Let’s Talk About Black Fox BF-713 Tarlo Alfredo Doricchi Fixed Blade Knife w/ Kydex Sheath
The Black Fox BF-713 Tarlo Alfredo Doricchi Fixed Blade Knife w/ Kydex Sheath is a compact, lightweight fixed blade designed by Alfredo Doricchi and manufactured by Black Fox. Its minimalist design, featuring a 3-inch 440C stainless steel blade and paracord-wrapped handle, makes it an attractive option for everyday carry and outdoor use. The included Kydex sheath offers secure and discreet carry.
I was looking for a lightweight, easily concealable fixed blade for everyday carry and as a backup knife on hiking and camping trips. I wanted something that wouldn’t weigh me down but could handle basic cutting tasks and some light bushcraft. The Black Fox BF-713 Tarlo seemed to fit the bill perfectly.
Upon unboxing, my initial impression was positive. The knife is incredibly light and feels well-balanced in hand. The paracord wrap provides a surprisingly comfortable and secure grip. The Kydex sheath is functional and provides good retention.
Compared to similar knives like the ESEE Izula or the Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter, the Black Fox BF-713 Tarlo is significantly lighter and more compact. While the other knives offer arguably more robust construction and handle options, the Tarlo’s slim profile and minimalist design were more appealing for my specific needs. This made the Tarlo a compelling choice.
I was pleasantly surprised by the overall quality and feel of the knife, especially considering its price point of $51.99. It exceeded my expectations. It was exciting to finally have a discreet, fixed-blade option for everyday carry.
Real-World Testing: Putting Black Fox BF-713 Tarlo Alfredo Doricchi Fixed Blade Knife w/ Kydex Sheath to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Black Fox BF-713 Tarlo was on a weekend camping trip in the local state forest. I used it for various camp chores, including preparing food, cutting cordage, and whittling small pieces of wood for kindling. The blade performed admirably in these tasks.
The weather was mostly dry, but I did encounter some damp conditions in the morning due to dew. The paracord handle maintained a good grip even when slightly wet. I found the knife easy to control and manipulate.
The Tarlo proved very comfortable to use and was easy to deploy from the Kydex sheath. I did not need any time to adjust. It felt like a natural extension of my hand.
One initial issue I noticed was that the blade finish seemed prone to scratching. After only a few uses, some light scratches appeared on the blade. Otherwise, the knife performed exactly as expected.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Black Fox BF-713 Tarlo has held up reasonably well. The blade has retained its edge, though it does require occasional sharpening. The paracord handle has shown no signs of fraying or unraveling.
The blade finish shows more wear and tear with some scratches. The edge has held up well. The Kydex sheath remains functional, with good retention.
Cleaning the Tarlo is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. I apply a small amount of oil to the blade after cleaning to prevent corrosion. The sheath is easy to clean as well.
Compared to other EDC knives I’ve owned, the Black Fox BF-713 Tarlo offers a good balance of portability, functionality, and value. While it may not be as robust as some higher-end options, it performs well for its intended purpose and has exceeded my expectations. It is definitely a winner.
Breaking Down the Features of Black Fox BF-713 Tarlo Alfredo Doricchi Fixed Blade Knife w/ Kydex Sheath
Specifications
Blade Length: 3 inches. This provides a compact cutting surface for everyday tasks and light bushcraft.
Overall Length: 6.7 inches. This compact size makes it easy to carry and conceal.
Blade Material: 440C Stainless Steel. This steel offers a good balance of hardness, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.
Knife Application: Fixed Blade. This provides strength and reliability compared to folding knives.
Included Accessories: Kydex Sheath. This offers secure and discreet carry.
Handle Material: Paracord. This provides a lightweight and customizable grip.
Handle Color: Black. A simple and classic color choice.
Sheath Material: Kydex. This provides excellent retention and durability.
Weight: 2.8 oz. This lightweight design is perfect for everyday carry.
The 440C stainless steel blade provides adequate edge retention and corrosion resistance for general use. The lightweight and slim profile, thanks to the paracord handle and Kydex sheath, makes it an excellent choice for EDC. The fixed blade design offers superior strength compared to folding knives.
