S&W Knives: opinions wanted.

S

Spydieman

Joined
Mar 8, 2002
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I am very partial to Spydercos, but I purchased a S&W model SW88033FP last week. It is the first S&W I have had. There doesn't seem to be much info about support and warranty on their website. What experiences have you all had with S&W knives? I really like the looks of this model. It has protrusions on the blade that act as finger guards. If you hold the knife with your index finger on the top protrusion when the knife is closed, push with your finger and simultaneously flick your wrist slightly, the knife opens as fast as an automatic. In fact it could fool a bystander into thinking it is an automatic if they didn’t know better. It has a very sharp edge (after a slight touch up on my Spyderco Doublestuff) and holds it rather well. I have already used it to cut the insulation off from electrical wire while wiring a bedroom circuit. The blade is made of 440C stainless and is just over 3.5 inches. The handle is sturdy and comfortable, but tends to get slightly slippery if your hand is wet.

I do not know how to post a pic so here is a link to one.

http://www.888knivesrus.com/smith-a...omatic-switchblade-knives-images/sw-hrtmg.jpg
 
Mark, great knife and I like the picture. I was thinking about picking one up. I really only have and collect SwitchBlades. Would you suggest this knife for me?:confused:
 
There was a time when I would never have carried a S&W knife. The FL2 has changed my mind about that. Nice knife for the $$$.

It seems as though the latest offerings from S&W are considerably better than their older knives.

My opinion on S&W knives now is that I will try them on a case by case basis. The FL2 has seen quite a bit of carry time though.

Which part of east Tennessee are you from?
 
S&W knives are made by Taylor Cutlery. I have found recently that the quality of these knives has gone up and I have been impressed with them and their price. I have a S&W HRT neck knfe thats great. They are not Spyderco's or Benchmades but good knives for the money, you sure don't mind beating them around at the prices they sell for.
 
I bought a couple S&W knives at a truck stop in August. I think the label said that they were nomally $20.00 but they were selling for $10.00. The locks don't work well but I guess that is ok since the blades are dull. I'm sure they have better knives but I personally don't like companies that sell junk. Having a low priced line is fine, but IMO all locks should at least engage. These knives were about Fury quality with slightly better handles.
 
Used to be called Sh*tty & Worthless Knives by guys i knew...LOL

I however, do not own one so I can't comment...
 
I thought the old swat series were not very good. I wouldn't feel safe with one. From what I have seen the HRT series isn't too bad.
 
Shootist16 - I am from Jacksboro. It is about 20 miles north of Knoxville. I was never impressed with the SWAT series. I never liked the looks of them.

Johnswitchblade - I would recommend this knife for anyone. It is a fun knife and well built. I have added this to my EDC rotation.
 
Originally posted by Spydieman
Shootist16 - I am from Jacksboro. It is about 20 miles north of Knoxville.
Click to expand...


Let me know if you ever get down this way.
 
I have a "Hostage Rescue Team (H.R.T) SWHRTFS, Darrel Ralph design" I haven't used it "hard" but I'm very pleased. Extremely sharp out of the box, good feel in the hand and very easy to open.
 
I have four knives from the HRT series and am pleasantly surprised at the quality of the materials and workmanship. They are all Darrel Ralph designs and his expertise in this area comes thru on these collaboration knives.
The knife you have the pic link to is a Magnesium handle model which I poo-poohed at first. After I handled it a bit at the knife shop, I bought it since it was very reasonably priced. It turns out it is a gem. After using it for awhile I have grown quite fond of this folder. It now gets used on a fairly regular basis.(So many great knives, so few pockets.:rolleyes: )
The new Frame Lock models FL-1 and FL-2 are killer too.
Try one and you'll likely be pleasantly surprised like I was.
 
The HRT line are the quality knives of the S&W knives. Darrel has designed 3 knives for the HRT line. The key is not just the design, but the fact that Darrel worked closely with Taylor to insure they mey his specifications. The Magnesium knife is a solid knife for the money. In fact, I have a friend who is an EMT. He showed his S&W Magnesium around to the other EMt's and Firefighters, they are all thinking about getting them. They love the flipper for when they are wearing gloves.

I'd love to see Darrel do a custom version of the Mag!
 
He screwed me pretty bad a few years ago so I'll never say a good word about him or any of his flunkies until he rectifies it. Lawyer cost me 5 grand before I realized his pockets were deeper than mine and I gave up. Shame on him.
He screwed Darrel, but that's a whole different story:(
 
Originally posted by Kit Carson
He screwed me pretty bad a few years ago so I'll never say a good word about him or any of his flunkies until he rectifies it. Lawyer cost me 5 grand before I realized his pockets were deeper than mine and I gave up. Shame on him.
Click to expand...
Who is "he" Kit? Taylor of Taylor Cutlery? I figure it ain't Smith and Wesson.;)

Bruise
 
They really arent that bad of knives. The only thing Ive never seem to accept though is the "ROC" on the pivot side of the clip on the swat knives. Im sure you all know what that means!!

...for those of you that do not "Republic of China".
 
I for one would rather spend my money on a company that doesn’t rip off the custom makers. Companies like CRKT who support and work with the maker/designers. At the lower price point CRKT builds a very well made knife as well. I guess that’s 2 reasons I will not give SW my $.
 
Kit is right!
Taylor used to zoom in and swipe many designs. I feel in SOME cases this has stopped.
As for my dealings with Taylor, BUSINESS is BUSSINESS.
I dont deal directly with them. So I found a way to get what I wanted in a different way. Yes they screwed me on a design without my permission.
This was many years ago. Things have changed some since then.


Darrel
 
I dont know much about the folders, but the big Ralph designed fixed blade seems like a ton of knife for the money.
 
ouch daryl that hurts!!!

I like your marketing strategy though!!! troy (at kovals) showed me your neck knife kit you had going there.
 
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