Mtech Black Finish Bowie Knife Review

Let’s Dive into Mtech Black Finish Bowie Knife

The Mtech Black Finish Bowie Knife is a budget-friendly option for those seeking a classic Bowie knife design. Manufactured by Mtech, this fixed-blade knife features an 8.63-inch blade and a rubber handle, making it suitable for various outdoor tasks. Its affordability and inclusion of a nylon sheath make it an appealing option for beginners or those on a tight budget.

I’ve always believed a good knife is essential for any outdoor enthusiast, but quality often comes at a premium. I was looking for an inexpensive Bowie knife to use for general camp tasks and as a backup blade without breaking the bank. I needed something that could handle basic cutting and chopping, without the fear of damaging a more expensive knife.

Upon unboxing, the Mtech Black Finish Bowie Knife feels surprisingly solid for its price point. The black finish on the blade gives it a tactical look, while the rubber handle provides a decent grip. The knife is lightweight, but the overall build quality seems acceptable considering the cost.

Compared to other budget Bowie knives I’ve handled, such as some offerings from Rough Rider, the Mtech feels more robust, though less refined. I chose this over others primarily due to its full-tang construction (though not explicitly stated, the design suggests it), giving me more confidence in its durability compared to knives with partial tangs. While a Schrade SCHF36 offers a similar function, it comes in at almost twice the price.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. For $16.99, I wasn’t expecting a premium knife, but the Mtech Black Finish Bowie Knife seemed like it could be a decent tool for light to medium-duty tasks. It immediately struck me that I should temper expectations, but at the very least, it would be a good learning tool.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Mtech Black Finish Bowie Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Mtech Black Finish Bowie Knife on a weekend camping trip in the local state forest. I used it for tasks like preparing kindling, cutting rope, and opening food packages. The conditions were dry and mild, typical for a late spring outing.

The knife performed reasonably well for basic cutting tasks. However, the blade’s edge retention was not great. After only a few uses, it began to dull and required frequent sharpening.

The handle was comfortable enough for short periods, but prolonged use caused some hand fatigue. The provided nylon sheath was functional, but nothing special.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of occasional use, the Mtech Black Finish Bowie Knife has shown its limitations. The blade’s black finish has started to wear off in places, and the edge requires frequent sharpening to maintain any semblance of sharpness. There were no serious defects; however, this is a knife for light tasks only.

The rubber handle is holding up okay, though it has started to show some signs of wear. Cleaning is easy enough – soap and water – but I always apply a light coating of oil to the blade to prevent rust. Its performance is very much as expected.

Compared to my experience with higher-end Bowie knives, such as a Ka-Bar Becker BK9, the Mtech falls far short. It’s adequate for light tasks, but it lacks the durability, edge retention, and overall quality of a more expensive knife.

Breaking Down the Features of Mtech Black Finish Bowie Knife

Specifications

• The Mtech Black Finish Bowie Knife features an 8.63-inch blade made of 440 stainless steel. This is an inexpensive steel that is easy to sharpen, but does not hold an edge well.
• The overall length of the knife is 14 inches. This makes it a full-size Bowie knife suitable for a variety of tasks.
• The handle is made of rubber and the sheath is made of nylon. This keeps the knife light and budget-friendly.
• It includes a lanyard slot for easy attachment. This is a useful feature for securing the knife during outdoor activities.
• The blade finish is listed as steel, implying the black coating is superficial. This means that wear and tear will expose the underlying steel relatively quickly.

These specifications mean the Mtech Black Finish Bowie Knife is designed for light to medium-duty use. The 440 stainless steel blade is a compromise between ease of sharpening and edge retention. The rubber handle and nylon sheath prioritize affordability and ease of carry.

Performance & Functionality

The Mtech Black Finish Bowie Knife performs adequately for basic cutting and chopping tasks. It’s not designed for heavy-duty work, but it can handle tasks like preparing kindling, cutting rope, and opening packages. The balance is okay, but it’s not the best.

Its strengths lie in its affordability and ease of use. The weaknesses are its mediocre edge retention and overall durability.
It mostly meets expectations, considering the low price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The Mtech Black Finish Bowie Knife has a classic Bowie knife design with a black finish that gives it a tactical look. The rubber handle provides a decent grip, but it can become uncomfortable during prolonged use. The lightweight construction makes it easy to carry, but it also feels less substantial than heavier knives.

The knife is relatively user-friendly with no significant learning curve. It feels balanced and comfortable for general use, but some may find the handle too small or slippery.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its low price point and the materials used, the Mtech Black Finish Bowie Knife isn’t expected to last a lifetime. The blade’s black finish will likely wear off over time, and the edge will require frequent sharpening. The rubber handle may also degrade with prolonged exposure to the elements.

Maintenance is relatively simple: clean the blade with soap and water after each use and apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust. More intensive repair would likely cost more than a replacement.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mtech Black Finish Bowie Knife comes with a basic nylon sheath for carrying. There are no additional accessories included, and customization options are limited. The handle is permanently affixed, so you cannot change the grips, but a custom sheath is a possibility.

It may be compatible with some aftermarket sheaths designed for similar-sized Bowie knives, but this would require careful measurements and research. Aside from that, there are limited customization options for this knife.

Pros and Cons of Mtech Black Finish Bowie Knife

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Who Should Buy Mtech Black Finish Bowie Knife?

The Mtech Black Finish Bowie Knife is perfect for:

• Casual campers who need a basic utility knife for light tasks.
• Beginners who are just starting to explore outdoor knives and don’t want to invest in an expensive option.
• Those seeking an inexpensive backup knife for emergencies.

Who should skip this product?

• Serious survivalists or bushcrafters who require a highly durable and reliable knife.
• Experienced outdoorsmen who demand excellent edge retention and superior performance.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

• A good quality sharpening stone to maintain the blade’s edge.
• Perhaps a higher-quality aftermarket sheath for better protection and carry options.

Conclusion on Mtech Black Finish Bowie Knife

The Mtech Black Finish Bowie Knife is an entry-level option that delivers adequate performance for its price. It’s not a high-end knife, but it can be useful for light-duty tasks. Its low cost makes it a good choice for beginners or those on a tight budget.

The value proposition is decent. For $16.99, you get a functional Bowie knife with a nylon sheath.

I would recommend it with reservations. It’s a good starting point, but be prepared to upgrade to a higher-quality knife if you become a serious outdoorsman. Don’t expect it to perform like a knife costing several times the price.

If you’re looking for an affordable Bowie knife to test the waters, give the Mtech Black Finish Bowie Knife a try. However, invest in a good sharpening stone to keep the blade sharp and be prepared for its limitations.