Readers have been asking for Father’s Day 2022 tool deal coverage, and it looks like we’ve got our first notable bargain of the season – this Milwaukee Fastback utility knife 2-pack bundle is $15 at Home Depot.
Thank you to Koko for the heads-up!
Here’s what you get:
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Milwaukee FastBack utility knife with blade storage (48-22-1502), typically $15.
Milwaukee Compact FastBack utility knife (48-22-1500), typically $9.
So, with this promo set, 48-22-1503, you get $24 in FastBack knives for $15.
The two knives complement each other.
The utility knife with blade storage is more functional, with a cord-cutting slot that can be used when the knife is closed, a lanyard loop, and built-in storage for up to 5 blades. The compact knife is smaller and more pocket-friendly, and also has a tether-ready lanyard hole.
Both knives have wire-style belt clips.
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Price: $14.97 with FREE Shipping
Should you buy one? Yes – absolutely, unless you already have too many utility knives, or if you dislike quick-opening and convenient utility knives.
Koko The Talking Ape
I helped Stuart out! #achievementunlocked!
MoogleMan3
I grabbed a couple of these set last time they were this price and I’ve very disappointed with both of these models. The compact seems nice enough, but ultimately feels flimsy and doesn’t hold up to heavy use. A shame, because I love the way this one feels in my hand.
As for the other one with blade storage, that blade storage has a major design flaw. On all of that version I have, the blade storage has a tendency to open with use.
That said, the basic version of the fastback utility knife is my absolute favorite. This version is very similar to the version with blade storage, only it has no blade storage so it’s a bit thinner and feels amazing to hold and use.
I’ve been giving away the compact and blade storage versions I have and replacing them all with the basic metal version: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-FASTBACK-Folding-Utility-Knife-with-General-Purpose-Blade-48-22-1501/309350820#overlay
Stuart
I haven’t experienced the same with mine.
Did you check the screws? One of my last compact FastBack knives had a loose screw near the blade holder and felt wobbly until I realized it and tightened everything up.
MoogleMan3
Yeah, the screws were the first thing I checked. Maybe it’s just the way I hold it, but the big issue with the blade storage mechanism is that it opens too easily. So when cutting up a bunch of cardboard it would open after a bit of cutting.
Blade storage is a great feature to have (I love my lenox utility knife with storage in the handle), but not if it’s cumbersome and not secure. I love how easy it is to change blades out though. That can be a bit sticky on my lenox and take some fiddling.
Stuart
True. For what it’s worth, I hardly ever make use of built-in blade storage. Some knives spill their blades when you drop them, others are hard to open. So I stopped bothering a long time ago.
Jeremiah Ducate
I havent had any issues with the blade storage on mine, similar to Stuart. Its my edc knife for work and I use it daily. Ive carried the storage version for about two years. I may be not bear down and use it extra hard.
Cr8on
MoogleMan3, I agree, these don’t stand up to heavy use on a jobsite. I gifted a few to my “helpers” who I noticed quit using them after 5-10 days.
If you need an EDC utility knife then they are OK, but for a similar price get a Buck Knives Bantam
Koko The Talking Ape
FWIW, my versions feel solid, and the action is whip-smooth. But I don’t have the blade storage version. I especially like the Compact. I softened the edge on the blade holder assembly to make it easier on my forefinger when I choke up on it.
Don Julio
IIRC, last year the 2-pack was teamed with three other $14.97 deals. When you bought three the fourth was free in any combination. I got two Fastback 2-packs and two 11-in-1 screwdrivers for $44.91 before tax. Can’t recall the other two options. One may have been a tape measure.
I’m happy with the purchase and will jump on it again if it’s available. Great for gifts.
MFC
I buy these for gifts because they look cool, but for everyday use I prefer the Kobalt ones that split in half and have internal storage for extra blades. Use them for drywall, tiling, opening boxes, sacks, bags, anything and everything. I haven’t found a blade storage system that works as well or is as easy to use for quick blade changes. They never fall out and it can hold 3-4 inside. Changing the blade is quick and the three I’ve had have worked well for years of daily construction use.
Franck B.
I like that one too, because it makes sense that the blade change is done by opening the blade storage–I mean, you need to get a blade out to do the change anyhow.
But I still prefer retractable blade knives to flip open, because I do still occasionally use the 1/2-way position. Best solution might be flip open retractables. 😀
The Kobalt also feels almost as good as the Dewalt ones with the flip open spine for blade storage, which is my favorite for strength… I can really bear down on it with less worry about the knife breaking (yes, I’ve had it happen many times, especially when the front halves lock together with a small wedge).
Jared
I’m surprised the feedback seems to have soured on these. Usually everyone is pretty positive about these utility knives.
I have a pair of the previous generation. They work great.
Rog
I swapped out all my other utility knives for these, I love them. Then again I’m not a professional contractor so maybe my opinion would be different.
Jeremiah Ducate
It looks like Northern tool has this same deal for fathers day. Theyve been doing more milwaukee stuff in recent years.