I stopped in at the parts house to pick up some supplies. I found they are now selling S&W knives. They have about 8 different models all for $10-$12. I picked up a swa3 IMO it's a work horse not a collectors piece. It will need sharpening right out of the box it's kinda dull, but hopefully it will last.
S&W knives at the parts store.
- Thread starter J Rich
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Not actually sold / marketed by S&W.
Made by Taylor (in China I believe) under license from S&W. I decent knife for it's price but there are better kinives out there.
Made by Taylor (in China I believe) under license from S&W. I decent knife for it's price but there are better kinives out there.
My only encounter with a SW-branded knife was about 25 years ago, a hunting knife with about a 4-inch blade and a vinyl sheath. It was cheap, so I bought it. It knocked around in various tool boxes for years, but it was not particularly well made, and never took much of an edge. I lost track of it years ago and I don't miss it.
The experience put me off the concept of SW-licensed knives. Although I'd imagine there is quite a range in quality out there, SW does not seem to be policing its image very well on that score. Or have they improved?
The experience put me off the concept of SW-licensed knives. Although I'd imagine there is quite a range in quality out there, SW does not seem to be policing its image very well on that score. Or have they improved?
The Last Standing Knight
Member
I would not trust my life...
...on a modern Smith and Wesson knife. I have seen them break with little effort...little more than one of those "flea market specials" with a big name (and higher price) on it.
Now, the OLDER S&W knives, I believe designed by Blackie Collins, were some real workhorses. These are in the collector's category these days except for those still in regular use.
...on a modern Smith and Wesson knife. I have seen them break with little effort...little more than one of those "flea market specials" with a big name (and higher price) on it.
Now, the OLDER S&W knives, I believe designed by Blackie Collins, were some real workhorses. These are in the collector's category these days except for those still in regular use.
I know it's not a high quality piece, but it will serve it's purpose if it will take an edge. I'm not the type to cut the tires off the rim with a pocket knife. It fits my hand well and looks decent it will serve what I need it to do.
Fishinfool
Member
I think S&W contract knives do vary with the maker. I have several S&W stag handle pocket knives that are very well made - great fit and finish, and smooth operation. Others I have seen vary in quality, but most are pretty good considering their price point.
Larry
Larry
stlr_dude
Member
I found this one for $10, works for me...
I found this one for $10, works for me...
Nice....thanks for sharing the pic.
RightArm
Member
I've had the pocket protector S&W for a few years. I just throw it in my pocket if I have something to do that I don't want to take the edge of a good Knife. Used it last week to peel a decal of my truck. It handled that job well.
Fishslayer
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
The top kife is a S&W SWAT II that I got somewhere. I like the plain edge, it holds a good enough edge to open Fedex boxes. Don't know if I'd trust my life to it but it's useful around the workbench.
The Tourist
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Sorry, guys, the knives aren't worth it.
I sell and sharpen knives for a living. Some of these knives literally fall apart during serious use. Due to the use of the name "SW," a lot of them show up in the pockets of law enforcement. The blades never sharpen very well, and they certainly don't hold any edge they get.
Most of these loosen up with typical use. The locks don't hold, the pins holding the bolsters result in loose handles. I wound up replacing so many of this type that I no longer stock them, or even recommend them.
For some reason, when it comes to knives, people's mindset is lot like buying oil for their vehicles. A guy might have a 70K dollar truck, and buy oil for the engine on the cheap. He thinks everything is virtually "slippery water."
Same with knives. A sportsman who will buy a Weatherby rifle with a Leupold scope walks right over to the knife display and buys a nine dollar Chinese knife.
Of course, he's the same guy who complains to me about "quality."
I sell and sharpen knives for a living. Some of these knives literally fall apart during serious use. Due to the use of the name "SW," a lot of them show up in the pockets of law enforcement. The blades never sharpen very well, and they certainly don't hold any edge they get.
Most of these loosen up with typical use. The locks don't hold, the pins holding the bolsters result in loose handles. I wound up replacing so many of this type that I no longer stock them, or even recommend them.
For some reason, when it comes to knives, people's mindset is lot like buying oil for their vehicles. A guy might have a 70K dollar truck, and buy oil for the engine on the cheap. He thinks everything is virtually "slippery water."
Same with knives. A sportsman who will buy a Weatherby rifle with a Leupold scope walks right over to the knife display and buys a nine dollar Chinese knife.
Of course, he's the same guy who complains to me about "quality."
It's ok I think most everyone here realizes they won't last any longer than any other $10 blade. When and if it breaks before I lose it I'll throw it away. Then I will buy another $10 blade that strikes my fancy. My thing is I'm not going to carry a $60-$100 knife around everyday just like I'm not going to CC a $1000 kimber everyday.
