Smith & Wesson Rubber Coated Tactical Knife Review

Let’s Dive into Smith & Wesson Rubber Coated Tactical Knife

The Smith & Wesson Rubber Coated Tactical Knife is a folding knife designed for everyday carry and tactical applications, featuring a drop point tanto blade and a rubber-coated aluminum handle. Smith & Wesson, a brand synonymous with firearms and law enforcement, aims to offer a reliable tool at an accessible price point. With its ambidextrous thumbhole and index flipper, it promises easy one-handed operation, appealing to a broad range of users.

As someone who’s spent over a decade advising on and using outdoor and tactical gear, I was drawn to this knife’s affordability and versatility. I’ve always been on the lookout for a reliable backup knife that doesn’t break the bank. The promise of a dependable tool from a reputable brand like Smith & Wesson certainly piqued my interest.

Out of the box, the Smith & Wesson Rubber Coated Tactical Knife felt surprisingly solid for its price. The rubber-coated handle offered a secure grip, and the blade deployed smoothly. The initial impression was positive; it seemed like a practical and functional tool ready for real-world use.

Compared to similar budget-friendly tactical knives from brands like Gerber or CRKT, the Smith & Wesson knife stood out due to its full aluminum handle with rubber overmold. While other knives may opt for a partially polymer handle, the Smith & Wesson’s aluminum core felt more durable in hand. I chose this knife because I prioritized a more robust construction without a significant price increase.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. While I wasn’t expecting a high-end custom knife, I was pleasantly surprised by the initial fit and finish of the Smith & Wesson Rubber Coated Tactical Knife. I was eager to put it through its paces and see if it could live up to its tactical billing.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Smith & Wesson Rubber Coated Tactical Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Smith & Wesson Rubber Coated Tactical Knife on a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains to assess its real-world performance. I used it for various tasks, including preparing kindling, cutting rope, and food preparation. The knife was subjected to typical camping conditions, including wet weather and varying temperatures.

The knife performed reasonably well in dry conditions. However, the rubber handle became noticeably slippery when wet, making a secure grip more challenging. It also required slightly more effort than I anticipated to get used to the liner lock mechanism.

Despite the initial positive impressions, I encountered an issue after the first few uses. The blade developed a slight wobble, indicating a potential problem with the pivot screw tightness or overall construction. This raised concerns about its long-term durability under heavier use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the wobble in the blade of the Smith & Wesson Rubber Coated Tactical Knife became more pronounced. While it still functioned, the blade play detracted from the overall feel of the knife. The edge retention of the 7Cr17MoV steel proved to be adequate for light tasks but required frequent sharpening to maintain a decent cutting edge.

Signs of wear and tear started to appear on the rubber coating of the handle, particularly around the edges and corners. While the blade itself showed no signs of rust, the pivot point required occasional lubrication to maintain smooth opening and closing action. The knife could be easily cleaned with soap and water.

Compared to other budget-friendly knives I’ve used in the past, the Smith & Wesson Rubber Coated Tactical Knife fell slightly short in terms of overall durability. While the initial sharpness was decent, the need for frequent sharpening and the development of blade play were disappointing. It performed adequately for light tasks but struggled with more demanding cutting chores.

Breaking Down the Features of Smith & Wesson Rubber Coated Tactical Knife

Specifications

• The Smith & Wesson Rubber Coated Tactical Knife features a 3.5-inch drop point tanto blade. The tanto shape is designed for piercing and stabbing, while the drop point provides some utility for slicing.
• It boasts an overall length of 8.1 inches and a closed length of 4.6 inches. This makes it a reasonably compact knife for everyday carry.
• The blade is constructed from 7Cr17MoV stainless steel. This is a budget-friendly steel that offers reasonable corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening.
• The handle is made of aluminum with a rubber coating. This provides a secure grip, especially in dry conditions.
• The knife features a liner lock mechanism. This is a common locking mechanism for folding knives, offering decent strength and ease of use.
• It weighs 3.5 ounces, making it lightweight and easy to carry. It comes with a pocket clip for convenient carry.

