Smith and Wesson Hrt False edge vs. Gerber guardian back up Tanto

M

Micahdrake

Joined
Jan 29, 2013
Messages
51
I can't quite decide between the two, if anyone who owns the knife or knows anything more than the internet says any information would be great. Thanks!
 
Neither. They're both terrible brands. I've carried a S&W folder for a month and barely used it. During that month it just started falling apart. The coating on the blade and handle were becoming undone, the pocket clip was just unusable, the blade started rattling around, and it would sometimes fail to lock when deployed. It really baffles me how a knife that was barely used could sustain so much damage. If it happened over 5 years, or even half a year, it'd be understandable, but this is just ridiculous. Gerber's products are generally the same, and both are overpriced.

If you want a boot knife that'll last you more than just a short while, Cold Steel has a lot of low priced, high quality offerings. Look into their Spike series or their Kobun. They should be close to what you want.
 
So because each brand generally makes crap they must all be bad right^ Wrong. Most Gerber fixed blades while not great and usually not the best buy are usable. S&W not so much.

I have a Guardian Tanto and actually like it quite a bit. The sheath is decent, handle is awesome, blade is ground well, edge needs some work as the initial edge grind was a bit burned up, blade steel is Gerber mystery steel, acts like 440b. Over all I'd give it a 75%, it'd be a 90% if they used at34. I wouldn't pay more than 35-40 bucks for one though.
 
If you pay a little bet extra, you will have a better experience. I don't care for either of those brands as well, oddly enough though, I have heard that the HRT has a junk sheath (the plastic one is better), and the blade is okay, and the guardian's sheath rocks, but the blade, not so much. There have been some cool dagger threads if you search. I have both the Cold Steel Counter Tac I and II. I actually like the II (smaller size) better. I haven't posted my Counter tac I up for sale on this site yet though.
 
Oh I forgot to suggest a solid alternative. My bad; SOG mini pentagon (great knife, but double edge which means I couldn't carry mine legally so its gone now)
 
The Gerber Guardian dagger is US made. I believe that the blade is 420. I like it but it came dull. The tip was sharp though and that is what matters.
 
I had yet to see the cold steel spike series, they look pretty good. I may look into them. Thanks for the information.
 
Micahdrake said:
I had yet to see the cold steel spike series, they look pretty good. I may look into them. Thanks for the information.
Click to expand...

I was just checking out the Ontario Ranger Shiv, and it reminded me of this thread

ON9411BCH.jpg


Overall Length: 8.375"
Blade Length: 4.5"
Blade Thickness: 0.1563"
Made in USA
 
Late to the discussion, but I just took possession of a Smith Wesson HRT Tanto Boot knife, and I have to say I'm impressed. Price was... cheap. Reputed to be 440C. Great handle, full tang, though the blade is 4.8" the actual cutting edge is about 3 3/4" I'm estimating. Feels good in the hand. Many have B*tched about the leather sheath, but I don't think it's so bad. Clip it to you belt and you have right hand reverse draw, with edge facing opponent. Well balanced, for a $20 knife I like it MUCH better than a Gerber Guardian Boot I once had and sold. JMO.
 
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