Mtech Spring Assisted Folding Knive, 3.5in Blade, 8.25in Overall, 3CR13 Knive Review

Let’s Talk About Mtech Spring Assisted Folding Knive, 3.5in Blade, 8.25in Overall, 3CR13 Knive

The Mtech Spring Assisted Folding Knive, 3.5in Blade, 8.25in Overall, 3CR13 Knive promises a blend of affordability and functionality, aiming to be a reliable everyday carry (EDC) option. With its spring-assisted opening, 3CR13 stainless steel blade, and patriotic American Flag design, it attempts to appeal to a broad audience. Does this sub-$25 knife live up to its potential, or is it just another cheap import that belongs in the bargain bin?

I needed a lightweight, easily accessible knife for quick tasks around the campsite, something I wouldn’t worry about abusing. My usual high-end blades are fantastic, but sometimes you just need a beater.

The Mtech Spring Assisted Folding Knive arrived in a simple blister pack. The flag design on the aluminum handle was surprisingly vibrant, but the overall feel was definitely lightweight. It lacks the heft of my other EDC knives.

Compared to my Kershaw Blur (S30V steel, assisted opening) and my Benchmade Griptilian (154CM steel, manual opening), the Mtech Spring Assisted Folding Knive feels much less substantial. I picked the Mtech for its low price and the promise of quick, assisted opening. I didn’t want to risk damaging my more expensive knives on tasks like cutting rope or opening packages in rough conditions.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The spring assist seemed snappy, and the blade arrived relatively sharp. However, the light weight and the use of 3CR13 steel gave me cause for concern regarding long-term durability and edge retention.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Mtech Spring Assisted Folding Knive, 3.5in Blade, 8.25in Overall, 3CR13 Knive to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Mtech Spring Assisted Folding Knive on a weekend camping trip in the Pisgah National Forest. I used it primarily for tasks like preparing kindling, cutting paracord, and opening food packages.

In dry conditions, the knife performed adequately. The spring assist made one-handed opening easy, and the blade was sharp enough to handle basic cutting tasks. However, when the handle got wet from rain, the grip became noticeably slippery, making it harder to maintain a secure hold.

The spring assist mechanism felt a little gritty, and I noticed some slight blade play after just a few hours of use. It wasn’t confidence-inspiring.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of sporadic use, the Mtech Spring Assisted Folding Knive shows its limitations. The blade has dulled significantly, requiring frequent sharpening.

The aluminum handle has proven to be surprisingly resilient, showing only minor scratches. However, the blade play has worsened, and the spring assist is becoming less reliable. Sometimes it opens fully, other times it needs a little nudge.

Cleaning the knife is relatively straightforward, but I’ve noticed some rust forming on the blade near the pivot point. This is concerning, especially given that 3CR13 steel is supposed to be stainless. It doesn’t outperform my higher-quality knives, but it does perform better than I had expected for such a budget-friendly option.

Breaking Down the Features of Mtech Spring Assisted Folding Knive, 3.5in Blade, 8.25in Overall, 3CR13 Knive

Specifications

• The Mtech Spring Assisted Folding Knive features a 3.5-inch blade made from 3CR13 stainless steel. This is an entry-level stainless steel known for its affordability and decent corrosion resistance, but it doesn’t hold an edge as well as higher-end steels.
• The overall length of the knife is 8.25 inches, with a closed length of 4.75 inches. This makes it a fairly compact EDC option that fits comfortably in a pocket.
• The handle is made from aluminum and features a printed American Flag design. Aluminum is lightweight and durable, but it can be slippery when wet.
• It includes a pocket clip for easy carry. The pocket clip is functional, but it feels somewhat flimsy and is not reversible for left-handed carry.
• The knife utilizes a spring-assisted mechanism for rapid blade deployment. This makes it quick and easy to open with one hand, but the quality of the spring assist is questionable.

These specifications translate to a lightweight, affordable knife that is easy to carry. However, the choice of materials, particularly the 3CR13 steel, limits its performance and durability.

Performance & Functionality

The Mtech Spring Assisted Folding Knive is adequate for light-duty tasks like opening boxes, cutting rope, and preparing food. The spring assist makes it easy to deploy the blade quickly, but the blade dulls quickly and requires frequent sharpening.

The knife’s strengths lie in its affordability and ease of carry. The weaknesses are its poor edge retention, questionable durability, and slippery handle when wet. It meets the bare minimum expectations for a budget-friendly knife, but it doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The Mtech Spring Assisted Folding Knive’s aluminum handle is lightweight and relatively comfortable to hold. The American Flag design is visually appealing to some, but the handle lacks texture, making it slippery when wet.

The knife is fairly user-friendly, with a simple liner lock mechanism that is easy to operate. There is a slight learning curve to the spring assist, but most users will quickly become accustomed to it.

Durability & Maintenance

The Mtech Spring Assisted Folding Knive’s long-term durability is a significant concern. The 3CR13 steel blade is prone to dulling and rusting, and the spring assist mechanism is likely to fail over time.

Maintenance is relatively straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and sharpening. However, the potential for rust formation suggests that more frequent maintenance may be necessary.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mtech Spring Assisted Folding Knive comes with only a pocket clip. There are no readily available aftermarket accessories specifically designed for this knife.

Due to its budget-friendly construction, it is unlikely that it is compatible with high-end aftermarket parts from other brands. Customization options are limited.

Pros and Cons of Mtech Spring Assisted Folding Knive, 3.5in Blade, 8.25in Overall, 3CR13 Knive

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Who Should Buy Mtech Spring Assisted Folding Knive, 3.5in Blade, 8.25in Overall, 3CR13 Knive?

The Mtech Spring Assisted Folding Knive is perfect for individuals on a very tight budget who need a basic utility knife for occasional light-duty tasks. It’s also suitable as a backup knife or a disposable option for situations where loss or damage is likely.

This knife should be avoided by those who require a high-performance, durable blade for demanding tasks or everyday carry in harsh conditions. Also, experienced knife users who prioritize quality and reliability will be disappointed.

A must-have modification would be adding some grip tape to the handle to improve traction, especially in wet conditions. Regular sharpening is also essential to maintain a functional edge.

Conclusion on Mtech Spring Assisted Folding Knive, 3.5in Blade, 8.25in Overall, 3CR13 Knive

The Mtech Spring Assisted Folding Knive, 3.5in Blade, 8.25in Overall, 3CR13 Knive is an entry-level knife that reflects its budget-friendly price. It offers basic functionality and a patriotic design, but it suffers from poor edge retention, questionable durability, and a slippery handle.

The price is justified for what you get – a very basic, disposable knife. However, buyers should be aware of its limitations and not expect high-end performance.

I would recommend this knife only to those who are on a very strict budget and understand its limitations. For anyone else, investing in a slightly more expensive knife with better materials and construction is highly advisable. If you need a beater knife and can’t spend more than $25, then go for it, but otherwise, save your money and buy something better.