Despite its unconventional design, thus Husky utility knife is incredibly user-friendly. And your emergency beer should ALWAYS be a can. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. Tool Reviews, New Tool Previews, Best Tool Guides, Tool Deals, and More! We also used the tools to cut out some old caulking and dice up a sheet of drywall. Your second and third picture have me a little worried. This knife is different, and it works. Are the advantages over other types of utility knives? I have extensive knowledge of utility knives, garnered from a 10-year career in construction. Since 2001, when I started carrying a utility knife, Ive probably gone through about 25 knives, most discarded due to poor features, bad ergonomics, or subpar durability. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Rather than switching blades, Ive generally kept a separate knife with hook blades specifically for that application. There are two slots at the front where the front and rear blades can be extended from. Maybe they have a warehouse there? The 48-22-1502 Fastback can be quickly opened and closed with one hand, and it provides a secure grip and a spot to store five extra blades. Putting an unnecessary bottle opener on a tool instead of making the tool lighter, smaller, cheaper, or more functional seems stupid. You can load the same or different blades into the two slots. Am I the only one that saw the thumbprint image before reading the article and assumed it was some sort of electronic finger print reader gimmick? As an IPA at the end of the day guy, Im firmly in the stop putting bottle openers on everything camp. Just by lightly pinching the tool with a forefinger in the groove, we found it nearly impossible to pull the knife out of the hand. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts). Local store prices may vary from those displayed. Milwaukee is a pro brand geared toward plumbers, HVAC guys, and electricians, so this is a useful feature for them. All Rights Reserved. Im thinking its more of a hey, this can be fixed to magnets! type of message. Beer aficionados used to sneer at cans, but a lot of the microbreweries around here are moving to cans, because theyre cheaper to ship and protect the beer from light. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Retractable-Utility-Knife-4-Blades-9044/314328097. EHS Daily Advisor, a Business and Legal Reports newsletter, reported that up to one-third of all manual tool injuries come from utility knives like box cutters. I havent come across any issues yet, but I know this is not going to be a one-knife-fits-all type of tool. DeWalts Folding Retractable Knife is an interesting model in that it is both folding and retractable. Unfortunately, there is no belt hook, and this knife is too big for any standard pocket. I just dont understand the hatred of bottle openers. With any medium-duty or aggressive cutting, the knifes metal edges dig into the hands. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. A utility knife is a fantastic tool to have in the home tool box or junk drawer. I thought the same thing. I can definitely see the advantage of one knife with 2 blade types. And the tool offers a simple blade change and a sturdy belt hook. Remember, these are razor blades, so even a brush against the edge can do some significant damage. For the record, Im on your team but I read that complaint for any tool with a bottle opener. Retract the blade, flip the tool over, and you now have access to the second blade which can be extended in the same manner. I know it, Apologies for rezzing a old post, but is there any update to these? I dont know comfortable I am in saying I recommend it, but I certainly dont recommend against I just dont know how suitable this will be for your needs, wants, or usage environment. The Bostich looks interesting. I might actually prefer the Husky though, for its pocket ability. Learn more. I guess that stupid show really pegged home that zip code. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. by Michael Sullivan and Christine Cyr Clisset. Thanks so much! Utility knives are good for jobs like breaking down cardboard boxes, cutting carpeting, or slicing the painted seam on a stuck window. Must not have been a big seller: https://www.amazon.com/BOSTITCH-10-501-Twin-Blade-Knife/dp/B003HGH4EY/. According to Lyman, Ive never used a retractable with a mechanism that doesnt eventually get really crud-filled and clunky. He spent 10 years in high-end construction as a carpenter, foreman, and supervisor. Good grip: No matter what youre doing, whether its opening a bag of ice melt or cutting an asphalt roof shingle, you want to make sure that you have a good grip on any dangerous tool. I