FASTBACK Compact Folding Utility Knife with General Purpose Blade (2-Pack)

I've owned every generation of the fast back knives, still have the original in my main tool bag for a back up. This new model feels cheap, they use plastic instead of metal where you load the blade and it the spare blade holder in mine doesn't fit right so it just flops around and rattles. Used the knife for half a day and went out to my truck and grabbed my Fastback 2 instead. I have a new loaner knife if someone else needs to use one now, but I will not be using it. Poor build quality and materials, the fastback knives have been my favorite since they came out. I hope they get it together for the next one because this one is junk.

Combining the robust construction of a conventional, fixed blade, utility knife with the convenience of a folding utility knife, Milwaukee has done their homework and produced a tool that one can confidently carry in one’s pocket or on their belt without fear of inadvertent opening; and use without concern that the blade will fold up during use. Although, due to its compact form factor, there is no room for spare blade storage (as with some full size, fixed blade knives), a standard two-edged blade is used which can be reversed (or changed for a new blade) quickly, without the use of tools. A spring-loaded latch releases the blade for removal and retains the replacement blade. A guard “ridge” is provided to avoid inadvertent depressing of the blade latch. The latch secures the blade in the open or closed position. The left side of the blade holder is provided with a notch to cooperate with the hook on a tape measure to allow for accurate scoring of material. Operation of the latch release is easily accomplished with one’s thumb allowing for one handed opening and use. Once the release button is depressed, a flick of the wrist will open the blade to the full-open position. While this is convenient (when the other hand is busy holding the material to be cut) it may result in the knife being considered a “gravity” knife, in some jurisdictions. A formed wire belt-clip is provided that should stand up to the rigors of on-the-job use. It actually may be a little too robust if one is in the habit of clipping their knife to their pocket rather than their belt. With an overall (opened) length of 6 ¼ inches and a folded length of 4 inches it does not take up too much space in one’s pocket, yet, due to the comfortably configured handle, allows for a solid grip when cutting or scoring. A metal loop is provided for attaching a lanyard, especially convenient if working aloft. A welcome addition to the tool bag.

The easy open cardboard and plastic pack reveals a well-made folding utility knife that comfortably sits in the hand. The plastic and metal construction is well put together and soon creates confidence in the user. With a tough wire belt/pocket clip as standard and a lanyard safety tether point at the back this knife is not so easy to lose. Blade changes are quick and easy and the blade release switch is protected preventing accidental activation. Having recently moved house I am using this knife all the time opening up scores of boxes in an attempt to recreate my workshop. With use the flip mechanism does ease up a little - without becoming loose - and flipping the blade open and closed has become second nature. This is a very safe knife.

This Milwaukee fastback compact folding utility knife is interesting. It is like the other fastback utility knives except it is compact and lightweight. It has a metal frame but with plastic grips for durability and light weight, a clip for your belt or pocket, and flips open and closed easily and has a quick change blade feature as well as a lanyard hole in case you require one. The fir and finish and material quality seems decent. The only issue I have with it is that, being compact, the handle is small. I have an average-sized hand, but certainly not a large hand like many guys who might use this knife. When opened, I can only hold the handle with my first three fingers (index, middle and ring finger) and it feels awkward. I can "choke up" on the handle and hold my index finger near the blade, but it feels wildly unsafe to hold it that way and there is no pronounced recessed finger groove to keep my finger away from the very sharp blade. For that reason I consider this a light duty utility knife for non-continuous use.

This new Milwaukee FASTBACK compact utility knife has quickly become my favorite utility knife. I absolutely love the fact that you can fold it in half for storing in a pocket or clipping it on your hip with no discomfort. With the press of the button, you can quickly flip the knife open for cutting up cardboard or whatever use you might have for it. They contoured the knife perfectly in all the right spots to make it fit comfortably in your hand. The little button you have to push in to change out the razor blade works perfectly for fast blade swaps. I do not anticipate using it but they even added a spot on the back of knife to place a tether through it so you do not have to worry about losing it should you set it down or drop it somewhere. The wire belt clip is nice and thin and does not poke you however you choose to wear it. I showed my wife the utility knife and she loved the fact that is was so compact that she could throw it in her purse. She has to break down a lot of boxes at her job and I have had to more than once go steal my knife back for myself. If you have any kind of a job where you use a utility knife, I would definitely give this one a try. You will be happy you did.

I have a lot utility knives in the shop. Sometimes you want one that is hefty and fills your hand, but sometimes a small utility is exactly what you want. The Milwaukee FASTBACK Compact Folding Utility Knife is small at just under four inches. To allow it to be that short the blade folds back into the handle. Holding the release button in allows you to "flip" the blade into the open position. There is no spring assist. It's all done with the hand. There is a blade release button on the right side of the blade holder. It's a little small but even fat fingers like mine can release the blade for changing. There is no onboard blade storage. It is set up to flip open with the right hand based on the location of the release button. The pocket clip feature is especially handy. It can be easily clipped on my jeans pocket as shown in one of the pictures below. That makes it accessible even while wearing my Firm Grip Utility gloves.

VERY HANDY KNIFE - THIS "Milwaukee Tool" FASTBACK COMPACT FOLDING UTILITY KNIFE IS A MUST FOR PROFESSIONALS OR DYI'ers - THIS KNIFE OPENS WITH ONE HAND WITH THE "PRESS & FLIP" BUTTON - EASY TO CHANGE BLADES WITH THE "TOOL FREE BLADE CHANGER" - USES STANDARD UTILITY KNIFE BLADE - CAN BE CARRIED IN YOUR POCKET OR USE THE LANYARD HOLE - SIZE IS NICE ALSO 6" LONG OPEN & 4" CLOSED - MODEL # 48-22-1500 - MADE IN CHINA.

Locking (both in open and closed positions) by a thumb button (for right handers) to release the mechanism. Model is 48-22-1500 Lightweight red plastic covering over the internal steel core. Weighs about 3.6 ounces and is 4 inches long closed, just over 1/2" wide. The blade is the 'standard' steel utility knife blade, with 1/2 exposed when opened. The blade is replicable (or flip it for the other 1/2) by pressing a metal tab on the holder. The pocket clip is the open wire bale type and there is a lanyard attachment at the back end. Yes you and unlock, flip open, lock, use, unlock and then close with one hand if desired.

A great little knife. Well designed and lockable blade. Replaceable razor blades make the sharp never run out. Easy to use and very safe. Easy flip open and a good, but small pocket clip. There is a spot for a lanyard and fits ok in a large hand. The only improvement would be a stash of spare blades. A fatter handle would be comfortable in big hands and could hold 2-4 blades?

The Milwaukee FASTBACK Compact Folding Utility Knife is better than the others that I have used the blade doesn't come out when your using it which what I hate on most of my replaceable blade knives. You also have two different length options depending on which notch you put it on and what your cutting through. Button on side of knife press opens knife you can attach it to your belt or put it on a lanyard. Nice red color so I can find it quicker