Reddit reviews Milwaukee 48-22-1903 Fastback Flip Utility Knife with Blade Storage, Press and Flip Opening, 4 Blade Storage, All Metal Body, Quick Blade Change, Gut Hook, Wire Stripper, Wire Form Belt Clip

If you’re being forceful that’s when it gets really dangerous. It’s not you, X-acto blades don’t retain their sharp edge after a few cuts. I remember in design school I’d be tossing those blades out every few cuts. Dull blades can ruin your work or glance into body parts. The scary part for me was that x-acto had a disclaimer about snapping tips that can fly into unprotected eyes of you have a heavy hand.

Seemingly economical, they’re not ideal for leather work which is why people really like to invest in quality tools that they sharpen themselves.

If cost is an issue you could try using a utility knife that can change angles just for the long straight cuts and only use x-acto when you have to or get an affordable leather knife

I have the Compact Milwaukee and am not a fan; the blade comes loose all the time, especially when doing things like cutting drywall or removing wire insulation. I have used the Fastback Milwaukee though with good results, it’s just a lot bigger and doesn’t feel as good in the hands. I’ve owned 1 of the Compact, 0 of the Fastback.

The Klein pocket knife looking one is garbage for doing actual work with. I’ve owned 1 of these.

I have a SOG Flash 2 w/ serrations that I love but it’s my EDC and doesn’t live in my tool bag. Super sharp and the serrations slice though sheathing like hot butter. I’ve owned 4 of these.

I have a smaller one, a skelotonized Gerber w/ Lenox blades that I love as well. That one does live in my tool bag and is used all the time. The Lenox gold blades are amazing. I’ve owned 1 of these.

Milwaukee Compact

Milwaukee Fastback

Klein Electricians Knife

Sog Flash II

Gerber EAB Lite

I've never seen an Axis lock razor blade but check out the Milwaukee Fastback 3.

I believe it could fit your needs as it has a button lock that could also be opened/closed one-handed (with a swing) plus also features changeable blades and a wire stripping tool.

I would stay away from getting tools like others mentioned. The cost will add up quickly, even if you get dirt cheap tools. There’s also no guarantee that he’ll even need the tools you get him. You can’t go wrong with a utility knife and a cheap framing hammer, though. Milwaukee knives and an inexpensive California style framing hammer are guaranteed to see plenty of use. Estwing also makes steel handled hammers which will pretty much never need a new handle, but those are pretty rough on the elbows and wrists compared to wood or fiberglass handles. Once he has experience, he’ll know what he needs for whatever job he’s doing.

Everything you mentioned sounds great. What I personally would appreciate most (outside of what you already mentioned) aren’t exactly cheap and may not be every carpenter’s cup of tea depending on what their job calls for. One thing that he’s sure to appreciate but may not be all that excited about right off the bat is wool socks or, if you’re willing to spend a lot of extra money, tactical socks, especially when breaking in a new pair of boots. Other than that, it really just depends on him and what his preferences are.