Let’s Dive into Mtech Folding Blade MT-705
The Mtech Folding Blade MT-705 is a budget-friendly, spring-assisted knife designed for everyday carry and light utility tasks. Marketed by Mtech, this folding blade features a partially serrated steel blade, an aluminum handle, and a pocket clip. Having handled countless knives over the past decade, from high-end custom blades to basic utility knives, I was intrigued to see how this offering would perform, especially given its attractive price point of $13.99.
I needed a readily available, inexpensive knife to keep in my range bag for opening ammo boxes and the occasional minor repair. The Mtech Folding Blade MT-705 seemed like a suitable candidate. Upon unboxing, the knife felt surprisingly solid for its price. The aluminum handle, while lightweight, offered a decent grip, and the blade deployed quickly with the spring-assisted mechanism.
Compared to my usual EDC, a Benchmade Griptilian, and a Kershaw Leek, the Mtech Folding Blade MT-705 felt noticeably less refined. The blade steel didn’t inspire the same confidence as my S30V or 14C28N blades. Initial impressions were mixed. It was better than expected for the price, but I knew the real test would come with actual use.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mtech Folding Blade MT-705 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Mtech Folding Blade MT-705 at the shooting range. I primarily used it for opening cardboard ammo boxes and cutting targets. The blade easily sliced through the cardboard. However, the edge dulled quicker than expected.
I also used it during a light rain shower. The aluminum handle became slightly slippery, requiring a firmer grip to maintain control. There weren’t any immediate issues, but I had a nagging feeling that durability might be a concern down the line.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a few weeks of occasional use, the Mtech Folding Blade MT-705 showed signs of wear. The blade developed a noticeable amount of play, and the spring-assist mechanism felt slightly less snappy. The blade finish also started to scratch easily.
Maintenance was simple; I cleaned and oiled the blade after each use. However, the steel showed a propensity to rust, requiring more frequent attention than my higher-end knives. Compared to my experience with other budget-friendly knives, the Mtech Folding Blade MT-705 fell somewhere in the middle. It wasn’t the worst, but it certainly wasn’t the best in terms of long-term reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Mtech Folding Blade MT-705
Specifications
The Mtech Folding Blade MT-705 features several key specifications worth noting.
- The blade length is 3.25 inches, making it a compact and convenient size for everyday carry.
- The closed length measures 4.75 inches, fitting comfortably in a pocket.
- The blade material is steel, though the exact type isn’t specified, a common cost-cutting measure.
- The blade is partially serrated, offering versatility for cutting rope and fibrous materials.
- The handle is made of aluminum, contributing to its lightweight feel.
- The blade finish is stainless steel, providing some rust resistance, though it’s prone to scratching.
- It includes a clip for convenient pocket carry, a standard and useful feature.
- The blade type is a folding blade, making it easy to carry and deploy.
These specifications indicate that the Mtech Folding Blade MT-705 is designed to be a lightweight and easily carried utility knife. However, the vague blade material specification suggests that it may not hold an edge as well as knives with higher-quality steel.
Performance & Functionality
The Mtech Folding Blade MT-705 performs adequately for light-duty tasks. Its sharpness out of the box is decent, but it requires frequent sharpening with extended use. The spring-assisted opening is fast and reliable. However, the lockup feels somewhat loose, raising concerns about safety under heavy use.
The knife’s strengths lie in its affordability and convenience. Its weaknesses are its questionable steel quality and potential durability issues. It meets basic expectations for a budget knife, but it doesn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mtech Folding Blade MT-705 features a simple and straightforward design. The aluminum handle is lightweight but lacks significant texturing, making it less secure in wet conditions. The pocket clip is functional, but the knife sits high in the pocket, which is not ideal for concealed carry.
The ergonomics are adequate for short periods of use, but the lack of contouring in the handle can cause discomfort during extended tasks. There isn’t a significant learning curve. However, those with larger hands might find the handle too small.
Durability & Maintenance
The long-term durability of the Mtech Folding Blade MT-705 is questionable. The blade steel is prone to dulling and rusting. The spring-assist mechanism may weaken over time. Regular cleaning and oiling are essential to prevent corrosion.
Repair options are limited, and replacing parts isn’t cost-effective, given the knife’s low price. It is designed to be a disposable tool rather than a long-lasting investment.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mtech Folding Blade MT-705 comes with minimal accessories. The only included item is the pocket clip. Customization options are limited. The blade and handle designs are not compatible with aftermarket scales or blade replacements.
The knife is intended to be used as-is, without modifications. This lack of customization reflects its budget-oriented design and manufacturing.
Pros and Cons of Mtech Folding Blade MT-705
Pros
- Affordable price point: Mtech Folding Blade MT-705 is budget-friendly, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Spring-assisted opening: Offers quick and easy blade deployment.
- Lightweight design: The aluminum handle makes it comfortable to carry.
- Pocket clip included: Provides convenient and secure carry.
- Partially serrated blade: Increases versatility for various cutting tasks.
Cons
- Questionable steel quality: The blade dulls quickly and is prone to rust.
- Durability concerns: The blade develops play over time, and the spring-assist may weaken.
- Limited customization: No aftermarket accessories or replacement parts available.
Who Should Buy Mtech Folding Blade MT-705?
The Mtech Folding Blade MT-705 is perfect for those who need a cheap, disposable utility knife. This includes casual campers, occasional DIYers, or anyone who wants a backup blade without investing a lot of money. It’s also suitable for those who frequently lose or damage their knives.
Those who require a durable, high-performance blade for demanding tasks should skip this product. Survivalists, serious outdoorsmen, and professional tradespeople would be better served by a more robust and reliable knife. A sharpening stone or honing rod would be a must-have accessory to maintain the blade’s edge.
Conclusion on Mtech Folding Blade MT-705
The Mtech Folding Blade MT-705 is a decent option for its incredibly low price. It offers basic functionality with its spring-assisted opening and partially serrated blade, but its long-term durability and blade steel quality are significant drawbacks. The price is justified for what it is: a disposable utility knife.
Personally, I would recommend it as a temporary or backup option for light tasks, but not as a primary EDC for demanding use. If you need a cheap knife that you won’t be afraid to lose or damage, the Mtech Folding Blade MT-705 might be worth considering. Get one today, just don’t expect it to last forever.
