Join me in this detailed review of the stunning new TRC Knives M-1SL; a carefully considered evolution of the TRC Mille Cuori.
Adding to the “M” line from the Lithuanian manufacturer, the M-1SL is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of users involved in various outdoor activities. A sturdy tool that is well suited to bushcraft, camping, hunting and much more. It’s similarity to the Mille Cuori or M-1SLG, is because it is a development of that knife.
The spine has edges sharp enough to strike sparks from a ferro rod, but not sharp enough to cut you. Like all knives in the “M” line, the handle has deep jimping / grooves on the handle for excellent grip and handling. Made from premium BÖHLER M390 MICROCLEAN steel, the blade is highly corrosion resistant and really holds its edge.
(Review Videos now at the end of the review.)
What’s in the box?:
Setting the theme of ‘attention to detail’ from the first moment, TRC start as they mean to go on with the M-1SL’s presentation box. You already know this is going to be good.
As well as the sheathed knife, there is a specification card, metallic sticker and rubber patch.
A good look round the M-1SL’s sheath – Things to look out for here are:
As important as the knife it carries, the sheath manages an understated simplicity, yet is packed with features and functions that allow it to do its job brilliantly.
It is a rare thing to not be able to find an unfinished edge or corner. TRC Knives have delivered this, with every edge, corner, joint, bend, and fixing being smooth and refined. I have not found a single part of the sheath that could benefit from a tweak or shave; TRC have done all of this without missing anything.
If I had to be picky, I feel the drainage hole may not be as free flowing as if it ran downwards instead of sideways. However, where it is positioned is very neat and keeps the lower edge of the sheath streamlined.
The hollow rivets used to hold the two sheath halves together are completely smooth on both sides, so there is no wear to cord threaded through them. It comes with an elastic cord in place that is ideal if you want to secure the end of the sheath to your leg, as the elastic allows you to move freely.
Designed into the sheath is a fully adjustable knife retention, on both sides, not just one. This tension was set just right out of the box, but will wear in over time, and if ever needed, you can tighten it. If you prefer less of a grip on the knife you can also back it off to suit.
To swap to left-handed, you need only remove two bolts and pop the belt loop hanger on the other side of the sheath.
A good look round the M-1SL knife – Things to look out for here are:
Yes you might well recognise that distinctive blade shape from the TRC Mille Cuori, and in the M-1SL it is brought to you in a lighter-weight version. A drop point blade with bevelled swedge, plus thumb rest on the spine just forward of the handle, all combine to give this blade its identity.
Again the attention to detail doesn’t stop, the finishes are crisp without being sharp. The corners of the swedge bevels are just a little sharper than the corners of the thumb rest. Those slightly sharper corners on the swedge will scrape a fire steel very well yet are completely safe for your hands or gloves.
With the edge finishing in a sharpening choil next to the finger guard, not only does this complete the cutting edge, but provides you with the ‘fine work point’ (that I use this end of the cutting edge for).
The very front of the handles are angled to guide the knife into the sheath, this also gives good access to the cutting edge for all types of cutting task.
There is plenty of grip from the G-10 handle scales, that also combines with the jimping at the front and back of the handle to ensure a firm hold on the knife. Flared hollow rivets secure the handle scales and provide lanyard/lashing points.
The Blade and Handle – Detailed Measurements:
For full details of the tests and measurements carried out and an explanation of the results, see the page – Knife Technical Testing – How It’s Done.
The blade is made from M390 steel.
The Factory edge up close:
Followers of Tactical Reviews will know my views on factory edges, but to recap:
Anyone using a knife will need to sharpen it. That first factory edge is just like the first tank of fuel that a new car comes with (or first charge of the battery).
A good factory edge is a ‘nice to have’ but not a ‘make or break’ for a good knife, as you will be putting your own edge onto it soon enough.
The factory edge does however indicate the care a knife maker has put into the final finish.
It is for this reason Tactical Reviews measures factory edge sharpness and specifications, and includes this information in the detailed technical testing.
As a further look at the factory edge, this section has been added to include some high magnification photos of the factory edges.
What is it like to use?
I may have said ‘refined’ and ‘attention to detail’, or words to those effect, a few times in this review; this seems to be a feature TRC Knives are widely recognised for, and is clearly evident in the case of this M-1SL.
This doesn’t happen by accident, and is only as a result of hard work and caring about your products. When meeting Andrius Tricius (founder and head designer at TRC Knives) to talk about the M-1SL, his passion for the design and quality of finish came across immediately. He was listening closely to any and all comments I made about the knife, genuinely interested in understanding how his designs work for all users; clearly someone passionate about making the best possible knives.
Fitting into a general utility knife size category, the M-1SL is a super practical knife that is big enough for most tasks and small and light enough to be easy to carry – a no-brainer when it comes to picking out a daily use fixed blade.
With 4mm blade stock and a full tang the M-1SL is seriously robust so can take on tougher tasks as well. Chopping and batoning are no problem with the blade length just needing good technique and knowing when not to over-reach and risk the blade getting stuck.
For me, one thing I would prefer would be for the sheath to be smaller. With the typical two piece Kydex construction you end up with a slab of sheath which increases the overall carry size. The knife is a great EDC utility size (and super strong), but the bulk of this type of sheath does make me think twice on occasion. Could you still have such a functional sheath with retention tension adjustment and tying points with less bulk?
Perhaps a small detail, but worthy of further mention, the dedicated thumb rest on the spine; this allows you to comfortably put your thumb directly behind the cutting edge and apply maximum cutting force directly towards the cut. The power and control this cutting method provides is important, and though you can do this with all sorts of knives, the M-1SL has the thumb rest designed into the spine of the blade. Having this feature increases comfort and control exactly because there is a specifically shaped section on the spine.
Frequently, when living with a knife, I find something that is a bit ‘off’, a sharp corner, or something I want to tweak; so far with the M-1SL I’ve not found anything I want to tweak – I’d say this speaks volumes.
It also is certainly a difficult knife to put down, being pleasing to hold as well as use.
Review Summary
The views expressed in this summary table are from the point of view of the reviewer’s personal use. I am not a member of the armed forces and cannot comment on its use beyond a cutting tool or field/hunting knife.
Something that might be a ‘pro’ for one user can be a ‘con’ for another, so the comments are categorised based on my requirements. You should consider all points and if they could be beneficial to you.
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What doesn’t work so well for me
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Slightly bulky sheath for the size of knife.
Nothing else – so this is a short list.
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Things I like
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Incredible attention to detail.
Adjustable sheath retention tension.
Ideal size for general utility.
Capable of heavy duty tasks with 4mm blade stock.
M390 steel (proven reliability and performance).
Thumb rest designed into blade spine.
Outstanding level of finish with not a single flaw found.
Excellent grip without being abrasive to bare or gloved hands.
Ambidextrous sheath (when swapping the belt hanger to the other side).
Includes a sharpening choil.
Flared hollow handle rivets cannot come loose.
Full tang.
Review Videos
Starting with a short format sixty second review:
Onto a full video review covering many more details:
Discussing the Review:
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