The Outdoor Edge Slidewinder utility knife is compact and also features a couple of other tool components. In addition to the retractable utility knife blade, it has a small flat-head screwdriver, a Phillips screwdriver, a bottle opener, and a pocket clip.
The Slidewinder knife is said to work with standard utility knife blades, which can be changed out with “the push of a button.”
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It’s built from stainless steel and glass-nylon composite, and is available in blue, orange, and black colors.
Price: $11
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Discussion
I first learned about Outdoor Edge when coming across a replaceable blade knife, and from there I learned about some of their other products, such as the Slidewinder utility knife.
At the surface, this looks like a neat idea. It’s a compact utility knife that features a couple of other handy built-in tools. What’s not to like?
Well, the user reviews are mixed, and that has kept me from posting about it. Some user reviews complain about blade compatibility, and others complain about quality. But other reviewers call it almost perfect or say that they’re very happy with the knife. A number of user reviews say that it works great with the included blade, but doesn’t properly fit Stanley or Irwin utility knife blades, which are said to be a little thicker.
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An April 2019 user review said that they didn’t experience any difficulty in using a Lenox blade, and theorizes that the manufacturer has made some recent changes.
In my opinion, the design is decent, but all of the negative user reviews make it somewhat of a risky purchase. Many users say it works well with the included blade. But what’s the point of a utility knife if you encounter difficulties changing the blade?
Personally, I like the design, but this isn’t something I’d be likely to buy myself. But, it seems interesting enough to post about.
Have you used this knife before? Or maybe you’ve used something similar that you can recommend?
Jared
Oooo. That’s tempting. I’m only finding listings for $26 in Canada though, that’s a little steep.
I have the Gerber EAB folding mini utility knife. I liked it for awhile because of the slim profile, the fact it doesn’t much look like a knife when folded and the ability to change blades cheaply instead of sharpening. Then the pocket clip went “ping!” and I haven’t used it much since. Just lives in my truck glovebox.
I like the look of this one because of the small size and extra features. If it were $11 here I’d already have one ordered.
Noah
I’m getting one.
fred
The negative reviews are quite numerous – and seem legit
Even some of the more positive reviews note reservations.
This is the kind of item that I might buy in multiples of to give away as stocking-stuffer gifts – but I’ll pass on this one – because of the bad reviews
Jo B
Exactly what I thought too, and super expensive in Canada.
Bolt
A pass from me for the half philips screwdriver. Go all the way or don’t go at all
A W
^ this.
Nathan
I’ve owned one and its been on my keychain for 6 months. Zero problems with it. The only complaint might be the hassle of blade changes, but at least the blade is not going to fall out in your pocket.
Angel
I purchased it recently, and haven’t experienced any issues with the blade, neither have had to change it for after market one. For me is a quite useful tool, I hope I don’t find issues when needing to replace the blade, and so I think that the design might more attractive if one of the sides that is made from a plastic was made of metal, and if possible paint it to keep the attractive orange color in the one bought
JoeM
…Wow… I must be bored to have clicked on this article… I hate credit-card-multi-tools. When I think of all the times I’ve said to myself “If only I had this tool with me at the time…” none of those times involved me wanting my Wallet to be counted as a potential weapon by anyone’s security system.
Look… negative reviews or not… by the time you justify needing the tools it’s offering, you want the full sized ones that don’t have a lack of control factors, like cut depth, and full phillips blade engagement…
This is a gadget. A googah. A knicknack. Its novelty is greater than its practicality. That they didn’t engineer it to be universally capable of standard blades on version 1.0 is a very bad sign. That they engineered it with a “Phillips” tip that lacks the feature that makes a Phillips what it is, IE a CROSS blade, is a second strike against them. That it’s more than $2 for something with so many red flags to it is strike three. I’m sorry, but… despite the good intentions of the company, this sucker isn’t worth it.
…And I TOTALLY regret clicking on the article, even out of boredom… Man that was stupid of me…
Stuart
A flat Phillips-angle-shaped bit tip might not be perfect, but keep in mind that a Phillips-resembling bit is better than no Phillips bit at all.
As to your being bored, your first comment dates back to December 2013. Take a look at our post archives from earlier in 2013. https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/2013/%3C/a%3E =) Or take it back to 2012. https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/2012/%3C/a%3E I’m sure there are some posts there that you missed but might find interesting.
JoeM
Just… For reference… I normally just hate the “Credit Card” form factor tools in general. That I’m bored enough to click on an article SPECIFICALLY about one… That shocks me… That’s all it is.
But I think I just might start doing that archive thing! Thanks Stuart!
Stuart
But this isn’t a credit card tool.
Jared
No offence Joe but I think your enthusiastic dislike for this tool is a bit confusing. It’s basically a very compact utility knife – then with some cutouts/protrusions added so it can open a bottle or turn a screw. It’s not intended to be a replacement for full size tools.
If you never used any part of the tool but the blade it still looks decent (notwithstanding the apparent troubles fitting some replacement blades).
If you do ever use the other parts of the tool, I presume it would be in a “better than nothing” scenario. I have a Leatherman tread that, probably not unlike this tool, does a mediocre job at best replacing proper tools. Turning in a full-length screw is a frustrating experience. Yet I do regularly find uses for it’s various functions.
