Smith & Wesson Taylor – 4.7inch Plain Blade Review

Let’s Dive into Smith & Wesson Taylor – 4.7inch Plain Blade

The Smith & Wesson Taylor – 4.7inch Plain Blade is a folding knife designed for everyday carry and tactical use. Manufactured by Smith & Wesson, it boasts a black 7Cr17 high carbon stainless steel tanto blade, ambidextrous thumb knobs, and a desert aluminum handle, aiming for a balance of durability and functionality at an accessible price point. It promises a reliable cutting tool for various situations, from opening packages to more demanding outdoor tasks.

I was looking for a dependable, affordable folding knife to keep in my bug-out bag. I needed a blade that could handle basic cutting tasks, but also be sturdy enough for light survival applications. I wanted something that wouldn’t break the bank, but wasn’t so cheap that it would fail when I needed it most.

My initial impression upon unboxing was positive, the desert tan handle provides decent grip. The weight felt substantial, suggesting a reasonably robust build, especially considering the price. The blade arrived reasonably sharp, requiring only minor honing before being ready for serious use.

I considered the Kershaw Blur and the CRKT M16-14SF before choosing the Smith & Wesson Taylor – 4.7inch Plain Blade. The Kershaw was slightly more expensive, and while I liked the assisted opening, I wanted to test a manual action knife. The CRKT was a close contender, but the Smith & Wesson knife’s blade profile felt more versatile for my intended purposes.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism, I was eager to test its limits and see if it could hold up to the rigors of real-world use. I hoped it would prove to be a valuable tool in my preparedness kit.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Smith & Wesson Taylor – 4.7inch Plain Blade to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Smith & Wesson Taylor – 4.7inch Plain Blade on a weekend camping trip in the nearby state park. I used it for typical camp chores such as preparing kindling, cutting rope, and opening food packages. The knife performed adequately in dry conditions, providing a decent grip and adequate cutting power.

During a brief rain shower, I noticed the aluminum handle became slightly slippery, however, not dangerously so. Opening and closing the knife with wet hands was manageable, thanks to the thumb knobs. The liner lock engaged securely each time and offered reliable blade retention.

The knife required a bit of breaking in before the action smoothed out, I had to apply some light oil to the pivot point. After some initial stiffness, the action became smoother. There were no other issues or unexpected surprises during the first-time use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of intermittent use, the Smith & Wesson Taylor – 4.7inch Plain Blade has held up reasonably well. The blade has retained its edge acceptably. Regular honing has maintained its sharpness for general tasks.

There are some minor scratches on the blade coating and some slight wear on the handle finish. The liner lock continues to engage securely, and there is no significant blade play. Maintaining the knife is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication.

Compared to my experience with higher-end knives, the Smith & Wesson Taylor – 4.7inch Plain Blade doesn’t offer the same level of performance or refinement. It does, however, exceed my expectations for a knife in this price range, serving reliably as a general-purpose tool.

Breaking Down the Features of Smith & Wesson Taylor – 4.7inch Plain Blade

Specifications

• The Smith & Wesson Taylor – 4.7inch Plain Blade features a 4.7-inch tanto blade made from 7Cr17 high carbon stainless steel, which is known for its decent balance of hardness, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. The tanto shape provides a strong tip for piercing and prying tasks.
• The handle is made from desert tan aluminum, offering a lightweight yet reasonably durable grip. Ambidextrous thumb knobs are provided for easy one-handed opening, and jimping on the spine of the blade adds grip and control.
• A liner lock mechanism secures the blade in the open position, and a lanyard hole allows for attachment to a tether or keyring. A pocket clip provides convenient carry options. The product details mention that it is serrated; however, the product is a Plain Blade.

These specifications matter because they influence the knife’s overall performance and suitability for various tasks. The blade steel affects its edge retention and corrosion resistance, while the handle material determines its durability and grip. The features like thumb knobs and pocket clip contribute to its ease of use and carry.

Performance & Functionality

The Smith & Wesson Taylor – 4.7inch Plain Blade performs adequately for general cutting tasks, like opening boxes and cutting rope. The blade shape is well-suited for piercing and utility work.

Its strengths lie in its affordability and ease of use, it’s a reliable tool for everyday tasks. Its weaknesses include the handle potentially getting slippery when wet, and the blade steel not holding an edge as long as higher-end steels. For the price, the knife meets expectations, it serves as a reliable and useful tool.

Design & Ergonomics

The Smith & Wesson Taylor – 4.7inch Plain Blade has a utilitarian design that prioritizes functionality over aesthetics. The desert tan aluminum handle provides a decent grip, although it can become slippery when wet.

The knife feels comfortable in hand, although some users may find the handle a bit blocky. The thumb knobs allow for easy one-handed opening, but the action is initially stiff and requires some breaking in.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Smith & Wesson Taylor – 4.7inch Plain Blade should last for a reasonable amount of time. The 7Cr17 stainless steel blade is relatively resistant to corrosion.

Maintaining the knife is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. Sharpening the blade is also relatively easy, thanks to the properties of the steel.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Smith & Wesson Taylor – 4.7inch Plain Blade comes with a pocket clip for convenient carry. There are no included accessories beyond the pocket clip.

Customization options are limited, as the knife is not designed for extensive modification. The pocket clip can be moved or removed, and the lanyard hole allows for the attachment of a lanyard or keychain.

Pros and Cons of Smith & Wesson Taylor – 4.7inch Plain Blade

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Who Should Buy Smith & Wesson Taylor – 4.7inch Plain Blade?

Perfect for: Campers, hikers, and anyone seeking an affordable and reliable everyday carry knife. This knife is also suitable for preppers looking to build a bug-out bag on a budget.

Who should skip this product? Those who require a high-performance knife with superior edge retention or those who need a knife for heavy-duty use. Users who prioritize a secure grip in wet conditions may also want to consider other options.

Must-have accessories or modifications? A sharpening stone or honing steel will help maintain the blade’s edge. Some users may also want to add a lanyard for added security.

Conclusion on Smith & Wesson Taylor – 4.7inch Plain Blade

The Smith & Wesson Taylor – 4.7inch Plain Blade is a decent, affordable folding knife that offers reasonable performance for general use. Its durable blade, ambidextrous thumb knobs, and secure liner lock make it a reliable tool for everyday carry.

The price is justified, as the knife offers a good balance of features and functionality for the money. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a budget-friendly EDC knife that can handle basic cutting tasks.

If you’re in the market for an inexpensive yet reliable knife, the Smith & Wesson Taylor – 4.7inch Plain Blade is definitely worth considering. Add it to your cart today and experience its practicality and value for yourself!