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Whether it’s camping, hunting, or foraging, fall is the busiest time of year for my outdoor pursuits. In the past month, I’ve only spent one weekend at home, and during these trips, my gear is put to the test—especially my knives. This season, I’ve been carrying the Tekto F3 Charlie Knife, and it has seen constant use through all my outdoor adventures.
Tekto, founded in 2016, has built a reputation for crafting knives that can withstand the rigors of the outdoors. What sets them apart is their unique deployment mechanisms. They offer both automatic and traditional folding knives, all proudly made in Maine, USA.
This fall, the F3 Charlie has been by my side for hunting, camping, and foraging trips, and it’s been a reliable companion every step of the way.
About the Tekto F3 Charlie
The Tetko F3 Charlie is part of Tekto’s F series of folding knives, which includes the F1 Alpha, F2 Bravo, and F3 Charlie. The key difference between these models is blade size: the F1 Alpha has the smallest blade, while the F3 Charlie boasts the largest and thickest.
The F3 Charlie features a 3.8” blade paired with a 5.2” handle, bringing the knife’s full length to 9” when opened.
Opened Knife
Its blade is made from Titanium-coated D2 steel, known for excellent edge retention. While D2 steel isn’t as corrosion-resistant as stainless steel, its hardness allows it to hold an edge longer, making it ideal for heavy-duty tasks like hunting. However, this hardness can make sharpening a bit more challenging. The titanium coating adds a matte finish and extra protection against corrosion. The blade arrives pre-sharpened from Tekto.
The F3 Charlie’s blade deploys with a push-button mechanism, ensuring a smooth and fast opening thanks to its ceramic ball bearing system. It also includes a flipper tab for rapid deployment.
Push Button Mechanism
Flipper Tab
The handle is designed for both comfort and grip, with recessed and exposed liners. It’s made from G-10, a durable fiberglass laminate known for its strength-to-weight ratio.
Additionally, the Tekto F3 Charlie comes equipped with a pocket clip, lanyard hole, and a Tekto pouch.
F3 Charlie and Pouch
Thoughts on Tekto F3 Charlie
The Tekto F3 Charlie is a reliable workhorse of a knife. I put my knives through heavy use for hunting, fishing, camp cooking, and general tasks.
In big-game hunting, having a strong, durable knife is essential. What drew me to the F3 Charlie was its oversized blade. When processing large animals like elk, deer, or pronghorn, a sturdy blade not only makes the job easier but safer, especially when cutting through bones or removing large sections of meat. Last week I was particularly fortunate to take a large bull elk during our rifle season. There is nothing that will put a knife to the test like field prepping a 900 pound animal. Within minutes I realized that the Tekto F3 Charlie was the perfect choice for the job. Usually part way through and at multiple times I need to stop to resharpen dull blades. Hair, bone, and tough tendons take a toll on the knife blade, however I never had to resharpen the blade. The D2 steel held up flawlessly and I am sold.
Processing
Wrapping Up
Meal Prep
I’ve used the F3 Charlie to prepare various meals in both the backcountry and at home. Its sharp blade handles everything from slicing meat to chopping vegetables with ease. Even delicate foods like tomatoes and mushrooms slice cleanly rather than being crushed, thanks to the precision edge.
Meal Prep
Foraging
The D2 steel really shines. After a month of frequent use for food prep and foraging, the F3 Charlie’s blade has kept its edge remarkably well. I value a sharp knife, and it’s impressive that it hasn’t dulled or required sharpening after heavy use.
The dimensions of the Tekto F3 Charlie are just right. Its 3.8” blade is ideal for skinning and deboning deer or elk. Weighing in at 4.5 ounces, it’s slightly heavy for carrying loose in a pocket, but it feels perfect when clipped to a pocket or attached to a belt.
Tekto F3 Charlie Clipped on Belt
Accessing the F3 Charlie
Surprise Feature
One of the standout features for me has been the button lock system and flipper tab. The button lock is excellent. It keeps the blade securely open or closed with no risk of it accidentally closing during use. The flipper tab is a pleasant surprise. By pressing the tab and button, the blade deploys instantly thanks to the ceramic ball bearing system, keeping fingers safely away from the edge. I’ve owned knives where opening the blade felt risky, but with the F3 Charlie, I feel secure. Plus, the one-handed deployment has become one of my favorite features, even though I didn’t expect it to be.
Specs of the Tekto F3 Charlie Taken Directly From Tekto Knives
- MSRP: $149.99
- Handle Material: G10
- Blade Material: Titanium Coated D2 Steel
- Blade Hardness 60 – 62
- Blade Style: Fine Edge Drop Point
- Button Locking
- Blade Length: 3.8” (97mm)
- Handle Length: 5.2” (133mm)
- Open Length: 9” (230mm)
- Handle Width: 0.5” (13mm)
- Weight: 4.5oz (127 g)
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Tekto F3 Charlie is a versatile, durable knife that performs exceptionally well in a variety of tasks. Its sharp, sturdy blade, reliable locking mechanism, and ergonomic design make it a great companion for hunting, camping, and everyday use. The D2 steel holds up impressively over time, and the innovative features like the flipper tab and button lock add both convenience and safety. Whether you’re out in the field or doing food prep the F3 Charlie is a dependable tool that’s built to last. For more info or to check one out for yourself, visit tektoknives.com or amazon.com.