The Lowdown
The Olight OKNIFE MK combines a flashlight, folding knife, and bit driver in a tiny, pocket-friendly package. Its 300-lumen main light points in the same direction as the blade and driver, illuminating your work, while a side floodlight, red light, magnetic base, and USB-C charging add versatility. At $49.99, it’s a handy everyday companion for quick fixes and cutting tasks. However, the non-locking blade and occasionally confusing single-button controls leave room for improvement, and a second magnet would make hands-free lighting more useful.
Overall
Pros
- Compact package
- Three tools cover nearly all your EDC bases
- Main light points the same direction as your tool
Cons
- A locking blade
- A second magnet on the long side
Have you ever carried a knife with you, but regretted not packing a flashlight? Ever try to fasten a screw in total darkness? Have you tried biting a light in your mouth while your hands were full? Olight has what I can only describe as a clever, tiny EDC tool that ticks nearly every box. If you have to leave the house with just one item, the Olight OKNIFE MK just might be my new go-to!
Olight has a peculiar naming scheme. They’re best known for their flashlights, so if they make a knife, why not call it… the OKNIFE. Makes sense! But the Olight OKNIFE MK is way more than cramming a blade into a flashlight body.
Dimensions: 65 x 24.3 x 14.7mm (2.56 x 0.96 x 0.58 in)
Light
Maximum Output: 300 lumens
Maximum Throw: 133 m (436 ft)
Maximum Runtime: 18 h
Lighting Modes: Spotlight; Floodlight; Red Light; Red Strobe
Battery
3.6V 450mAh 10440 Li-ion rechargeable battery (AAA compatible)
Charging: USB-C; about 1.5 h
Knife
9Cr18MoV stainless steel
58 ± 1 HRC
48.5 mm length; 2 mm thickness
Non-locking slipjoint; two-handed opening
Screwdriver
4 mm double-ended bit (PH0 / SL3.5)
S2 tool steel
Replaceable with most standard 4 mm double-ended bits
Water Resistance IP65
Working Temperature 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
I was sent the Olight OKNIFE MK in “MAO Desert White” color. It’s also available in dark green and orange. The body resembles a natural titanium finish. That checkerboard pattern mimics carbon fiber from a distance, but it’s not.
The Olight OKNIFE MK packs in a blade and a bit driver. A two-way pocket clip is bolted on to one side. This clip style lets you carry it in a pocket or slip it onto the bill of your cap.
Thankfully, the clip allows for a fairly deep pocket carry for this pocket knife.
The blade itself comes in at just under 2″ long. The blade does not lock in place.
The main light throws 300 lumens for 30 seconds on high, then throttles to 200 lumens for a rated 1 hour, 20 min. There’s also 100 lumens for 1 hour, 40 min, and a low setting at 15 lumens for 18 hours.
This EDC has a versatile floodlight on the side as well! Triple-click to turn it on. It outputs 20 lumens (4 hours, 10 min) or 1.5 lumens (25 hours). Hold the switch to switch between high, low, and red (3 lumens, 7 hours). Buried in the instructions is a flashing red mode (28 hours) if you double-click.
The “screwdriver” is really a bit holder. You get one in the box. These are not your standard 1/4″ bits you might already have.
Pictured is the optional bit set and holder, which comes with an assortment of slotted, Phillips, Torx, and even a “pencil”. It doesn’t seem to be made of soft graphite as you’d expect from a #2 Ticonderoga.
The battery compartment at the bottom has a retractable lanyard loop. Unscrew the cap, and you’ll find Olight included a 10440 battery. This end of the tool is also magnetic!
Here’s that magnet in action!
A water-resistant cap covers the USB-C charging port. Note the tiny, almost hidden LED charge indicator. Specs say 1.5 hours to a full charge.
So what good is an EDC like this? Thankfully, Olight figured this out. The main light is on the same axis as the blade and bit driver. Here is a shot of the OKNIFE MK in action, in the dark.
I usually don’t hold on to instructions, but the one button control scheme can be confusing. Many times, I could not get the light to work, only to find out I had locked it (press and hold the button for 3 seconds to toggle the lock). A red indicator flashes to let you know you’re locked, thankfully!
There’s no multi-segmented LED “fuel gauge” for battery life, either, as found on other lights. The charge indicator glows green for 60%-100% battery, amber for 25%-60%, and flashing red below that. The instructions also remind you that the gauge levels are only accurate when used with the included 3.6V battery, even though the OKNIFE MK is AAA battery compatible. That’s not a terrible thing, since you probably have spare AAAs if you really need it. Just be sure not to try charging a non-rechargeable alkaline AAA in your OKNIFE MK.
The Olight OKNIFE MK retails for $49.99; it is available directly from the manufacturer and other retailers, including Amazon. Bit set sold separately.
Source: Manufacturer-supplied review sample
What I Like: Compact package; Three tools cover nearly all your EDC bases; Main light points the same direction as your tool
What Needs Improvement: A locking blade; A second magnet on the long side