Let’s Dive into Mission Mps A2 187″ Thick Blade
The Mission Mps A2 187″ Thick Blade is more than just a knife; it’s a tool designed for serious users who demand ultimate reliability and performance. Manufactured by Mission, a company renowned for its rugged and dependable tactical gear, this fixed blade knife is built to withstand the harshest conditions. Its thick A2 steel blade and robust Kydex sheath promise years of reliable service.
I’ve always been on the lookout for a truly bombproof fixed blade that can handle everything from batoning wood to intricate field dressing. My old knife simply couldn’t take the abuse I put it through during a recent backcountry elk hunt. I needed something tougher, something that wouldn’t fail when I needed it most.
Unboxing the Mission Mps A2 187″ Thick Blade was an experience in itself. The knife felt substantial in my hand, the weight reassuring rather than cumbersome. The tan finish on both the blade and handle exudes a tactical, no-nonsense aesthetic. The Kydex sheath felt incredibly secure, promising excellent retention in any environment.
I considered the ESEE 5 and the Ontario RAT-5, both respected names in the survival knife world. Ultimately, I chose the Mission Mps A2 187″ Thick Blade because of its A2 steel construction. I have used A2 in other tools and appreciate its toughness and ease of sharpening.
My first impression was one of respect. This isn’t a pretty knife designed for display; it’s a serious tool built for hard work. The feeling of quality and durability was immediately apparent, and I was eager to put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mission Mps A2 187″ Thick Blade to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Mission Mps A2 187″ Thick Blade on a three-day backpacking trip in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. This area provided ample opportunity to test its capabilities in a variety of tasks. I used the knife for everything from preparing kindling to food preparation and even some light trail maintenance.
The weather was typically unpredictable, ranging from sunny skies to brief rain showers. The Mission Mps A2 187″ Thick Blade performed admirably in all conditions. The A2 steel blade held its edge well, even after prolonged use in wet conditions.
The handle design felt comfortable and secure, even with wet hands. The knife required minimal adjustment to get used to. The balance point is right at the first finger making it easy to control the knife for various tasks.
Initially, I was concerned about the blade’s thickness hindering finer tasks, but the combo grind proved surprisingly versatile. It was robust enough for heavy work and precise enough for delicate work.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Mission Mps A2 187″ Thick Blade has become an indispensable part of my outdoor gear. It has accompanied me on numerous hiking trips, camping excursions, and even a couple of fishing trips.
The Mission Mps A2 187″ Thick Blade shows minimal signs of wear and tear. The tan coating has held up surprisingly well, with only a few minor scratches. The edge has remained sharp, requiring only occasional stropping to maintain its performance.
Cleaning and maintaining the Mission Mps A2 187″ Thick Blade is straightforward. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth and a light coat of oil is all it takes to keep it in top condition. The Kydex sheath also drains water easily.
I’ve used other fixed blade knives in the past, but the Mission Mps A2 187″ Thick Blade has consistently outperformed them in terms of durability and edge retention. This knife is a significant upgrade from my previous experiences.
Breaking Down the Features of Mission Mps A2 187″ Thick Blade
Specifications
- The Mission Mps A2 187″ Thick Blade boasts a 5-inch blade made from A2 tool steel, known for its exceptional toughness and ability to hold an edge. This makes it ideal for demanding tasks in the field.
- The overall length of the knife is 9.75 inches, providing a good balance between blade length and overall maneuverability. It makes it easy to carry without being too bulky.
- The blade features a tan finish for corrosion resistance and a tactical appearance. This also reduces unwanted glare.
- The handle is also tan and provides a secure and comfortable grip, even in wet conditions. The handle’s texture enhances the user’s control over the knife during use.
- The Kydex sheath provides excellent retention and durability, ensuring the knife stays securely in place during rigorous activity. This is an important safety feature.
- The blade grind is a combo grind, offering a balance between cutting performance and strength. This allows for both fine slicing and heavier chopping tasks.
- The Mission Mps A2 187″ Thick Blade includes a lanyard slot, allowing for easy attachment to a pack or belt for added security. This prevents loss in the field.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the knife’s performance and reliability in real-world situations. The A2 steel blade ensures it can withstand heavy use. The comfortable handle and secure sheath provide added safety and convenience.
Performance & Functionality
The Mission Mps A2 187″ Thick Blade performs exceptionally well in a variety of tasks. Its thick blade and robust construction make it ideal for batoning wood, preparing food, and even some light chopping.
The knife’s strengths lie in its durability, edge retention, and comfortable grip. The A2 steel blade can withstand significant abuse without chipping or breaking. However, the thick blade can make finer tasks slightly more challenging.
The Mission Mps A2 187″ Thick Blade meets and often exceeds my expectations. It is a reliable and dependable tool that I can trust in any situation.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mission Mps A2 187″ Thick Blade features a simple, yet effective design. The focus is clearly on functionality and durability, rather than aesthetics.
The build quality is excellent, with high-quality materials and precise construction. The knife feels solid and well-balanced in the hand, inspiring confidence in its ability to handle demanding tasks. The handle feels very comfortable to hold.
The knife has a very intuitive design, and there is virtually no learning curve. It is easy to pick up and use effectively right away.
Durability & Maintenance
The Mission Mps A2 187″ Thick Blade is built to last a lifetime. Its robust construction and high-quality materials ensure it can withstand years of heavy use.
Maintaining the knife is straightforward. Regular cleaning and occasional sharpening are all it takes to keep it in top condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mission Mps A2 187″ Thick Blade comes with a durable Kydex sheath as its primary accessory. The sheath offers excellent retention and can be easily attached to a belt or pack.
Unfortunately, customization options are limited for the Mission Mps A2 187″ Thick Blade. The design is relatively fixed, with few aftermarket accessories available. However, the lanyard slot allows for some personalization.
Pros and Cons of Mission Mps A2 187″ Thick Blade
Pros
- Exceptional Durability: The A2 steel blade and robust construction ensure the knife can withstand heavy use and abuse.
- Excellent Edge Retention: The A2 steel holds an edge well, even after prolonged use.
- Secure and Comfortable Grip: The handle provides a secure and comfortable grip, even in wet conditions.
- Reliable Kydex Sheath: The Kydex sheath provides excellent retention and durability.
- Versatile Combo Grind: The combo grind offers a balance between cutting performance and strength.
Cons
- The thick blade can make finer tasks slightly more challenging.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Mission Mps A2 187″ Thick Blade?
The Mission Mps A2 187″ Thick Blade is perfect for survivalists, serious outdoorsmen, military personnel, and anyone who needs a reliable and durable knife for demanding tasks. Those who prioritize ultimate durability and dependability will find this knife to be an excellent choice.
Those who need a knife primarily for delicate tasks or who prioritize aesthetics over functionality may want to skip this product. It is designed for heavy use, not intricate work.
A sharpening stone or strop is a must-have accessory to maintain the blade’s edge. Also, consider adding a length of paracord to the lanyard slot for added versatility.
Conclusion on Mission Mps A2 187″ Thick Blade
The Mission Mps A2 187″ Thick Blade is a no-nonsense, high-performance knife designed for serious users. It offers exceptional durability, excellent edge retention, and a secure grip.
The price is justified by the quality of materials and the robust construction. This is a tool that will last a lifetime with proper care.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Mission Mps A2 187″ Thick Blade to anyone who needs a reliable and dependable knife for demanding tasks. If you’re looking for a knife that can handle anything you throw at it, this is it. Invest in the Mission Mps A2 187″ Thick Blade today and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a truly dependable tool at your side.