Black & Decker Folding Utility Knife with Blade

First impressions and build

A folding utility knife earns its spot in my kit by being compact, predictable, and quick to deploy. This Black & Decker folding knife checks those boxes with an all‑metal body that feels sturdier than its price suggests. At 0.3 lb, it has a reassuring heft without feeling like a brick in the pocket. Folded, it stays slim enough to disappear into a pouch or tool bag slot, and at around 6.2 inches long and 0.8 inches thick, it’s a compact package with enough handle to get a proper grip when open.

The overall fit and finish are competent: no rattles, smooth pivot action out of the box, and consistent machining. It doesn’t have the sculpted ergonomics of some pricier models, but the edges are softened enough that it’s comfortable during short to moderate cuts. The all‑metal construction makes it feel more durable, though it also means the handle can get cold when working outdoors in winter and a bit slick if your hands are oily.

One‑handed operation and locking

The thumb ridge makes one‑handed opening and closing straightforward after a little practice. It’s not a flipper; you’re nudging it open rather than flicking it, which I prefer for safety. I could reliably open it one‑handed even with light gloves. Closing one‑handed also feels controlled, thanks to the ridge acting as a reference point.

Lockup is secure in use. I didn’t experience any accidental closures or blade wobble during normal tasks like cutting cardboard, trimming flooring underlayment, and scoring drywall. That said, as with any folding utility knife, I wouldn’t lever or pry with the blade—this is a cutting tool, not a scraper or mini pry bar.

Blade changes and onboard storage

The push‑button blade release is the highlight. Press, slide, swap, and you’re done—no tiny screws, no digging out a screwdriver. The mechanism positively captures standard utility blades, and I didn’t have misfeeds or partial engagement. It’s still worth giving a light tug to confirm the blade is seated after each change, which is a habit I recommend with any quick‑change knife.

Storage for up to three spare blades in the handle is genuinely useful. The flip‑open compartment clicks open and closed cleanly, and the view window is a thoughtful touch. At a glance, I could see if I had spare blades without opening the knife, which saved time on site. Because the storage is internal, blades don’t rattle, and I didn’t notice any added play in the handle. If you frequently work away from a larger toolbox, this feature is a strong reason to consider this knife.

Cutting performance

Performance is exactly what you’d expect from a compact folding knife using standard trapezoid blades. With fresh blades, it zips through double‑wall cardboard, plastic banding, rosin paper, carpet backing, house wrap, and vinyl flooring. The handle gives enough purchase to score drywall with control; I prefer to make multiple light passes rather than forcing a deep cut, and this knife supports that approach.

Where it falls a bit short compared with heavier duty utility knives is in extended, high‑pressure cuts. Cutting long runs of roofing felt or dense rubber underlayment, I found myself wanting a more contoured handle or a thicker spine to push against. It’ll do those jobs, but you’ll feel the edges of the frame more over time. For occasional heavy cuts, it’s fine; for all‑day demolition or roofing, I’d reach for a more specialized, bulkier knife.

Tape cutter mode

The folded‑blade tape‑cutting notch is one of those simple features you don’t appreciate until you’ve used it. I used it to slice packing tape without deploying the blade, which feels safer when you’re moving fast and reduces the chance of gouging box contents. It also works on stretch wrap and some light strapping. It won’t replace a dedicated strap cutter for thick polyester banding, but it’s a smart, low‑risk option for most warehouse and shipping tasks.

Ergonomics and handling

The handle shape is neutral, which makes it versatile for different grips. There’s enough length to get all four fingers behind the blade for controlled scoring. The all‑metal sides mean less traction than rubberized handles; with dry hands, grip is fine, but with wet or dusty hands, I had to be more deliberate. A strip of grip tape would fix that for heavy site use.

Left‑handed operation is workable, but the thumb ridge favors right‑hand opening. Lefties can open it with a pinch or a two‑handed start; just know it isn’t mirrored. I’d also note that, like many compact folders, the knife benefits from a brief break‑in. The action smoothed up noticeably after a day of open/close cycles and a drop of light oil at the pivot.

Safety notes

A few practical tips from use:
- Always confirm the blade is fully seated after quick‑change. A gentle pull saves surprises.
- Retire blades early. With onboard storage, there’s no reason to push a dull blade; it’s safer and requires less force to cut with a fresh edge.
- Use the tape‑cutter notch for quick box opening to avoid over‑penetrating and damaging contents.
- Avoid prying. If you feel the urge, swap to a scraper or dedicated prying tool.

None of these are unique to this knife, but they’re especially relevant with compact folders where your hand is close to the cutting line.

Durability and maintenance

Over a few weeks of mixed shop and site use, the knife held up well. The blade carriage stayed tight, the storage door didn’t loosen, and the push‑button release didn’t gum up despite exposure to drywall dust and sawdust. If you work in very dusty environments, a quick blowout and a small amount of dry lube on the mechanism will keep things moving smoothly.

All‑metal bodies can pick up cosmetic scratches quickly. That’s cosmetic only, but if you care about appearance, expect it to develop a work patina fast. I didn’t experience any corrosion, but as with any steel hardware, don’t store it wet and occasionally wipe it down.

Portability and carry

The compact footprint makes it easy to toss in a pocket or pouch. The weight feels balanced for the size, giving it a sense of quality without being fatiguing. Because it’s a folder with a secure closed position and a truly one‑handed open, it’s well suited for everyday carry around a jobsite, shop, or warehouse. If you need a knife that vanishes in dress pants, it’s a bit weighty; in work pants or a tool belt, it strikes the right balance.

Where it fits in

This is a general‑purpose, light‑to‑medium duty utility knife with a couple of thoughtful quality‑of‑life features: quick blade changes, onboard storage with a view window, and a safe tape‑cutting mode. It’s not trying to be a demolition tool or a specialized roofing knife. If you value speed and convenience in routine cutting tasks—breaking down boxes, trimming materials to fit, and scoring sheet goods—it performs well.

If your day involves constant, forceful cuts through abrasive materials or you work with gloves in wet conditions, you may want a knife with more aggressive texturing and a thicker handle. But as a pocketable, capable cutter that removes the friction from blade swaps, this one earns a spot.

Recommendation

I recommend this Black & Decker folding knife for anyone who needs a compact, reliable cutter for everyday tasks in the shop, on a jobsite, or around a warehouse. The quick‑change mechanism is fast and secure, the internal blade storage with a view window is genuinely useful, and the tape‑cutter notch adds a safe, practical option for opening packages without deploying the blade. It excels at routine cutting and scoring without taking up space, and its all‑metal build feels solid for the size.

I wouldn’t choose it as a primary tool for heavy demolition or all‑day cutting through dense, abrasive materials—its neutral, slim handle and smooth scales aren’t optimized for maximum force or grip. But for light to medium duty work and as a dependable everyday carry utility knife, it does exactly what it should with minimal fuss.