Lately, this little Tekto A2 Badger has been my everyday carry pocketknife. Before I go any further, if you’re shopping for Tekto Knives and want a deal, you can use my Tekto Knives coupon code INDUSTRYOUTSIDER for 10% off any purchase at TektoKnives.com. This Tekto Knives promo code works on the A2 Badger and every other Tekto automatic or folding knife.
I like automatics but prefer to keep my EDC a bit discreet. Its compact size and 1.85″ blade get the job done without drawing unwanted attention. Which is exactly what I need during the week. I’m not putting myself in dangerous situations where a full-size knife would be welcome. This little guy is opening boxes, slicing sandwiches, and maybe cutting into frozen burrito wrappers. That daily stuff. Yet it would still serve me well in a defensive situation. So let’s get into it.
Tekto A2 Badger automatic knife specifications
At 3.30 inches, the Tekto A2 Badger is easy to carry via the reversible pocket clip or loose in your pocket. There’s a simple carry pouch included as well, but I’m not a fan of the Velcro closure. An aluminum handle and the little 1.85-inch D2 steel blade result in a weight of just 2.18 ounces. Opened, it’s still just 5.26 inches long with a width of 0.48 inches. There’s a sliding button on the side to fire/withdraw the blade and a glass breaker on the bottom.
Tekto A2 Badger Automatic Knife.
The handle is 6061-T6 aluminum with what appears to be an anodized finish. It’s a nice match to the matte black of the titanium-coated tanto blade. That blade sports a fine edge with a hardness of 58-60 Rockwell. If all those numbers aren’t painting a picture of just how compact it is, the photo below shows it in comparison to a standard Bic lighter.
About the D2 steel blade
Choosing a steel for a knife blade will almost always be a compromise. We’d all like a blade that stays very sharp. Yet the metallurgical properties that allow a blade to hold an edge well generally make it more difficult to sharpen. A blade that is hard and resists wear (holding an edge) resists abrasion. The act of sharpening a blade involves abrading away small amounts of steel to bring back that sharp edge. Steels that don’t hold an edge well are usually easier to touch up. So we must choose wisely.
D2 is on the “holds a great edge” end of the scale. It’s going to take a sharp edge and hold it through some hard use. Touching it up when it starts to dull will take some extra work. In my opinion, that’s a fair tradeoff. A decent sharpener doesn’t have to be expensive, and it’s a good skill to have.
Wiggle it
On the long end of the button lock, the grooves have increasingly wider spacing. The shorter end has narrow yet even spacing between the grooves. They both provide great traction for firing and withdrawing the blade. While the blade was fully extended, there was a tiny bit of play. Not a big deal, but it’s there if you look for it.
The legality of automatic knives (AKA “Switchblades”)
I live in Utah, one of several states that have never restricted the sale or public carry of automatic knives. Historically, it’s been easier to get your hands on an automatic knife than alcohol. The American Knife & Tool Institute tracks the legality by state. Here’s their link to state laws regarding automatic knives.
Even California allows automatics with blades under 2 inches – making the Tekto A2 Badger perfectly legal there. If you’re looking for a Tekto knife coupon code that works anywhere, INDUSTRYOUTSIDER gets you 10% off.
Back to my time with the Tekto A2 Badger
The day my Tekto A2 Badger arrived, the first thing I did was show it to my wife. With the sliding button having just the right amount of tension, she could open and close it easily. Tekto added the little side notches, which make it easier to hold. And the simple machined grooves provide excellent traction and visual appeal.
As with any knife, I used it to cut stuff. Out of the box, its fine edge sliced thin curls off paper, so it passed my initial sharpness test.
Pros and Cons of the Tekto A2 Badger
At $139.99, the price is fair for an automatic with a D2 steel blade. You can also save 10% with the Tekto Knives promo code INDUSTRYOUTSIDER, which works sitewide.
The little Tekto A2 Badger isn’t perfect, but its faults are minor. I’d prefer a drop point blade when it’s time to sharpen it, but the tanto shape offers a bit more utility.
Conclusion
It should be pretty obvious by now that I really like the Tekto A2 Badger. If you’re thinking of buying one, you can save 10% with the Tekto Knives coupon INDUSTRYOUTSIDER at this link: TektoKnives.com.
Whether you’re searching for a Tekto Knives promo code, a Tekto knife discount, or the best Tekto knives deal available right now, this code gets you 10% off instantly.
As always, I’d like to thank the folks at Tekto Knives for sending me their Tekto A2 Badger for testing and evaluation. It’s a solid knife and a good value – even more so once you apply the INDUSTRYOUTSIDER coupon code.