http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-FASTBACK-5-in-Flip-Pocket-Knife-48-22-1990/203981004I was at the local Home Depot the other day buying some garage shelving when I came upon a display of these knives. I picked one up, gave it the once-over, and decided for $ 9.88, I would take one home and give it a try.
I have to say that this is quite the value. It is made in China with a mystery stainless-steel (probably 440), but it came out of the package shaving sharp, the blade locks up tight with no wobble, it is retained in the open position with a liner lock and you can press a button on the handle and open the knife with a wrist flick. The stainless steel wire clip is reversible for tip up or down carry (it came tip down) and the textured red FRN handle is visible, strong and lightweight. The back of the handle has a black spacer closing up the rear of the handle and the handle has a stainless steel liner. There is some gimping on the top of the handle and blade. The blade has no nail nick or thumbstud to assist with opening, so I either use the wrist flick or grab the exposed portion of the blade. The bead-blasted blade is three inches long with a drop point and is 3/32nds of an inch thick.
I have paid more for lesser-quality knives, and at $ 10, I won't cry if something happens to this. I am going to give the CRKTs, Kershaws and Benchmades a rest for a bit while I carry this one.
