Questions on S&W brand knives

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azhobo

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Broke the tip off of my much loved Kershaw folding pocketknife. Yep, using the wrong tool is something I seem to do more frequently these days.
So, my questions to you gents are.........
1. Are S&W folding knives US made?
2. Are they made well enough so as to be reliable as a utility tool?
Like most of us, I don't just clean my toenails with a folding knife, it gets used.
3. I'd be interested to know the general consensus here.

All replies will be appreciated, thanks gents!
Regards to all,
Bob
 
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The early knives were made in the US, but most of the current offerings are made in Taiwan or China. S&W doesn't mention the county of origin on their website, but BladeHQ has the info on the product pages.

By BIL bought a S&W Auto back when he was a police officer. The mechanism broke within a few weeks. If you loved your Kershaw, get another one. If you'd like something more robust, consider something from their ZT line. I'm also a fan of Japan made Spyderco's, US made Buck's and Benchmade, but you can destroy any knife with enough abuse.
 
Is your Kershaw a US made version no longer available model? Not many made in USA Kershaws available.
My favorite is the Kershaw 1050 made in KAI Japan.....not a cheap solution by any means...

S&Wchad is spot on.

Randy
 
I want to say the circa late 90s, early 2000 S&W knives where made by blue grass or tyler cutlery. My brother used one if the old SWAT models as his every day work knife, i wasn't impressed by it.
 
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If you liked your Kershaw, then get another. Just do not misuse it. I have two Kershaw's that I do carry at various times. If I need a utility knife I revert back to the ones I was issued in the Corps. They are next to impossible to break. Only have seen a couple in over 50 years break, and all that time they were in use by Marines, who are hard on equipment. There is an old saying about "Nothing is Marine proof!".
 

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I've bought a couple S&W knives over the years, they were not US made and were not the best quality. They are Ok but there are better knives in the same price point.
If you liked the Kershaw see if they will fix it for you. They grinded the blade on one I broke about 15 years ago, it cane back a little shorter but otherwise perfect and very sharp.
If they won't do that ask if you can pay for a new blade to be installed, they still have a few American made knives.
 
Most looked like cheap junk. Too many brands made overseas that used to be made here. Get another Kershaw or Buck.
 
You need a Leatherman

In addition to all the sound advice above, I would add, get yourself a Leatherman if you are using your knife for other than cutting. It can be your screwdriver, pry bar, pliers, etc. And they excel at that. One of my models has an excellent knife in the tools that I believe s30V steel. It also has a pocket clip and can be pocket carried. It is not that much more big and bulky than a big ZT.
 
I’ve only got this one, combination knife and straight razor. Very sharp. The letters CKRD are stamped into one of the blades and according to the internet it was made in China by BTI Tools LLC.
 

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Re: Broke my Kershaw

Thanks to each of you for your responses. My apologies for not getting back sooner, was a week removed from any modern conveniences.
I admit to abusing this knife, THIS TIME. Unfortunately I had to sacrifice the blade to get a necessary chore done. Typically I treat all my knives like knives, but didn't have that luxury this time.
The suggestion to see if Kershaw might install a new blade is an interesting one, and I will follow up on that. Thank you.
I do have a Leatherman, one of the originals that is probably almost 30 years old by now. Mine has only about five features, but it has served me very well.
Marines are hard on equipment? Take my word for it Juggie (said with much respect, in my part of Uncle's Canoe Club, I served elbow to elbow with many Marines, mostly from Quantico, and have a son and 2 grandsons that are Marines) you guys are no harder on equipment than us Squids. A sailor worth his salt can bust a piece of railroad iron.
I do generally carry a heavier duty knife, but this time I only had a dress knife on me. I like it because while it is legal everywhere, it's still assisted opening, a feature I like to keep handy, just in case. Ya never know in today's world.
I also have a Buck 110, and a Browning 204 (made in China!)
So again, thanks to each of you for responding, much appreciated.
Regards to all,
Bob
 
azhobo said:
Broke the tip off of my much loved Kershaw folding pocketknife. Yep, using the wrong tool is something I seem to do more frequently these days.
So, my questions to you gents are.........
1. Are S&W folding knives US made?
2. Are they made well enough so as to be reliable as a utility tool?
Like most of us, I don't just clean my toenails with a folding knife, it gets used.
3. I'd be interested to know the general consensus here.

All replies will be appreciated, thanks gents!
Regards to all,
Bob
Click to expand...

I have a Limited Edition (1000 made) Performance Center "Homeland" made in the USA; Very well built and beautiful.
 
Gosh, Thanks for letting me know you guys. I didn't know my old S&W knives are Chinese/junk. Maybe I can unload them to some unsuspecting buyer for a couple bucks each;)
 

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I've carried this Kershaw Leek since 2006. (It looks somewhat more worn now), and if it breaks I'll get it fixed or get another. One hand knife, solid, keeps a good edge, stays pretty sharp. Does everything I have ever needed it to do.
 
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