Fastback Utility Knife with Wire Strip + Gut Hook (2-Pack) - Image 1
Milwaukee

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)

Warranty: Manufacturing defect replacement from MilwaukeeMade in: China

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).

Manufacturing defect replacement from Milwaukee Made in China

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Community & Review Summary

4.8/ 5

1,436 Amazon reviews

0%

r/BuyItForLife satisfaction

0

Total mentions (0 positive)

N/A

Amazon category rank

Price History

May 12, 2026: $37.50Jun 19, 2026: $37.50
Jun 25Jun 26

We began tracking this price on May 12, 2026. The chart fills in as more prices are recorded; see CamelCamelCamel below for older history.

View full price history on CamelCamelCamel

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)

Independent Video Reviews

Hands-on reviews from independent channels (not the manufacturer), covering what they like and what they do not.

Milwaukee Fastback Utility Knife Review by Bruce Alan Reviews + Repairs
Milwaukee FASTBACK Folding Utility Knife REVIEW by DisorderlyReviews

Warranty & Returns

Warranty

5-year limited warranty on most M18/M12 tools, lifetime on hand tools.

Read full warranty terms

Return Policy

Returns through original retailer per their policy.

Read full return policy