TAC Force Folding Blade TF-707 Review

Let’s Dive into TAC Force Folding Blade TF-707

The TAC Force Folding Blade TF-707 is a spring-assisted knife designed for everyday carry and light tactical applications. Manufactured by TAC Force, this knife features a 3.5-inch stainless steel blade, a blue dragon aluminum handle, and includes a pocket clip and glass breaker. For just $13.99, it presents itself as an extremely budget-friendly option, but can it truly deliver on its promises?

I’ve always been on the lookout for reliable, yet affordable, EDC options for friends and family who are just getting into the outdoors. This meant I needed something that wouldn’t break the bank but still offered a decent level of functionality and safety. The TAC Force Folding Blade TF-707 seemed to fit the bill in terms of price, so I decided to test it out.

Upon unboxing, my initial thought was, “Well, you get what you pay for.” The aluminum handle felt lightweight, almost flimsy, and the spring-assisted opening, while functional, lacked the smoothness of higher-end knives. The dragon design, while aesthetically interesting to some, seemed a bit flashy for my personal taste.

Compared to my usual EDC, a Benchmade Griptilian (significantly pricier, I know) and a Kershaw Leek, the TAC Force Folding Blade TF-707 immediately felt different. The Benchmade offers superior build quality and blade steel, while the Kershaw provides a slimmer, more refined carry. I chose to test the TAC Force knife to see if a budget option could still provide sufficient performance for basic tasks.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic, but mostly curious. Could a knife this inexpensive hold up to even light use? I suspected there would be some compromises, but I was eager to discover them.

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Real-World Testing: Putting TAC Force Folding Blade TF-707 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the TAC Force Folding Blade TF-707 was during a weekend camping trip. I used it for basic camp chores: opening food packages, cutting rope, and preparing kindling. It performed adequately for these light-duty tasks, although the blade required more force than my higher-end knives.

The knife’s performance in slightly damp conditions was acceptable. While the stainless steel blade didn’t show immediate signs of rust, the aluminum handle became a bit slippery when wet. It took me a little time to get used to the spring-assisted mechanism.

After the first day, I noticed the blade had lost some of its initial sharpness and the spring assist felt slightly weaker. The glass breaker at the base of the handle felt awkwardly placed, interfering with my grip at times.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a couple of months of sporadic use, the TAC Force Folding Blade TF-707 is showing noticeable wear. The blade coating is scratched, and there’s a slight wobble in the blade when it’s locked open. The spring assist is noticeably weaker and occasionally fails to fully deploy the blade.

The TAC Force knife requires frequent cleaning and oiling to prevent rust and maintain its limited functionality. The aluminum handle has proven to be surprisingly resistant to scratches and dents. Compared to my Kershaw Leek, which has maintained its sharpness and smooth action after years of use, the TAC Force knife falls far short in terms of durability and overall reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of TAC Force Folding Blade TF-707

Specifications

• Blade Length: 3.5 inches. This is a decent length for an EDC knife, making it suitable for a variety of tasks.
• Blade Material: Stainless Steel. While stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, the specific grade used in the TAC Force Folding Blade TF-707 is likely a lower quality, meaning it won’t hold an edge as well as higher-end steels.
• Handle Material: Aluminum. Aluminum is lightweight but not as durable as other handle materials like G10 or Micarta.
• Closed Length: 4.5 inches. This provides a reasonably compact size for pocket carry.
• Blade Type: Folding Blade. Offers convenient and safe carry.
• Additional Features: Pocket Clip & Glass Breaker. The pocket clip allows for easy carry, while the glass breaker is a potentially useful, though somewhat gimmicky, addition.

These specifications, while seemingly adequate on paper, translate to a budget-friendly knife with compromises in blade steel quality and handle durability. The inclusion of the glass breaker might appeal to some, but its practical utility is questionable for most users.

Performance & Functionality

The TAC Force Folding Blade TF-707 performs adequately for light-duty tasks like opening boxes and cutting rope. However, its edge retention is poor, requiring frequent sharpening. The spring-assisted opening is functional but lacks the smoothness and reliability of higher-quality mechanisms.

The knife’s main weakness is its overall durability. The low-grade stainless steel blade and aluminum handle are not designed for heavy use. It meets basic expectations for a budget knife, but doesn’t exceed them in any meaningful way.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality reflects its price point. The materials feel inexpensive, and the overall construction lacks the precision and robustness of higher-end knives. The aluminum handle is lightweight and comfortable enough in hand, but the dragon design may not appeal to everyone.

The knife is relatively user-friendly, with a simple spring-assisted opening and a basic liner lock mechanism. However, the stiffness of the liner lock can make it difficult to close with one hand.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its construction, the TAC Force Folding Blade TF-707 is not designed for long-term use. Expect to replace it within a year or two with regular use. Maintenance involves frequent cleaning, oiling, and sharpening to prevent rust and maintain its limited functionality.

Repairing the knife is not practical due to its low cost. If any major components break, it’s more cost-effective to simply replace the entire knife.

Accessories and Customization Options

The TAC Force Folding Blade TF-707 comes with a basic pocket clip, which is non-adjustable. There are no readily available aftermarket accessories or customization options specifically designed for this model. The knife is unlikely to be compatible with accessories from other brands due to its unique dimensions and construction.

Pros and Cons of TAC Force Folding Blade TF-707

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Who Should Buy TAC Force Folding Blade TF-707?

The TAC Force Folding Blade TF-707 is perfect for individuals on a very tight budget who need a basic, disposable knife for occasional light tasks. It might also be suitable as a first knife for teenagers learning knife safety, provided they are supervised. This could also be kept as a backup knife in an emergency kit.

Individuals who require a durable, reliable knife for frequent use should skip this product. Also, those who value high-quality materials and craftsmanship should look elsewhere.

A must-have modification would be a sharpening stone to maintain the blade’s edge. Otherwise, there are no recommended accessories.

Conclusion on TAC Force Folding Blade TF-707

The TAC Force Folding Blade TF-707 is a budget-friendly knife that offers basic functionality at a very low price. However, its low-quality materials, questionable durability, and unreliable spring-assisted mechanism make it a poor choice for anyone who needs a dependable everyday carry knife. The price is justified for what you receive, but expectations should be set accordingly.

I would only recommend it to individuals who absolutely cannot afford a more expensive option and who understand its limitations. If you can stretch your budget even slightly, you’ll be far better served by a more durable and reliable knife from a reputable brand. Ultimately, this is a “get what you pay for” product, so proceed with caution.