spent most of that time as a carpenter, foreman, and job supervisor at a high-end custom builder in the Boston area. Thanks for clarifying that, Stuart!! Because of the number of stored blades and the comfortable rubber padding on the grip area, this is going to be a winner for someone who literally has a knife in their hands all day long. The blades inside are held in place by a magnet. Here are the knives we've come to love after decades in professional and home kitchens. The 4 Best Leatherman Multi-Tools for Beginners , https://www.lowes.com/pd/TOUGHBUILT-Utility-knife-5-Blade-Retractable-Utility-Knife-with-On-Tool-Blade-Storage/5001889437, https://www.homedepot.com/p/Retractable-Utility-Knife-4-Blades-9044/314328097, https://www.homedepot.com/p/Retractable-Utility-Knife-4-Blades-9044/314328097#overlay, https://photos-us.bazaarvoice.com/photo/2/cGhvdG86aG9tZWRlcG90/14fbfec0-ccfb-5a00-979d-3524d755f4a7, Makita Quietly Removed their 18V Dual Chargers USB Port, New Tekton Tool Carts are Customizable and Expandable, ToughBuilt Reload Utility Knife Review - Fun & Functional, Price-Drop: Knipex Cobra & Diagonal Cutter Pliers Set, Tool Brands' USA Expansion Updates - Dewalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Milwaukee M4 Cordless Screwdriver is 10 Years Old, Still no RedLithium USB, Lowe's Launched a New Kobalt 4V Cordless Screwdriver. Utility blades are disposable and not all that durable. Debris and gunk can get into the nose of the tool and make it difficult to move the blade in and out. The 100-pack, which typically runs about $10, also comes with a nice little case that stores the blades safely and allows you to slide one blade out at a time. I had the fingerprint reader thought very briefly. A friend who lived in the area at the time mailed one to me and then a few months later it was available everywhere. Pretty sure someone said that even for the Dewalt cooler. Also, in a true emergency, you can open bottles with screwdrivers, the edge of a counter, etc. Stanley offers a 5-pack that costs about $1, making it about twice the cost per blade, and it doesnt come with the case. All Rights Reserved. Basically, the Fastback 48-22-1502 is the only knife that combines the fast, one-handed operation of a retractable knife with the safety of the flip style. Im just picturing getting the first blade stuck during a pulling motion and trying to pull harder or with a yank and if you accidentally lose grip the meatier part of your palm (below the thumb) or even a thumb/finger tip could slide across that exposed piece of blade. Husky says that this knife features the fastest blade switch possible. Also, not another useless bottle openermust every knife come with one? That means this type of knife is ideal for all of the grunt-work cutting jobs that are too difficult for scissors and too dulling and damaging for a nice pocket knife. Theres a craftsman one available at lowes usually in store and has lifetime warranty I switched from the Stanley to the craftsman just for the warranty. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. This less expensive version of our pick has the same one-handed action, but it lacks the blade storage. Interesting design. It feels secure during use, and I like that the blade change lock also helps to prevent unintentional pull-out. 2000-2022 Home Depot. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Easy blade change: For replacing the blade, we recommend knives that are simple and keep your hands away from the cutting edge of the blade. After more than 60 hours of researching knife sets and testing 11, were confident that you wont beat the Wsthof Classic Ikon 7-Piece Walnut Block Knife Set. I cant find it anywhere online so I guess it must be coming soon. Also, the comfort of the handle is nowhere near that of the Fastbacks. This is a deep cutaway at the back of the handle that exposes a small portion of the blade when the knife is in the closed position (dont worry, its nearly impossible to cut yourself on it). He lives in a very demanding 250-year-old farmhouse and spent four years gutting and rebuilding his previous home. Wsthof Classic Ikon 7-Piece Walnut Block Knife Set, Milwaukee 48-22-1502 Fastback Utility Knife with Blade Storage, Milwaukee 48-22-1501 Fastback Folding Utility Knife, Stanley Heavy-Duty Utility Blades (100-pack), Our pick: Milwaukee 48-22-1502 Fastback Utility Knife with Blade Storage, Runner-up: Milwaukee 48-22-1501 Fastback Folding Utility Knife, Also great: Stanley Heavy-Duty Utility Blades (100-Pack), Stanley STHT10432 Control Grip Utility Knife, Irwin 2088600 Self Retracting Safety Knife, Olympia Tools 33-187 Turbopro Autoload Knife, Milwaukee Fastback II Folding Utility Knife, A Cut Above Milwaukee Fastback II Utility Knife Review, Why I Use a Chinese Cleaver More Than Any Other Knife. This came at a good time, since I just saw another interesting utility knife- the Toughbuilt scraper utility knife. