Mantis Pit Boss MT-9 5.75in Folding Knife Review

Let’s Dive into Mantis Pit Boss MT-9 5.75in Folding Knife

The Mantis Pit Boss MT-9 5.75in Folding Knife is a compact, robust knife designed for everyday carry and tactical use. Mantis Knives, known for their innovative and sometimes unconventional designs, aims to deliver a hard-working tool in a small package with the Pit Boss. The knife features a CPM-440V stainless steel blade, a modified sheepsfoot profile, and a grippy G10 handle.

I’ve been searching for a smaller, more pocketable knife that can still handle demanding tasks, without the bulk of some of my larger folders. I wanted something with a durable blade steel and a secure grip, essential for reliable performance in various conditions.

Upon unboxing, the Mantis Pit Boss MT-9 5.75in Folding Knife immediately felt solid and well-built. The G10 handle provides a confident grip, and the blade deploys smoothly with a satisfying click. The weight feels substantial for its size, suggesting quality materials and construction.

I considered the Benchmade Mini Griptilian and the Spyderco Para 3, both popular choices for EDC. Ultimately, I chose the Mantis Pit Boss MT-9 5.75in Folding Knife due to its unique blade shape, the promise of excellent edge retention from the CPM-440V steel, and its distinctive aesthetics.

My initial impression was one of pleasant surprise. The Mantis Pit Boss MT-9 5.75in Folding Knife exceeded my expectations in terms of fit and finish, and I was eager to put it through its paces. It felt like a serious tool in a compact form, ready to tackle a variety of cutting tasks.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Mantis Pit Boss MT-9 5.75in Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Mantis Pit Boss MT-9 5.75in Folding Knife during a weekend camping trip in the nearby mountains. I used it for food preparation, making kindling, and general camp tasks like cutting rope and opening packages.

The knife performed admirably in damp conditions, thanks to the textured G10 handle that provided a secure grip even with wet hands. The modified sheepsfoot blade proved very useful for controlled cuts and slicing tasks.

The Mantis Pit Boss MT-9 5.75in Folding Knife required no break-in period; it felt comfortable and intuitive from the first use. The liner lock engaged positively and felt very secure.

After the first day, I noticed the edge was still incredibly sharp, showing no signs of dulling after moderate use. I was surprised at how well CPM-440V held its edge.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Mantis Pit Boss MT-9 5.75in Folding Knife has proven to be a reliable and durable tool. I’ve used it for everything from opening boxes at home to assisting with minor repairs on my truck.

Despite regular use, the blade has remained sharp and the liner lock continues to function flawlessly. The G10 handle shows no signs of wear or fading.

Maintenance has been minimal; I simply wipe the blade clean after each use and occasionally apply a drop of oil to the pivot. The knife disassembles easily for thorough cleaning.

Compared to other EDC knives I’ve owned, the Mantis Pit Boss MT-9 5.75in Folding Knife outperforms them in terms of edge retention and grip. Its compact size makes it easy to carry without feeling cumbersome.

Breaking Down the Features of Mantis Pit Boss MT-9 5.75in Folding Knife

Specifications

• Overall Length: 5.750″ – This compact size makes it ideal for everyday carry without being bulky.
• Blade Length: 2.375″ – The shorter blade ensures it’s legal to carry in many jurisdictions and provides excellent control for detailed tasks.
• Blade Material: CPM-440V – CPM-440V is known for its exceptional edge retention, meaning less frequent sharpening.
• Blade Style: Modified Sheepsfoot – This blade shape is excellent for slicing and controlled cutting, minimizing the risk of accidental piercing.
• Handle Material: Machined G-10 – G-10 is a durable and grippy material that provides excellent traction, even in wet conditions.
• Lock Style: Liner Locking Mechanism – The liner lock is a proven and reliable mechanism that securely locks the blade open.
• Carry System: Ambidextrous Pocket Clip – The pocket clip allows for convenient and discreet carry, and the ambidextrous design caters to both right- and left-handed users.
• Weight: 5.00 oz. – The weight provides a feeling of robustness without being overly heavy.

Performance & Functionality

The Mantis Pit Boss MT-9 5.75in Folding Knife excels at a variety of cutting tasks. Its sharp CPM-440V blade effortlessly slices through cardboard, rope, and other materials. The modified sheepsfoot blade shape offers precise control, making it well-suited for detailed work.

The knife’s strengths lie in its edge retention, secure grip, and compact size. A minor weakness is the relatively short blade length, which may not be ideal for larger cutting tasks. The knife definitely meets my expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Mantis Pit Boss MT-9 5.75in Folding Knife is well-designed and ergonomically sound. The G10 handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, even during extended use. The knife’s compact size makes it easy to carry discreetly.

The knife is user-friendly, with a smooth blade deployment and a secure liner lock. There’s virtually no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The Mantis Pit Boss MT-9 5.75in Folding Knife is built to last. The CPM-440V blade is highly resistant to wear and corrosion, and the G10 handle is virtually indestructible.

Maintenance is straightforward; simply clean and lubricate the blade and pivot as needed. The knife can be easily disassembled for thorough cleaning and maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mantis Pit Boss MT-9 5.75in Folding Knife comes with a standard ambidextrous pocket clip. Customization options are somewhat limited due to its specific design.

While there aren’t many aftermarket accessories designed specifically for the Mantis Pit Boss MT-9 5.75in Folding Knife, its standard size and design make it compatible with many universal pocket clips and lanyards.

Pros and Cons of Mantis Pit Boss MT-9 5.75in Folding Knife