Mtech Folding Blade MX-A805 Review

Let’s Dive into Mtech Folding Blade MX-A805

The Mtech Folding Blade MX-A805 is a spring-assisted knife featuring a 5-inch closed length and a 4-inch stainless steel, titanium gold plated tanto blade with a saw back. It boasts a black G10 handle and includes a pocket clip, promising tactical utility and a striking aesthetic at an accessible price point. This knife appears to blend form and function, aimed at users needing a readily deployable blade with a unique look.

I was looking for a reliable, yet budget-friendly folding knife with a distinctive style for everyday carry and light outdoor tasks. The tanto blade shape and the titanium gold plating caught my eye, offering something different from the usual tactical knives I’ve handled.

My first impression upon unboxing was a mixed bag. The knife felt surprisingly solid for its price, but the gold plating on the blade looked more like a painted finish than a true titanium coating. The spring assist felt snappy, but the overall fit and finish weren’t quite as refined as higher-end knives I’m accustomed to.

Compared to my Benchmade Griptilian (a benchmark for EDC knives) and a Gerber Paraframe (a budget-friendly option), the Mtech Folding Blade MX-A805 falls somewhere in between. It’s more robust than the Gerber, but lacks the premium feel and smooth action of the Benchmade. I chose it for its unique appearance and the promise of decent functionality at a lower cost.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The aesthetics were appealing, but I needed to see how it performed in real-world scenarios before making a judgment.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Mtech Folding Blade MX-A805 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Mtech Folding Blade MX-A805 on a weekend camping trip, using it for tasks like food preparation, cutting rope for tent lines, and whittling small pieces of wood for kindling. The tanto blade proved useful for piercing and slicing, while the saw back, though not razor sharp, managed to make shallow cuts on small branches.

The blade performed adequately in dry conditions, but the handle became a bit slippery when wet from morning dew. The spring assist made it easy to deploy the blade quickly with one hand, a definite advantage in certain situations. After the first day, I noticed a slight wobble in the blade when fully extended.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of occasional use, the Mtech Folding Blade MX-A805 has shown some signs of wear. The titanium gold plating on the blade has started to scratch and fade in areas where it comes into contact with other surfaces. The blade wobble has become slightly more pronounced.

The G10 handle has held up well, showing no signs of cracking or chipping, but it requires occasional cleaning to maintain a secure grip. Maintaining the blade sharpness requires frequent honing, as the edge tends to dull relatively quickly compared to knives with higher-end steel. It definitely underperforms compared to my experience with S30V or CPM-154 steel blades.

Breaking Down the Features of Mtech Folding Blade MX-A805

Specifications

• Blade Length: 4 inches: The 4-inch blade provides a reasonable length for various cutting tasks without being overly cumbersome for everyday carry. It strikes a decent balance between utility and portability.
• Closed Length: 5 inches: The 5-inch closed length makes it easy to carry in a pocket or on a belt without taking up too much space. It’s compact enough for comfortable carry.
• Blade Material: 440C Stainless Steel: 440C stainless steel offers a good balance of corrosion resistance and edge retention, making it a common choice for budget-friendly knives. However, it typically requires more frequent sharpening compared to premium steels.
• Handle Material: G10: G10 is a durable and lightweight composite material known for its excellent grip, even in wet conditions. Its ruggedness and resistance to moisture make it a solid choice for knife handles.
• Blade Finish: Stainless Steel, Titanium Gold Plated Tanto Blade with Saw Back: The stainless steel base provides corrosion resistance, while the titanium gold plating offers a unique aesthetic. The tanto blade shape is designed for piercing and thrusting, and the saw back adds a limited multi-tool functionality.
• Handle Finish: Black: A black handle provides a tactical look and helps to conceal dirt and wear. It also ensures a secure grip.
• Additional Features: Pocket Clip: A pocket clip allows for convenient and secure carry, keeping the knife readily accessible. It is a standard feature for EDC knives.

Performance & Functionality

The Mtech Folding Blade MX-A805 performs adequately for basic cutting tasks. The spring assist allows for quick deployment, and the tanto blade is suitable for piercing and slicing.

However, the edge retention is not exceptional, requiring frequent sharpening. The saw back is more of a novelty than a truly functional tool. While the action is relatively smooth for the price point, higher-end knives offer a far superior experience in terms of opening and closing.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is decent for the price, but not exceptional. The G10 handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, but the overall fit and finish lack the refinement of more expensive knives. The weight is reasonable, making it comfortable to carry for extended periods.

There’s a slight learning curve to get used to the spring-assisted opening mechanism, but overall, the knife is user-friendly. The pocket clip is well-positioned and provides secure carry.

Durability & Maintenance

The Mtech Folding Blade MX-A805 is reasonably durable for light to medium use. However, the titanium gold plating is prone to scratching, and the blade steel requires frequent sharpening.

Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only soap and water to remove dirt and debris. Disassembling the knife for thorough cleaning and maintenance may require specialized tools and knowledge.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mtech Folding Blade MX-A805 comes with only the built-in pocket clip. There are no readily available aftermarket scales or other customization options designed specifically for this model.

Due to its budget-friendly price point, most users would likely opt to replace the entire knife rather than invest in expensive aftermarket parts. However, some generic knife accessories, such as sharpening stones and lubricants, are compatible.

Pros and Cons of Mtech Folding Blade MX-A805

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Who Should Buy Mtech Folding Blade MX-A805?

Perfect for: Individuals looking for an affordable and stylish EDC knife for light tasks, or those who want a backup knife for camping or hiking. This would also be a reasonable choice for beginner knife enthusiasts who are looking to get their feet wet without making a significant financial commitment.

Who should skip this product? Experienced knife users who demand high-end materials, superior edge retention, and exceptional build quality should look elsewhere. This is not a hard-use knife for heavy-duty tasks.

Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality sharpening stone or honing steel is essential for maintaining the blade’s edge. Consider using thread locker to prevent screws from loosening over time.

Conclusion on Mtech Folding Blade MX-A805

The Mtech Folding Blade MX-A805 is a budget-friendly option that offers decent functionality and a unique aesthetic. While it may not compete with high-end knives in terms of materials and build quality, it provides a reasonable value for the price.

The value proposition is decent, especially for those prioritizing style and affordability over premium performance. It’s a good entry-level knife or a backup option for occasional use.

I would cautiously recommend it to individuals on a tight budget who appreciate the unique look and are willing to accept the trade-offs in terms of durability and edge retention. If you’re seeking a reliable and stylish EDC knife without breaking the bank, give the Mtech Folding Blade MX-A805 a try.