The Tourist
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And that's fine, if you understand those conditions.
My 'normal' clients are soldiers, cops, and EMTs. Their stuff cannot fail.
BTW, I recently have sold some Boker Jim Wagner knives. When I sell a knife like that, I discuss the costs and uses with the client. And I polish the edge. Modern knives are pretty dull out of the box.
mkk41
US Veteran
I respectfully disagree with most of the above comments. I've been carrying a 24/7 model for over 10 years and I like it. In fact , I bought all the variations of black/silver and 1/2 serrated/plain blades. Ya can usually find them on Ebay for well under $15 s&h inc. And if I lose , or have to 'surrender' it because I went somewhere that doesn't allow 'weapons' , oh well.
I use it as a knife , which means to cut things with. It's not a screwdriver , it's not a prybar (though it does have a 1/8"thk blade) , it's not a hammer. It'll take a nice working edge if ya know what yer doing. No , it won't take a shaving edge , but then again , I've had a beard for most of my life. The serrated part cuts thru nylon and leather strap right quick.
I use it as a knife , which means to cut things with. It's not a screwdriver , it's not a prybar (though it does have a 1/8"thk blade) , it's not a hammer. It'll take a nice working edge if ya know what yer doing. No , it won't take a shaving edge , but then again , I've had a beard for most of my life. The serrated part cuts thru nylon and leather strap right quick.
The Tourist
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I understand your position. Let me expand on my view.
I'm sure most of us like our cars and trucks. Now imagine if you got to drive a handmade Saleen Mustang for a bit. Going back to Ol' Betsy would seem like riding in a paint-shaker full of ball bearings.
So it is with any product. I used to patronize lots of knife forums, and I agreed with one of the guys I literally could not stand. He opined, "99% of Americans don't know what a sharp knife is." He was right.
What we feel is 'sharp' is a 'ghastly repair' for Japanese craftsmen. Even their chisels are sharper than most of our tools. All of their kitchen knives make ours look sick.
And I admit, I am jaded and prejudiced. I've handled the best of the best for over 15 years. In fact, one of my stone suppliers has quarry contacts in Japan for products mined from specific levels of specific rock formations. Yikes, talk about OCD!
When I first hung my shingle I did so at a Gander Mountain. Guys who had hunted for decades were slicing themselves up right and left. For some reason they felt it was humorous to come back to the store to tell me the tale.
So I state without hesitation that the sharpest knife in the world is a Japanese folded yanagiba, and probably has been for a few centuries. Most Americans have never even seen one.
I'm sure most of us like our cars and trucks. Now imagine if you got to drive a handmade Saleen Mustang for a bit. Going back to Ol' Betsy would seem like riding in a paint-shaker full of ball bearings.
So it is with any product. I used to patronize lots of knife forums, and I agreed with one of the guys I literally could not stand. He opined, "99% of Americans don't know what a sharp knife is." He was right.
What we feel is 'sharp' is a 'ghastly repair' for Japanese craftsmen. Even their chisels are sharper than most of our tools. All of their kitchen knives make ours look sick.
And I admit, I am jaded and prejudiced. I've handled the best of the best for over 15 years. In fact, one of my stone suppliers has quarry contacts in Japan for products mined from specific levels of specific rock formations. Yikes, talk about OCD!
When I first hung my shingle I did so at a Gander Mountain. Guys who had hunted for decades were slicing themselves up right and left. For some reason they felt it was humorous to come back to the store to tell me the tale.
So I state without hesitation that the sharpest knife in the world is a Japanese folded yanagiba, and probably has been for a few centuries. Most Americans have never even seen one.
mkk41
US Veteran
Don't get me wrong , I appreciated and own several old , quality American-made knives from Remington , Winchester , Case , Kabar , Browning , Kershaw , Schrade, Blackjack , Benchmade , SOG and others. My Kershaw Leek (black , 1/2 serrated) is my going out on the town knife.
Funny how I seem to lose the good ones , but those cheap ones (like the S&W) stick around forever!
What really upsets me is seeing quality knives abused , or 'sharpened' but someone with a bench grinder , belt/disc sander , back of kitchen can opener , or even a stone by someone who doesn't have a clue how to put an edge on a blade.
Funny how I seem to lose the good ones , but those cheap ones (like the S&W) stick around forever!
What really upsets me is seeing quality knives abused , or 'sharpened' but someone with a bench grinder , belt/disc sander , back of kitchen can opener , or even a stone by someone who doesn't have a clue how to put an edge on a blade.
GatorFarmer
Member
Dollar General also sells them, as does the gas station. I have broken more than one and no longer use them as expendable pocket knives. I do not trust the rather shoddy locks.
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