When folding utility knives first came out they provided the compactness of a pocket knife with the convenience of a razor blade. Up to now, most all folding utility knives have had the blade installed so that it was fully extended. While this is not a bad thing, there are situations where the depth of cut is critical and when only the tip is necessary for the project at hand. With the release of their new series of hand tools, DeWalt brings us the DWHT10035 folding retractable utility knife. Built into the compact DeWalt folding retractable utility knife is the ability to have up to three spare blades in a storage compartment, a metal pocket clip, a liner lock, and the nifty ability to retract the blade.
Editor’s Note: Check out our best utility knife article for our top picks in this category.
DeWalt Folding Retractable Utility Knife Features
While at first hesitant to accept the idea of DeWalt hand tools, after spending some time with them, we can safely say that the tools are unique to DeWalt and they incorporate some features that have not been seen before. The new tools are quickly identifiable by the distinct yellow and black colors that have always graced DeWalt power tools. The DeWalt DWHT10035 Folding Retractable Utility Knife sports a sturdy build quality thanks to its plethora of metal parts.
In fact, only the blade storage cover is made of plastic. Using the thumb ridge that is on the back edge of the blade holder, you can easily swing the blade open. Once, open, it securely locks until you press the liner lock out of the way to allow the blade to close. The rapid load blade changing system makes swapping out blades quick and easy. Simply press the small oval button on the blade holder and pull the old blade out and insert a new one.
Once the button is released, the blade stays in whatever position the blade retraction button is set to. Squeezed into the main body of the knife is a compartment that securely holds up to three blades at the ready. On the backside of the knife is a pocket clip that makes it easy to carry in your front pants pocket. The clip cannot be repositioned, which we did not really find to be a problem since it seemed to stay put. Overall, the fit and finish are first-rate and on par with what we have come to expect from DeWalt power tools.
DeWalt Folding Retractable Utility Knife Testing
Like many of the pocket and utility knives we have tested over the years, the best way to test a tool like this is to simply have it ready for when you might need it. Between leaving it on the shop bench and sometimes in my pocket, it has seen plenty of use for opening boxes, trimming foam insulation, and even cutting drywall. The all-metal construction of the DeWalt DWHT10035 Folding Retractable Utility Knife goes a long way towards instilling a sense of confidence in the tool.
Even when applying extra pressure, it didn’t collapse under the load or fail in any other way. Actually, with some use and a small amount of lubricant, the blade holder/handle pivot point has loosened up slightly so that with a quick snap of the wrist, the blade swings open. What we liked about this is it makes for a super easy one-hand opening. Fear not, the knife will not open on its own. We found that it stayed closed thanks to a detent in the liner lock that holds it in place until some kind of action is made to open it. The retractable blade feature is just icing on the cake and makes the blade shorter overall when it’s in your pocket or tool belt.
Conclusion
The DeWalt DWHT10035 Folding Retractable Utility Knife provides more versatility than many competing products on the market. Not only is it unique, but it is also well-made. It’s an excellent buy when you factor in its strong build quality at a competitive price. This unique tool from DeWalt just might offer the best combination of a pocket knife and razor we have seen.
