A tactical knife suited for just about anything you can throw at it, the TF24 fixed-blade from Montana Knife Company is a reliable EDC go-to
by Dexter Ewing
Montana Knife Company (MKC) is a fast-rising American manufacturer of fixed-blade knives for outdoor, hunting, and tactical applications. MKC was founded by Josh Smith, an accomplished custom knifemaker who has been making knives since he was a teenager. He knows what it takes to make a great knife that will withstand heavy use in the field. The company originally started by offering hunting knives but in 2024 began expanding their offerings to include tactical knives such as their TF24 model. The TF24, which stands for Task Force 2024, is a knife that could be used for general outdoors, yet it was designed to be a heavy-duty midsize tactical fixed-blade — capable of taking on heavy cutting work and utility chores.
The 4 ⅛-inch drop point blade is ground from premium CPM MagnaCut stainless steel, the latest premium steel for high-end factory knives. MagnaCut offers unprecedented edge retention capabilities mixed with a high corrosion resistance. Pretty much, it is the ultimate blade steel that knife enthusiasts crave, featuring both edge retention and corrosion resistance incorporated into one steel. The high, flat grind allows the blade to sail through a variety of materials, making use of the TF24 almost effortless. Right out of the box, the blade was scary sharp and ready to be put to work.
Take one look at the handle of the TF24 and you will see that there has been a lot of thought that went into the design. It has a refined look that incorporates several features to make it safer and more comfortable.
For starters, the front integral handle guard helps to prevent forward sliding of your hand onto the blade. There is a pronounced lower guard and a hint of a thumb ramp at the handle spine to provide a comfortable rest for your thumb.
The thumb rest also incorporates traction notches to hold your thumb in place. The handle edges are rounded for greater comfort. The flats of the handle sport 3D machined texture to provide hand traction, and there’s a reverse palm swell (the large shallow divot in the center of the G-10 handles on both sides). This concave area is where your middle and ring fingers land when gripping the handle. The concave portion helps to provide more grip area for the tips of your fingers.
Moving toward the rear of the handle, you will note the way the handle flares out and turns downwards a bit, forming a rearward catch for your hand to prevent backwards sliding. There is a generously-sized “D” shaped lanyard hole if you do choose to thread a lanyard. Two sets of Torx-head screws affix the G-10 handles to the tang. When you put everything together, this is a well-designed handle that feels comfortable, secure, and instills user confidence. Exactly what a blade like this needs.
In use, the TF24 is a workhorse. Primarily conceived as a midsize tactical fixed-blade, the TF24 can easily find applications in the outdoors as well as general utility use — even as a kitchen utility blade.
At the tang end of the G-10 handle there are concave areas that allow you to rest your thumb while your index finger rests on the blade spine for precise control. If you need a good, midsize fixed-blade for camp utility chores, the TF24 shines. The CPM MagnaCut blade steel holds an edge for a fairly long time, which means that you can confidently tackle your cutting tasks knowing that you will not have to sharpen frequently. If you’re looking for a workhorse of a fixed-blade, the MKC TF24 is one to consider.
The sheath that accompanies each TF24 is equally well made. It’s a Kydex sheath that is riveted together and comes standard with an Ulticlip for fastening the knife inside the waistband for discreet and comfortable carry. The edges of the sheath are smooth and well-finished. As an added touch, MKC incorporates a user-adjustable sheath tensioner. It is the Phillips head screw on the sheath. You can customize to your liking the tension that the sheath locks in on the knife. It’s a cool feature, and one that the majority of knife companies do not address.
The TF24 is available in several varieties with optional blade and handle colors. There’s all black, black handle with FDE blade, FDE handle and black blade, OD green handle with black blade, and what we have here — the OD green handle with FDE blade combination, which, in my opinion, is visually striking.
Regardless of which color variant you opt for, the TF24’s MSRP is $425.00. MKC sells their knives a bit differently than other manufacturers. They sell them in small batches, otherwise known as “drops.” They don’t make anything to warehouse. You will have to rely on the website to notify you when the next drop will be and what it will be. And when the TF24’s go live on the site, be sure to place your order early.
