Last Update 17-02-25
This review is about the TRC Knives Urban Tactical in ELMAX steel and G-10 Handles.
I won this in a giveaway from Knives & Tools a while ago, so, thanks @knivesandtools and @trcknives for the possibility to test this TRC Knife.
The current version in the regular model sports a 3.5mm and 95mm/scarce 4″ long, 3rd generation Powder Steel Technology Elmax stainless steel blade with a triple finish on the blade, a false edge and machined G-10 Handles with vertical-horizontal lines.
TRC Knives has been making the Urban Tactical for a few years and sometimes you see different blade finishes like DLC or Apocalyptic, Micarta handles, screws on the handle and different steels.
The handles ergonomics has a tactical appearance but it works fine for bushcraft or EDC applications and it fits my hands well without gloves, although the curve under the middle finger disturbs sometimes. With the gloves on, I had no problem using it for an extended time doing the review.
The slim kydex sheath is setup for horizontal scout carry with a rubberized nylon strap and snap button.
It has an adjustable retention screw to optimise retention, well studied!
As you’ll see below I’ve made a belt loop and firesteel holder for it, it has become my backup/kit knife and I wanted it to be a bit more complete and more #buschcraft looking.
The size is ideal for EDC, and the light weight and slim profile mike it an ideal light knife, it can surely be a backup or a light hiking knife due to it’s lightweight and slim profile.
The packaging, fit and finish, sharpening are some of the highest I’ve ever seen, on par with anyone’s opinion about TRC’s knives.
It arrived as one of the truly sharpest knives I ever got and even after an extended non standard use it was still plenty sharp, I only gave it a light sharpening and a longer stropping when I came back and it’s still super sharp.
TRC Knives Urban Tactical U.T. knife Specs:
- Knife type: EDC/Tactical/hiking/backup
- Blade shape: spear point with swedge, sabre-flat ground
- Steel: 3rd generation Powder Steel Technology Elmax stainless steel (unknown HRC and treatment)
- Blade: 3,6mm (0,14″) thick, 29,9mm (1,77″) wide, 92mm (3,62″) long edge, 97mm (3,81″) overall lenght.
- Handle: 24,6 to 28,8mm wide (0,96 to 1,13″), 14mm thick (0,55″)
- Weight: knife only 157gr (5,5oz), Sheath 73gr (2,5oz)
- Combined weight: 225gr (80z), BushTactical: 280gr (9,9oz) with accessories
Here’s the TRC Knives Urban Tactical Knife sheathed with the supplied Kydex (a moldable thermoplastic) and scout carry belt loop.
Front.
And back.
You can “pull the dot” and loosen the rubberized nylon loop.
The other screw you see is a kydex retention screw, you can tighten or loosen the retention of the sheath based on type of carry, situation and personal preference or if over time you feel some wobble, very uncommon in regular sheaths.
Here it is, the TRC Knives Urban Tactical!
The blade has 3 finises:
A vertical Belt Satin on the flats.
A horizontal satin on the flats.
And a stonewashed finish on the swedge.
The TRC logo is laser etched.
The spine around the knife is square-rounded and shows the model U.T., on the top, along with the steel ELMAX and the serial number on the bottom #00196.
The handles are made of 3D machined Black G-10 with no liners and satined steel tubes, pressed on and unremovable.
There is a lanyard hole.
In hand Shots!
I wear size S/7 gloves
Comparison Shots!
Casstrom Woodsman
TRC Urban Tactical
CRK Umnumzaan
Victorinox 91mm Alox
Wurkkos DL02
Blade length comparison:
Action Shots & Testing
Driftwood is a real challenge for feathersticks, being often humid doesn’t help to get nice curls as other woods, but I was impressed.
Some batoning of various woods
Also splitting with the tip works.
Some more curls before the fire.
The Knife came out of the testing without any even slight damage, there were no nicks and no reflections of light on the edge.
The edge was still plenty sharp, pretty much still factory.
I did however strop and polish the edge, ready for the next adventure.
I started the fire with my
CASSTRÖM KNIVES SWEDEN – CURLY BIRCH FIRESTEEL, i previously reviewed
To strike it, this time I used my Opinel N.12 saw.
Fire!
TRC Knives BushTactical
As promised I modified mine with a Safety Belt loop and a leather fireteel loop, with firesteel.
Like this it’s more of my taste, more bushcfraft ready.
That’s all, back in the survival kit it goes.
Last Words and Conclusions:
The knife was won in a geveaway, I was not paid for the review, what you read is my honest and personal review
What I like:
- fit, finish, sharpening are some of the best on the market
- nice sheath, retention adjustment
- very lightweight
- a lot of bladelentht for the size and weight
What I DON’T like:
- no proper belt loop
- handle ergos are too tactical but still comfortable
- nothing else in particular
Other considerations:
- a belt loop or dangler would be a good addition
Notes:
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