Dewalt has launched 2 new folding pocket knives designed to “take on a wide range of cutting applications.”
The new Dewalt knives feature a quick-flip opening mechanism, ball bearing pivot, stainless steel blades, and reversible deep-carry wire pocket clip.
Both knives have a flipper tab and ambidextrous thumb studs, and are also said to open “with a flick of the wrist.”
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One of the new knives has a 3.3″ drop point-style blade (DWHT10993), and the other has a 3.3″ blade with Tanto-style tip and partially serrated edge (DWHT10994).
Here’s a look at the pocket clip. It’s basic, but reversible.
These are part of the same line as the new Dewalt Push and Flip utility knives. Unlike the utility knives, these folders have liner locks instead of a button lock.
Price: $15-16
Discussion
I would consider these EDC (everyday carry) knives, given the flipper mechanism and ball bearing opening pivot, but they seem strictly designed for general purpose and construction use.
That’s good or bad depending your perspective.
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The price point is inline with Dewalt’s past folding pocket knives.
I’m not sure why Dewalt went with a liner lock rather than the button lock they gave the new Push and Flip utility knives. Liner locks are generally not glove-friendly.
I’d like to see Dewalt graduate from simply describing their knives as having “stainless steel” blades.
The product descriptions say there’s an integrated lanyard hole for tethering the knives when working at height, but I don’t see where. Maybe it’s at the very bottom.
The descriptions also say the knives have a “high-strength metal handle.
Lastly, I can’t help but wonder – does the knife really need “Dewalt” branding on both sides of the handle AND both sides of the blade?
Then again, Milwaukee has branding in multiple places on their Hardline series of EDC folding knives as well.
S
“Lastly, I can’t help but wonder – does the knife really need “Dewalt” branding on both sides of the handle AND both sides of the blade?”
I would have to say, Yes. These knives are just like the branded caps or shirts.
The point isn’t using it because it’s fundamentally better at the task–fruit of the loom makes great shirts, and Leatherman makes great knives that will perform just as well. but the point is to further the brand itself. And the best way to reinforce the brand is vibrant on-brand coloring and ample marketing indications.
They look like nice knives. The bearing pivot is a really nice touch at this price point.
The biggest negative I see is the very straight handle, which I can sometimes too easily choke up on, and end up with a finger on the wrong half. I prefer to have more of a tactile curve/notch to encourage a natural and proper hand placement.
JoeM
Can’t help but agree. These aren’t serious knives, they’re more like Merch. Sadly, I can’t take these new ones seriously. Not since they “redesigned” the DWHT10035 Folding Retractable knife, and weakened its best design features in the process. I treasure my original, and it was only $14.
These new ones just feel… And I stress Feel like a Merch product. A cash grab just to spread the sight of DeWALT in the public. Plus they made the mistake of putting a button trigger on the utility knives, which is currently banned in Canada. Perhaps more accurately… “Shadow Banned”… Our border agency is embroiled in some scandal or something, where flip knives and button-trigger knives are being confiscated without there being a mandate or order to do so by their governing ministry or law enforcement. It’s a political thing, but it is relevant to Canadians with regards to these knives. If they’re being sold by a specific supplier that can fight this issue, they could be safe. But individuals ordering in from, say, an Amazon Marketplace store? It may never arrive, and you can’t fight for your money back.
Just trying to warn of this potential danger. I’m a little concerned about where DeWALT is going with these things, but it might be heightened by this CBSC or CBSA (whatever they’re going by these days.) scandal making me paranoid. But it does deeply trouble me, I hope that isn’t too much for ToolGuyd.
Jared
The way the applicable provision of the Criminal Code is written, any knife you can “flick” out with your wrist ought to be prohibited in Canada, even if you must first manipulate a button, a flipper or some other opening mechanism.
I don’t like that provision at all, not just because it would prohibit nearly all “good” pocket knives (there aren’t many high quality knives that are intentionally hard to open, unless you limit yourself to non-locking slip joints) but also because it seems to invite inconsistent application. Basically, it’s unworkable so some agencies ignore it and others apply it strictly.
The CBSA isn’t “wrong” in their interpretation, but they only apply it to individuals who try to order knives from other countries. You can find all kinds of “prohibited” knives for sale at hardware stores and knife retailers (the only exception is automatics). As long as you’re willing to pay the higher Canadian prices, nothing prevents a consumer from buying a button lock here. The CBSA obviously isn’t preventing retailers from importing the knives.
…and of course, while you’re not likely to get into trouble with the cops simply because you have such a knife – but you can bet they’d add a charge for possession of a “prohibited weapon” if you got into trouble for some other reason.
“Runkle of the Bailey” (an Alberta-based criminal lawyer) has a few youtubes doing deep-dives into the topic if you want more information.
chip
The DWHT10035 was/is the most frustrating knife I’ve ever used, almost impossible to open 1-handed. A coworker had one, and I learned to never ask to borrow his.
Seems to still be available.
Stuart
I did NOT like that iteration either, but for different reasons. https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/dewalt-folding-retractable-utility-knife-review/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Koko The Talking Ape
DeWalt has a number of these “merch” knives. I got one last year ($14) and it’s burly but indifferently made. The Milwaukee HardLine knives, with their D2 steel blades and heavy frame locks, are “serious” knives, but of course they cost a lot more. Also I don’t love their handles. And they’re heavy for EDC.
But I don’t know many contractors, framers, installers, plumbers, etc. who actually use a pocket knife in their work. A utility knife, sure, but a folding pocket knife?
Mr. Creek
Ambidextrous Thumb Studs. This is not specifically about the DeWalt model. Every knife manufacturer has several models with those studs. I just wish those things were separated from (EDC) description, an Every Day Carry gets used dozens of times a day. Those sides studs destroy even Duluth flex fire hose jean pockets less than 3 weeks.
Jared
Thick-looking handles. That might be confy for hard use, but then that doesnt fit will with the not glove-friendly liner lock.
I was going to complain about the tip-down pocket clip, but it looks like it can be switched. Why not make it reversible too Dewalt?
Thumbstuds AND a flipper tab? Dewalt isn’t the only one to do that, but it’s silly. The flipper tab keeps you from choking up right next to the blade, the thumb studs can interfere with the cutting path. Pick one so you don’t compromise twice.
Jeremiah D
Just wanted to comment on stuarts question about the linerlock on these blade knives yet the utility knives dont use that locking mechanism. I really dont like this but I wonder if its some legal/safety requirement since the fastback knives are the same way . Being used to the fast back utility knives i gave one bladed knife and find the linerlock very annoying. It also has more friction to flick open one handed id assume in part because of the linerlock. From what ive seen its rare to have a “pocket knife” with a pushbutton release and i really wish this wasnt the case.
Chris
Interesting. Only the replaceable blade utility knives have lanyard holes.
Michael Barrow
Looks like a mystery steel knife. Probably one of the crmov steels with a poor heat treatment, my old DeWalt tanto was ok for a beater. Would still buy an Ontario rat for a few dollars more.
KJ
For the price listed, you can bet it’s a Chinese CrMoV steel. Even mid-range knives make a point to advertise their good steel. I also agree with some of the other posters…pure Dewalt merch…just show the name. Can’t really see how many tradesmen would need a folder on the job, let alone this one. I dunno…maybe? Considering the price I guess it is almost sacrificial.