OKNIFE U1 Pro utility knife review – Solid knife with a hidden feature

REVIEW – I prefer using a utility knife for slicing through packing tape when opening boxes vs. using a nice pocket knife. It’s so much easier and more convenient to replace a worn utility blade than having to clean sticky tape residue off a regular knife blade. When OKNIFE (a sub-brand of OLIGHT) asked if I would like to review their U1 Pro utility knife, I was happy to accept because I could always use another utility knife. Let’s take it for a spin.

⬇︎ Jump to summary (pros/cons)
Price: $34.99
Where to buy: Amazon

What is it?

The OKNIFE U1 Pro is a utility knife in a folding pocket knife body with a pocket clip and a flip-out bit driver.

What’s included?

• OKNIFE U1 Pro utility knife
• Utility blade (1)
• Tool
• Double-headed screwdriver bit
• User guide

Tech Specs

• Handle Material – ‎G10 or Micarta
• Blade Material – Stainless Steel, High Carbon Steel
• Dimensions – ‎3.7 x 1.9 x 0.6 inches
• Weight – 3.52 ounces

Design and features

The OKNIFE U1 Pro utility knife is currently available in three styles: the green Micarta handle version shown here, a G10 black carbon fiber-handled version, and a pink version with donut sprinkles. 

At first glance, the U1 Pro looks like a regular folding pocket knife with a strong steel clip on one side.

When you look closer, you notice that the blade has a screw lock. More about that later.

The utility blade is deployed easily with one hand using the built-in thumb stud.

When deployed, the locking bar snaps in place to prevent the blade from folding closed while in use.

Then, when you want to close the knife, you just pull the spring-loaded locking bar downward, and the blade drops closed. Just make sure your fingers are out of the way of the blade when you do this or… ouchy.

The scales of the OKNIFE U1 Pro utility knife are made of Micarta (the version shown here), which gives the knife a cool, almost denim look if denim was green.

Utility knives are known for having replaceable blades. That’s where that locking screw comes back into play. This screw holds (locks) the blade in place.

I tried using my fingers to untighten the screw but failed. Then, after using my Leatherman ARC multi-tool to loosen it, I realized that the small tool included with the U1 Pro was designed for this task. Duh!

The OKNIFE U1 Pro uses standard utility blades that you can find on Amazon, or at your nearest Walmart. They are very affordable which makes using a utility knife so convenient. When the blade is dull, just throw it away and grab a new one. 

But wait, there’s more! And the funny thing is that I didn’t even notice this feature until I started writing the review. The back of the knife hides a folding bit driver.

The nail knick makes it easy to unfold the bit driver from the spine of the knife. The bit driver holder is magnetic and comes pre-installed with an SL 3.5 dual-sided flat and Phillips screwdriver bit. Nice!

I spent an afternoon breaking down boxes to get them ready for the recycling center and the U1 Pro was the main tool I used to help me with this task. I liked that the deployed blade was solid in the handle with no wiggle. I also liked that almost the entire length of the blade was exposed instead of just a short length of the tip.

Final thoughts

The OKNIFE U1 Pro is a nicely designed utility knife that doubles as an EDC pocket knife. I’m a fan of OLIGHT and OKNIFE products. I think they are well-made and constructed to last. There are three styles to choose from, and the built-in bit driver adds extra functionality that slightly helps justify its price. I think it’s a nice knife that I will definitely continue to use, but I wish it was priced about $10 cheaper.

What I like about the OKNIFE U1 Pro utility knife

• Compact
• Includes tool for the locking screw
• Built-in bit driver

What needs to be improved?

• Include an extra blade or two
• Lower the price

Price: $34.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by OKNIFE. They did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.

Check out these other reviews!

• The James Brand Palmer Clear utility knife review
• Outdoor Edge Slidewinder utility knife multi-tool review
• Ryfined Gear Duplex ultralight keychain utility knife review

Mercer Culinary M20003 Genesis 3.5-Inch Paring Knife,Black

$18.32 (as of February 7, 2025 16:37 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Victorinox 5.2003.25 10 Inch Fibrox Pro Chef's Knife, Black, 10"

$45.09 $44.98 (as of February 7, 2025 16:37 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Victorinox Swiss Army 8" Serrated Bread Knife with Fibrox Handle, 47549

5% Off $27.18 $25.82 (as of February 7, 2025 16:37 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)