The term “tactical” is a funny one when applied to knives. On one hand, pretty much any knife can be used as a weapon. On the other hand, no knife is a particularly good weapon when compared with firearms. So, when a brand bases its identity on being “tactical,” I kind of put the marketing aside and focus on the product.
Fortunately for Tekto, its F2 Bravo is one heck of a nice knife. Call it tactical, call it EDC, or just plain “folding knife,” the F2 Bravo packs in exactly what many people want when it comes to a pocket knife.
I carried the Tekto F2 Bravo for a month as my everyday carry blade. I took it hunting, hiking, camping, and to the office, cutting everything from cardboard boxes to deer skin.
In short: The Tekto F2 Bravo uses ceramic ball bearings and a jimped flipper to provide a very fast opening and smooth action. The 3.1-inch D2 steel, drop point blade is slicey and sharp, yet versatile enough for everyday use. The entire package is refined, easy-handling, and solid.
- Blade length: 3.10” (80 mm)
- Blade material: Titanium-coated D2 steel
- Handle length: 4.40" (112 mm)
- Handle material: G10 & carbon fiber
- Open length: 7.80" (198 mm)
- Weight: 2.4 oz. (68 g)
Pros
- Smooth opening
- Fast
- Versatile drop-point blade
Cons
- Liner lock takes some force to unlock
Tekto F2 Bravo Knife Review
The F2 Bravo sits on a wood stump in the sunshine. Its carbon fiber handle sparkles in the light. Vague patterns of black and dark blue interlock, a dark metallic blue pocket clip screwed to the side. Flick the flipper, and the blade rolls open instantly and locks into place with a thunk. The thin blade extends, black with a slender silver edge betraying its sharpness to the pointy tip.
This, I think, is a very pretty knife. And it’s also very pointy for everyday carry. Too pointy? Too … scary to use with your indoor voice?
Probably not, so long as the user is mindful.
This train of thought bounced around my head over the month that I carried the F2 Bravo almost every day. What made the knife tactical? The narrow blade? The fast opening? The tough D2 steel? Or was it just marketing?
It took a lot of deliberation, but at this point, I dropped it into the marketing bucket. The F2 Bravo is a damn good knife, and while it can certainly handle military or law enforcement duties, and has a black blade and somewhat menacing blade shape, it can also open a box or spread peanut butter just fine, too.
In the knife’s biggest test, I carried it for 12 days of elk hunting and living in an elk camp. Over that time, it rode in my pocket over dozens of miles of forest. It opened packages and cut cords and even turned off my lighted arrow nocks after I shot a deer.
And it did all these jobs with ease and maintained a good edge, which is still very nice and sharp.
Tekto F2 Bravo: Who It’s For
No, I didn’t exactly abuse this knife. But I did use the Tekto F2 Bravo hard, as intended by its builders. It went through rainstorms and bounced around in a pickup truck. And today it still looks brand new — as it should. The only wear I’ve noticed is faint fading to the blue anodization of the pocket clip. It looks like it’ll age nicely and develop a good patina.
The D2 steel held a good edge, as well. I cut a lot of boxes and tape with it over the last month. It’s due for a touch-up on the strop but is still serviceably sharp.
I think my favorite thing about the F2 Bravo is the forged carbon fiber handle. It really is beautiful, especially in bright sun. And the recessed metal liner is barely visible, yet it makes the handle very rigid in the hand. The liner lock is reliable.
If there’s a negative to the knife, it’s that the liner lock is a touch difficult to unlock, requiring a little force. Those with weak hands may want to note this fact.
But overall, the ergonomics and design of this mid-range knife are excellent. It’s a solid EDC folder and a little different from what most folks find at the outdoor shop.
So, if you’re looking for an EDC blade with “tactical” heritage, the F2 Bravo is a very nice knife. It carries a fairly good warranty, although not quite as all-encompassing as some slightly higher-end knives like Benchmade or Montana Knife Company.
You’ll have to sharpen the F2 Bravo yourself, for example. No free lifetime sharpening here.
Fortunately, thanks to the hard D2 steel and overall robust design, I expect the Tekto blade will serve its buyers reliably for years. And at a fair price for a quality build, it’s a knife worth considering for those looking for something new and different from the crowded market.
