- Joined
- Jan 28, 2001
- Messages
- 3,709
After much thought, I decided to order the Smith & Wesson HRT Magnesium handled folder. When my package arrived, I opened it to find a small navy blue box with H.R.T. and the S&W logo on it. The knife is marketed by none other than Taylor Cutlery, made in R.O.C. (according to the box) and of 440 steel. To be honest, I didn't know what to expect, since the sole reason I ordered it was because I just liked the way it looked and for the first time, I saw Taylor actually credit the designers Mike Lamprey and Darrel Ralph in their magazine ads.
pic is from Knifecenter.com
The blade is a about 4 inches in length, with the cutting edge a little over 3 1/2 inches, with a fine bead blast finish. The handle is said to be made of magnesium, coated in black, and is very lightweight. Towards the butt of the handle, there is the designation: AM-60B. What this means, I don't know. There is also a nicely shaped pocket clip attacthed for tip down carry.
The knife comes razor sharp and the blade locks with no play in any direction. Opening action is also very smooth. The overall quality of this knife is comparable to CRKT or Timberline, in fact the dual thumb studs are exactly the same as the ones Timberline uses on the Discovery folder. My impression is the folders are made by the same overseas manufacturer.
One of the unique features of this knife is the integral guard which can be used to aid in opening the knife, in similar fashion to the Carson flipper on the M16 & M18 models, but on mine, it only opens the knife half way, unless I loosen the pivot pin. For me, it is actually easier to open the knife by placing my thumb on the upper guard rather than the thumbstuds, which I also how I open my Spyderco Khalsa.
Overall, I really like this folder and am happy with my purchase. In the past, Taylor Cutlery has developed a not so good reputation, but let's see if Taylor Cutlery keeps on the right track with giving credit where credit is due.
pic is from Knifecenter.com
The blade is a about 4 inches in length, with the cutting edge a little over 3 1/2 inches, with a fine bead blast finish. The handle is said to be made of magnesium, coated in black, and is very lightweight. Towards the butt of the handle, there is the designation: AM-60B. What this means, I don't know. There is also a nicely shaped pocket clip attacthed for tip down carry.
The knife comes razor sharp and the blade locks with no play in any direction. Opening action is also very smooth. The overall quality of this knife is comparable to CRKT or Timberline, in fact the dual thumb studs are exactly the same as the ones Timberline uses on the Discovery folder. My impression is the folders are made by the same overseas manufacturer.
One of the unique features of this knife is the integral guard which can be used to aid in opening the knife, in similar fashion to the Carson flipper on the M16 & M18 models, but on mine, it only opens the knife half way, unless I loosen the pivot pin. For me, it is actually easier to open the knife by placing my thumb on the upper guard rather than the thumbstuds, which I also how I open my Spyderco Khalsa.
Overall, I really like this folder and am happy with my purchase. In the past, Taylor Cutlery has developed a not so good reputation, but let's see if Taylor Cutlery keeps on the right track with giving credit where credit is due.
