Dewalt launched 2 new folding utility knives, with both featuring a one-handed “push and flip” opening mechanism.
This style of wrist-flip folding utility knife has become quite popular in recent years, with Milwaukee’s FastBack knife perhaps being the most recognizable.
The Dewalt DWHT10992 Push and Flip knife features a blade change lever, and a “gut hook” for making quick cuts with the knife closed.
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It also features built-in storage for up to 5 spare blades.
The other new knife is the DWHT10991, which lacks the internal blade storage and “handle “gut hook” cutting slot.
Both utility knives fold closed into a compact package, with a reversible wire pocket clip.
The pocket clip is “deep carry” style, allowing it to sit lower in your pocket.
Price: $15 with blade storage, $14 without
Both of the new knives are available now.
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Discussion
I have had very mixed experiences with Dewalt’s folding retractable knives over the years, and the same with Stanley folding knives.
I continue to favor Dewalt ergonomic fixed-handle retractable utility knives, but have strongly favored Milwaukee’s FastBack folding utility knives.
Stanley Black & Decker offers a very wide range of utility knives via their Craftsman, Dewalt, Irwin, and Lenox tool brands. It will be very interesting to see how well these “Push and Flip” utility knives perform, and if similar designs will be adopted across SBD’s other brands.
While the concept is not original, the execution looks relatively clean and polished.
There’s a good chance I’ll pick one up – I’m curious as to how well it holds its own against Milwaukee’s iconic FastBack knives, which have been updated umpteen times now.
Jared
Definitely a fastback competitor. I like the deep-carry wire pocket clip. I hope it opens as easily as the Milwaukee.
Are there bearings or washers in the pivot?
James
I’ve always been tempted by the FastBack but I have so much Milwaukee gear already and the colour and branding is obnoxious (I’ve been disappointed with very few Milwaukee tools, but goodness the branding….) so picking up a RED pocket knife seems like a fanboy move and I’ve avoided it.
With the blade storage, this Dewalt might get added to the bag. I like the deep clip and the colour.
Munklepunk
I like the fastback, I don’t like the ones with all the screwdrivers on them, to bulky in my pockets. But they are really well built. However, I am also still using my flip Craftsman I got in the mid 90s. My preferred is the DeWalt fixed because of the fat comfy grip.
Anthony Aiello
The Fastback with folding bit-driver is the best utility knife ever.
Chris I
Man I agree!! I’d love to not have loose razor blades floating around my toolbox drawer(s!) anymore!!
ITCD
I agree about the obnoxious branding, they practically act like they invented the idea of a utility blade knife that folds up. “Press and Flip(tm).” Really? Claiming trademark over 3 words that describe a knife action that has existed for decades or more?
James
I’m not a hater. And they’re good at the game they’re playing. I find myself now with Milwaukee branded: gloves (tell me what’s better), small magnetic light (love it), Packouts (screaming red), wrap around ear protection (not sure why but I have them), many power tools (love most of them, like the rest, minor complaints about 1-2), a few hand tools (really like some of the ones I have but tend to lean elsewhere here)….
….so great products but if they got rid of the color and/or (preferably and) ALL CAPS and giant MILWAUKEE on everything, they would take even more of my hard earned money.
LGonToolGuy'd
Been using a Kobalt one with aluminum scales for about 15yr to the point where the anodizing is starting to wear off the high use hand locations.
Always like looking at newer and fancier things, but this likely ain’t it for me. That box cutter gap looks too far into the frame for it to be useful for me.
Joe H
Mostly those types of “gut hooks” are useful for cutting cordage, string line, and other such things without having to open the knife.
LGonToolGuy'd
D’oh! Learned something new that I’ve used for sisal twine all the time!
Thank you!
NoDak Farming
For usability, strength and ergonomics, I go with the Crescent Quick-Change Folding Blade Utility Knife – CTKF2. It has on-board blade storage. And can be worked hard without any peculiar character lines or angular shapes, pushing into my hand. The first one I bought was branded Wiss, so I believe it was originally their product. But the second one I bought is Crescent branded. I just now checked Crescent’s website, and unfortunately didn’t see it listed. But saw that many well known retailers are still selling it online.
I noticed that the Komelon knife that Stuart showed us on March 11th, has some mechanical and visual cues similar to the Crescent utility knife that I like. So I might try the Komelon next.
TMedina
Searching for “CTKF2” pulls up this at HD:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Crescent-Small-Folding-Utility-Knives-CTKF2/319734721
NoDak Farming
That’s it. I don’t have a Home Depot around me. The last time I bought that knife was at a Home of Economy, which is similar to a TSC store.
Phranq
Don’t need blade storage, what I value is slim, light, and easy blade changes. The Milwaukee fastback without the blade storage is what I’ve been carrying the past few years. It’s not perfect, could be slimmer, but it’s what works for me.
John E
For a leftie, these things are a non-starter.
processwrench
+1
Jared
Button locks aren’t hard to use left-handed.
John E
If you want the blade to open into the palm of your hand then face up and at you, I agree.
Jared
Have you tried a button lock? It seems like you must just be imagining the mechanics involved. You just push the button with your index finger instead of your thumb.
I’m not left handed – I can still work a button lock with my left hand.
In fact, I sometimes wonder if I wouldn’t prefer a left-handed button lock to use right-handed. Using my index finger almost feels more intuitive.
John E
There’s a reason why they always put them on the left.
Jared
I imagine it’s because 90% of the population is right-handed. I’m not suggesting a right-sided button has no effect.
IMy point is that button-locks are typically considered pretty ambidextrous because they aren’t hard to use left-handed. I genuinely think most commenters saying otherwise just haven’t tried and they must be making an assumption based on how they imagine it works.
