Thoughts on Smith & Wesson knives

Which S&W model are you referring to? They're cheap knives. By that I mean to say that they're inexpensive, so you sort of get what you pay for.

In my experience, their QC is all over the place. Some of their knives are well put together (as far as cheapies go) and some are outright rubbish, so it depends. I have one of their cheap plastic handled "assisted" OTF models which is made in Taiwan and I like it. Granted, it's not a knife I'd want to use everyday, but it's certainly fun to operate and it's an interesting conversation piece. Ironically, my cheap $30 S&W OTF came sharp out of the box and locks up solid with no blade wobble in any direction unlike some expensive OTF autos like the Infidel which costs 10 times more.

Like I said, it depends on the model. I will say that the vast majority of Smith & Wesson knives don't appeal to me, so if I were on the market for a new "dependable" EDC knife Smith & Wesson isn't really a brand I'd be interested in looking at. That said, if you find a certain Smith & Wesson model that you really like then go for it. The joy in being a knife enthusiast is to get knives you like, not what the masses lure you into getting.
 
I agree 100% with everything cosmic said

Cosmic, which one of the otfs is it? The one with straight handle or the one with zigzagish big handle?

I need to get one to play with...
 
For the record, neither does jeep ;)
 
If you are going to buy anything (in this situation knives), don't skimp or you will regret your decisions and be wasting money. If you want something, learn to save for it and be happy. Immediate gratification with a look-a-like will not produce a desired end result.
 
Years ago I bought a s&w large swat before I had even heard of some of the higher end(most would probably just say "better") knife manufacturers. I happened to see one in a tool catalog for what seemed like a decent price.

At the time I was working for a local business doing random warehouse tasks: cutting cardboad, opening pallets, prying jams on the kick presses, whatever I needed to get done that I thought the knife could do. For nearly 4 years, the knife never failed me. No cutting issues, no chipping of the blade, the liner never gave out, so I think I got my money out of it.

Knowing a little bit more about knives now, if I had the option to go back and pick a different knife, I'd pick my Rat1 since it compares on cost and size but is much better quality IMO. Either that, or spend a bit more and get something similar like a tenacious/resilience from Spyderco. YMMV.
 
I gave a S&W Home Land Security knife to a friend that works as a landscaper. He uses it every day and although the coating on both the handle and blade is wearing off, the knife itself has held up pretty good.

Some of their knives have "440C" stamped on the blade (probably a Chinese equivalent) and I find those to hold a good usable edge.

I bought a massive S&W folder called the "Bullseye" because it was roughly the same size as a Strider AR and I wanted to see if I would carry a knife that big before spending $400. It turns out the knife was excellant for a $29.00 knife and I was using it in my yard as a small ax to cut saplings down.

After I got the Strider , I gave the Bullseye folder to my friend , he loves that one too.

One other thing.... I've heard Taylor's warranty and customer service is pretty good.
 
I have no experience with them by which to judge quality or ergo. I've mostly avoided them because of their niche at the low end of tacticool. There are more practical knives in the same price range that don't go for a tacticool look that would be just as effective for defense and more effective for carving and chores. If I had a professional need for a weapon oriented knife I'd certainly want higher quality. The S&W line hits that dangerous middle ground that is less practical for chores than a multi-tool and not reliable enough for a dedicated weapon but far too tacticool in appearance to be viewed as a working tool. Not the sort of image I want to project to either law enforcement or a jury.
 
The ones from the 70's and early 80's were excellent knives.
 
for the money you cant beat them. I sell a whole lot of them at the gun and knife shows. $10.00- $15.00 each. people keep returning with there friends to buy more of them. if you destroy the knife you lost $15.00 so what. please tell me a better knife for that kind of money.
 
I had one for years, took it to Iraq and Afghanistan, EDC'd it all the time back home. Probably the most comfortable knife I've ever used. I eventually got rid of it because I got tired of the serrations, got tired of sharpening it constantly because it got dull very quickly, and I discovered and bought a sebenza.

So as others have said, they can be a great knife for the price. Blade steel isn't great, QC can vary, but can be perfect if you're not willing to spend a few hundred bucks on a knife.
 
I actually used to carry and beat the living hell out of a S&W SWAT. It's on of the ones with the skeletonized handles and frame lock. That thing took everything I could throw at it. It now resides in my backpack and a pure beater. I only paid $12 for it, so I think I definitely got my worth out of it.
 
I wouldn't spend money on them, personally. Most of the folks I know who carry knives either carry those or Gerber knives, and the Taylor made stuff is all pretty bad.
 
I have only one S&W branded product, and it's the Mag 44 leatherman-like multitool that's I believe also made by Taylor.
Despite all the flak on Taylor, I honestly think that the multitool is a pretty decent product with a good quality/price. Does anyone else here have one?
 
You can't just say "no" and go back to pontificating on other items. Some companies make junk knives and sell them with the S&W label while others make pretty decent knives. When you get a knife that S&W intends to sell for $85 and you get it for five bucks, you get a pretty good deal. I have some outstanding S&W knives, knives with 440C stainless steel. The Hawkbills are great. I'm also impressed with the Homeland Security Tantos. Outstanding strength, but they're pry bars! Still, they baton, cut and can be used for self defense. I've got some real junk knives and some great knives with the S&W logo. Try them out and make up your own mind!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top