Amazon Basics Durable Folding Utility Knife with Aluminum Body, Red

Over the past year, I’ve used the Amazon Basics Durable Folding Utility Knife with Aluminium Body across more scenarios than I can count, and it continues to surprise me with just how dependable it is. At a price point just under £7, you’d expect compromises in build quality, comfort, or even longevity—but that hasn’t been my experience at all. In fact, this little red utility knife has outperformed many of my older or more expensive folding knives, particularly those made with plastic bodies or budget components. It’s become a staple in my toolbox, my car boot, and even my kitchen drawer.The materials alone put it in a different class compared to most entry-level utility knives. The aluminium handle gives the tool a reassuring solidity, yet it remains lightweight enough for one-handed use over extended periods. There's no creaking or flex when pressure is applied—a common flaw with plastic-bodied folding knives. The stainless steel housing surrounding the folding mechanism not only looks sleek but has held up incredibly well to both outdoor and indoor tasks, resisting rust, dirt, and oil with minimal maintenance. While some cheap knives have handles that feel sharp around the edges or slip when wet, the Amazon Basics version has a subtly contoured grip that remains firm and comfortable, even when used in damp conditions or with gloves on.I’ve put this knife through more than twenty different use cases—from trimming vinyl flooring and carpet edges to cutting through roofing felt, car insulation, and even chicken wire for garden fencing. I’ve used it to break down hundreds of cardboard boxes for recycling, to slice cleanly through plastic packaging straps, and to open stubborn delivery packages with a single flick. It’s helped shape drywall during a bathroom renovation, cut linoleum tiles for a hallway update, and even trimmed leather offcuts for a DIY keyring project. I’ve used it to slice foam insulation boards cleanly and even to carve out pieces of rigid styrofoam for modelling purposes.One of the strongest aspects of this knife is the blade changing mechanism. There’s no fumbling, no unnecessary risk—just a quick-release button that’s smooth and precise. It accepts standard utility blades, which is perfect for me because I tend to buy packs of 100 blades in bulk. Swapping them takes seconds, and the locking mechanism ensures the blade stays firm and doesn't wobble or retract unexpectedly. I’ve owned other folding knives where the blade wobbles slightly under pressure, which is a safety hazard and a nightmare for clean, accurate cuts. With this model, I’ve had none of that—there’s a level of refinement in the design that you just don’t expect at this price point.Over the course of a year, the blade housing has not warped or loosened. I’ve dropped it on concrete, submerged it in muddy water (accidentally, during fence repair), and left it in the boot of my car through winter. Despite the abuse, it still folds with a smooth action, and the release mechanism is as reliable as day one. There’s a strong clip on the side, which I use to attach the knife to my work trousers or to the inside of a toolbox lid. It holds securely without damaging fabric, and hasn’t once bent or lost tension.In terms of safety, this knife ticks the right boxes. The locking mechanism is strong and predictable. When the blade is folded, it’s completely secure with no chance of it slipping open unintentionally. When deployed, the blade clicks into place with an audible snap, and there’s zero give. That confidence makes it easier to tackle precision cuts or high-pressure tasks without constantly checking your grip. I’ve allowed a couple of neighbours to borrow it during their DIY projects, and even those with less experience felt comfortable using it thanks to the simple, ergonomic design.When compared to budget folding knives with plastic bodies, this Amazon Basics knife is leagues ahead. I’ve had plastic models split at the hinge or lose their locking ability after a few weeks of regular use. Not to mention the common issue of the handle flexing during use, which introduces a dangerous level of unpredictability. Some of those knives come with extra blade storage compartments that rattle and break, or their clips warp on first use. The Amazon Basics knife skips all the gimmicks and instead focuses on getting the basics right: quality construction, dependable locking, easy blade changes, and solid ergonomics.I’ve tested other knives from brands like Stanley, Milwaukee, and Irwin. While some of them offer superior blade storage or magnetic tips, they also come at three to five times the price. For everyday cutting needs—especially where you’re not performing continuous, high-intensity trade work—this knife gives you 90% of the functionality