These specifications dictate the knife’s intended use. The blade length and shape make it suitable for a variety of everyday tasks and self-defense situations, while the materials used determine its durability and maintenance requirements. The weight and included pocket clip contribute to its overall portability and ease of carry.

Performance & Functionality

The Smith & Wesson Rubber Coated Tactical Knife performs adequately for basic cutting tasks such as opening boxes, cutting rope, and preparing food. The tanto blade excels at piercing and stabbing, making it a potentially useful tool for self-defense. The ambidextrous thumbhole and index flipper allow for quick and easy one-handed opening.

However, the 7Cr17MoV steel blade requires frequent sharpening to maintain a decent edge. The liner lock, while functional, can feel somewhat flimsy and may not inspire confidence under heavy use. The rubber handle provides a secure grip in dry conditions, but becomes slippery when wet.

The Smith & Wesson Rubber Coated Tactical Knife meets basic expectations for a budget-friendly tactical knife. It is functional for everyday tasks and offers quick deployment. However, its performance falls short of higher-end tactical knives in terms of edge retention, lock strength, and overall durability.

Design & Ergonomics

The Smith & Wesson Rubber Coated Tactical Knife features a simple and functional design. The rubber-coated aluminum handle provides a secure grip and feels comfortable in hand. The 3.5-inch blade is a practical size for everyday carry.

The knife is reasonably user-friendly, although the liner lock can be stiff initially. The ambidextrous thumbhole and index flipper allow for easy one-handed opening, even for those with limited dexterity.

Durability & Maintenance

The Smith & Wesson Rubber Coated Tactical Knife is constructed from budget-friendly materials, which may limit its long-term durability. The 7Cr17MoV steel blade is prone to dulling and may require frequent sharpening. The rubber coating on the handle may wear down over time with heavy use.

Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. The blade can be easily sharpened with a basic sharpening stone or honing steel. Disassembly for thorough cleaning may require specialized tools.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Smith & Wesson Rubber Coated Tactical Knife comes with a basic pocket clip for convenient carry. There are limited customization options available for this knife.

Due to its budget-friendly price point, there is a limited aftermarket for accessories specifically designed for this knife. However, users may be able to replace the pocket clip with a similar aftermarket option. Also, some may try to replace the scales of the knife, but this can risk damage to the construction or to the scales themselves.

Pros and Cons of Smith & Wesson Rubber Coated Tactical Knife

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Who Should Buy Smith & Wesson Rubber Coated Tactical Knife?

The Smith & Wesson Rubber Coated Tactical Knife is perfect for individuals looking for an inexpensive and functional everyday carry knife. It is suitable for casual campers, students, and anyone who needs a basic cutting tool for simple tasks. This knife can be a great fit for people who want to try out a tactical knife.

Those who need a highly durable knife for demanding tasks or harsh environments should skip this product. This knife is not suitable for serious survivalists, professional outdoorsmen, or anyone who requires a knife for heavy-duty use. A stronger blade material with a higher quality locking mechanism are two important attributes for these types of users.

A sharpening stone or honing steel is a must-have accessory for maintaining the blade’s edge. A small bottle of lubricant can also help keep the pivot point smooth and prevent rust. This will allow you to keep the knife working like new, while adding a few extra years to the life of the knife.

Conclusion on Smith & Wesson Rubber Coated Tactical Knife

The Smith & Wesson Rubber Coated Tactical Knife offers a decent value proposition for its price. It is a functional and affordable option for those seeking a basic everyday carry knife. It offers the bare minimum requirements for self-defense, but falls flat when pitted against other tactical knife products.

However, the knife’s limitations in terms of durability and edge retention should be considered. While the low price point makes it an attractive option, buyers should be aware that it may not hold up under heavy use.

I would recommend the Smith & Wesson Rubber Coated Tactical Knife as a budget-friendly option for light-duty tasks. If you need a reliable tool for more demanding applications, consider investing in a higher-quality knife with better materials and construction. Consider trying the Smith & Wesson Rubber Coated Tactical Knife today and finding out if it is the perfect knife for you!