DeWalt Folding Retractable Auto-Load Knife

Why I picked up this folding utility knife

I reach for a utility knife dozens of times a week—for breaking down boxes, scoring drywall, trimming flooring underlayment, and the odd bit of careful scribing. I’ve long preferred folding models because they carry smaller and are less likely to gouge anything in a pocket or pouch. This DeWalt folding utility knife promised a slick combination of retractable blade, one‑handed folding with a liner lock, on‑board blade storage, and an automatic load mechanism that feeds a fresh blade when you cycle the slide. I spent several weeks using it on general carpentry and shop tasks to see whether the feature set pays off in day‑to‑day use.

Build and first impressions

The knife feels solid in the hand, with a mostly metal body and a bi‑material grip that adds some traction when your hands are dusty or gloved. It folds to a compact footprint, and the bright yellow/black finish is easy to spot on messy benches or in the bottom of a bag. At about 0.3 kg, it’s on the heavier side for a folding utility knife, which I actually appreciate while scoring rigid materials; the mass gives you a planted feel. If you’re used to ultralight EDC knives, the weight will be noticeable on a belt or in a pocket.

Fit and finish are good, with cleanly machined edges and a positive detent at full open. The liner lock engages consistently and holds the body open with confidence. There’s nothing loose or rattly out of the box when the blade cavity is empty.

Blade management: retract, replace, reload

This knife packs a lot of mechanism into a small space, and most of it works as advertised:

• Retractable slide: The blade extension is controlled by a top slide with distinct stops. The travel is a bit stiff for the first few days, then smooths out. The blade is easy to feather out for shallow scores or run fully extended for deep cuts.

• Tool‑free blade change: Press a button to release the blade, drop in a new one, and it clicks into place. It’s quick and secure, and it accepts the standard straight‑edge utility blades I keep on hand.

• Auto‑load: Here’s the party trick. With spare blades stored in the handle, cycling the slide forward grabs the next blade and locks it in. When everything is clean and you’ve only got a blade or two in storage, the mechanism is reliable and frankly satisfying. If you fully load storage to three spares and there’s dust or material grit inside, the pickup can get finicky. I had two instances where the mechanism half‑fed a blade, which I cleared by retracting, opening the storage, and reseating the stack. My practical tip: don’t pack the storage to capacity, and occasionally blow out the interior.

• Storage access: The storage compartment is tight. The retention spring keeps spares from rattling, which is great, but the door/mechanism is stiff. If you rely on fingernails to pop it, expect some wrestling until it breaks in. Gloves help.

Ergonomics and control

The handle shape is comfortable for both hammer and pencil grips. The bi‑material surfaces provide useful traction without being abrasive. With the blade extended, the line of cut is easy to see, and the body’s flat planes register nicely against a straightedge. The knife balances toward the front, which aids controlled scoring.

The liner lock does what liner locks do: you push the inner spring liner to close the body. It’s a two‑finger operation you can do one‑handed with a bit of practice. With gloves on, I had no trouble, though users who prefer button locks may find the liner slightly slower.

I did notice some blade wiggle when applying lateral pressure—more than on fixed‑body, retractable-only knives. It’s typical for most folding utility knives, but worth noting if you need ultra‑precise flush trims. Using thicker utility blades reduces perceived play, but doesn’t eliminate the hinge‑born flex you get with any folder.

Cutting performance

For the everyday jobs—breaking down double‑wall cartons, scoring gypsum, trimming vinyl plank underlayment, and notching shims—the knife cuts cleanly and predictably. The slide detents hold the extension length where I set it, and the handle gives enough leverage to push through tough corrugate without hot spots.

On heavier cuts, like long down‑pressure scores in dense underlayment or scoring cement backer board tape, you’ll feel the limits inherent to folding utility knives. The body remains secure, but if you torque the blade sideways, the small amount of play becomes more apparent. That’s not a knock on this specific model as much as a reminder of the tradeoffs: compact folding convenience versus the rock‑solid rigidity of a fixed‑body utility knife.

The auto‑load is genuinely useful when you’re blowing through blades on dirty sheet goods. Eject, cycle, and you’re back to work. Just keep the storage stack light and the mechanism clean to avoid misfeeds.

Safety and reliability

Two notes here:

• Retract before folding: The knife does not prevent you from folding the body while the blade is extended. It’s up to you to retract the blade before closing. Build that habit. The slide itself is positive and won’t creep, but there’s no interlock between retraction and folding.

• Keep the interior clean: Paper dust, drywall fines, and metal shavings can find their way into the auto‑load track. A quick blast of compressed air at the end of the day keeps the slide smooth and the pickup reliable. I avoid oily lubricants; a dry PTFE spray used sparingly won’t attract grit.

Durability has been good so far. The metal body shrugs off drops, and the liner lock hasn’t loosened. The storage cavity uses plastic components that can get nicked if you repeatedly slam dull blades back in nose‑first; be deliberate when removing and loading to avoid gouging the internals.

Everyday carry and convenience

Folded, the knife is compact enough for a pocket or pouch, and the bright color helps keep track of it. The extra weight is the main carry consideration; you feel it more than an aluminum minimalist folder. In return, you get a stable, confidence‑inspiring grip that doesn’t feel flimsy.

Accepting standard utility blades is a big win. You aren’t locked into proprietary refills, and you can use your preferred brand or specialty straight blades. Swapping to a fresh edge is so quick that I found myself changing blades earlier—always better for clean cuts and fewer slips.

Who it’s for

• Best for: General carpentry, shop work, facilities, and anyone who wants a compact, retractable utility knife with fast, tool‑free blade changes and convenient on‑board storage.

• Maybe not for: Heavy demolition, constant prying, or trades that demand absolute rigidity and zero blade wiggle. If you routinely put extreme downforce on the tip, a fixed‑body, non‑folding utility knife will feel sturdier.

Pros and cons

Pros:
- Solid metal body with comfortable, grippy handle
- Retractable blade with positive detents
- Quick, tool‑free blade changes and useful auto‑load
- On‑board storage reduces trips to the toolbox
- Accepts standard utility blades
- One‑handed folding via liner lock once familiar

Cons:
- Heavier than many folding utility knives
- Slight blade play under side load, typical of folders
- Auto‑load can misfeed if storage is full or dirty
- Storage access is stiff; break‑in helps
- No interlock to prevent folding with the blade extended; user discipline required

Bottom line

I like this DeWalt folding utility knife for what it is: a compact, retractable, jobsite‑friendly cutter with genuinely useful on‑board storage and a quick auto‑load that speeds up blade changes. It’s comfortable, confidence‑inspiring in the hand, and the mechanisms are dependable when kept clean and not overstuffed. The tradeoffs—weight, a bit of blade wiggle, and a stiff storage compartment—are par for the category and won’t bother most users.

Recommendation: I recommend this knife for general use and as a daily utility cutter if you value quick blade changes and compact carry. If your work demands maximum rigidity or you frequently apply heavy side loads and downforce, a fixed‑body utility knife will serve you better; otherwise, this folding DeWalt strikes a practical balance of features, durability, and convenience.