JoeM
No worries, Jared. I don’t have an enthusiastic dislike of the tool. It was just frustration over some boredom, seeming to amplify the language used.
It LOOKS like a Credit Card form factor tool, which I have a dislike of in general. That’s ALL Me. It’s really hard to tell that it’s not even the size of a credit card, which Stuart points out I was wrong about.
I’m human. I make mistakes. I apologize.
And, I hate the tread too. All the versions, including the overpriced watches. I get that Leatherman had “Innovation” in mind, but… it’s just a bracelet-worn bit kit, really. In fact, it would be more useful if they just replaced the full links with bit holders from the bit kits. At least then you could carry one of their fully functional tools, and justify the bits being there.
And the WATCHES? Come on… Partner with one of the ultra-high-end Android Wear watch companies, like Tag Hauer, if you’re going for a “Premium Price Point” watch. Android and Leatherman have a whole lot in common, and the way the two systems think is very much alike. A plain old watch, with a bunch of bits? Kinda nonsense. As it stands right now? I’d buy a $20 bit kit to replace a Tread any day. At least with one of the real Leatherman tools, you get leverage, grip, and a wider range of usefulness.
And I’m STILL frustrated that I was so bored… I never meant to start an argument with anyone, and I think Stuart just wanted to distract me… He does that from time to time, as we have a running joke about his ability to make me buy stuff. And I really didn’t mean to offend anyone, Jared. I am truly sorry if I did.
Stuart
If I wanted to distract you I’d drop links to Graph Gear 1000 pens in Japan-only color schemes
or keywords such as “Micron Pen,” or maybe “have you tried 2B pencil lead yet?”
or introduce you to dot grid paper.
I remember your poison. =)
JoeM
He He He… You’ve shown me the alternate colours for the Pentel before, and I’m not much of an artist so I haven’t used 2B leads yet. I’m sure if I ever come across the need, I will give it a shot.
And I actually was introduced to dot grid paper in high school, by the drafting and technology teacher. If we’re being totally honest, I have a tremor in my writing hand, which makes a lot of the graph/dot paper obsolete in my hands. I can type, but I have some very minor leftover nerve damage from a back injury when I was 8. 29 years later, and the only trace of the injury is a slight tremor in my right hand. I’d say that is a pretty good recovery from a Lumbar Separation! But, seriously, I’ve used grids of all sorts. I actually prefer to use a computer for a lot of this stuff, just due to that tremor.
As to “Micron Pen”… I’ll look into it… We’ll see if you’ve hit the happy button again… Though my friends on facebook, my family, and the guys at the Comic Store I hang out at to unwind, all started looking at me funny when I started buying Pens again… So we’ll see… We’ll see indeed, Stuart!
Stuart
2B isn’t just for artists, it’s softer, darker, might also be a little more break resistant. HB is always a good middle ground, but 2B is still worth trying.
Once you have tried all there is to try with pens, then comes fountain pens!
Microns are fineliners, similar to Sharpie pens, if you’re familiar with those.
Mike
The button has a second button inside of it that releases the blade back into the handle for me it was always getting in the way or I would touch it and the blade retract. It’s small and having that big release button on the side makes it almost impossible to get a good grip on it without pressing the button accidently. One other thing id like to mention is it feels just a bit flimsy the plastic side that has the button just feels thin and cheap. I had the opportunity to purchase this for $7.50 + tax and after looking at in in the store and cutting a sheet of paper up with it i just didnt like the design. If it was all metal and the release button was less conspicuous and tucked away id buy this thing in a heartbeat but I passed on this I just know ill have it broke in a week.
Toolfreak
This might seem useful, until you realize a Swiss Army Knife costs just a little more, has way more useful tools if you get something like a Tinker model, and of course, quality isn’t an issue with a SAK.
Gordon
I use every tool other than the knife on my Swiss Army keychain. The scissors are probably the best little tool to have. Followed by the tweezers and nail file.
clf28264
I sort of like it but struggle since I usually have a folding knife or if I’m working a full size utility knife. Maybe it would be good to keep in your center console for big box runs?
Paul K
If you don’t EDC a knife, I can see this being handy…the only thing drivers like this are useful for is somewhat tightening a screw till you really can, but that’s par for the course. Still though, seems like unless you find that you are caught unaware by the need to break down boxes or cut drywall, some super mini traditional multi tool or cheap mini Swiss army clone would be better on you let chain for similar real estate. This has the advanta he of not needing sharpening.
Jon
Being left-handed, tools like this piss me off. In this day and age there’s no reason they couldn’t come up with a design that works for everyone.
RCWARD
11 dollars? Naw
Nate B
I’m using the Screwpop Ron’s Utility Knife and I love it:
https://screwpoptool.com/screwpop-rons-utility-knife-2
It does one thing really well: Opens boxes. It also pops bottle caps but not particularly well. It’s so small it does legitimately fit on my keychain, a lot better than a lot of other keychain tools. And it takes every blade I’ve thrown at it.
I’ve had mine for a few years, and given several as gifts which have all been well received. And it’s seven bucks, considerably cheaper than many competitors.