Best Palette Knives for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need
Published: June 12th, 2024

🎨Whether you're a seasoned artist or just enjoy painting as a hobby, the right palette knife can make a world of difference. After digging into expert opinions and user feedback, we've rounded up the best palette knives for different creative needs.

Let's dive into our top picks for 2024, and find the perfect tools to bring your next masterpiece to life.

🥇
Overall Best: KTHE Palette Knife Set

CONDA Palette Knife Painting Stainless Steel Spatula Palette Knife Oil Paint Metal Knives Wood Handle (Red 5 Piece) 5-Rot

The KTHE Palette Knife Set tops our list for 2024 due to its superior quality and versatile design. This set features five knives, each crafted from high-quality stainless steel and paired with comfortable wooden handles, ensuring both durability and ease of cleaning. The variety of shapes and sizes makes it ideal for mixing and applying paint efficiently, whether you’re working on intricate details or broad strokes. The ergonomic design is a standout feature, providing comfort during extended painting sessions. Whether you're a novice or a pro, our research indicates that the KTHE set delivers excellent balance and flexibility, allowing for precise, controlled movements that elevate your artwork.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$7.59 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the "CONDA Palette Knife Set"? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

🎨
Are the CONDA palette knives good quality for the price?
If you're looking for palette knives that are both easy on the wallet and fairly reliable, the CONDA Palette Knife Set could be worth checking out. These knives have stainless steel blades and comfortable wooden handles. Our research suggests that these knives are pretty versatile and can be used for different artistic tasks—mixing, spreading paint, and creating textures on your canvas, for example. The stainless steel blades are noted for their durability, while the wooden handles are crafted to fit comfortably in your hand. The set includes a variety of blade shapes and sizes, which can be handy depending on your projects and painting techniques. That said, our findings show that opinions on their flexibility seem to differ. Some folks feel the knives are a little on the stiff side, which might mean you have to put in a bit more effort, especially if you're working with softer materials. But that same stiffness can be an advantage if you need to do precise work and keep the knife steady. In the end, these knives are a common choice for both newbies and experienced artists, offering a good mix of quality and affordability. If you're after more flexible tools, you might also consider other options like softer steel or plastic blade knives. All in all, the CONDA Palette Knife Set is a solid choice for various art styles and seems like a good deal if you can work with the blade's firmness. Just make sure it fits with what you need for your art projects before you decide.

🥈
Runner-up: Blick Studio Palette Knife Set

Palette Knife – 5 Pcs Stainless Steel Pallet Knife with Smooth Edges & Wooden Handle for Sturdy Grip – Mixing Scraper for Acrylic & Oil Painting, Watercolor – Perfect for Artists & Beginners

Next up is the Blick Studio Palette Knife Set, our commendable runner-up. This set's assortment of shapes and sizes is perfect for mixing and applying both oil and acrylic paints, catering to a wide range of artistic techniques. The knives’ sturdy construction promotes longevity, a notable feature highly regarded by professional artists. Each knife strikes a perfect balance between flexibility and strength, making it easy to maneuver paint with minimal effort. The wooden handles not only provide a comfortable grip but also ensure reliable performance, whether working on detailed tasks or broad outlines.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$6.94 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Palette Knife Set (5 Pcs)? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

🎨
Are the Artvorks palette knives good for oil painting?
If you're thinking about using the Artvorks Palette Knife Set for oil painting, it seems like a solid choice for many artists, whether you're just starting out or have been at it a while. The set includes five stainless steel knives with wooden handles, and they come in a bunch of sizes and shapes to help with different techniques like mixing and spreading paint. They're described by the manufacturer as versatile enough for acrylic painting or even things like baking. One of the main appeals is their durability and resistance to rust, which should keep them going for a while. Cleaning them is pretty straightforward too. For watercolors, just soap and warm water should do the trick, but for oil paints, you'll need to use a bit of thinner or mineral oil. Based on our research, most people who have used these knives appreciate their versatility. They're used not just in oil paints but also for projects like applying wet enamels or creating raised textures with spackle. However, some artists feel the knife tips could be a bit more flexible, which might be a drawback if you're looking for extremely precise tools for professional work. There are a couple of issues people have noted, though. Some users found rust spots or had knives detach from their handles, hinting at some inconsistencies in quality. But it seems the company is good about handling these complaints by offering refunds, so you won't be left hanging. So if you're exploring oil painting or just want something affordable to experiment with, this set is worth considering. Just keep in mind it might not tick all the boxes if you're a professional seeking top-notch equipment.

💸
Budget Pick: Darice Palette Knife

6Pcs Plastic Spatula Palette Knives, Palette Knife Set Thin and Flexible Art Knife Tools Pallet Knife for Acrylic Paint Painting Knife Mixing,Spreading,Scratching,Layering Colors,Watercolor Painting

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the Darice Palette Knife is an excellent choice. Priced affordably, this palette knife still delivers impressive quality, making it ideal for students and casual artists. The stainless steel blade is both flexible and robust, while the plastic handle offers a comfortable grip. Despite its economical price tag, this knife is surprisingly durable and user-friendly. It’s an essential tool that ensures you get great value without compromising on performance, perfect for those just starting out or working on simpler projects.

