staple, clean the roller, pop the lid back on.
• Detail scraping: The curved profiles do better than a straight edge on molded millwork and inside corners, reducing gouges.
• Drywall prep: Between the gouger, straight edge, and hammer cap, you can set popped nails, clean the crater, fill, and knife it smooth without swapping tools.
• Cleanup: The roller cleaner saves time and keeps sleeves usable longer.

Where it falls short

• Heavy prying: Like any painter’s knife, it’s not meant for aggressive demo. The blade is tough, but if you try to pop baseboards or twist off stubborn hardware, you’ll risk bending the edge or loosening rivets.
• Screwdriver function: Fine for cover plates; not a substitute for a proper driver, especially with painted-over or seized screws.
• Light mass for stubborn scraping: The low weight is nice in hand, but on old, baked-on coatings you’ll need extra passes or a heavier scraper.

None of these are dealbreakers—just reminders that a 9‑in‑1 is a generalist. It trades single-task performance for always-on-hand convenience.

Tips for best results

• Dress the edge occasionally. A few strokes on 320–600 grit sandpaper keeps the scraper crisp and reduces chatter.
• Don’t pry with the tip. If you need leverage, use the broader shoulder of the blade against a putty knife or shim to spread force.
• Wipe it down. Especially after compounds or water-based cleanup, a quick dry and a drop of light oil keep rust at bay.
• Use the hammer end as intended: tap to set, don’t swing to drive.

Comparisons and context

Compared to other 3-inch 9‑in‑1s, this knife feels sturdier at the neck thanks to the full tang and rivets. The nylon handle balances durability with a cleanable surface that resists solvent softening, unlike some rubber-overmold handles that get gummy over time. The metal hammer cap is a more functional striker than a simple plastic butt, and it integrates well without adding bulk. Weight is on the lighter end of the category, which I appreciate for all-day carry.

Who will appreciate it

• Painters and drywallers who live by a single pocket tool.
• Remodelers and maintenance techs who need a reliable scraper/spreader with useful extras.
• DIYers who want one tool that opens the can, preps, patches, and cleans up without rummaging through the bucket.

If your work leans toward demolition or heavy scraping, pair this with a dedicated 4-inch stiff scraper or a pull scraper and let this knife handle everything else.

Recommendation

I recommend this painter’s knife. It’s a thoughtfully built, lightweight 9‑in‑1 that does the essentials well: it scrapes cleanly, spreads smoothly, and adds legitimately useful functions without gimmicks. The hardened carbon steel blade and full tang give it the backbone it needs, the nylon handle is comfortable and easy to clean, and the hammer end and roller cleaner save real time on site. Like any multi-tool, it isn’t the best at heavy prying or stubborn screws, but used as intended it becomes the most reached-for item in the kit. For pros and serious DIYers alike, it earns its keep from the first job.