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Add to SafariWhen comparing Milwaukee 48-22-1901 Fastback vs Stanley 10-788 Retractable Utility Knife, the Slant community recommends Milwaukee 48-22-1901 Fastback for most people. In the question“What are the best everyday use utility knives under $20?” Milwaukee 48-22-1901 Fastback is ranked 1st while Stanley 10-788 Retractable Utility Knife is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose Milwaukee 48-22-1901 Fastback is:
Replacing the blade on this utility knife is fuss-free and safe. There is a spring-loaded push button above the blade's liner (pictured [here](https://i.imgur.com/D2O6GDU.png)) that releases the blade when pressed, and locks the blade in place when released.
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Blade is easy to replace
Replacing the blade on this utility knife is fuss-free and safe. There is a spring-loaded push button above the blade's liner (pictured here) that releases the blade when pressed, and locks the blade in place when released.
Pro Great ergonomics
The notch on the handle near the blade makes this utility knife comfortable to hold and easy to handle for both heavy-duty cutting and precision works.
Pro Solid build quality
The metal body makes this ideal if you need something rugged that can withstand heavy usage.
Pro Can be used to strip wires
This utility knife can be used to strip wires up to 10 gauge.
Pro Comes with integrated gut hook
This utility knife comes with an integrated gut hook which can be used to cut thin items (such as wires or strings) without opening the knife.
Pro Easy to open
This utility knife can be opened with one hand by pressing the release button and flicking your wrist.
Pro Great for heavy-duty use
The curved handle with cushioned grip surface makes this utility knife ideal for working on tough surfaces (e.g. dry walls) where more pressure is required — the grip helps with comfort & balance, and the curved handle gives you more control over the knife. The locking mechanism is also strong enough to withstand the pressure required when working on tough surfaces.
Pro Has a gut hook
This utility knife comes with a tiny gut hook which can be used to cut thin items (such as wires or strings) without sliding out the blade.
Pro Can store up to 10 blades
The blade storage compartment located in the handle (pictured here) can hold up to 10 blades.
Pro Comes with 3 blades out of the box
This utility knife comes with 3 blades in its storage compartment.
Pro Locking mechanism ensures blade stays in place
The locking mechanism is strong and can hold the blade out under high pressure, even if the blade is not fully extended.
Cons
Con Pocket clip is unreliable
The Fastback has a wire clip instead of a solid metal clip. After prolonged use, it can get filmsy and bent out of shape, especially if you clip it on thick surfaces (such as a leather belt) frequently.
Con Might be too bulky for some users
While this utility knife is robust, it is bulkier than others. This might not be ideal if you have carrying constraints (e.g. jean pockets).
Con No extra blade storage
This utility knife doesn't have a blade storage compartment for holding additional blades.
Con Blade can be dangerous and difficult to replace
While this utility knife is designed to be and marketed as "Quick-Change," many users tend to experience the opposite. The blade is hard to remove and inserting a new blade requires some effort — you have to wiggle the blade around until you hear it click into the locking mechanism. You also have to hold the blade tightly with your fingers the entire time, which makes it more dangerous. There is a YouTube video here showing the process.
Con Form factor makes this knife not very portable
This is a retractable knife (instead of folding knife), so it might be hard to carry this around in a pocket or other small spaces. It's also huge, with the total length at around 9inches (22cm).