at a fraction of the cost. That makes it ideal not just for personal use but for handing out to volunteers on a project, keeping spares in different workspaces, or using as a travel knife that you won’t mind losing.I’ve used this knife for crafts as well—cutting wallpaper, trimming window film, and even shaping balsa wood for lightweight structures. The control is good enough to make clean, fine cuts, especially if you pair it with a fresh blade. I’ve used it in the garden too, to help open compost bags, cut plant ties, and shape weed barriers. When camping, it’s served as a multi-purpose tool for opening packaging, slicing rope, and even helping cut fabric in a pinch.There’s something incredibly satisfying about a product that just works. No quirks, no extra tools needed, no sharp learning curve. The knife folds easily, stays folded, and deploys with a simple push of the thumb. It doesn't need any special blades or accessories. You can buy any standard utility blades, from budget to premium, and they’ll fit perfectly. That alone makes this knife an easy recommendation for new homeowners, hobbyists, or even professional tradespeople who want a dependable backup blade.I’ve also found this knife makes an excellent glove-box tool. Compact enough to stash alongside a torch and multitool, and reliable enough that I’d trust it in an emergency. I used it once to cut seatbelt webbing in a mock-up first aid training scenario, and it performed the job cleanly. It's that kind of simple, multi-situation functionality that makes me rate it so highly.Despite heavy usage across all these areas, the knife still looks good. The red anodised aluminium handle has a few scratches now, but it hasn’t chipped, dented, or lost its grip texture. The blade pivot is smooth, without developing looseness, and the tool as a whole has never rusted, even after being used in rain and not immediately dried. I’ve wiped it down with a dry cloth maybe a dozen times total in a year—that’s the extent of its maintenance. No oils, no replacements, no disassembly needed. It just works.Even with all the use, the included blade lasted longer than expected, thanks to its factory sharpness and the secure holding system that reduces unwanted movement or wear. And since switching to high-quality replacement blades, I haven’t had any reason to fault the performance. I’m still using the same unit I bought originally, and it’s as reliable now as it was when I unboxed it. I’ve since bought two more for different locations around the house and garage—not because I needed to replace the original, but because it proved so versatile I wanted more to hand.I’m fully aware that there are more advanced and premium folding knives out there. Some with blade storage, spring-loaded assists, exotic handle materials, and magnetic lock designs. But when you strip away the extras and ask what makes a folding knife truly dependable for day-to-day use, this model answers that question clearly. It’s solid, it’s safe, and it simply gets the job done.For anyone debating whether to spend a bit more on a flashier knife or go with this Amazon Basics option—I can confidently say you’ll not be disappointed if your needs align with what this tool offers. It’s perfect for around-the-house tasks, occasional heavy use, or even as a backup knife in a more demanding toolkit. It’s not going to win any beauty contests or showcase premium branding, but in terms of practical performance and long-term reliability, it’s a quiet champion.

This product is great value for money. I liked it so much that I bought a second one. It seems really well made and is easy to operate. Has a number of safety features. The mechanism for replacing the blade makes it very quick and easy, and is also secure during use.The case it comes in is a bit long when the knife is folded (and doesnt close if it's not), but it still does the job, and would allow you to hang it on your belt if you wanted to. There looks like enough room in the case for a pack of spare blades, although I haven't tested that yet.

Brilliant Knife, I bought it for work to cut through cardboard and shrink wrap. It's a good quality, and nice looking knife. Easy to use and fold away, pocket clip actually keeps the knife in your pocket. Very sharp and nice to hold. Only problem I have is making sure nobody walks off with it lol

Excellent little knife. Good grip etc. Bought this after watching Final Destination Bloodlines 😱

No frills, basic retractable utility knife ,easy to use ,sturdy and well made.Surprised how well made this is ,blade is held nicely with little to zero rattling.Comes with small material case.

Love this gadget. Very handy to use and it’s very study

Super sharp and sturdy. Exactly what I needed

Got exactly what I needed. Best quality heavy duty definitely I will buy more I like the quality of it