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Last Updated: August 3, 2019
I recently reviewed a Mcusta MC-1 and I was impressed by this relatively little-known Japanese knife manufacturer. Based out of Seki, Japan, Mcusta is part of the city’s proud cutlery making tradition that began hundreds of years ago. If you haven’t checked out my MC-1 review yet, I loved the high end materials and modern manufacturing integrated into its classic design.
Buy the Mcusta Tactility at BladeHQ
Today I am looking at another knife from Mcusta, the Tactility. I had high hopes for the Tactility and it didn’t let me down, so lets dive right into the review.
Purpose
As the name suggests, the Tactility is designed to be a tactical knife. However, I would narrow that down to “fighting knife” or “emergency tactical” – I would reserve it as a last ditch defensive tool. It is a very well made knife, but it is slim and lightweight and has a fragile tip. This isn’t a knife you would want to bring into the dark heart of war. Rather I see this as a highly specialized fighting blade.
Also, because this knife is so beautiful, it easily fills the role of a collectible. It’s an exquisite knife, balanced and light. Many people will want the Tactility just for their collection.
I do not recommend this knife for EDC. The blade is almost 4″ long and has little belly. The choil is set back on the handle and is designed to maximize reach. Sure, nothing is preventing you from EDCing this knife – and I certainly wouldn’t try and stop you, but to me this is not an EDC knife.
General Dimensions and Blade Details
The Tactility has an overall length of 8.2″ and a weight of 3.4 ounces. The 3.75″ blade is a modified drop point design with a partial hollow grind. The blade design has a very sharp point, ideal for for piercing movements, while the long swedge reduces weight and provides strength down to the tip. The hollow ground blade is pretty thin, which makes this knife an excellent slicer. This knife practically melts through paper, the point is so fine and the edge is so keen. It cuts like nothing I have seen before.
You have a couple options for the blade steel, both of which center around VG-10. You can get plain VG-10 or a laminated blade; damascus over a VG-10 core (shown in the photographs). VG-10 is a proven steel that I have written on at length. Suffice to say, I like VG-10 a lot. Mcusta applies an excellent heat treat so the extreme sharpness, edge retention and corrosion resistance that you expect from a VG-10 blade is in full effect with the Tactility.
Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip
The handle of the Tactility is ultra slim and can come in a variety of different handle scale materials (various colors of corian or micarta in addition to several hardwood options) over solid steel liners. The handle is a pillar, or flow through design (which I love) that is held together by 3 torx bolts and provides for a clean look and easy maintenance. The liners haven’t been milled out, which would typically be a complaint, but the knife is still a mere 3.4 ounces so I can’t complain. One thing I like about liners that aren’t milled out is that they are very easy to clean.
One thing to notice is the absence of a lanyard hole with this knife. I would never put a lanyard on this knife, but I know some people like the option so I wanted to mention it.
As far as ergonomics are concerned, when you consider the primary purpose of the Tactility, Mcusta did a good job with this knife. The handle is spacious allowing for comfortable forward and reverse grips. I like how the wood has been nicely contoured and features 4 finger grooves that fit the hand very well. There is a large choil that sits about an inch back on the handle. It makes choking up on the blade unnatural but it maximizes reach – critical for a tactical knife like this.
There isn’t much of a thumb ramp, and the only jimping is found on the liner. Given the position of the choil, I find the jiming more than adequate.
The Tactility has a very nice pocket clip. I like how it allows for reversible tip up carry. It rides ultra deep and has a classy decorative look to it – more of that laser cut steel for you. I found clip retention to be very good.
Deployment and Lock
Depeding on if you get the VG-10 or Damascus version the Tactility has either dual thumb studs or a nice “modified spyder-hole” for deployment. The hole looks something like a half moon and allows for very easy ambidextrous one hand opening. The thumb studs (shown) are oversized and mine were made of blued titanium. Mcusta uses their signature teflon washer system for “buttery smooth” opening. This knife deploys quickly and quietly. While the teflon washers may be a departure from what we are used to seeing, they do an excellent job getting the blade out of the handle.
The Tactility uses a very strong liner lock. Mine locked up super early and there was no blade play at all. When you deploy the knife it makes a soft “click” – very stealthy. I was super impressed with the lockup and included a picture to show you what I am talking about.