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Retractable-Utility-Knife-4-Blades-9044/314328097. I saw that model referenced in one of the videos but I dont think its available yet (at least in my area or online). Im guessing thats where they start launching new products? Besides, what if you dont have your Johnny Square Pro handy to open your favorite IPA at the end of the work day? I cant take any tool with a bottle opener serious. Its unique contoured handle and deep finger notch make for a grip that is both comfortable and secure. I like tools that do things differently, and in this case Husky pulls it off well. 99% of the best craft beer in America is sold in a can. In a nutshell, the Husky sliding utility knife has all-metal construction, a full-size bottle opener, thumb control retraction mechanism, tool-free blade change, and quick-change dual-blade design. One-handed open: We much preferred knives that can be folded and unfolded with one hand. Oh yes. Or they could make the other end a pry bar and beat Gerber at their own game. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. For further research, we had conversations with Marc Lyman, editor of HomeFixated, a website devoted to tools and home improvement. Send link if this is wrong. Im not a fan of the bottle opener, but I suppose it adds a function. Although, rather than being able to use two blades, I would prefer it be half as long. Then I would use it as actually light mine while, Unfortunately, I can say that Makita treats its consumers with disdain. You can compare them side by side and its the same knife but double ended (no bottle opener!). Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. I use needle nose pliers but would love to have a bottle opener. This knife has the same features as our main pick, but it lacks the blade storage. Anchor Steam and Sculpin were tops back in the day, but no longer. Its still not available in-store but shipping was free with no minimum purchase! And Ive nicked my own knuckles and fingers enough times over the years to have full confidence in that statistic. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. I think you need some sleep. 2000-2022 Home Depot. . Safety blades are better suited for the task of scraping. Some cities and states have extremely strict laws concerning the ownership and open carry of knives. In addition to that, several other featuresthe massive finger hook, the overall ergonomics, the gut hook, the blade storage, and the easy blade changemake this the tool to beat. I wasnt familiar with the design, and so I of course bought one on the spot. I dont believe it does, just normal utility blades but they dont come with the thumb print on them. In the case of this knife blade storage, a more comfortable handle, or a more compact form factor would have been much better than another gimmicky bottle opener. We independently review everything we recommend. When painting, removing flooring, general cleanup, etc, whats wrong with a beer or two? What is to keep you from touching the exposed second blade? Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. The Gerber Superknife SK Edge looks and acts like a traditional pocket knife, but the handle is on the small side, with very little grab to it. If you follow your link to the Home Depot product page and watch the first video they mention a versatile 4-blade model (43 sec). No, theres no magnet that I can detect. Amazingly this looks like an evolution of it with a double ended 4 blade setupnice! Local store prices may vary from those displayed. Weve added a brief note about legal restrictions on knife ownership to the How we picked section. The Wiss WKF1 has a nice handle and is not really a bad knife in any way. https://www.johnsonlevel.com/P/450/ProfessionalAluminumRafte, And yes, I realize that most folks visiting this site have a whole bag of other tools that can improvise as an opener:). If the Milwaukee 48-22-1502 Fastback Utility Knife with Blade Storage isnt available, or if you want to save a few dollars, we recommend the Milwaukee 48-22-1501 Fastback Folding Utility Knife. Instant no for me. When you buy blades in smaller amounts, it costs a lot more per blade. The Olympia 33-200 Turbofold has the easiest blade-change mechanism of all the tested models, but two hands are required to fold and unfold the blade. The blade end of the Fastback locks in both the open and closed positions, so theres less of a chance that the blade will accidentally become exposed. Do that Husky! It just doesnt have any features that stand out against the rest. The Stanley Heavy-Duty Utility Blades come in a pack of 100, along with a nice little case that can be hung on a peg board or nail. https://photos-us.bazaarvoice.com/photo/2/cGhvdG86aG9tZWRlcG90/14fbfec0-ccfb-5a00-979d-3524d755f4a7. Its also nice to have a new blade available for specific tasks that might come upa fresh one will be better for scraping a small paint blob off a window. