Milwaukee 48-22-1903 Fastback Flip Utility Knife with Blade Storage, Press and Flip Opening, 4 Blade Storage, All Metal Body, Quick Blade Change, Gut Hook, Wire Stripper, Wire Form Belt Clip

This is hands-down, the best utility knife. The Fastback 3 differs from the Fastback 2 by having more blade storage (stores 4 extra blades in the handle as opposed to 1 - this is great because the Fastback 3 can hold an entire 5 pack of blades), and having a lanyard hole (something that was sorely lacking on previous Fastback models). It has a quick release for the blade on the left side of the business end (catering to right-handers). This release isn't obtrusive to the point that the blade randomly releases when trying to use the knife in very confined areas. Unlike some utility knives that have the release incorporated to the top of the blade, it's very difficult to make a gut hook or serrated blade go sailing off into the sunset with an improper grip. You're reading this, so you're probably in the market for a utility knife. If you're in the market for a utility knife with the intention of cutting straps, breathe a sigh of relief, because this thing doesn't fling blades. It also has a notch in the back that allows the knife to function as a twine-cutter of sorts when shut. I believe this is what gave rise to the 'Fastback' monicker. Gotta cut a strap of something? Pull it off the belt, pull the unopened Fastback across it. Beautiful. But now, now the Fastback 3 has a lanyard loop. Anyone buying this for cutting straps can wear it around their neck and not even open it to use it. Beautiful. It's a nice hefty twine cutter in the closed position. Anyone not wanting to wear it around their neck on a lanyard can use the loop and a lanyard for retention. Accidentally knock it off your belt? This thing will follow you around like a dog on a leash. Perfect for us clumsy folk. Grip is great, with a recess for index or middle finger (depending on grip), and above that is the locking mechanism's button. It's not ambidextrous (once again, catering to right-handers), and it is spring loaded to the point where one couldn't really inadvertently depress it to the point of the blade unlocking. It'll lock to 3 positions: shut, ~120 degrees, or 180 degrees straight. When it's locked, there is no play - even to open it, it's locked shut, unlike some knives with the locking mechanism on the back that catches a notch with tension in the open position, which will happily fly open if whipped. I just listed a bunch of my favorite things. My only gripe (and it's a small one) is that the buttons aren't ambidextrous, as I'm left handed. But... us southpaws are kind of used to it. I've had this thing for probably 4 months now, never lost it (thank you lanyard loop), never unintentionally quick-released a blade (thank you side release), always have a couple fresh blades on hand (thank you storage for 4 new blades), and it's still as sturdy as day one (I thought by now, all the opening and closing would have worn down the locking button enough to get some wiggle, but I was mistaken). I read some reviews claiming that this was the greatest utility knife ever, and I'm inclined to believe it. I bought a second one just in case I lose this (I love it that much), but it's still in an unopened box because this thing is holding up like a tank. Typical Milwaukee quality.

Can't recommend any other utility that this one. This has to be the tenth one or so that I have purchased. The main reason for purchasing more isn't due to any quality issues rather misplacing the knives or giving them away. Milwaukee really nailed this product and I have been a user for 5+ years. The body is rugged and my last knife has lasted through 3 years of abuse. I ordered more after I misplaced my last one but found it shortly after. The new upgrades to this knife is the larger capacity for storage of blades. While my current knife holds one extra blade, these new ones hold several. They seem to be of the same quality as their predecessors. I recommend getting the fastback knives with storage as its a pain to need a blade mid job and need to find your extra blades. Being in contracting for several years, this knife has stood the test of time and ease of use. The flip action makes opening the knife one handed quite simple and is very useful when you only have one hand. It sits in my pocket with the clip and is very accessible. By far one of the best and most useful purchases I have made on amazon. I recommend this to pros and homeowners alike. It's a high quality product that won't disappoint

Easy and quick to open, just as easy and quick to close. A quick flick with the button pressed does the trick. Holds backup blades with no problems. Easy to replace the blade. Handle works great, both comfortable and provides a secure grip. The clip works great, easy to clip onto my pocket so I don't have to dig it out when i need it. However it's named for the slot in the back that allows access to the blade, I've found this to be difficult to use. You're better off using a safety knife. When I'm at work i carry both this and a safety knife. But you don't need the slot in the back for being "fast" because it's so quick to flip it open. And the slot does function should you need it and not have a safety knife on hand. It also has a slot on the part holding the blade which tends to work better but for certain applications using this slot without cutting another part of the item can be difficult. I can't think of an application where these slots are better than a safety knife (can't beat specialization) but i also can't think of many applications where the knife won't work for what you need I carry this knife with me everywhere, it's my absolute favourite knife.

I bought this one and the Fancii FC Folding Pocket Utility Knife at the same time, and this one is much better. The Milwaukee is more comfortable (smoother and wider), can more easily be opened and closed with one hand (by pushing the release button and swinging the folding part out or in), it folds better and it has a storage compartment for replacement blades. The Fancii is a little cheaper, cuts a little better out of the box and comes with five blades instead of just one. I didn't expect much from the included blades, though, and also got some Tajima VRB2-5B V-REX II blades which cut at least as well and might last longer. They fit both knifes.