Sometime last year, Irwin sent over a sampling of their new folding utility knives. This one, model FK100, is the simplest of the bunch. There are no fold-out tools, and there is no built-in spare blade holder. It’s a folding utility knife with no frills or excess.
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The FK100 folding utility knife, when closed, measures about 4-1/16″, and that’s from point to point. It’s a compact and very pocket-friendly knife.
Blade depth is not adjustable, but there is a cutting slot that’s useful for trimming wires, small cord, and other types of materials. There is also a tool-free blade change button.
The knife ships with a standard bi-metal blade. It’s not a super premium blade, but it’s not a junky blade either.
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Ergonomics are decent, and better than expected. This isn’t my favorite folding utility knife, but it’s one I don’t mind using. The knife opens easily, and there are spacious and gently-grooved thumb and finger rests on the top and bottom edges. It’s a comfortable knife to use.
Lockup is strong and secure. The knife only opens and locks to one position – fully open.
Blade changes are quick and easy. The tool-free blade change button only works when the knife is opened to a 45° angle. When – not if – you forget how to change the blade, markings next to the bottom help jog your memory.
On the back is a removable belt clip. Again, as with the rest of the knife, the belt clip isn’t flashy, but perfectly functional.
Overall, I find this to be a good knife. There’s nothing fancy about it, but there also aren’t any cut corners. It’s a solid basic folding knife.
Price: ~$11-13
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If you want something similar but with on-board blade storage, check out the FK150 for a little more. If you want something similar with on-board blade storage, a flip-out Phillips screwdriver bit, and more refined handle, check out the FK250 for another few dollars.
Thank you to Irwin for providing the review samples unconditionally. Review samples are typically given away, donated, or retained for editorial and comparison purposes. This sample will likely be retained for comparison purposes before being donated.
Noah
Two things:
How is the one hand deployment on this knife?
What currently IS your favorite folding utility knife?
Stuart
The knife can be opened and closed with one hand, and pretty easily at that.
I don’t have a favorite folding utility knife anymore. I like Dewalt’s, but it’s a little chunky. Stanley’s is decent, but I don’t use it much after the blade popped out unintentionally once. I favor Milwaukee’s Fastback a little more these days.
Generally, if I need a compact knife, I use a pocket knife. If I need a utility knife, I use a full-sized model or Stanley QuickSlide.
jason. w
I never go to work without my Stanley quick slide. The thing is fantastic!
Steve D
Ditto Jason W.
I am a huge fan of the stanley quickslide.
Toolfreak
Nice handle design.
Total ripoff of the Kershaw Half-ton and 3/4-ton knives, just in Irwin colors and with a utility blade holder instead of a standard knife blade.