Mtech Folding Blade MX-A815BK Review

Let’s Dive into Mtech Folding Blade MX-A815BK

The Mtech Folding Blade MX-A815BK is a budget-friendly, spring-assisted folding knife designed for everyday carry. Manufactured by Mtech, this knife features a 2.5-inch stainless steel blade, a G10 handle, and a pocket clip, all at an incredibly accessible price point of $13.99. It’s the kind of knife you wouldn’t hesitate to throw in your pack, keep in your glove compartment, or lend to a friend without worrying too much about its fate.

I needed a reliable, inexpensive knife for general tasks around the campsite and as a backup to my primary blade. I wasn’t looking for a showpiece, but something functional that could handle basic cutting chores without breaking the bank.

My initial impression upon unboxing the Mtech Folding Blade MX-A815BK was one of cautious optimism. The knife felt surprisingly solid for its price, though the G10 handle felt a bit slick. The spring-assisted opening was snappy, which was a definite plus.

Compared to similar budget knives like the Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops or the Kershaw Cryo (though the Cryo is generally more expensive), the Mtech Folding Blade MX-A815BK stood out due to its price and compact size. I chose it because I was specifically looking for something small and easily replaceable.

I was pleasantly surprised by the initial quality, especially considering the low cost. My expectations were tempered, but I was eager to see how it would perform in real-world conditions.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Mtech Folding Blade MX-A815BK to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Mtech Folding Blade MX-A815BK during a weekend camping trip in the local state forest. Tasks included cutting rope, preparing kindling, and opening food packages.

The knife performed adequately in dry conditions, although the stainless steel blade struggled a bit with thicker pieces of wood. When it started raining, the G10 handle became noticeably slippery, making it harder to maintain a secure grip.

The spring-assisted opening was convenient, allowing for quick one-handed deployment. After opening and closing it repeatedly, the action became slightly smoother.

There were no immediate issues, although I noticed that the blade wasn’t exceptionally sharp out of the box and could benefit from some sharpening. I used it for the entire weekend without sharpening, but knew I would need to sharpen it after the trip.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of occasional use, the Mtech Folding Blade MX-A815BK has held up reasonably well, given its price point. There are some minor scratches on the blade, and the black finish is starting to wear off in places.

The lockup remains solid, and there is no blade play, which is impressive. Cleaning is simple – a quick wipe with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the pivot point is all it needs.

Compared to my higher-end knives, like my Benchmade Griptilian, the Mtech Folding Blade MX-A815BK obviously doesn’t offer the same level of performance or durability. However, it’s perfectly adequate for light-duty tasks and serves well as a backup.

Breaking Down the Features of Mtech Folding Blade MX-A815BK

Specifications

• Blade Length: 2.5 inches. This compact blade length makes it easy to carry discreetly.
• Blade Material: 440C Stainless Steel. This is a common steel used in budget knives, known for its corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening, though it doesn’t hold an edge as well as higher-end steels.
• Handle Material: G10. G10 is a durable composite material that offers good grip, although the texturing on this particular knife is somewhat lacking.
• Closed Length: 5 inches. This length is fairly compact and easy to carry in a pocket.
• Blade Thickness: 3.5mm. This thickness provides a decent balance between cutting ability and durability.
• Spring Assisted Opening. This allows for quick and easy one-handed deployment of the blade.
• Pocket Clip. This is an essential feature for everyday carry, allowing for secure and convenient carry in a pocket or on a belt.

Performance & Functionality

The Mtech Folding Blade MX-A815BK performs adequately for basic cutting tasks. It’s not a heavy-duty workhorse, but it’s sufficient for opening boxes, cutting rope, and other light-duty chores.

The blade sharpness is acceptable out of the box but could be improved with sharpening. The lockup is secure, and the spring-assisted opening is reliable.

While it meets the basic expectations for a budget-friendly folding knife, it doesn’t exceed them. The slippery handle is a notable weakness, particularly in wet conditions.

Design & Ergonomics

The Mtech Folding Blade MX-A815BK has a simple and functional design. The black blade and handle give it a tactical look.

The weight is well-balanced, and it feels comfortable enough in the hand, although the handle could be more ergonomic. The lack of aggressive texturing on the G10 handle is a drawback.

There’s a slight learning curve with the spring-assisted opening mechanism, but it becomes intuitive after a few uses. The pocket clip is well-positioned and provides secure carry.

Durability & Maintenance

The Mtech Folding Blade MX-A815BK is reasonably durable for its price. The 440C stainless steel blade is corrosion-resistant, and the G10 handle is tough.

However, the black finish on the blade is prone to scratching and wear. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication.

With proper care, it should last for a reasonable amount of time, though it’s not designed for heavy use or abuse. The knife is easy to disassemble with the right tools.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mtech Folding Blade MX-A815BK comes with only the pocket clip as an accessory. There are limited customization options available due to its budget nature.

You could potentially replace the pocket clip with a different style, but that’s about it. It’s not designed to be compatible with aftermarket scales or other significant modifications.

Pros and Cons of Mtech Folding Blade MX-A815BK

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Who Should Buy Mtech Folding Blade MX-A815BK?

The Mtech Folding Blade MX-A815BK is perfect for:

• Casual campers who need a backup knife for basic tasks.
• Individuals looking for an inexpensive everyday carry knife.
• Anyone needing a disposable knife for dirty or hazardous environments.
• Those just getting into knives and needing something cheap to learn about maintenance and sharpening on.

Who should skip this product?

• Experienced outdoorsmen who need a reliable and durable knife for demanding tasks.
• Anyone who requires a knife with a secure grip in all conditions.
• Individuals looking for a high-quality knife with excellent edge retention.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

• A sharpening stone or honing rod to improve the blade’s sharpness.
• Possibly some grip tape to improve the handle’s traction (though this detracts from aesthetics).

Conclusion on Mtech Folding Blade MX-A815BK

The Mtech Folding Blade MX-A815BK is a budget-friendly folding knife that offers decent performance for its price. While it’s not the most durable or feature-rich knife on the market, it’s a solid option for those on a tight budget or needing a disposable backup blade.

The price is definitely justified for what you get – a functional, spring-assisted knife that can handle light-duty tasks. Just don’t expect it to perform like a $100+ knife.

I would personally recommend it as a backup knife or for casual use, but not as a primary blade for serious outdoor activities. If you need a cheap, cheerful, and easily replaceable knife, the Mtech Folding Blade MX-A815BK is worth considering. Go ahead and give it a try – at this price, you don’t have much to lose!