There are 7 variations of the S&W Black Ops. knives in the S&W "Cutting Tools" catalog. 3 variations have 1/2 serrated blades, and the other 4 have no serrations. All blades are "ventilated" One is a large knife, 3.4 in. blade, the other 6 are smaller with blades just over two inches. Scales have a choice of three colors, Olive drab, pale yellow, and dark gray. The knives are made in China for Taylor Cutlery Co, S&W licensed cutting tool makers. The knife you saw is probably the smaller version and $18 is about the average retail for one. You might find one a little cheaper on EBay, but shipping may cost you more overall. The catalog pictures show the blade inscription a Smith & Wesson over Black OPs , with a catalog code number on the blade. None of the pictures show any patent dates, so the knife you saw might be a sample submitted to S&W by Taylor that was selected by the factory for sale as a S&W licensed product. Taylor submits lots of different designed knives for selection, some make the grade and appear in the factory catalog, other don't and are sold off in the 2ndary knife markets. Ed.