As I type this I have two button lock knives in front of me – a Vosteed Corgi and a Civivi Buttonlock Elementum. I have no trouble opening or closing them with either hand (well maybe my “flick” is a bit smoother with my right – but I’m not left-handed).
It seems plausible that button positioning or handle shape could effect that. There might be button lock knives that aren’t ambidextrous, but the Dewalt in question looks pretty neutral to me (as are the two I’m playing with).
Keep Left
I totally agree with you about this!
Keep Left
As a fellow lefty, I totally agree with you about this!
s
as a leftie, i don’t see what the big deal is. i’ve used my co-workers milwaukee variants of the same knife dozens of times, i just use my index finger.
in fact, it’s so natural, i’ve never really thought about how it works, or how to do it until this moment.
granted, i don’t own one of those knives, and likely never will, but that’s got more to do with me not caring for the way it operates, not a difficulty in making it operate.
i prefer utility knives that extend or retract it instead, as my hands tend to acquire damage from extra sharp blades that move freely in large arc’s.
taras
I’m not a lefty, but I was just able to open my FastBack hawkbill knife left handed on my second flick. I’ve been able to open it every attempt since hat 2nd flick.
Michael F
I’ve had a cheap Kobalt folding utility knife for about a decade and see no real reason to upgrade. It’s broken down many boxes and stripped quite a bit of romex…good times.
Alexk
After tape measures, utility knives are probably my next most purchased tool. Not sure why. I have a Kobalt folder and the fastback and if/when the Dewalt goes on sale, I might get it. Just like I’ll buy more pocket knives, even though I have more than a couple.
When I have to cut Sheetrock all day, which isn’t often, an angled, fixed Lenox seems best. Flipping a razor open and closed many times a day, or on a ladder, the fixed blade seems safer.
Do people that spend lots of time with Sheetrock prefer a fixed or flip utility knife?
The Dewalt with five blades would be good to leave in my truck. I find myself using dull blades when I don’t have a spare.
MKY
Stuart –
“ It will be very interesting to see how well these “Push and Flip” utility knives perform, and if we will ***see adopt ***across SBD’s other brands.”
Stuart
Thanks! *fixed*
Wayne R.
Every time I pick up one of these flippers, I wonder what the appeal is. I’ve been using Stanley 10-499 knives for a dang long time, they’re not expensive, every feature is easy to use, they’re slim & smooth to stick in a pocket, and easy to find. They don’t have a clip on them, though, if that’s your thing.
Just picked up another last weekend at the flea market for a buck.
Bucket Boss makes a pretty good sheath for razor knives (or long tool) that’s reinforced nicely both on the back and the tip (to avoid stabbing yourself), clips to a belt, and has a Sharpie loop. Only $6 too. Bucket Boss 54042.
Stuart
They’re more compact to store or carry, and are usually quicker and easier to open compared to retractable knives.
I’d say they’re not *better*, but are *different*.
It comes down to personal preference.
Harrison
Meh. I have a Milwaukee FastBack, and I honestly don’t understand the appeal. Maybe for cutting packing tape in a warehouse, but not on a job site.
OLFA knives with the snap off blades are just so much better. Especially the larger 25mm size. You get 7 fresh edges from one blade change, or you can use the full length and cut something thick like pipe insulation or rock wool bats. You can extend the blade into a curve and use it like a scraper.
It’s a bit slower than a flip knife, but once you get the hang of it, it’s second nature to extend the blade, even one handed. There are push button models, but I like the extra stiffness of the classic version with the screw knob.
James
Yeah thanks for this comment. I agree with all of it and will stick with my Olfa’s. Temptation extinct.
Scott K
Olfa makes some great knives. I really like this- https://olfa.com/collections/professional/products/18mm-l-5-fiberglass-utility-knife
You can get tons of use from a single blade and I’ve found that with extended use I tend to chip the point before they dull. I especially like the pick- works great as a package opener or flathead.
DRT42
I have that one also. I agree, it’s great !
James
Love that knife for the multi pick. I wish they would put one on the 25mm model because it has that little bit extra oomph in the blade that I often need or want.
MM
I could have sworn they made a 25mm with the pick on it as well but I just went to look for the model number and now I’m not seeing it.
James
I went through that same process a few months ago, prompted by a different discussion here…in fact I was sure my 25mm HAD the pick, but not yet.
MM
@James
I since noticed that Tajima makes a 25mm snap-blade knife with the pick. They are every bit as good as Olfa.
jayne erin defranco
hummm hummm and humm Guiet interesting. I love this but, I can wait till black friday to see if it goes on sale. very nice knife though.
Kevin
Just picked one up, can confirm it opens and closes as easily as the fastback. Feels more compact and streamlined in hand as well. Could see it being my daily driver if they added a screwdriver like the 6 in 1 fastback
Slates
Got the one without blade storage today. Used the fastback as EDC daily for years. The DeWalt opens just as smoothly(maybe better) and the dimensions are slightly smaller. Less ergonomic, but feels much more compact and lighter in the hand. Great for EDC. The belt hook can also be moved to the pivot side, but I like the current position.
Chip
It is definitely an upgrade to their last flip then slide..
Very few hand tools from power tool companies interest me.
The Dewalt slim 3/6/12 bit holders, and the Milwaukee flip knife.
The latter doesn’t hold blades that well, but the size, price (BF) and availability make it useful.
The bent Lutz 357 also made by many other manufacturers is the best for ergonomics /knuckle saver on tough cuts needing pressure.
Not a fan of safety box cutters.