USMC M-A1059 3.75in Spring Assisted Knife Review

Let’s Talk About USMC M-A1059 3.75in Spring Assisted Knife

The USMC M-A1059 3.75in Spring Assisted Knife promises a blend of tactical functionality and everyday carry convenience. Sporting a spring-assisted opening, drop point blade, and a slim profile, it’s designed to be a readily available tool for various situations. This knife, manufactured under license by USMC, aims to deliver reliable performance at an accessible price point.

As someone who’s relied on knives for everything from field dressing game to basic camp chores for over a decade, I was intrigued by the M-A1059. I needed a readily accessible knife for quick tasks around the campsite and as a backup blade while hunting. Upon unboxing, the USMC M-A1059 felt surprisingly light. The aluminum handle and black blade contribute to a sleek, tactical aesthetic.

I considered the Kershaw Blur and the CRKT M16-01Z before deciding on the USMC M-A1059. The lower price point and the USMC branding swayed my decision, as I wanted to test if a budget-friendly tactical knife could hold its own. I was cautiously optimistic. The spring assist felt snappy, but the overall construction raised questions about long-term durability.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting USMC M-A1059 3.75in Spring Assisted Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the USMC M-A1059 was a weekend camping trip in the Allegheny National Forest. The knife saw action preparing kindling, opening packages, and even some light food prep. The spring-assisted opening proved useful when needing one-handed operation.

Despite a light rain, the handle provided adequate grip, although I did notice a slight decrease in confidence when wet. The blade sliced through cardboard and small branches with relative ease. After a few hours of use, I felt some discomfort due to the slim handle profile during prolonged tasks.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of sporadic use, the USMC M-A1059 has shown some wear, but remains functional. The black coating on the blade exhibits some scratches from routine use, but the edge has held up relatively well with minimal sharpening. I’ve used it for everything from cutting rope on the boat to opening feed bags at the farm.

The spring-assist mechanism still works, although it feels slightly less snappy than initially. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth usually suffices. Compared to my Benchmade Griptilian, the M-A1059 definitely feels less robust. The USMC knife serves as a decent backup option.

Breaking Down the Features of USMC M-A1059 3.75in Spring Assisted Knife

Specifications

• Blade Length: 3.75 inches. This is a decent length for everyday carry and general utility tasks.
• Blade Material: 3Cr13 steel. This is a budget-friendly stainless steel known for its corrosion resistance but not its edge retention.
• Serrated: Plain edge. A plain edge offers clean, efficient slicing, which is preferable for most tasks I encounter.
• Overall Length: 8.75 inches. A respectable size that provides ample reach without being unwieldy.
• Handle Material: Aluminum. This keeps the knife lightweight but can lack the grip of textured materials.
• Handle Length: 5 inches. This offers enough space for a full-handed grip, though thinner hands might find it more comfortable.
• Handle Finish: Anodized. The anodized finish provides some corrosion resistance and a sleek appearance.
• Blade Finish: Black. A black finish can reduce glare and adds a tactical aesthetic.
• Blade Shape: Drop Point. The drop point is versatile, making it suitable for various cutting tasks.
• Opening Method: Spring Assisted. This allows for quick, one-handed deployment of the blade.
• Additional Features: Clip. The pocket clip ensures easy and secure carry.
• Color: Black. This provides a low profile and tactical look.

Performance & Functionality

The USMC M-A1059 performs adequately for its intended purpose: light to medium-duty cutting tasks. The spring assist deploys the blade quickly, which is convenient in situations where one hand is occupied. However, the 3Cr13 steel requires more frequent sharpening than higher-end steels.

The blade’s edge retention is a noticeable weakness. I had to touch up the blade after a few days of routine use. The aluminum handle, while lightweight, can feel slippery, especially with wet or greasy hands.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the USMC M-A1059 emphasizes a slim, tactical profile. The lightweight aluminum handle and black blade create a modern aesthetic. The slimness contributes to easy pocket carry, but it compromises comfort during extended use.

The ergonomics are adequate for short tasks. However, prolonged use can lead to hand fatigue due to the lack of contoured grips. There is a small learning curve to smoothly close the blade one-handed due to the liner lock placement.

Durability & Maintenance

The USMC M-A1059 is reasonably durable for a knife in its price range. However, it is not as robust as higher-end knives with thicker blades and more durable handle materials. The aluminum handle is susceptible to scratches and dings.

Maintenance is straightforward: cleaning the blade and occasionally oiling the pivot point. Sharpening the 3Cr13 steel is also relatively easy, even with basic sharpening tools.

Accessories and Customization Options

The USMC M-A1059 comes with a pocket clip but doesn’t offer extensive customization options. Aftermarket scales are not readily available due to the knife’s unique construction. There are no included accessories beyond the pocket clip integrated into the handle.

Due to the proprietary design, compatibility with aftermarket accessories is limited. However, you could potentially add a lanyard for increased grip and control.

Pros and Cons of USMC M-A1059 3.75in Spring Assisted Knife

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy USMC M-A1059 3.75in Spring Assisted Knife?

The USMC M-A1059 is perfect for those seeking an affordable, lightweight, and readily deployable knife for light utility tasks. This knife is a good option for casual campers, hikers, or anyone needing a backup blade. It’s also a decent starter knife for someone new to carrying a blade.

Those who demand exceptional edge retention, superior durability, or require a knife for heavy-duty tasks should skip this product. They’d be better served by investing in a higher-quality knife with better steel and construction. A must-have modification is a textured grip tape to improve handling in wet conditions.

Conclusion on USMC M-A1059 3.75in Spring Assisted Knife

The USMC M-A1059 3.75in Spring Assisted Knife offers a decent blend of functionality and affordability. However, its limitations in edge retention and handle grip are noticeable. The price is certainly justified for what it delivers.

I would cautiously recommend it to someone on a tight budget looking for a lightweight EDC option or backup blade. However, consider investing more for a significant upgrade in performance and durability if your needs are more demanding. Check it out for yourself and decide if the USMC M-A1059 meets your specific needs, but keep its limitations in mind.