The TFF-1 or Tactical Fighting Folder is made by Medford Knife and Tool. It is a true hard use folder designed for professionals. With a low part count and exceptional, tough fit and finish the knife will satisfy demanding users in hostile environments. In the unlikely event that you damage of break the knife, Medford’s warranty will likely have you covered.
The blade on the TFF-1 is made from D2. D2 is a time tested tool steel known for its tough, wear resistant properties, often being used for industrial cutting tools. Considered a semi-stainless, it does need some care to prevent corrosion, but the benefits outweigh this. The over all choice is very appropriate for long term, low maintenance field use.
At 3/16th” thick, 4″ long and 1 7/8th inches at its widest, the blade is quite massive. The large, bellied shape boasts a 4 and 3/16th’s ” cutting edge and features a precise hollow grind. Although the grind looks to be low, it is actually 3/4″ wide which is similar to what you would find as a “high hollow grind” on smaller folders. The result is a good cutting edge considering the stock thickness, that is backed up by a considerable amount of blade flat The overall modified drop point could also be considered leaf shaped. The tip is fairly thick offering good durability. The blade has a satin, nickel plated finish and is stamped with the Medford Logo and D denoting the steel. The nickel plate helps with both added corrosion resistance and toughness.
The Blade deploys using a milled out hole in the blade flat and travels on a large pivot and against over-sized phosphor bronze washers. Deployment is very stiff but will break in nicely over use. A flick of the wrist along with the thumb hole will do the job. The ball detent on the knife is a bit light for my taste, considering all the other components. This allows for inertial openings but may also be problematic if the pivot loosens as you can already shake the heavy blade, out easily. This may also be a concern with the tip up, clip configuration.
The tang meets a stiff lock and large stop pin. The frame lock is fairly stout giving it excellent tension and engages with a resonant click.
Lock up is very early but secure and will enjoy a long life-span. There is zero play in any direction and feels exceptional. There is some stickiness when disengaging but this can be expected on most titanium frame locks with this amount of tension.
The handle has one titanium scale (lock side) and one aluminum scale. The assembly is a flow-through pillar construction. The pillars are 1/4″ and are drilled out to accommodate allen bolts that thread into the titanium scale. Over all the ergonomics are good, especially if you have large or gloved hands. The blades choil combines with the scales to create a first finger groove. This is followed by a second groove for added grip. On the opposite side there is a large dished out thumb ramp. The entire back half and flat pommel of the knife have effective jimping. The combined elements provide a comfortable standard and reverse grip. As a slab built knife without palm swell, the knife grip is a bit thin in the hand but this flatness will also improve the carry when closed and stowed.
Although this knife has a clip and a lanyard “slot”, these features are not standard on the TFF-1. The clip is made from 2 parts, a riser and the arm. The clip is large but the tension is very light. Made from four parts (arm, riser, 2 bolts) it would be great to see this more in line with the ‘low part count’ ideology of the rest of the knife. Perhaps a one piece, milled titanium clip would be nicer here. Additionally the clip uses different bolts than the handle assembly thus requiring an extra tool for removal. It would be ideal if all hardware was the same.
The current clip features a laser engraved Medford logo, knife silhouette and cutout toward the end. The lanyard slot will accommodate 550 Paracord.
The TFF-1 comes in a variety of color options including Tigerstripe (flamed titanium) OD green, Black, Coyote Tan and Natural as well as a striped blade. All colors are PTFE Teflon, oven cured coatings (not anodized).
With everything considered the TFF-1 is a great offering from Medford Knife and Tool. Although the clip design, fastener variety (three different types in all) and ball detent could use some adjustment in my opinion, the cons are outweighed by the great ergonomics and massive hard use blade that is backed up by a vault-like lock up. The over-all look of the knife is very attractive, aggressive and authoritative. There are very few folding knives that can live up to a hard-use claim and I wouldn’t hesitate to add the TFF-1 to this list. Although built to be put through its paces, Greg Medford has done a great job with the cosmetic finishing. This would also make the knife at home in a higher end, tactical knife collection. Make no mistake however, these are serious tools intended to be used.
The TFF-1 ships with a certificate of lifetime warranty and in a waterproof case with Medford Knife and Tools contact info stamped on the attached dog tag. Medford Knives, cases and shipping materials are all entirely made in the USA.
Pros
Large, tough blade
Solid, dependable construction
Quality materials
Great fit and finish
Cons
Ball detent is very light
Clip has low tension and 4 parts
3 different types of hardware require 3 tools
Specs
Total Dimensions and weight :
length open 9.5 in. ( 241 mm)
length closed 5.5 in. (140 mm)
weight8.5 oz. (241 g)
Blade :
Blade length 4 in (102 mm)
Cutting Edge 4 1/4″ (108 mm)
Blade thickness 3/16ths (4.8 mm)
Blade steel D2
Finish : Nickel plated satin
Lock :
Frame Lock
Handle :
Titanium (lock side) and
Aluminum
PTFE Teflon oven cured coatings, natural or flamed (titanium scale)
Made in the USA