Mcusta Tactility Review – Final Thoughts
The Tactility is just an outstanding knife. The tolerances, finish and materials are all top notch. It’s going to be hard to find a deadlier folding knife in this price range. If you are looking for an all out weapon of a knife and enjoy extreme craftsmanship, the Tactility could be the knife for you. That said, for those seeking a “hard use” folder or tactical knife, I don’t think this would be the best fit. I don’t think it’s a fragile knife, but find this knife better suited to the collector or someone wanting a high end EDC or a gentleman’s folder tactical knife.
As far as value is concerned, at the time of this article this knife can be found in the $130-150 range depending on configuration. At that price I think this knife is a great value. I would liken the build quality to a comparably priced Spyderco (which is superb), and I rank these among the highest quality production folders money can buy. For those on the fence, I suggest taking the plunge because you will not be disappointed with this knife.
- Crafted from the highest quality materials
- Built for performance and durability
- Made in Japan
I recommend purchasing the Mcusta Tactility at Amazon or BladeHQ.
Great review and great looking knife. I have a question about opening the knife, if anyone might see this and be able to answer. I had a Kershaw Boa for years (actually two of them). With that knife, there were three ways to open it: the thumb screw, the tab (push with index finger) and just to make a quick motion–forward and stop quickly; a motion like hitting a drum with a drumstick–and it would flip out. I don’t like the thumb screw opening personally, so can you flip the Tactility out like the Boa could be, without using the thumb? How about the MC-1? Thanks.
Hey Rob! The Tactility and MC-1 both use teflon washers and have lightweight blades. They aren’t particularly good for gravity opening (flicking out without the thumb stud). My Tactility was a pretty slow deployer actually, but very smooth and purposeful. So to answer your question, no, I don’t think so.
Thanks for stopping by man!
I honestly don’t think it’s supposed to be a tactical knife:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/tactility
Tactile means “feel/touch”. Tactility is “the capability of being felt or touched”. The name has nothing to do with the ability of the knife in a tactical role.
My husband is a Marine & loves his knives. Recently, he mentioned that he wanted a gentleman’s folder for when we go to nicer/dressier civilian events. I know precious little about knives, but with the help of a knowledgeable friend and your amazing reviews, I was able to pick out this knife from among several others. Thank you again for all that you do and putting things into plain English so even a non-tactically minded chica like myself could understand. :o)
Hi Emma,
Thank you for the very kind comment. I am so glad to hear you found the reviews helpful and easy to read, even as a “non-knife” person. The Tactility is a beautiful knife, and one of my first pieces when I got into higher end knives. I know your Husband will enjoy it, especially coming from you. Thank you for stopping by to leave this nice comment, and thank you to your husband to his service as Marine.
Best Regards,
Dan
Hi Dan, thank you for reviewing this knife. I have been daily carrying it for about a year and a half. I removed the clip and made a nice sheath that allows easy winter access with a gloved hand. My complaint right from the start was the thumb lock did not stand proud enough to be able to push over in every situation. If it had been left an 1/8” higher it would make a world of difference. The knife has spit three of the six tiny screws holding the bolsters on, rivets may have been better, my old Eye Brand has been in my pocket for thirty years of heavy use with no such issue. Lastly the the blade now has in and out play allowing the tip to stand out at will, no good if carrying in the pocket or with tip up clip. I had high hopes for the knife, my first ever lock blade, I truly enjoyed the one handed operation. But to be in the condition it’s in after only a year and a half is very disappointing. The old Schlieper is still in my pocket it doesn’t look anything like new but still functions like it was. Both have an excellent edge.
I just got mine today I purchased the Damascus blade one and purchased for the single purpose of a folding fighter. To carry along with my Zero Tolerance Hinderer spanto blade tactical/fighter I always carry 2 tactical knives always one in front right pocket n one in right rear pocket I alternate between my emersons ZTs Strider ect… This is my fist Mcusta n first Damascus knife very impressed n pleased with fit finnish sharpness and thickness of liners I can honestly say this will be receiving alot of pocket time I purchased my ZT hinderer about 6 weeks ago n it has been my rear pocket knife everyday since receiving it and I’ve got the same feeling about my mcusta as well I’ve never carried the same knife for 6 weeks without alternating before in my life and I may have found the second knife that will have that honor bestowed upon it. Very pleased with purchase of the Mcusta tacatilly fighting folder.