Fastback Utility Knife with Wire Strip + Gut Hook (2-Pack)
Last verified by the Lifetime Picks Editorial Team
Why we picked it
Trigger-style spring release (one-handed open)
Milwaukee's Fastback is the spring-loaded folding utility knife trades-people consensus-recommend over Stanley and Workpro alternatives. The 'Fastback' is the trigger-style spring release — squeeze the trigger and the blade snaps out, no thumb-pinching against a recessed slider. The all-metal body survives the pocket-drop-into-concrete failure mode that destroys plastic-body utility knives. The included wire stripping holes (12, 14 AWG) and gut hook are unusual for utility knives at this price point — electricians and tradespeople use the wire strippers as their primary on-belt stripper. r/electricians, r/Construction, and r/Trades all surface Milwaukee Fastback as the BIFL utility knife. Replaceable standard utility blades (sold as 5-packs anywhere).
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Community & Review Summary
1,436 Amazon reviews
Reddit satisfaction score
Total mentions (0 positive)
Amazon sales rank
Price History
Current price: $37.50
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Pros & Cons from Reviews
Pros
- +Trigger-style spring release (one-handed open)
- +All-metal body — survives concrete-drop failures
- +Built-in wire stripping holes (12, 14 AWG)
- +Built-in gut hook
- +Replaceable standard utility blades
- +2-pack provides spare for shop-and-truck rotation
Cons
- -Standard utility blade only — not for thick wire or cardboard knife work
- -Trigger mechanism can become gritty if not occasionally cleaned
- -Heavier than basic Stanley folding knives
- -Single-edge blade (no double-edge option)
Warranty & Returns
Warranty
5-year limited warranty on most M18/M12 tools, lifetime on hand tools.
Read full warranty terms