OKnife U1 Ultra Review: A Next-Level Utility Knife With Two Deployment Methods

Introduction

OKnife, the cutlery division of OLIGHT, has been quiet lately, but the brand has been busy. The new U1 Ultra is its next-level take on the utility knife, and after spending time with both body variants, it is easy to see why this one stands out in the brand’s lineup.

What the U1 Ultra Changes

Earlier OKnife utility knives were slim titanium designs with extras like a screwdriver, bottle opener, and a locking mechanism to keep them closed, later moving to a more traditional pocket knife size with a bar lock. One common complaint involved the hand-operated tension screw: it could be turned by hand if you were fairly strong and it was not too tight, but many users resorted to pliers, wedged pieces of wood, or the included small knurled tool to move it.

The U1 Ultra addresses deployment in a much more modern way. It replaces the bar lock with a push button lock and adds a full-fledged flipper, giving you two deployment methods. You can press the button and let it spring open, pull the blade straight out, or flick it open with the flipper lever. There is also a thumb stud, though the flipper lever is the more natural option here.

The Ceramic Blade Advantage

The second long-standing request was a ceramic blade. The original body was too narrow to accept a wider slice-style ceramic blade, and that is still true. Instead, OKnife produced its own ultra-sharp ceramic blade designed for the U1 Ultra. The knife also accepts most traditional double-sided utility blades, though thicker specialty options like carpet cutter blades will not fit.

The ceramic blade is impressively sharp and, compared with standard metal utility blades, reasonably durable. It slices cleanly through paper, thick plastic packaging, and plastic line with ease. Even after cutting through an aluminum can and rough handling that visibly damaged the edge, a well-used ceramic blade still shaved and whittled plastic smoothly. Each knife ships with one blade included.

One note: this is a very sharp cutter, so treat it with the respect you would give any serious blade.

Aluminum vs Titanium: Weight and Feel

The U1 Ultra comes in three variations: two colorways in OLIGHT’s proprietary high-strength OAL aluminum (navy and a stealth gray that leans olive), plus a bare titanium version. Interestingly, the packaging lists both versions at 2.26 oz / 64 g, but on a scale the OAL version measured 63.8 g while the titanium one came in at 82.7 g, nearly 20 g heavier than advertised. The titanium version genuinely feels heavier in hand, and it is worth knowing that before choosing.

Both versions feel stout, dense, and solid, which is part of the appeal. The titanium variant is the heavier pick if weight matters to you.

Everyday Carry Details

The pocket clip is simple and very stout. If you carry over a thick pocket seam, you may need to wear it in a bit or give it a slight stretch. The blade tension screw is the kind that almost anything can open, from the included small wrench to whatever you have on hand, which some will appreciate and others who prefer a dedicated wrench may not.

One design note typical of out-the-front style knives: the blade is designed to push forward, not to be pulled. If you yank on the blade while it is deployed, the mechanism exhibits some play, so this is a push-cutting tool rather than one for wrenching or precision pull cuts.

Buying Advice

If you want a utility knife that opens like a proper pocket knife, cuts with a genuinely excellent ceramic edge, and feels dense and well-built, the U1 Ultra is an easy recommendation. Choose the OAL aluminum version for the lighter carry, and be aware the titanium version weighs noticeably more than its packaging suggests. It was reportedly available at the time of release, so the hardest part may simply be choosing between the three variations.

Conclusion

The OKnife U1 Ultra earns its “Ultra” name with a push button lock, a real flipper, and a ceramic blade that cuts far beyond what a traditional utility blade manages. Just match the body material to your weight preference and keep that sharp edge under control.