- Joined
- Sep 5, 2005
- Messages
- 2,826
I don't know, is it just me, or is Smith & Wesson producing better knives these days? Having had some bad experiences with Smith knives over the past several years, I expected only junk, but recently I bought a S&W Homeland Security fixed blade tanto that sells for roughly $50 discounted, for a very reasonable price of $29.95. Also, for kicks (and to qualify for free postage) I bought a Frost Delta Force, an almost exact replica, for $13. I was curious to compare and contrast the differences and determine if they were bargains or junk.
The package arrived last week. The Frost came in a pretty nice green box with a sturdy bottom and a sturdy top. Lifting the top, I saw the knife in the sheath. The blade had a plastic-wrap sleeve and the sheath was a black foam rubber enclosure made from cheap parts. The knife was secured by a metal snap on a very think strip of nylon.
The S&W box was black, somewhat larger and was shrink wrapped. Inside was the knife, a very nice ballistic nylon sheath with a pocket and a sharpener and some instructions that explained the knife was a tool, not a weapon, "and should not be used as such." (I don't know when S&W developed a sense of humor, but this got a few chuckles.)
The differences between the two knives was immediately apparent. The Smith was notably heavier than the Frost. The blade's finish was a very attractive camo titanium with the S&W logo and name displayed. It was smooth and the grind was very well done. The edge, while not scary sharp, was sharp enough (about the same as a Cold Steel PeaceKeeper I). The centerline of the blade was dead on and then angled up precisely to the point. The handle was comfortable and the G-10 scales provided a secure grip. There were no sharp edges.
The Frost, on the other hand, was a bit lighter, being not as thick. Instead of G-10 handles, the scales were plastic. The blade had no coating, but it did have what appeared to be painted camos almost identical to the S&W. And unlike the Smith, the edges of the patterns were sharp; they did not blur like the S&W's patterns. The centerline also was different, coming down about two-thirds from the top and running horizontally across the knife. It then angled up, missing the point and ending to the right of it. Sloppy. The grip also was smooth and comfortable, but the balance wasn't as nice as the Smith's. The blade was completely dull, but sharpened up nicely.
After this comparison, I have to say I came away quite impressed with the Smith & Wesson, especially for $29.95. And though appearance is no indicator of steel quality, the knife appeared strong and quite suitable for other tasks, such as chopping light vegitation or prying. And if edge retention is any good, this knife by any standard is a bargain.
Besides the SWCKSURC, I've also seen a number of other knives that look like there's been some improvement on quality control. As near as I can tell, the price is an indicator of what you can expect. I've seen several folders recently that have appeared very robust and well made.
Anyway, just thought it might be worth mentioning.
Smith & Wesson and Frost Tantos. My Frost didn't have holes except at the end.
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The package arrived last week. The Frost came in a pretty nice green box with a sturdy bottom and a sturdy top. Lifting the top, I saw the knife in the sheath. The blade had a plastic-wrap sleeve and the sheath was a black foam rubber enclosure made from cheap parts. The knife was secured by a metal snap on a very think strip of nylon.
The S&W box was black, somewhat larger and was shrink wrapped. Inside was the knife, a very nice ballistic nylon sheath with a pocket and a sharpener and some instructions that explained the knife was a tool, not a weapon, "and should not be used as such." (I don't know when S&W developed a sense of humor, but this got a few chuckles.)
The differences between the two knives was immediately apparent. The Smith was notably heavier than the Frost. The blade's finish was a very attractive camo titanium with the S&W logo and name displayed. It was smooth and the grind was very well done. The edge, while not scary sharp, was sharp enough (about the same as a Cold Steel PeaceKeeper I). The centerline of the blade was dead on and then angled up precisely to the point. The handle was comfortable and the G-10 scales provided a secure grip. There were no sharp edges.
The Frost, on the other hand, was a bit lighter, being not as thick. Instead of G-10 handles, the scales were plastic. The blade had no coating, but it did have what appeared to be painted camos almost identical to the S&W. And unlike the Smith, the edges of the patterns were sharp; they did not blur like the S&W's patterns. The centerline also was different, coming down about two-thirds from the top and running horizontally across the knife. It then angled up, missing the point and ending to the right of it. Sloppy. The grip also was smooth and comfortable, but the balance wasn't as nice as the Smith's. The blade was completely dull, but sharpened up nicely.
After this comparison, I have to say I came away quite impressed with the Smith & Wesson, especially for $29.95. And though appearance is no indicator of steel quality, the knife appeared strong and quite suitable for other tasks, such as chopping light vegitation or prying. And if edge retention is any good, this knife by any standard is a bargain.
Besides the SWCKSURC, I've also seen a number of other knives that look like there's been some improvement on quality control. As near as I can tell, the price is an indicator of what you can expect. I've seen several folders recently that have appeared very robust and well made.
Anyway, just thought it might be worth mentioning.
Smith & Wesson and Frost Tantos. My Frost didn't have holes except at the end.
//////////////////////
