This Is a Great Multi-Utility Knife!
Why I Bought This? After 20+ years of using the same utility knife, the classic Stanley Fixed Blade Utility Knife, I decided it was time for a new toy. Besides, my friend came over to my house to help with some dry wall work. I saw him use a similar knife as the Milwaukee. I saw the utility in having a folder over a fixed blade. Though the Stanley is a good knife, there are some short-comings. For example, you need a second tool (a screwdriver) to open the shell and access the spare blade in order to replace blades. It lacks a belt clip. Furthermore, it is mostly a single-use knife. There are still plusses to the Stanley, such as putting out only enough blade as needed. How I Decided I read a bunch of reviews on the Internet on utility knives. By far, most people prefer and recommend the Milwaukee Fastback 6-in-1. Having several folders (for personal carry), I am familiar with how to quickly extract a knife from my pocket and flick open the blade. The Fastback operates in a similar fashion. Why's It Called 6-in-1? I'm not sure why this is a 6-in-1 knife, when I can really count just 4 uses: --Cutter --Screwdriver (comes with a bit) --Wire stripper --Bottle opener I suppose if you count the lanyard and pocket clip, then it can be called a 6-in-1. The way to use the wirestripper is not as depicted on most websites, with the knife fully open. It's far easier to fold the knife back towards the closed position until the wire is under the blade and pressed against the plastic spine of the knife's body. Then, apply some pressure and cut around the insulation. This way prevents fracturing or cutting the wire itself. I can imagine it being useful when you're on the ground, working on an electrical outlet. On a ladder, working in a ceiling fixture? Get a wire stripper. It's faster and easier. The screwdriver works great, too, as a standalone driver. The bottle opener works in a pinch though I personally would not want to drink work dust and grime that gets on the lip of the bottle. Size Some people may think this knife is a little on the big side, in terms of length, width, and height. I have folders that are smaller than this knife. You probably would not want to carry this in your pocket all day long, though in a toolbelt would be fine. Extra Blade Holder I did not get an extra blade with this knife. No Tools Required to Replace Blades! As mentioned earlier, no tools are required to replace blades. It is easy to access the replacement blade. The replacement blade is secured from accidentally falling out or cutting you. The way the main cutting blade is secured, it is unlikely to go flying when you flick open the knife. It will stay in place when you are doing heavy cutting. One of the "dangers" of using a knife is the potential of the folder to bend backwards under heavy loads, injuring the user. This knife is built solid and feels solid, so the likelihood of this happening is low. Changing this blade requires only your fingers to wiggle it out a certain way. I like tool-less changes, if you cannot tell. Replacement Blades Get the genuine replacement blades, rather than the generic ones. There are always sellers looking to make a quick buck, at the risk of compromising your safety. Given that you will use this knife for anything related to home improvement projects, the last thing you want is the blade falling apart, splintering, or losing its edge quicker than the genuine replacement blades. Overall I recommend this knife for its many uses, solid construction, thoughtful layout, and ergonomic construction. Read more
