Design is similar to a Bob Loveless Chute knife. Blade is just on 4". 1000 were made a few years ago and I'm surprised they are still for sale.
Steel is Sandvik 14c28n. Designed specifically at the behest of Kershaw for their knives. It is one of the single best knife steels out there. We have more advanced steel, but this is very very strong, holds a very good edge for a good long time, and is very stain resistant. The heat treatment on this particular blade seems rather soft, so it is tougher, but doesn't hold an edge as long. This knife is better for cutting logs in half and not so good for processing lots of cardboard. Better than buck 420.
The blade is full tang and is shaped to the full cross guard and butt. The cross guard and butt have side pieces that are welded and polished to add width. Looks like one piece, but you can see where they are welded from the top of the guard. The whole knife is technically 5 welded pieces of steel. For the price, this method is actually rather premium.
Blade grind is a hollow grind like you would find on your average Buck brand knife. The hollow grind is shallow, unlike the deep hollows of Bucks. I find that it functions more like a saber than a hollow. The top of the blade is a swedge that is not sharp, but is good for stabbing. I wouldn't recommend a double guard for skinning, but the hollow grind and false edge that simulates a clip will work.
Grip is apparently pinned and epoxied dymondwood, which is polymer impregnated wood, so it doesn't warp easily, is water proof and is tougher than almost all pure woods. Panels are well fitted. It is designed after a fighting knife the guard keeps your hand well in place should you ever have to fight off large american cats or anything else person sized.
Holster is real leather. Two gauges are used. S&W stamp is decently deep. It feels sturdy and isn't likely to break. I think you could do better, but it's good quality.
Assuming the pics upload (jpg) I have it next to the very common esee 3 and 4. Also a guardian 3. All 3" to 4.5" blades. Whatever you like to use knives for, this knife should have no problems based on these dimensions.
I wanted one of these for a long time and jumped when I saw it on one sight for $80 a few months ago. Regular price is $170 about everywhere I see it, which is just a good price for the quality, function, and lack of other knifes in this design. You could buy a real loveless for $5k - 15k, a bark river a couple years ago with less features for $250 or so. Msrp is 100% legit for this knife.
If I have any gripes, I would prefer .25" - .5" longer blade and it's not CPM magnacut. That is to say that for $160, I have no gripes. It's pretty, but I prefer to use my knives. Definitely recommend for use or for looking at.
S&W Allegiance Knife
Linear Mode
