Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833 Review

Let’s Dive into Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833

The Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833 is a budget-friendly karambit-style folding knife designed for everyday carry and general utility. MTech, known for its affordable offerings, presents this assisted-opening knife with a stonewashed stainless steel blade and a G10 handle. Is it a reliable tool or just another cheap knife?

Having spent years in the field and handled countless knives, I was drawn to the MX-A833 by its unique karambit design and appealing price point. I often find myself needing a quick-deploy blade for various tasks, from opening packages to cutting rope, and I was curious to see how this inexpensive option would perform. The promise of a secure grip, even in wet conditions, also caught my attention, considering the unpredictable weather I often encounter during outdoor activities.

Upon unboxing, the Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833 felt surprisingly solid for its price. The weight was comfortable in hand, and the G10 handle provided a decent texture. The stonewashed finish on the blade gave it a rugged, pre-worn look.

I considered other budget karambits from brands like Smith & Wesson and Tac-Force. Ultimately, I chose the Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833 for its cleaner design and the positive reviews highlighting its assisted-opening mechanism.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It wasn’t love at first sight, but the MX-A833 had a certain charm. Time will tell if it’s a diamond in the rough or just another knife destined for the back of the drawer.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833 was a weekend camping trip in the local mountains. I put it to work on various tasks, including preparing kindling, cutting cordage, and opening food packages. The knife performed adequately in dry conditions, but the assisted opening was noticeably slower than higher-end models.

In damp conditions, the Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833‘s G10 handle did provide a secure grip, as advertised. However, the liner lock felt a bit sticky and required extra effort to disengage with wet hands. After a few hours of use, the blade started to loosen slightly, needing tightening with a Torx wrench.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of daily carry and consistent use, the Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833 showed signs of wear and tear. The stonewashed finish began to scratch easily, and the assisted opening mechanism became even slower and less reliable. Despite occasional tightening, the blade developed a slight wobble.

The Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833 is easy to clean with simple soap and water. However, the liner lock’s tendency to collect debris required more frequent attention. Compared to my usual EDC knife (a Benchmade Griptilian), the MX-A833 clearly underperformed in terms of durability, blade steel quality, and overall reliability. It’s a budget knife performing as a budget knife would, unfortunately.

Breaking Down the Features of Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833

Specifications

• The Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833 features a 3.4-inch stonewashed stainless steel blade. This size is practical for everyday carry and most common cutting tasks.
• With a closed length of 4.75 inches, the Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833 offers a comfortable grip without being overly bulky in the pocket. The overall length when open is approximately 8.15 inches.
• The blade thickness is 3mm, providing a decent balance between cutting ability and strength for light to medium tasks. However, don’t expect it to hold up to heavy prying or batoning.
• The Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833 utilizes a black G10 handle, known for its durability, texture, and resistance to moisture. The handle provides a secure grip even in wet environments.
• A partial serration on the blade offers versatility for cutting through tougher materials like rope or webbing. However, this also reduces the length of the plain edge for finer cutting tasks.
• The Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833 includes a pocket clip for convenient and safe carry. The clip is positioned for tip-down, right-hand carry only.
• The “steel” used for the blade isn’t specifically identified, suggesting a lower-grade stainless steel. This impacts edge retention and overall durability compared to higher-end steels like CPM-S30V or D2.
• It features a liner lock mechanism. This can be less secure than other locking mechanisms such as frame locks or axis locks.

Performance & Functionality

The Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833 performs adequately for basic cutting tasks. Its sharpness out of the box is acceptable, but the edge retention isn’t great. The assisted opening mechanism is functional, but not as smooth or reliable as higher-quality knives.

The MX-A833‘s strengths lie in its affordability and unique karambit design. Its weaknesses include the use of lower-grade materials, a less reliable locking mechanism, and poor edge retention. For light-duty tasks and occasional use, it may meet expectations, but it’s not a reliable choice for demanding situations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833 features a comfortable G10 handle that provides a secure grip. The karambit design is unique and allows for a variety of grips. The overall weight is manageable for EDC.

The Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833‘s learning curve is minimal due to its simple design. However, the liner lock can be a bit stiff, and the assisted opening may require some practice to master. The pocket clip placement only allows for tip-down, right-hand carry.

Durability & Maintenance

The Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833‘s durability is questionable due to the use of lower-grade materials. Expect the blade to dull quickly and the locking mechanism to wear down over time. The knife is easy to clean with basic tools and cleaning supplies.

Disassembling the Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833 for thorough cleaning and maintenance is relatively straightforward. However, the availability of replacement parts is limited, and repairs may be challenging. This is not designed to last a lifetime.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833 comes with only the standard pocket clip. Customization options are limited due to the proprietary design and lower price point.

Aftermarket accessories specifically designed for the Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833 are scarce. However, some generic knife accessories, such as lanyards or sharpening tools, may be compatible. The low cost of the knife doesn’t warrant much investment in aftermarket parts.

Pros and Cons of Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833

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Who Should Buy Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833?

The Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833 is perfect for individuals seeking an affordable, entry-level karambit-style folding knife for light-duty tasks. It can also be suitable for those who are curious about the karambit design but don’t want to invest in a more expensive option. College students, casual campers, and occasional users might find this sufficient for their needs.

This product is not recommended for serious outdoorsmen, survivalists, or anyone who relies on a knife for demanding tasks. Professionals who require a reliable and durable tool should also avoid the Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833. If you’re expecting a high-performance blade, you’ll be disappointed.

A sharpening stone is a must-have accessory to maintain the blade’s edge.

Conclusion on Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833

The Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833 offers an affordable entry into the world of karambit-style folding knives. While it provides a unique design and a comfortable grip, its lower-grade materials and questionable durability limit its long-term value. The price of $10.99 reflects the quality and intended use.

I would recommend the Mtech Folding Blade MX-A833 to those who are on a tight budget and need a basic utility knife for occasional use. However, if you require a reliable and durable knife for demanding tasks, investing in a higher-quality option is a must. Consider it a stepping stone, but don’t expect a lifelong companion. If you’re curious about karambits, this is a low-risk way to try one out.