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), Replacement Blades for 9060 Carpet Knife, Round Corners (100-Box). https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Consumer-Tools-10-789-Blade/dp/B00V7FZQZG/. HomeFixateds Marc Lyman is a huge fan of the Fastback knives: Theyre not the cheapest utility blades out there, but theyre the best in my opinion.. In addition to being a very credible and honest tool expert and reviewer, Lyman is also a self-confessed knife snob. Its certainly a safe system, but it isnt practical for any involved projects like cutting out old caulking on the kitchen sink or trimming a rug pad. The knife is easy to use. Someone using this as an EDC knife may already have strong opinions on how the knife should be oriented while clipped on a belt, and the Fastback may not fit into those parameters. https://www.lowes.com/pd/TOUGHBUILT-Utility-knife-5-Blade-Retractable-Utility-Knife-with-On-Tool-Blade-Storage/5001889437. It also has an auto-loading feature, which automatically inserts a new blade into an empty cartridge. For blade changing, the Fastback has a simple, spring-loaded push-button release. Thats good to know! Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), Tri-lobe ergonomic handle design provides maximum grip control, Locking screw chuck holds blades securely for cutting accuracy, Comes with hard storage case and assorted interchangeable blades. I noticed that too. When compared with the speed of the Fastbackss blade deployment, the DeWalts thumb slide seems like an unnecessary extra step. But the blade retention on the bostich was a bit weird and I always wondered if the blade was going to accidently come loose when cutting something that was really dragging on the blade. The Fastback has a wire belt hook, as opposed to a solid metal clip. Im really liking the one I have now and would def get the four-blade version when its available. The advantages of the Milwaukee 48-22-1502 Fastback Utility Knife with Blade Storage come down to ergonomics and safety. Need Help? Need Help? Interesting design either way. 2000-2022 Home Depot. But, know the laws: Depending on where you live, there could be legal implications to owning a utility knife. This is one of the coolest, strangest, and completely unconventional utility knives Ive ever seen. This knife shares many of the characteristics of our pickthe same shape, the comfortable and secure grip area, the sturdy belt hook, and the fast, one-handed open/close. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Retractable-Utility-Knife-4-Blades-9044/314328097#overlay. I would be a little cautious of using it in very gritty environments, but so far the blade extension mechanism has been reliable and robust. Also, changing the blade out requires undoing a flathead screw and cannot be done quickly or easily. The knife comes loaded with a standard blade and a hook-style blade. Eagerly awaiting that day. Plus, its better than nothing. This seems much more convenient for someone who may use different blades on the same job. 2000-2022 Home Depot. As a matter of fact, a couple of years ago when DeWALT came out with their carbon-fiber stapler, it was only available in the 90210 area (and some other zips in the LA area as well). More Mogwai, less Black Forest, if you know what I mean. Since there are razor blades involved, we emphasized safety features in our search. This, combined with the pronounced bend at the leading edge of the hook, means its almost effortless to clip the knife onto a belt or the rim of a pocket. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. Sorry, there are no products available online or in your local store. It moves the blade from normal position to a horizontal scraping position. I like it. Funny! This is useful for bearing down on the knife, such as when youre cutting a thick cardboard box or scoring a piece of Sheetrock to patch a hole in the wall. When the edge dulls, take a pair of pliers and break off the end segment to expose a new edge. the thirst for profit drives them. Dull blades are dangerous, and they require more effort to cut with. