Milwaukee Fastback 6-in-1 Review: The Under-$20 EDC Utility Knife That's Hard to Beat

Introduction

Some tools earn their popularity. The Milwaukee Fastback 6-in-1 is one of them. It has been around long enough that plenty of people have already made the case for it, and after spending time with one, the case holds up. For under twenty dollars, it is a fantastic option in many ways better than any other twenty dollar knife you will find.

The pitch is simple: a folding utility knife with replaceable blades, a built-in bit driver, and a few thoughtful details that make it genuinely pleasant to carry and use every day.

Why the Fastback 6-in-1 Keeps Winning Fans

The core of the design is the utility blade. It ships with one blade installed, and that blade can be flipped around to expose a secondary edge. Inside the handle there is also storage for yet another spare blade. That gives you two blades and two different edges on hand, which matters because utility blades are disposable by design.

If you buy good quality utility blades, the cutting edge lasts a very long time and you never have to worry about sharpening anything. That alone makes this kind of knife appealing to a wide range of people, from tradespeople to anyone who just opens a lot of boxes.

The Bit Driver Is the Star Feature

One of the best features here is the double-sided bit driver. It ships with a number two Phillips and flathead bit, held in place with a retaining ring. Compatibility is unusually generous: it takes double-sided bits like the Wera double-sided bits, Leatherman bits, and standard hex bits as well. That versatility is hard to overstate.

The bit driver also locks in place, so once you set it you do not have to think about it. Closing it is just a matter of moving the liner lock. The result is essentially an inline screwdriver in your pocket.

There is one honest caveat worth knowing before you buy. The complaints that circulate about this tool almost always come from the same mistake: turning the bit driver 90 degrees and cranking as hard as possible, then being surprised when the pivot breaks through both layers of plastic. If a job genuinely needs that much torque, reach for a ratcheting socket set instead of a pocket tool. Use it within its limits and it will last a very long time.

Blade Economy: The Sharpest Argument for $20

Utility blades are cheap, widely available, and never need sharpening. Between the reversible installed blade and the onboard spare, you effectively carry multiple fresh edges at all times. For the price of a single decent folding knife blade, you get cutting performance that stays sharp indefinitely, because the sharp part is replaceable.

How It Compares to the Alternatives

There are other folding utility knives worth considering. One aluminum-framed alternative also sells for around twenty dollars and brings some interesting extras. It uses a similar flick-open mechanism with a thumb stud for deployment, and its body is aluminum with steel liners, so it feels very strong, though it is also heavier, probably at least an ounce more than the Fastback.

Where it differs is the feature set. It lacks the Fastback’s wire stripper, so you will have to decide whether that trade suits you. Its bit driver stops at 90 degrees rather than folding fully inline, does not lock, and uses a ball detent style double-sided bit, meaning you would want to install a magnet or use Klein bits from their screwdrivers to get a secure fit. On those counts the Fastback’s locking inline driver is clearly the better implementation.

What the aluminum option does offer is a saw blade on one side, which works like a drywall saw: push the tip through a drywall sheet and cut an opening for access or an installation. On the other side there is a plain stainless straight blade, fine for casual tasks like cutting an apple, though basic stainless will not hold an exceptional edge. It also has a pocket clip. If a saw matters more to you than a locking bit driver, it is a reasonable alternative to keep on your radar.

Who Should Buy It

The Fastback 6-in-1 fits a lot of situations: a dedicated work tool for the job site, a knife for the junk drawer, something for the backpack or car, or a complement to a trade toolkit. Anyone who cuts boxes, opens packaging, or does light screwdriving on the go will get immediate value from it, especially at this price.

Buying Advice

Buy the Milwaukee Fastback 6-in-1 if you want the most complete under-$20 utility knife: replaceable blades, spare blade storage, and a locking inline double-sided bit driver that accepts Wera, Leatherman, and standard hex bits. Respect the torque limits of the bit driver and it should serve you well for years. If your priorities lean toward a drywall-style saw and a heavier all-metal frame instead, the aluminum alternative is worth a look, but accept its looser bit driver and lack of a wire stripper.

Conclusion

For under twenty dollars, the Milwaukee Fastback 6-in-1 delivers a combination of replaceable blade economy and a genuinely versatile, locking bit driver that few competitors match at any price. It is one of those small purchases that quietly improves your everyday carry, and it is easy to recommend.