Like most of us, I carry a knife every day and have for years. The exact knife has changed over a dozen times as my budget, preferences, and needs have evolved. From $20 Wal-Mart Gerbers to Microtech HALOs, I’ve carried just about everything. My go-to “folding chungus” knife has been the long discontinued Surefire Edge since I received it as a company Christmas gift in 2011. Its place in my rotation is now challenged by a newcomer in the blade world: the Hardcore Hardware Australia MILF.

SureFire Edge and Harcore Hardware MILF Tanto

Hardcore Hardware MILF Tanto

a guest post by Brandon Light

Pun intended, the MILF (or Milspec Folder series for PG audiences) is, overall, the biggest pocket knife in my collection. At a bit under 7.5 ounces, it outweighs my favorite fixed blades.
You get a fair bit in return for that weight trade-off. The most noticeable of which is the 5mm thick S30V blade that I can only describe as “beefy.”
Like, go out and compete in those incredible knife chopping competitions beefy. Typically, a blade this weighty would be a non-starter for me in a knife without a spring-assisted opening. However, the MILF uses a user-set Torx head pivot point to manually adjust the tension to the user’s preference. This made tuning the opening for use with the Kershaw-style “flipper” (for index-finger opening) easy and suited my need for a reliable one-handed opening without the need for the spring assist. An optional thumb stud is included and can be fitted into any of the three holes on the blade if you are so inclined, but I prefer the flipper for sure. Four models are offered in different blade contours.

MILF Tanto and the user-set Torx head pivot point

I happened to get the Hardcore Hardware Tanto which would have been my preference initially, but recurve, drop point, and Wharncliffe models are also available.
Rounding out the features are the types of things you’d expect to see on a premium folder.

TOOL SPEC

Code: MILF-03 Tanto
Type: Knife (Folding Knife)
Lock: Frame Lock
Blade Steel: CPM S30V
Blade Thickness: 5 mm (0.19”)
Blade HRC: 59 – 60
Frame Steel: 420 Stainless
Liner: 420 Stainless
Washers: Phosphor Bronze
Back Spacer: 420 Stainless
Handle Scales: G10
Thumb Stud: Stainless – Adjustable
Pocket Clip: 420 Stainless – 4 Point
Pivot Screw: T10 Torx
Grip Screws: T6 Torx
Blade Length: 90 mm (3.45″)
Blade Width: 30 mm (1.18”)
OAL (Open): 210 mm (8.26″)
OAL (Closed): 123 mm (4.84″)
Blade Width: 30 mm (1.18″)
OAW (Open): 35 mm (1.37″)
OAW (Closed): 40 mm (1.57″)
OAD:* 14 mm (0.55”)
Weight: 208 g (7.34 oz)

Hardcore Hardware Australia MILF Tanto

Grip & Clip

The G10 grips are perfectly textured for a solid grip that’s not too aggressive. The frame lock is similarly textured and equally as “thicc” in build as the rest of the knife but doesn’t trade a solid lock-up for ease of use.
With the MILF, you get everything you could ask for in lock with none of the downsides.
One of the pocket knife’s most overlooked parts is the one people interact with the most: the pocket clip. A poor clip can relegate even the best knife to the junk drawer. Of course, if it doesn’t wind up lost in the car or somewhere else it fell out first.
Contrarily, too tight of a clip will get a knife left at home. After all, what good is it if you can’t get it out of your pocket easily on demand? I’m happy to say that the MILF is not plagued with either problem. The stainless steel pocket clip required only minimal hand adjustment out of the box.
It has sat securely in everything from jeans to lightweight fishing shorts. Every time I have reached for it, it’s been there. While I prefer it in a traditional blade-down orientation, four mounting spots for the clip ensure it can be carried any way one might choose.

A knife this big is not for everyone. Those who value good knives with the versatility to pull both utility and defensive duty would get plenty out of the MILF. The real question comes down to the weight. Just as I’ve said to many a gun buyer over the years shopping for concealed carry firearms, heavy stuff gets left at home. But, just like the heavier gun, the heavier knife comes with many upsides if you can bear it. I, for one, appreciate the features the MILF manages to pack in and expect it will enter the rotation as my go-to “do everything” blade.