Is this a decent knife for $20.00?

[ColbyBruce]

I saw this at a thrift shop yesterday but couldn’t find someone to show it to me. Thank you.

 

[mauser9]

Doesn't look bad for $20. Good chance is is foreign with 420 steel but they are easier to sharpen but dull quicker. Depends on your usage for it but most quality knives are jumping up in price I have noticed. Does look pretty nice. For that amount I would grab it.

 

[mistermills357]

S&W makes a good knife in general. I would grab it myself.

 

[rjm6120]

I would scoop that up for $20, too.

 

[Narragansett]

This is just me, but if it is another Chinese knife with a S&W brand on it I would leave it there. I believe Taylor Cutlery contracts to make the S&W knives.I have a couple German Knives, but for me, knives have to be USA made.

So, to answer your question, I would not buy it for 20 cents. Don't know what it is with me, but knives and shoes have to be USA made

 

[diyj98]

I agree S&W has put their names on some excellent knives, but a lot of junk as well.

 

[OLDSTER]

This is just me, but if it is another Chinese knife with a S&W brand on it I would leave it there. I believe Taylor Cutlery contracts to make the S&W knives.I have a couple German Knives, but for me, knives have to be USA made.

So, to answer your question, I would not buy it for 20 cents. Don't know what it is with me, but knives and shoes have to be USA made

Agree: $20, IMO, doesn't buy any knife of decent quality. I wouldn't give a dollar for that thing.

 

[ColbyBruce]

I ran back to the place and handled it. It was indeed made in China and weighed about as much as a stick of gum. I can live without it.

 

[opoefc]

It's one of a series of eight scrimshawed scaled pocket knives sold by S&W, circa 1997 ( see the accessory catalog for 1997 ) . They were designed by Pam Earnst, noted scrimshaw designer. The eight were the Eagle, Deer, Turkey, Wolf, Buffalo, Bear, Covered Bridge & County Mill. S&W retail price then was $17.95 ea and some also came in a set with a scrimshawed belt buckle. They were made in the USA, not China. They also appeared for a few yrs in the catalogs of aftermarket sellers, usually at the same $17.95 + S&H . If the knife is in good, or like new condition, and is apparently in it's original box, it's worth the $20 asking to a S&W collector. Buy it and keep your eye out for the other seven ! Ed

 

[mistermills357]

I ran back to the place and handled it. It was indeed made in China and weighed about as much as a stick of gum. I can live without it.

Sigh. It figures. Leave it there.

 

[ko41]

I paid $12.50 each, direct from Taylor Cutlery in 1996.
Taylor Cutlery later added other designs after the initial eight designs.
They are a lightweight knife at 1.2 oz (34 g).

KO

 

[djohns6]

When I handle any knife now , the first thing I look at is the blade . If it says " CHINA " it's a no go . I keep a few beaters around in my tool bag and workbench for those chores that might damage a good knife .

 

[opoefc]

Some sales semantics here ! The S&W catalog says the knives " are made in the USA" What they didn't say is that not all the parts were made in the USA - the blades were made in China for Taylor ( Good quality even though made in China ) - the other parts were made in the USA & the knife was assembled by Taylor for S&W.

 

[chief38]

If you want a knife to stick in a display case with the S&W logo - it might do. As far as for a usable high quality knife - pass! Case and Buck still make knives here and are still acceptable quality. If you buy a Case, I'd suggest going for one of the "select" models - a little higher quality because a bit more attention to fit and finish is payed to them. It shouldn't be that way IMHO, but it is what it is.

If you want a modern day folder, look into Spyderco, Kershaw and Benchmade which still make a bunch of models in the USA. Spyderco's Japanese line is also excellent quality, but stay away from their low end Chinese line.

 

[mauser9]

Yep hard to beat Buck or Kershaw for some quality at a reasonable price for EDC. Seems the Buck 112 is very popular. For spring assist my newer Sog Trident AT-XR seems quite sturdy.

 

[chief38]

At one time the Gun Company knives were made by the American knife makers and private labeled but that is now a thing of the past. Heck - even their own brand knives are now made in China!

 

[AZgman]

I can vouch for the quality of a Kershaw knife. Every time I open mine I am happy I purchased it.

 

[jeffrefrig]

One good thing about stuff made in Chinese sweat shops is you really don't have that problem of a Monday or Friday manufacture. They make them work every day!

 

[Bald1]

This is just me, but if it is another Chinese knife with a S&W brand on it I would leave it there. I believe Taylor Cutlery contracts to make the S&W knives.I have a couple German Knives, but for me, knives have to be USA made.

So, to answer your question, I would not buy it for 20 cents. Don't know what it is with me, but knives and shoes have to be USA made

Come on. No Italian leather shoes? Where do you stand on leather belts? How about holsters?

 

[Travis Montana]

Have a couple Benchmade Knives. They are quality. Everyone I know that uses them are very satisfied. Quality USA.