Sorry for Newb Question, but what's so bad about S&W?

G

GaryPham

Joined
Jan 1, 2006
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Hi, I'm sorry for asking questions that have been discussed before (i did search on the forums about issues regarding S&W knives). But exactly wat is so bad about S&W folders? I happen to own a cheap S&W folder http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=SWCK8H, and a Kershaw Storm. I personally like the S&W very much and don't really see how it is an inferior product compared to the Kershaw. I've only used both of these knives for a short awhile on some light cutting and both blades are still very sharp. Will the S&W blade tend to lose its sharpness much earlier, thus explaining the bad reputation for S&W? I'm still a newbie when it comes to knives, and was just wondering why everyone says that S&W knives suck, cuz to me, it feels much more comfortable than the Kershaw, and equal in quality.

Thanks in advance for any answers guys.
 
I don't like anything that says S & W ever since they sold out to the clinton administration.
 
trolly11 said:
I don't like anything that says S & W ever since they sold out to the clinton administration.
Click to expand...

They do have different owners now. I believe the new owners are American where the old ones that sold out to clinton were british.

The knives are just lesser quality in terms of materials used and craftmanship. If you like the knife don't worry about it.
 
The knives aren't made by S+W, they're made by taylor cutlery, some knock off company in china. They're not bad, they're just hit and miss with quality
 
One example. "Cutting Horse." Will not hold an edge. Very soft. Liner lock failed in moderate use (went between far side of tang and liner).

Can I get a "POS" from the congregation?
 
Their liner locks are unreliable, but their fixed blades are certainly worth a look IMO.
 
I have a S&W Karambit with a frame lock. The lock is *VERY* secure. No play in the blade at all. I think I got a hit.

Like said above, S&W knives are made by Taylor, which is a very low-end made-in-China brand. If you love your S&W, that is great. Maybe you got a good one like I feel I did. But you have to understand that many people on this forum are serious knife knuts and only buy high-end knives. S&W is below their standards. If they are within your standards, then enjoy. But I think if you make a ha that you can't see in one example.

Also, while the Kershaw Storm isn't bad, if you got some experience with higher end knives (including higher end Kershaws), you'd start to like your S&W less and less.

I think my S&W is a good knife for the money, but it is no where near my favorite knife.
 
I can live with the blade steel; I don't use my enough for that to be a huge drawback and I have plenty of other knives. I just don't like the looks and feel of the S&W designs.
 
I love my S&W HRT Bowie.Feels great in my hand and has a very nice edge on it.I have the HRT folder Magneisum coming in the mail.I picked up the folder on Ebay for $17.50 shipped.
 
I had one that the liner lock would not engage properly unless you set it manually. Seemed like an accident waiting to happen.

You get what you pay for.
 
I don't like their designs, some pieces use 440c and AUS8 though. I've only seen them in gun stores. You've got internet access, buy a Spyderco, Benchmade etc.
 
"Can I get a "POS" from the congregation?"

POS!!! Indeed!! They are POS!!
 
S&W (ahem...Taylor) give 440C a bad name.
 
I got a S&W folder for Christmas and it's staying in the box. The liner lock only engages when I give it a HARD flick of the wrist upon opening, a bit scary if you ask me.
 
Thomas Linton said:
One example. "Cutting Horse." Will not hold an edge. Very soft. Liner lock failed in moderate use (went between far side of tang and liner).

Can I get a "POS" from the congregation?
Click to expand...

I had that infamous knife, the King of all POS, after lock failure the whole thing fell appart.

So, the main reason I dont like S&W is that their knives don't cut or work.
 
I have two of the ExtremeOps blades, I work in construction and some of the guys on my crew can't carry knives due to paroll restrictions etc... or they just are'nt knife guys. They come to me on a daily basis to borrow my knife. I once caught one of them cutting heavy guage wire so I won't lend out my Camillus Heat, Ka-Bar or Leatherman that I carry. The S&W is the perfect knife to lend out for someone cutting various crap on a jobsite. I have also been in situations where I am stripping concrete forms or something similar and have to hack and chop at something hideous enough to make these high end knife guys have bad dreams. For 12 bucks at Big 5 they are perfect no worry loaners. Use it, beat it up, try putting and edge back on it for a couple months then buy another and throw the old one in the tool box.
 
destroythealter said:
I had that infamous knife, the King of all POS, after lock failure the whole thing fell appart.

So, the main reason I dont like S&W is that their knives don't cut or work.
Click to expand...

Amen, brothers and sisters, Aaaaaaaamen.
 
I never handled one, so I can't say anything about their quality, but I can say it is one of the ugliest knives I've ever laid eyes on. :) Looks like something you'd see at a flea market on a table with other inferior cheap knives made in China that only excite mall ninjas.
 
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