Review: Why the Milwaukee FASTBACK 6-in-1 Utility Knife Has Stayed in My Pocket for Years
Every once in a while, a tool just earns its place in your pocket — not because it looks cool, but because it quietly solves 10 small problems without asking for attention.
That’s what the Milwaukee FASTBACK 6-in-1 Folding Utility Knife turned out to be for me. I originally picked it up thinking I just needed something better for opening boxes. It turned out to be a tool I’ve used almost daily for years — at home, on the road, at work, and everywhere in between.
🔧 What It Is
The Milwaukee FASTBACK 6-in-1 is a folding utility knife that includes:
- A one-handed push-button opening mechanism
- A Phillips/flathead bit driver that locks into place
- A string/wire cutter
- A bottle opener
- A strong belt clip
- No-nonsense, replaceable utility blades
It’s compact, about the size of a larger pocket knife, but packs a lot of functionality into that space.
✅ Pros (What I Love About It)
- Versatile — I use it daily: opening boxes, trimming string, small repairs
- Integrated screwdriver — both Phillips and flathead work surprisingly well
- Ideal for small fixes — great for furniture assembly, hardware adjustments, or loose screws around the house
- Wire/string cutter — useful for quick fixes and cable work
- Solid size — roughly the same footprint as my larger pocket knives, so it feels familiar
- Strong belt clip — sturdy and reliable
- One-handed open — fast push-button action, but it hasn’t accidentally opened even when dropped
- Built-in bottle opener — nice bonus when you need it
- Fits GoPro mounts and camera gear — a win for any tech-leaning DIYer
- Screwdriver locks into place — feels secure and stable, not flimsy
❌ Cons (What Could Be Better)
- Bit replacement is tricky — if you lose the included 1/4” Phillips/flathead bit, there’s no easy way to get just that piece; I had to buy a whole new knife after mine went missing
- No onboard blade storage — unlike some utility knives, there’s no slot to carry extras
- Size might be bulky for some — I’m used to bigger pocket knives, but others might prefer something slimmer
🧠 Quick Note
Yes — it’s a utility knife. A glorified box cutter with a razor blade and a bit of attitude.
It’ll open packaging, cut rope, or shave a knuckle clean off if you’re careless.
Use it like a tool, not a toy. Keep it away from your kids, and don’t be the person showing it off in public like it’s a party trick.
🧰 Why It’s Great for Real Life
This isn’t just for job sites or tool belts — it’s for anyone who finds themselves fixing toys, breaking down boxes, opening packages, or doing small repairs on the fly.
Whether you're a parent, a DIYer, or just tired of using your keys to cut open shipping tape, this knife fits right into the chaos of everyday life.
🎒 Why It Earned a Spot in My Everyday Carry
I carry this knife because it’s one of the few tools that’s actually earned the space in my pocket.
It’s come in handy everywhere — from camping and working on my truck, to random moments out walking with my kids. I’ve used it to open snack packaging, cut rope, fix loose parts on a stroller, open gear boxes, or tighten things you didn’t plan to fix but suddenly need to — drawer handles, toys, cabinet hinges, whatever life throws at you.
It’s also come through in unexpected ways — like tightening down GoPro mounts on the fly or adjusting tripod plates for my camera.
That kind of versatility is why I carry it: it handles real tasks without needing a full tool bag, and it feels solid every time I open it.
It’s just as useful on road trips as it is in the garage.
At work, at home, at a park — it’s always got a job to do.
I like tools that quietly earn their keep without needing to show off — and this one does exactly that.
You never know when you’re going to need it — but when you do, you’re glad it’s there.
💬 Final Thoughts
Yes, the price is a little higher than a standard utility knife — but you’re not buying standard.
You’re getting a multi-function EDC tool that actually replaces several things you’d otherwise have to carry.
For me, that’s worth every penny.
🛒 Where to Get It
Side Note:
While writing and editing this review, I had this album running in the background — 2095 Aurora Dreams By A&CMusic that kept the energy steady without pulling focus. The perfect backdrop for putting thoughts into words.