REVIEW – A utility knife is a great EDC option because if the blade gets dull or damaged, it can be replaced with a fresh blade. Generally, the handle and opening/closing mechanisms of utility knives are inexpensive. The OKNIFE U1 Ultra utility knife changes this with a precision blade lock and quality materials. I have one to review; read on to see what I think!
⬇︎ Jump to summary (pros/cons)
Price: $54.99 to $64.99
Where to buy: AmazonÂ
What is it?
The OKNIFE U1 Ultra utility knife is a folding knife handle and blade holder for a standard trapezoidal utility blade. The handle grip is made from either aluminum alloy or titanium, and the other elements of the knife are made from stainless steel. The blade holder is deployed in three ways: by using the flipper at the base of the blade, using the thumb stud on either side of the blade spine, or unlocking the blade and flipping it open. The knife includes a zirconia ceramic (1200 HV hardness) blade that retains its edge up to ten times longer than stainless steel, ensuring long-term reliability. Unlike traditional metal blades, it resists corrosion, conducts no electricity, and repels stains.
What’s included?
- OKNIFE U1 Ultra utility knife
- Knurled screw wrench
- Manual
Tech specs
Handle Material: TC4 Titanium
Handle Finish：Bead Blasting Treatment
Blade Material: Zirconium Oxide Ceramic
Blade Finish: Flat Brushing Polishing
Overall Length: 5.74″ / 145.8mm
Closed Length: 3.38″ / 85.9mm
Blade Length: 2.36″ / 59.9mm
Blade Thickness: 0.02″ / 0.6mm
Blade Type: Standard trapezoidal shape
Blade Hardness: 1200HV+
Blade Angle: 11°- 18°
Net Weight: 2.89 oz/ 82g
Clip: Stainless Steel
Clip Position: Right
Mechanism: Button, Lock, thumb stud, Flipper
Origin: China
Design and features
Unboxing
The OKNIFE U1 Ultra utility knife comes in a small, color-printed box. The box includes a weight of 64 g but the knife weighs 80 g without the blade installed.
The box includes the customer service email and website on the side.
The knife is packaged in a protective bag within the box. The wrench is packaged in a separate area.
Assembly, Installation, Setup
Inserting and removing the blade is easy using the included wrench or another tool to grip the edge. As the instructions indicate, please ensure that the blade is completely installed within the holder and does not protrude beyond the holder’s edge.Â
The packet clip is removable wth a T6 driver, but the handle is not countersunk to hold the screw with the clip removed.
The knife does not come with a lanyard but it can be looped through the hole in the belt clip.
Design
The OKNIFE U1 Ultra utility knife is to utility knives what a Rolex Submariner is to dive watches. In both cases, the use of quality materials, unique styling, and available features does not make these items significantly better than less expensive alternatives. However, the refinements can be appreciated by the owner in daily use, and the value of these betterments can be justified in this way.
The Knife handle is available in Titanium and Anodized Aluminum. The Aluminum models have either stealth grey or olive green anodization and have blackened steel clips and blade holders. The titanium model in this review includes brushed stainless steel components and a micro bead-blasted handle. The bead blasting imparts a unique texture to the handle, almost like a micro-suede, that maintains the ability to grip even when covered by soap.
I feel like the clip is designed for left-handed use. When the clip is facing out in the left pocket, the back of the blade is in the left palm, the index finger is in position to push the lock button or press the flipper, and the thumb is right over the thumb stud. When the clip is facing out in the right pocket, the knife needs to be flipped over before it is aligned for use. Unfortunately, the handle is only tapped on one side for the belt clip.
The action on the blade is not as fast as on some other knives, probably owing to its short length and low mass. The steel on the utility knife blade is much thinner than it would be on a typical hollow grind blade, and it is only 2.36″ long. However, this is the smoothest operating blade on any utility knife. Most folding utility knives do not have bearings at the pivot, so compared to most knives, this feels exquisite.
The knife can be opened in three different ways. The slowest and most controlled option is using the thumb stud. There is a stud on each side of the blade so that it can be opened by either hand. The next method is by using the flipper. This method is faster than the thumb screw but requires that the knife be repositioned in the hand after opening. The quickest method to open the knis is with a push of the lock button and a swing of the knife with a flip of the wrist. This method requires timing and a good grip so that the knife doesn’t go flying with the wrist movement, but it is very fast.
The image below shows that the lock engages with about a millimeter of the blade. That doesn’t sound like a lot, but it is similar to the lock depth on the Vosteed Bellamy or the We Hyperactive, and those blades are a lot bigger.
After I press the lock, the spring-loaded lock moves to the left as depicted in the picture below, and the blade is free to rotate.
The blade supplied with the U1 Ultra is made from a Zirconium Oxide Ceramic. Ceramic blades are better than steel blades for maintaining corrosion-free conditions, keeping a sharp edge over a longer time, and keeping the blade clean. Because they are ceramic, they are brittle and prone to chipping if mishandled. They should not be impacted into solids or dropped. (Another steel blade made the hole that the blade in the title image is in.) Ceramic blades should also not be used for prying, twisting, or lateral force. They are Ideal for delicate slicing, precision cutting, and environments where rust or conductivity is a concern.
The image below shows that the ceramic blade is almost identical to the Workpro blade on the bottom.
One thing a ceramic blade can do much better than steel is pass light
The blade is held in place by a screw that applies compression to the top of the blade. The blade is also supported in a pocket at the blade pivot. This anchoring design allows a full two inches of the blade to be used. The screw that holds the blade in place has a reeded edge, like a coin. The U1 comes with a tool to grip the sides of the screw to tighten and loosen it. I wish that the screw also had a wide flat on it so that it could be opened and closed with a coin. True to a knife tool company, the flathead on the tool has a hollow grind.
The screw threads stop before continuing the entire length of the shaft so that it cannot be removed from the blade holder and get lost.
Performance
A comparison of the OKNIFE Ultra U1 with a typical utility knife handle shows some performance enhancements. The closed size of the knife is smaller than the typical utility knife in length, width, and depth. The plastic body of the typical handle shows that it has been used much more, but also shows how less resilient materials can be subject to corrosion. The pin on the lockback is not captive and can be pushed out. The rivets on the blande holder are not as precise as the holder on the Ultra U1.
When the knife is open, the OKNIFE Ultra U1 has much more of the blade surface available for cutting. When the knife is open and held, it does not feel small. There is jimping on the back of the blade that lends itself to being held with most of the grip on the thumb and first two fingers. This grip aids precision and control.
Final thoughts
The OKNIFE U1 Ultra utility knife redefines everyday carry (EDC) tools by combining premium materials with clever design and blade deployment. Unlike typical utility knives with basic steel blades and plastic handles, the U1 Ultra features high-end materials such as TC4 titanium or anodized aluminum for the handle, and a zirconium oxide ceramic blade that remains sharper up to ten times longer than stainless steel. Despite its compact size, the knife provides an excellent grip. While priced at $54.99 to $64.99, its premium feel and attention to detail make it an appealing choice for users who appreciate quality and innovation in their EDC gear.
What I like about the OKNIFE U1 Ultra utility knife
- Quality Materials
- Long blade
- unique and varied opening and closing options
What needs to be improved?
- The blade lock screw needs a tool
- Add a removable clip
Price: $54.99 to $64.99
Where to buy: AmazonÂ
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by OKNIFE. OKNIFE did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
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