Performance & Functionality
The Black Fox BF-713 Tarlo performs well for its intended purpose. The 440C blade is sharp enough for most everyday cutting tasks, such as opening boxes, cutting rope, and preparing food. The paracord handle provides a secure and comfortable grip, even when wet.
While the Tarlo is not designed for heavy-duty tasks, it can handle light bushcraft duties like whittling and feathering sticks. The blade is relatively thin, so it’s not ideal for prying or batoning wood. The thin profile means that it will perform better at slicing than chopping or forcing.
The knife meets expectations for a lightweight EDC fixed blade. It offers a good balance of functionality, portability, and value. It is suitable for light duty tasks.
Design & Ergonomics
The Black Fox BF-713 Tarlo’s minimalist design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The paracord-wrapped handle is surprisingly comfortable and provides a good grip. The slim profile makes it easy to carry discreetly.
The Kydex sheath is well-made and provides excellent retention. The knife snaps securely into place and can be easily drawn with one hand. The sheath also includes multiple mounting options for different carry preferences. The sheath is well-molded to the knife’s shape.
There is no learning curve. The knife is easy to use and comfortable to carry. The Tarlo is truly a simple and effective design.
Durability & Maintenance
With reasonable care, the Black Fox BF-713 Tarlo should last for many years. The 440C steel blade is durable and corrosion-resistant. The paracord handle is strong and can be easily replaced if it becomes damaged.
Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning and occasional sharpening are all that’s required to keep the Tarlo in good condition. A light coat of oil on the blade after cleaning will help prevent rust.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Black Fox BF-713 Tarlo comes with a well-fitting Kydex sheath. You can adjust the paracord handle color or pattern.
The Tarlo is compatible with aftermarket lanyards. The user can customize the carry options. The aftermarket offers a variety of belt clips.
Pros and Cons of Black Fox BF-713 Tarlo Alfredo Doricchi Fixed Blade Knife w/ Kydex Sheath
Pros
- Lightweight and Compact: Easy to carry discreetly for everyday use.
- Comfortable Grip: Paracord-wrapped handle provides a secure and comfortable grip, even when wet.
- Durable Blade: 440C stainless steel offers a good balance of hardness and corrosion resistance.
- Secure Kydex Sheath: Provides excellent retention and multiple carry options.
- Affordable Price: Excellent value for the money.
Cons
- Blade finish is prone to scratching.
- Not ideal for heavy-duty tasks.
Who Should Buy Black Fox BF-713 Tarlo Alfredo Doricchi Fixed Blade Knife w/ Kydex Sheath?
The Black Fox BF-713 Tarlo is perfect for:
- Everyday carry (EDC) enthusiasts.
- Hikers and campers looking for a lightweight backup knife.
- Anyone who appreciates a minimalist and functional design.
Who should skip this product?
- Those who need a heavy-duty knife for demanding tasks.
- Anyone who prefers a more substantial handle or a more robust blade steel.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- Custom paracord wrap for a personalized look.
- Aftermarket belt clip for the Kydex sheath to suit specific carry preferences.
Conclusion on Black Fox BF-713 Tarlo Alfredo Doricchi Fixed Blade Knife w/ Kydex Sheath
The Black Fox BF-713 Tarlo Alfredo Doricchi Fixed Blade Knife w/ Kydex Sheath is a well-designed and affordable knife that offers a lot of value for the money. Its lightweight construction, comfortable grip, and secure Kydex sheath make it an excellent choice for everyday carry and light outdoor use. While it may not be the most robust knife on the market, it performs well for its intended purpose and is a great option for those looking for a discreet and functional fixed blade.
The price of $51.99 is certainly justified. This knife offers a great balance of quality and performance. It is a fantastic choice for the budget-minded individual.
I would definitely recommend the Black Fox BF-713 Tarlo to anyone looking for a lightweight and affordable EDC fixed blade. It’s a great knife that won’t break the bank. Pick one up today and experience the minimalist design.