Lowest at Amazon
$4.99 at Amazon
Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$3.69 at Walmart

More Answers

Still curious about the Plastic Palette Knife Set - 6 Pieces? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

🎨
What materials can the Mozeat Lens 6Pcs Plastic Spatula Palette Knives be used with?
The Mozeat Lens 6-piece Plastic Spatula Palette Knife Set is pretty versatile and a solid pick for artists using a wide range of materials. From painting with acrylics, oils, and watercolors to working with ceramics and pottery, these tools can handle it. The set has different types of knives like a painting trowel, small and large painting knives, small and large palette knives, and a spatula. This variety is great for mixing, spreading, and layering colors. Based on what we've found, the knives' flexibility and lightweight nature is a plus for some users, making it easier to do detailed work. That said, a few folks found them to be thinner than expected, which affected their sturdiness a bit. There's some feedback about them being useful for mixing and scraping, especially with tasks like working with glass slurry in plastic cups, but for something requiring more durability, you might want to look at thicker options. The spatulas are made from non-marking plastic, which makes them easy to clean and reusable—definitely convenient for any artist's kit. Plus, they have handles with hanging holes, making storage a breeze in various spaces like studios or classrooms. And if you're watching your wallet, they're reasonably priced, making them a good option if you're just starting out or testing new techniques on a budget. So, if you're all about flexibility and detail work, the Mozeat Lens set could work well for you. But if you're aiming for heavier-duty projects, you might need to look for something a bit sturdier.

Best for Students: Liquitex Freestyle Painting Knives

Liquitex Small 119905 Professional Freestyle Painting Knife No. 5, Black No. 5 Small

The Liquitex Freestyle Painting Knives stand out as the optimal choice for students and beginners. These knives come in a variety of essential shapes and sizes, making them perfect for learning and experimenting with different painting techniques. The stainless steel blades are not only durable but also resistant to corrosion, ensuring they withstand long-term use. Ergonomically designed handles provide comfort during extended periods of use. With their flexibility, these knives are suitable for both detailed work and broad strokes, encouraging learners to explore their creativity and expand their skills.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$5.99 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Liquitex Freestyle Painting Knife No. 5? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

🎨
How flexible is the Liquitex Small 119905 Professional Freestyle Painting Knife No. 5?
The Liquitex Small 119905 Professional Freestyle Painting Knife No. 5 is a hit among artists, from the pros to the hobbyists. It's got a stainless steel blade and a matte black wood handle that, according to the manufacturer's description, make it a great tool for mixing, spreading, and getting surfaces ready. When it comes to flexibility, our research highlights its sturdy yet adaptable blade. Folks seem to really like its precision and versatility, and it works well for a range of painting techniques. Its smooth glide over surfaces allows for creating various textures and effects in art. Plus, the handle's ergonomic design offers a comfy grip, helping to reduce fatigue during marathon painting sessions—perfect for when you're working on detailed stuff. That said, it's not without a few hiccups. Some have mentioned inconsistencies in the product. We've found that a handful of users reported differences in the blade's thickness and quality. There've also been mentions of issues like a wobbly blade or paint chipping off the handle, suggesting some quality control issues might be at play. So, while most are happy with it, there might be the odd piece that doesn't quite match expectations. Overall, despite the occasional quirk, feedback is largely positive, with a solid 4.5-star rating. This suggests it usually does its job well, especially for mixing paints and crafting unique textures. If you're after a flexible and reliable painting knife, the Liquitex Small 119905 could be a good bet considering its strong features and satisfied artists.

Best for Large-Scale Painting: Liquitex 4-Piece Professional Freestyle Large Scale Knives

For those specializing in large-scale paintings, the Liquitex 4-Piece Professional Freestyle Large Scale Knives are unparalleled. This set includes knives of different shapes, specifically designed for handling large surfaces and creating a variety of textures and effects. The robust blades are ideal for applying thick layers of paint, especially heavy-bodied acrylics, allowing artists to achieve bold, expressive strokes. Ergonomically designed handles ensure a comfortable grip, making it easier to control the knife during extensive painting sessions. These knives are perfect for artists looking to make a significant impact with their large-scale artworks.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$38.86 at Amazon
Get ShopSavvy
ShopSavvy is totally free and works on all popular phones and browsers
Download ShopSavvy App

Compare prices for anything in real-time, set price alerts, watch for deals by keyword, and much more

Install ShopSavvy Browser Extension

Compare and track prices automatically while you shop online at thousands of websites.

🥇 ShopSavvy Best Picks
Expert recommendations for the best overall, budget, and specialized product picks.
Our researchers bring you our top recommendations. Each article usually highlights the best overall choice, a budget-friendly option, and picks for specific needs, helping you shop smarter and with confidence.

Explore Content

Subscribe for Updates

Get the latest news, and updates on ShopSavvy. You'll be glad you did!

© 2024 Monolith Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.