Tacray MT1 Review: The Best EDC Multitool with Flashlight and Knife (2026)
If you've been searching for an EDC multitool with a built-in flashlight that actually works,
the Tacray MT1 is the answer most carry setups have been missing. Unlike traditional
plier-based multitools that bolt on a token LED as an afterthought, the MT1 was engineered from the ground up around two priorities: a high-output rechargeable light and a premium locking blade — everything else follows from there.
This review synthesizes hands-on testing and analysis from over 10 independent reviewers
including Last Best Tool, Tri-State EDC, and John Garage, alongside coverage from
Gear Patrol, The Gadgeteer, and New Atlas.
Technical specifications - Tacray MT1 EDC Multitool
| Body material | 6061-T6 aluminum (Standard) or Grade 5 titanium (Pro / Elite) |
| Blade steel | 10Cr15MoV (Standard) or M390 (Pro / Elite) |
| Blade style | Tanto grind · liner lock |
| Flashlight output | High — 260 lm · 30 minMedium — 150 lm · 45 minLow — 25 lm · 120 min |
| Battery | 250 mAh · USB-C rechargeable |
| Folded length | 85 mm |
| Weight | 82 g (aluminum) · 89.5 g (titanium) |
| Tools | 8-in-1: blade · seatbelt cutter · bottle opener · can opener · flathead driver · pry bar · glass breaker · flashlight |
| Pocket clip | Reversible deep-carry · ambidextrous |
| Price | From $80 |
A Flashlight That Actually Pulls Its Weight
Most multitools treat the light as an afterthought — a single LED you'd never trust in a
real emergency. The MT1 flips this entirely. Its integrated USB-C rechargeable flashlight
runs three usable modes: 260 lumens on High (30 min), 150 lumens on Medium (45 min),
and 25 lumens on Low for up to 2 hours.
Last Best Tool put it plainly in their hands-on test: the MT1 delivers a light you could
actually navigate by in the dark — not just locate your keyhole.
One honest tradeoff: the on/off requires a long press, which prevents accidental activation
but means no momentary-on mode. For most EDC use cases this is a non-issue; for tactical
users it's worth knowing.
When it comes to Everyday Carry (EDC), the trend has shifted toward minimalism without sacrificing capability. The Tacray MT1 has emerged as a significant disruptor in the titanium edc multitool market by challenging the traditional plier-based design.
📺 Watch the Flashlight Testing:
Two Blades, One Tool
The MT1 runs a dual-blade system. The primary tanto blade (M390 on Pro/Elite, 10Cr15MoV
on Standard) locks open via liner lock and opens smoothly on ceramic bearings — a level
of action Tri-State EDC called unexpected for a multitool format.
The secondary edge combines a seatbelt cutter, bottle opener, and flathead pry driver.
These aren't decorative additions: the seatbelt cutter is positioned for one-handed
emergency deployment, and the pry bar is stiff enough for real work.
One consistent note from reviewers: the blade is thick behind the edge, optimized for
durability over precision slicing. It's a heavy-duty EDC tool, not a kitchen knife.
📺 Watch the Blade Performance:
Build Quality and Mechanical Feel
The MT1 is CNC-machined to tight tolerances — The Gadgeteer noted the fit and finish
rivals tools costing significantly more. The result is a mechanical action that's become
one of the MT1's most talked-about qualities: the blade snaps open and closed with
a consistency that holds up after months of carry.
The titanium version (Pro/Elite) brings Grade 5 construction — corrosion-resistant,
4x the strength of stainless steel at roughly half the weight. The aluminum Standard
version keeps the same dimensions at a lower price point and about 7g lighter.
📺 Watch the Action & Build Quality:
Emergency Carry: Glass Breaker + Seatbelt Cutter
seatbelt cutter and high-output flashlight, this is a credible automotive emergency
tool — not just an EDC accessory. John Garage summarized this well: if you're in a
situation where you need it, you'll know exactly where it is.
MT1 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Genuine high-output flashlight, not a token LED
- Premium blade steel options (M390 available)
- Compact 85mm folded length, fits any pocket
- USB-C rechargeable — no proprietary cables
- Ambidextrous deep-carry clip
- Grade 5 titanium option for serious carry
Cons:
- No momentary-on for the flashlight
- Blade thickness favors durability over slicing performance
- Standard aluminum version lacks the premium feel of Ti
Who Should Buy the MT1?
The MT1 is built for people who want one tool in their pocket instead of three.
If you currently carry a separate flashlight, a folding knife, and a basic multitool,
the MT1 consolidates all three without meaningful compromise on any of them.
It's particularly strong for:
- Commuters and travellers who want compact emergency capability
- Outdoor users who need a reliable light alongside cutting tools
- EDC enthusiasts who want titanium build quality under $120
If you need a full plier set or ultra-thin slicing performance, look elsewhere.
The MT1 doesn't try to be everything — it tries to be the right things, very well.
Ready to simplify your carry? The Tacray MT1 is available in Aluminum ($80) and
Titanium ($120) versions. [View the MT1 →]
Looking for more EDC gift ideas? 【View all Tacray products】
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