TEKTO F2 Bravo Review: Smooth Action, Sharp Looks, Dull Value

Quick Take
The Tekto F2 Bravo is a slim and stylish gentleman’s folder that shines as a lightweight summer carry. At $150 for D2 steel it still feels overpriced, but after nearly two years in my pocket it has proven to be a reliable everyday companion for light use around town.

Tekto F2 Bravo Review

The Tekto F2 Bravo first caught my attention through a Google News feed article back in 2023. A good-looking knife with forged carbon scales, titanium accents, and clean lines, but also one that carried a steep price tag for a D2 steel blade. At almost $150 this was a high bar to clear.

Out of the box, my first thought was that the F2 Bravo was all show. D2 steel is dependable and easy to sharpen, but it’s usually what you find in $50 knives, not something approaching $150. Tekto justifies the cost by assembling their knives here in the US with imported and local parts, and adding machining touches like titanium hardware, ceramic bearings, and sleek carbon fiber. Still, my early impression was that this was a good-looking folder with too much boutique tax.

Carry and Use

Two years later, the F2 Bravo has grown on me. I carried it through summers when I wanted something small, light, and unobtrusive in the pocket. At just 2.4 ounces and with a slim profile, it disappears in shorts or slacks. The deep carry clip works well and the forged carbon with blue accents gives it a clean, almost dressy look.

Most of my use was standard everyday cutting—breaking down boxes, slicing packaging, cutting zip ties, and general errands. I took it on vacation once and it handled travel carry perfectly, but this is not the knife I would reach for on a camping trip or any hard-use scenario. It is best described as a refined urban EDC rather than a workhorse.

Action and Build

The action is smooth and fidget-friendly thanks to ceramic ball bearings. The flipper tab is low profile and comfortable, and the blade rockets open with a satisfying snap. Lockup has always been secure and the liner lock easy to disengage. After nearly two years the centering is still good, and I have not had any issues with blade play or hardware loosening.

Fit and finish are impressive for a smaller company. The titanium hardware, milled clip, and overall machining all look and feel premium. Tekto’s in-house design team did well with proportions and ergonomics. The handle is slim but not uncomfortable, though extended cutting can cause some hand fatigue. For its intended role, it works fine.

The Steel Question

The sticking point is still the steel. D2 is perfectly functional and I like it on budget knives. It holds an edge well enough and is easy to touch up, but it does not belong in a knife at this price point. Tekto told me they are working toward upgrading to CPM-S35VN, which would be more appropriate for the price. For now, the Bravo is still a $150 knife with $50 steel.

Verdict

The Tekto F2 Bravo is not the best value in terms of materials, but as a gentleman’s folder it has its place. It is slim, light, smooth, and stylish—an easy knife to carry when you want something discreet in the pocket. While I still think it is overpriced for what you get, it has proven solid and dependable over two years of real-world carry.

If you are after pure cutting performance, there are better choices for less money. If you want a refined lightweight folder with modern styling and excellent action, the F2 Bravo can hold its own as a gentleman’s EDC.