We’ve done several utility knife comparison posts including: 1) Utility Knife Showdown 2) Utility Knife Showdown 2 – Irwin Strikes Back 3) Return of the Utility Knife – The Final Showdown but of course the trilogy didn’t die there as we also had the launch of the Milwaukee Fastback 2 and now the new FK Irwin Series. Time to accept the utility knife will continue to evolve and we will do our best to keep up to date.
With this new Irwin FK Series Folding Utility Knives line up we see several new tools that all have some of the same new features as well as some different ones depending on the model. All the new Irwin FK knives get the BladeLock Technology which is a pretty cleaver safety feature. The push button blade lock will not disengage the blade unless the folding lock is depressed and knife is bent at a 45° angle out of use.
When you break each knife down individually the FK100 ($10) is the basic knife with a no other frills. The FK150 ($12) is the middle of the road model, for just a little extra adds a multi-blade storage compartment and very little weight. The FK250 ($14) starts to take you down the path of Leatherman or Swiss-Army with multiple screwdriver bit storage along with multi-blade storage in the handle.
In comparison to one of our favorite utility knives, the Milwaukee Fastback ($14) we were very impressed. None of the Irwin knives have the quick flip out feature we really like on the Milwaukee but with their more compact size and safety features we could see how some people would certain prefer these knives above all else. Check out the full Irwin press release below for more details on the new FK Series knives.
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C.— Across all trades, there is a common tool in every tradesman’s tool bag – a utility knife. Utility knives come in various shapes and sizes and are used to cut a wide range of materials on the job site and in the home. Today, IRWIN Tools introduces the International A’Design Platinum Award winning Folding Utility Knife Series with patented BladeLock Technology – the FK100, FK150, and FK250. Recognized for its “best-in-class” design attributes, the FK Series is durable, compact, and easy-to-use.
The FK Series delivers unparalleled user safety, durability, and comfort. IRWIN’s proprietary design addresses the most frequently cited user frustration – when blades accidentally pull out of the handle during use. BladeLock Technology further improves safety by providing the user with the ability to change blades only when the release button is engaged and the blade holder is in the 45° open position. Each of the new folding utility knives have a liner lock for safe, one-handed operation and a 16° cutting angle for ultimate comfort and control. No other folding knife offers this level of blade security and user safety.
“Our research shows that the utility knife is the second most important tool to a tradesman, and the biggest frustration and safety hazard on the job is when the blade comes out unexpectedly during cutting,” stated Katy Vogl, IRWIN Tools Product Marketing Manager. “So, when we set out to design a revolutionary new utility knife, we built-in the BladeLock safety feature. But we didn’t stop there,” Vogl emphasized. “These new knives are what every tradesman will want in their tool box or pocket, or on their belt clip. Whether you need the compact durability of the FK100, the built-in blade storage of the FK150, or the durability of the FK250 with fold out screwdriver, there is a knife for every tradesman.”
Three New Models: Durable, Compact and Designed for Efficiency and Comfort
Designed with a rugged and robust feel, the new IRWIN FK100 with BladeLock Technology features a compact, durable body design that is lightweight and compact. Comfortable in the hand, pocket or on the belt, the FK100 has a built-in wire stripper, cast finger grooves and trigger-grip handle for greater control.
The new IRWIN FK150 with BladeLock Technology is a no-nonsense, rugged folding utility knife designed with built-in blade storage that holds up to two blades, for quick, on-the-job blade changes. The compact and durable design of the FK150 fits comfortably in the hand, pocket or on the belt. The FK150 has cast finger grooves, trigger-grip handle and delivers maximum durability, reliability, and is easy–to–use.
For the tradesman who needs a superior utility knife and quick access to his most commonly used screwdriver bits—without the bulk of a multi-tool— IRWIN integrated a foldout screwdriver for 1” insert bits into the new IRWIN FK250 with BladeLock Technology. For added convenience and customization, the FK250 includes built-in blade storage and an additional insert bit storage compartment. The FK250 delivers maximum durability and versatility and is designed with cast finger grooves and trigger grip handle for optimal control.
The new FK Series handles are backed by IRWIN’s Lifetime Guarantee. The FK100, FK150 and FK250 are now available at hardware stores, construction and industrial tool distributors throughout the U.S. and Canada and the MSRP ranges from $10.99 – $15.99.
