Monterey Bay Knives Sabertooth Review: A Heavy, Unique Titanium Folder

Introduction

The Monterey Bay Knives Sabertooth is an unusual folder. It is a full titanium liner lock with a leaf-shaped blade, a shallow fuller, and a steel liner tucked inside the handle. It is also heavy, dense, and noticeably larger than a typical everyday carry knife. That combination makes it a polarizing piece, but it is also what makes it interesting.

The Sabertooth is made in an overseas factory rather than in the United States. That keeps the price competitive, and it also means the knife comes with a complete set of spare hardware in the pouch. That small detail goes a long way toward addressing one of the biggest concerns with imported knives: long-term parts availability.

Who This Knife Is For

The Sabertooth is for someone who wants a big, beefy folder with premium materials and does not mind carrying extra weight. It is not a lightweight pocket knife. It is a dense, solid piece that feels substantial in the hand and in the pocket.

It also suits people who appreciate unique designs and multiple opening methods. The Sabertooth can be opened by flicking the fuller, using the thumb hole, or even front flipping it. That versatility is rare and adds to the character of the knife.

If you prefer a slim, lightweight knife that disappears in the pocket, this is probably not the right choice. But if you like a knife with presence and a distinctive look, the Sabertooth deserves a closer look.

Build and Materials

Taking the Sabertooth apart reveals a straightforward construction. The handle uses titanium scales with a full steel liner underneath. That liner adds strength and rigidity, but it also contributes significantly to the overall weight. The internal milling on the titanium helps reduce some weight, though the knife still comes in heavy.

The pivot uses a D-shaped design, and the screws are all T8, which is convenient for maintenance. The disassembly process is simple, though the factory applies a generous amount of thread locker. That makes the initial take-down a bit more effort than ideal, but it is not a deal breaker.

One of the standout features is the included spare hardware. The pouch comes with a complete set of screws for the knife. If you lose one down the road, you can replace it yourself without needing to contact the manufacturer. That is a thoughtful touch that many companies overlook.

Blade and Steel

The blade is made from S90V, a high-end steel that holds an edge well and is easy to maintain. The blade shape is a leaf design with a shallow fuller running along the spine. The fuller is smooth and easy to clean, which is a nice improvement over deeper fullers that tend to trap debris.

The grind is generally good, coming down to a relatively thin edge. However, the sharpening choil does not extend quite far enough. This leaves a small smile at the base of the blade, which makes sharpening slightly more difficult over time. It is a minor detail, but one that could have been improved with a slightly longer choil or a grind that extends further back.

The blade length is 3.75 inches, which is a bit longer than the Spyderco PM2. That extra length, combined with the weight, makes the Sabertooth feel like a larger knife than it might appear at first glance.

Ergonomics and Carry

The Sabertooth locks into the hand well. The handle has a defined finger groove and a thumb area that keeps your hand from sliding onto the blade. It works well in a standard grip, and it also accommodates a reverse grip if you prefer that style.

The pocket clip is the same design used on other Monterey Bay Knives models. It is solid, does not dig into the hand, and is reversible. The handle surface is flat titanium with rounded edges, which keeps the knife from feeling bulky in the pocket despite its size.

The action is smooth, especially after cleaning and lubricating the bearings. The knife can be opened with a flick of the fuller, a thumb hole flick, or a front flip. In practice, the index finger flick on the thumb hole works best and feels the most natural.

Weight and Balance

The biggest downside of the Sabertooth is its weight. At 5.07 ounces, it is noticeably heavy for a folding knife. The full steel liner is the main contributor, and the balance sits slightly toward the rear of the handle. That makes the knife feel a little back-heavy when held, though it is not uncomfortable.

The weight is a matter of personal preference. If you do not mind a heavier knife, the Sabertooth feels solid and durable. If you prefer a lighter carry, this may be too much. The internal milling helps, but it does not fully offset the steel liner.

Buying Advice

The Sabertooth was priced around $140 when it was available. It is currently off the website, but another run is expected, and the price may be slightly higher given current market conditions. Even at $150 or $160, this would still be a strong value for a full titanium liner lock with S90V steel.

The included spare hardware adds significant long-term value. It means you can handle minor repairs yourself, which is especially useful for an imported knife where warranty support may be limited. That alone makes the Sabertooth a more attractive purchase than many comparably priced options.

If you are looking for a lightweight everyday carry knife, this is not it. But if you want a unique, well-built folder with premium materials and a competitive price, the Sabertooth is worth considering.

Conclusion

The Monterey Bay Knives Sabertooth is a weird knife, but it is also a good one. It has a distinctive design, solid materials, and a price that makes it easy to recommend. The weight and size are the main trade-offs, but they are part of what gives the knife its character.

For anyone who appreciates a big, beefy folder with multiple opening methods and a thoughtful spare parts kit, the Sabertooth is a compelling option. It is not for everyone, but for the right person, it is a great buy.