Key Takeaways
- The five MTech USA knives highlighted are inexpensive models priced under $13, making them ideal for casual or backup use.
- Each knife solves a specific everyday carry problem rather than offering a redundant design in multiple colors.
- Stainless steel construction means the blades dull faster than premium steels, so budgeting for sharpening is essential.
- The review recommends starting with the MT‑A705SBL folder for the broadest utility and lowest cost.
- Additional knives excel in niche roles: the MT‑632DT for concealed neck carry, the MT‑670 Karambit for training, the MT‑A882CH for tight pockets, and the MT‑588DG as a conversation‑starter fixed blade.
Why These Budget Blades Matter
Most knife coverage overlooks MTech USA, yet its catalog occupies the sub‑movie‑ticket price range while combining stainless blades with coating or stonewash finishes. This affordability allows users to stash a knife in a glove compartment, give it to a teenager, or lose it on a hike without remorse. The five knives reviewed each address a distinct carry challenge—whether it’s hidden‑carry, everyday folding, training, cramped pockets, or novelty appeal—rather than merely re‑releasing the same design in different hues.
MT‑632DT Neck Knife – Best for Carry Under a Shirt
The MT‑632DT measures 5.75 inches overall with a 3.25‑inch blade and weighs just 2.56 ounces, allowing it to disappear under a shirt collar. It features a black coated blade with a blood groove, an injection‑molded ABS handle, and ships with a neck chain sheath. Because of its featherlight weight, it serves well as a backup blade for folder users or as a dedicated package opener that stays in a bag. However, it lacks the leverage needed for tasks requiring a three‑finger grip.
MT‑A705SBL Folder – Best Everyday Carry Value
The MT‑A705SBL showcases a blue TiN‑coated 3CR13 blade on aluminum scales, delivering an eight‑inch overall length, 4.5‑inch closed size, and a modest 3.5‑ounce weight. MTech lists it as a spring‑assisted folder, while Amazon’s listing describes it as manual, so buyers should verify the opening mechanism before purchase. The knife includes a liner lock, pocket clip, and an optional bottle opener and glass breaker on Amazon’s version. Its aluminum handle keeps fatigue at bay, making it a versatile everyday cutter for under $10.
MT‑670 Karambit – Best for Training Without Ruining Good Steel
The MT‑670 is a 6.65‑inch fixed‑blade karambit with a 2.5‑inch stonewash‑finished hawkbill blade, full tang construction, and a green camo cord wrap. Its texture conceals scratches, preserving appearance during rigorous practice, while the finger ring and hawkbill geometry teach proper grip and pull‑cut techniques. The stonewash finish is particularly forgiving for training blades that endure frequent drops and scrapes. Users should note that hawkbill designs and sub‑3‑inch blades may be subject to local carry restrictions, so checking regional laws is advisable.
MT‑A882CH Pocket Folder – Best for Overcrowded Pockets
The MT‑A882CH is a compact six‑inch‑open, three‑inch‑closed folding knife weighing roughly 100 grams. Its mirror‑polished 3CR13 drop‑point blade measures 2.75 inches at 3.25 mm thickness, and the handle blends aluminum with nylon‑fiber injection molding. Features include a bottle opener, lanyard hole, and a pocket clip. MTech’s documentation lists the lock as a frame lock, while other sources call it a liner lock, reflecting some inconsistency in official descriptions. Its miniature size and integrated bottle opener make it perfect for pockets already packed with keys and phones.
MT‑588DG Grenade Knife – Best Conversation Starter That Still Cuts
The MT‑588DG mimics a grenade in both shape and camouflage finish, featuring a stainless steel handle and spear‑point blade. At about 4.5 inches end‑to‑end and 2.88 ounces, it includes a nylon fiber sheath and pocket clip. Amazon’s specifications list a 4.25‑inch blade, but the parent listing sometimes varies, so the exact blade length should be confirmed. The fully stainless construction resists water absorption but can become slippery when wet, meaning the textured grip is more decorative than functional. Pricing has dropped to $10.99, making it an inexpensive novelty that still performs basic cuts.
Choosing Your First Purchase
If only one knife can be bought, the MT‑A705SBL offers the widest range of utility for the lowest price, covering everyday cutting tasks with a solid pocket clip and reliable lock. The MT‑670 is the go‑to choice for karambit trainees who do not want to sacrifice an expensive blade. The MT‑632DT or MT‑588DG serve best when a concealed fixed blade is needed, while the MT‑A882CH excels in cramped pocket scenarios where a bottle opener adds extra value. Regardless of the model, owners should expect stainless edges to dull faster than high‑end steels and plan for regular sharpening.
Final Thoughts on MTech’s Budget Line
MTech USA’s five featured knives demonstrate how affordable pricing can still deliver purpose‑built tools for modern carry lifestyles. From hidden neck knives to training‑ready karambits, each model fills a gap that pricier folders cannot address without sacrificing convenience or versatility. While the steel may not hold an edge as long as premium offerings, the low entry cost and replaceable nature of these knives make them practical choices for beginners, students, or anyone needing a dependable backup blade. For those ready to explore beyond this lineup, comprehensive round‑ups of cheap EDC knives under $100 provide further options for expanding a functional yet budget‑friendly collection.
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