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Home Depot has the Coolest Husky Utility Knife Ever, More of my Notable OLFA Snap-Blade Knife Experiences, The Newest Dewalt Folding Retractable Utility Knife is Terrible, Kershaw Dividend EDC Knife Review (USA-Made, ~$42) Still Awesome, Premium EDC Knife and LED Flashlight Combo: Spyderco Spydiechef + HDS Rotary (2019). Lyman referred to the Fastback series of knives as the fastest blade youll deploy short of using a switchblade. But its not so much the speed thats important here as the one-handed ease of use. The handle is another of the tools high points. Cheap utility knives, like the classic Stanley 10-099, dont cost much, but they offer nothing more than the most rudimentary functionality and safety features. Other than Lunch by Maine Beer Company, I cant think of a beer that I drink out of a bottle. That is neat. Need Help? It requires proprietary blades. We tested some with a nice and simple push-button blade release, but others had a much more complicated (and frustrating) two-part system. Im not sure of the terms, discount will show at checkout I guess. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. But the finger notch is only one portion of the handles overall superiority. and remove the blade. Ill be looking for a more compact version without the bottle opener (whats with sticking a bottle opener on anything and everything these days) or perhaps a similar sized one with a more practical secondary tool. As Lyman said, Given how frequently a utility knife gets used, I think getting a quality knife is a no-brainer.. It has some interesting selling points, and the knife works well. The blade change locking lever is basically just a physical block that doesnt allow utility knife blades to be extended too far. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. If the Milwaukee 48-22-1502 Fastback is not available, our next choice is the Milwaukee 48-22-1501 Fastback Folding Utility Knife. *At the time of publishing, the price was $12. Blade storage: For a pro contractor, storage for additional blades is a crucial feature in a knife, but the benefits exist for a homeowner as well. Sections: Knives, Tool Reviews Tags: Utility KnivesMore from: Husky. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. It does look like its available locally in parts of the country (just not within 100 miles from the Twin Cities, MN) . Looks nice and slim. All Rights Reserved. This two blade holder does seem like a nice option fo some use cases. It also has the fussiest blade change: To lock in a new blade we had to press against a piece, basically pushing our thumb up toward the underside of the blade while the top piece was being pressed downward. It would also be nice to have a second blade already in the tool to expedite the process. None of the other knives had grips that were even close to that of the comfortable, hand-hugging Fastback. I definitely favor folding.. Off Topic: Toolnut has a 48 hour sale. Unlike other folding utility knives, the Fastback can be opened and closed with a flick of the wrist, once a safety release button is pressed with the thumb. There is also this Stanley that has a utility blade end and a sport blade end: https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-10-813-Quickslide-Sport-Knife/dp/B0015O2RLA. Correction Goblin is a little worried about you on this one. Its also still quick and easy for me to close the knife by unlocking and then pulling back on the blades. Need Help? But with this small size you get poor ergonomics. Some areas, such as New York City, have extremely prohibitive knife laws. Just to note I have one of these knives as well and it has a secret blade slot at the end of the knife to turn it into a scraper. To change either blade, open the locking lever, depress the locking spring. The only difference is that there is no additional blade storage. I wondered if Id be happier with a smaller tool if the bottle opener was removed, but the length and ergonomics work well for me, even if I never use this feature. It cuts with a removable razor blade, so the edge is both incredibly sharp and very disposable. A quick push of the blade lock with your thumb and forward-motion with the blade, and it advances it to the second position. Need Help? Im impressed with the blade lock. Maybe add a hole in case I want to put it on my keychain? I did the exact same thing w/ the exact same zip code! The Fastback has a very deep finger groove that allows for an extremely secure grip. You can solve this whole problem by using Stanley Heavy-Duty Utility Blades (100-pack), a healthy supply that should last most people years. Theres no question that its a solidly built tool, but its cumbersome. Must be a Bud or Corona drinker. I dont think I studied the photos closely enough the first time I thought the blades came out opposite ends. This is a long