TAC Force TF-705 Review: The Gas Station Knife That Proves You Get What You Pay For

After one month with the TAC Force TF-705, I can confidently say this $10 knife is exactly what you’d expect at this price point. While it might work as a temporary tool or throwaway backup, there are serious concerns about reliability and safety. Let’s dive into why you might want to spend a bit more on your EDC knife.

Technical Specifications

Core Specs: Overall Length: 8.25″ Blade Length: 3.25″ Blade Steel: “Stainless Steel” (unspecified grade, likely 440A or lower) Handle Material: Aluminum Weight: 4.7 oz Lock Type: Liner Lock Made in: China Price: $8-12 [Check Current Price]

Real-World Testing Experience

First Impressions and Break-In

Out of the box, the TF-705 is surprisingly flashy for the price. The spring-assisted opening is snappy, though inconsistent. The blade came surprisingly sharp, but that didn’t last long. Blade centering was off, and there was noticeable blade play in all directions from day one.

Basic Cutting Tasks

I tested the TF-705 in everyday situations: Package Opening: Works initially Edge dulled quickly Lock started feeling unsafe Handle becomes slippery Light Duty Tasks: Opening mail: Adequate when sharp Cutting string: Works briefly Breaking down small boxes: Edge rolls easily Plastic packaging: Struggles with thicker materials

Durability Testing

Issues became apparent quickly: Lock began failing after two weeks Screws loosened regularly Spring assist became inconsistent Edge couldn’t hold up to cardboard Blade finish started wearing immediately Pocket clip bent easily

Edge Retention and Maintenance

The unspecified “stainless steel” performs poorly: Loses edge after minimal use Easy to sharpen (but doesn’t hold it) Rolls rather than chips Requires constant maintenance Shows scratches easily

Carry Experience

The TF-705 has several carry issues: Pocket clip is flimsy Sharp edges on handle Heavy for what it is Takes up significant pocket space Spring assist can open unexpectedly

Safety Concerns

Several serious issues emerged: Lock failure under light pressure Spring assist can deploy in pocket Sharp edges on handle can cut user Blade play creates pinch points Hardware loosens during use

How It Compares

Ontario RAT 2 ($30): Much better quality Reliable lock Better steel Safer operation CRKT Drifter ($25): Superior construction Better materials Safer design More reliable Kershaw Shuffle ($20): Better build quality More useful design Safer operation Better warranty

Long-Term Durability

One Month Later

Handle: Aluminum shows wear Screws constantly loose Finish wearing off Sharp edges remain uncomfortable Blade: Edge won’t hold Finish wearing poorly Play has increased Spring assist unreliable Lock: Increasingly unreliable Stick when engaging Feels unsafe Shows premature wear

What’s Good and What’s Not

The Good Stuff

Very cheap Initially sharp Looks flashy Available everywhere Light weight Works as temporary tool

The Not-So-Good Stuff

Unsafe lock mechanism Poor edge retention Unreliable spring assist Cheap materials Bad ergonomics Constant maintenance needed Quality control issues No real warranty support

Better Alternatives

For just a bit more money ($20-30), you could get: Ontario RAT 2 CRKT Drifter Kershaw Shuffle Opinel No.8 All offer dramatically better quality and safety.

Final Verdict

The TAC Force TF-705 demonstrates why investing a bit more in a knife is worthwhile. While it might work as a temporary tool, the safety concerns and reliability issues make it hard to recommend.

Might Work For:

Absolute emergency backup One-time use situations Display piece only Learning what not to buy Throwaway tools

Definitely Not For:

Regular EDC use Any serious cutting tasks Anyone needing reliability Safety-conscious users Long-term use

Long-Term Outlook

Don’t expect this knife to last. It’s a disposable tool at best, and potentially dangerous at worst. Spend a bit more on something reliable. [Check Current Price] Note: This review is based on one month of careful testing. The knife was purchased at retail price and tested in basic everyday tasks until it became too unsafe to continue using.

Final Thoughts

While you might be tempted by sub-$10 knife is strong, the TAC Force TF-705 proves that some corners shouldn’t be cut. The safety concerns alone make this knife hard to recommend when much better options exist for just a few dollars more. Save up for something better – your hands will thank you. Remember: A knife is a tool you trust your safety to. This isn’t the place to pinch pennies.