Let’s Dive into TAC Force Folding Blade TF-858
The TAC Force Folding Blade TF-858 is a budget-friendly, spring-assisted folding knife manufactured by TAC Force. It boasts a rainbow-finished stainless steel blade and a black aluminum handle, making it visually distinctive while promising easy one-handed deployment. I’ve seen countless “tactical” knives come and go, but the unique color scheme of the TF-858 piqued my curiosity, leading me to explore whether its performance matches its flashy appearance.
I was seeking a lightweight, easily carried knife for everyday tasks and as a backup during outdoor excursions. Durability and ease of carry were key factors in my search. The initial appeal of the TAC Force Folding Blade TF-858 was its compact size and included pocket clip.
Upon unboxing, the knife felt surprisingly light, almost too light. The rainbow finish on the blade, while eye-catching, raised immediate questions about its durability. The aluminum handle felt smooth, but its robustness was uncertain.
Compared to my Kershaw Leek, which is known for its slim profile and robust blade steel, the TAC Force Folding Blade TF-858 felt less substantial. My Benchmade Griptilian, a benchmark for quality and ergonomics, made the TF-858 seem like a toy in terms of build quality. I chose the TAC Force Folding Blade TF-858 for this review because its price point makes it accessible to a wide range of users, and I was genuinely curious if a knife this inexpensive could still provide reasonable performance.
My first impression was cautious optimism mixed with skepticism. The spring-assisted opening was snappy, but the overall feel suggested it wouldn’t withstand heavy use. I was eager to test its capabilities in real-world scenarios to determine if it’s a viable option for those on a tight budget.
Real-World Testing: Putting TAC Force Folding Blade TF-858 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the TAC Force Folding Blade TF-858 during a weekend camping trip in the local state forest. The primary uses were light tasks such as food preparation, cutting cordage, and opening packages. Conditions were mildly damp, with morning dew and occasional light rain.
The blade struggled with tasks that my other knives would handle easily. Cutting through thick cardboard proved difficult, and the edge seemed to dull quickly after only a few uses. The handle felt slick when wet, making it challenging to maintain a secure grip.
After using the knife, the liner lock felt somewhat loose. I experienced a slight wobble in the blade which was concerning. The rainbow finish on the blade started to show scratches and wear marks.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a month of sporadic use, the TAC Force Folding Blade TF-858 showed significant wear. The blade’s edge required frequent sharpening, and the spring-assisted mechanism became noticeably weaker. The aluminum handle, while still intact, exhibited several scratches and dings.
The durability of the blade was a major concern. The steel seemed soft and prone to bending. Cleaning was relatively easy, but I noticed some corrosion on the blade despite regular maintenance.
Compared to my experience with other budget knives, the TAC Force Folding Blade TF-858 underperformed. Even my older, similarly priced Rough Rider knives held their edge better and felt more robust. This knife disappointed me in its overall durability and long-term reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of TAC Force Folding Blade TF-858
Specifications
The TAC Force Folding Blade TF-858 has a 4-inch stainless steel blade with a rainbow finish. The manufacturer is TAC Force. It has a closed length of 5 inches, making it compact for carrying. The handle is made of black aluminum with a matching rainbow liner, and it includes a pocket clip for convenient carry.
The blade’s 3mm thickness is relatively thin, which affects its ability to handle heavy tasks. The use of aluminum for the handle keeps the weight down, but it sacrifices some durability compared to steel or composite handles. The pocket clip is a useful addition, allowing for secure and easy access.
Performance & Functionality
The TAC Force Folding Blade TF-858 performs adequately for very light tasks. Its spring-assisted opening provides quick blade deployment, but the blade’s edge retention is poor. It’s not suitable for heavy-duty cutting or tasks requiring significant force.
The knife’s strengths lie in its affordability and ease of carry. However, its weaknesses are its lack of durability and poor edge retention. It meets basic expectations for a budget knife, but it doesn’t exceed them in any meaningful way.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is what you’d expect for the price point. The aluminum handle is lightweight but lacks the robustness of higher-end materials. The knife’s weight is comfortable for everyday carry, but the handle can feel slippery, especially in wet conditions.
The TAC Force Folding Blade TF-858 has a simple design and requires little to no learning curve. The liner lock is easy to operate, and the spring-assisted opening is smooth. However, the overall feel is less refined compared to more expensive knives.
Durability & Maintenance
The TAC Force Folding Blade TF-858 isn’t built to last. The blade’s steel is soft and prone to dulling, and the aluminum handle can scratch and dent easily. With regular use, it’s unlikely to withstand more than a year or two of moderate use.
Maintenance is straightforward. The knife can be cleaned with soap and water, and the blade can be sharpened with a basic sharpening tool. However, the need for frequent sharpening indicates the low quality of the steel.
Accessories and Customization Options
The TAC Force Folding Blade TF-858 comes with only a pocket clip. There are virtually no customization options available. Its design and construction limit the compatibility with aftermarket accessories.
The knife is intended as a standalone tool rather than a platform for customization. This is typical of knives in this price range. The lack of accessories or customization options further emphasizes its role as a basic, entry-level knife.
Pros and Cons of TAC Force Folding Blade TF-858
Pros
- The spring-assisted opening is quick and reliable.
- The lightweight aluminum handle makes it easy to carry.
- Its price point makes it an accessible option for budget-conscious buyers.
- The rainbow blade finish provides a unique aesthetic.
- The included pocket clip allows for convenient and secure carry.
Cons
- The blade steel is soft and doesn’t hold an edge well.
- The aluminum handle lacks durability and can be slippery when wet.
- The overall build quality is subpar, leading to concerns about longevity.
Who Should Buy TAC Force Folding Blade TF-858?
The TAC Force Folding Blade TF-858 is perfect for casual users who need a basic knife for light tasks and are on a very tight budget. It is also suitable for individuals who want a visually distinctive knife without investing a lot of money. This knife might be suitable as a “first knife” to teach knife safety, but with very close parental supervision.
This product should be skipped by serious outdoorsmen, survivalists, or anyone who requires a reliable and durable knife for demanding tasks. Professionals and enthusiasts needing a knife for self-defense or heavy-duty use should look elsewhere. This is absolutely NOT a tactical knife by any definition.
A must-have accessory would be a sharpening tool to maintain the blade’s edge. No modifications are recommended due to the knife’s low value and limited customization options.
Conclusion on TAC Force Folding Blade TF-858
The TAC Force Folding Blade TF-858 is a budget knife that offers basic functionality and a unique aesthetic. Its low price makes it accessible, but its durability and performance limitations are significant drawbacks. The flashy rainbow finish is certainly eye-catching, but don’t let the looks fool you.
The value proposition is questionable. While the price is low, the short lifespan and limited capabilities make it a less attractive option than slightly more expensive, but significantly more durable knives. It’s a “get what you pay for” situation, but in this case, what you pay for may not be worth it.
I would not personally recommend the TAC Force Folding Blade TF-858 for anyone who needs a reliable and durable knife. For occasional light tasks, it might suffice, but for anything more demanding, it will likely disappoint. Consider investing a bit more for a knife with better materials and construction. Spend the extra money for a tool that will last and provide reliable service.