blade that can be extended almost its full length if need be (in this case, just over 4 inches), giving it the ability to cut thicker items like foam insulation. Seems some people like Fidget Spinners Stuart likes Utility Knives At least the purpose is obvious there That is better than a Fidget Spinner, quite conclusively. I contacted support and was told its not discontinued and I put my email on a notify my when in stock reminder. I agree I like having the 2-blade option and then 2 for back-up as well! That knife is reasonably priced too. Without it, the knife would be shorter and lighter, or it could store spare blades or use that space some more usefully. The Fastback also has a storage area for five additional blades. Your email address will not be published. None of the other knives had such a complete set of features. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), Replacement Blades for 9060 Carpet Knife, Round Corners (100-Box). He also raises sheep and has a dairy cow that he milks every morning. Theyre very useful, but before you invest in one, make sure you understand your state and local knife lawsespecially if you intend to carry your knife in your pocket or hooked to your belt. The utility knife features a smaller size and solid build quality, and thats on top of the new blade extension mechanism. This holds tightly, but at the same time, theres enough spring so you dont have to force the knife down over a belt or struggle to get it free. But could I recommend it over more traditionally-styled utility knives? For comparison purposes, we tested out a wide variety of retractable models in addition to the folding ones. Because of its low-key presentation and light-duty feel, it could be a nice option for an EDC knife. Our one gripe about the Fastback 48-22-1502 is that the belt clip is not reversible. Just know youll have to make a trip to the toolbox every time you dull a blade. Besides, my shop is full of bottle openers: key rings, pliers, workbenches, chunks of wood, oh and a couple actual bottle openers. We also carried each knife around for a couple of days, using each of them for all of the small knife tasks that we encountered in a 48-hour periodeverything from sharpening pencils to trimming an unraveling thread on a shirt to opening a box of cat litter. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. Ive also regripped an entire set of clubs, and found myself replacing hook blades to finish the job. The Fastback also has a spot for stripping electrical wire and an added gut hook, so you can cut string or open a bag of bird seed without ever having to unfold the knife and expose the blade. The Alltrade Squeeze Utility Knife is large and has a massive, 10-blade storage compartment. This can be easily done with your hands coming at the tool from above the blade, increasing the safety level. Other knives create the grip with a textured area, curved handle, or finger ridges at the grip, but none of these are as effective or easy to use as the finger notch. Doug Mahoney is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering home improvement. That way, there are no second thoughts about whether to swap in a new blade. Forcing a dull blade is dangerous (it can slip) and more work, and the results are more likely to be ragged or crooked. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. The downside is that its simply not as comfortable or grippy as the Fastbacks. After conducting our research and interviews, we sought a folding knife with a decent grip, one-handed opening, easy blade change, onboard storage for additional blades, and that was a good value. For safety. Absolutely nothing wrong with that but craft beer crowd would beg too differ about the utility of such a thing. Theyre talking about the ToughBuilt knife that Leo referred to. In 2021, we tested the Stanley STHT10432 Control Grip Utility Knife. Blade storage usually adds only a few dollars to a knifes total cost, so it makes sense to get that feature, as long as it doesnt add considerable bulk to the body. I just ordered the knife online today! Not sure how great the deal is, but if your looking for something Milwaukee check it out. Subscribe now for unlimited access. Sleeker profile with more blades! The large forefinger notch makes maintaining a firm grip easy. We found the American Knife & Tool Institute, a knife-advocacy group, to be the most reliable source of information on this topic, but we also recommend checking in with local law enforcement to get the most up-to-date information. (seems like they could have extended the metal divider all the way to the bottom). The best knife set is the one you put together yourself. The Olfa XH-1 uses a segmented snap blade.