Smith & Wesson Full Tang Combat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife Review

Let’s Dive into Smith & Wesson Full Tang Combat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife

The Smith & Wesson Full Tang Combat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife is a compact and affordable option for those seeking a tactical-style knife. Featuring a 7Cr17MoV stainless steel tanto blade and a paracord-wrapped handle, it’s designed for light-duty tasks and everyday carry. The included nylon sheath adds to its portability.

I needed a compact, easily concealable knife for general camp chores while backpacking, something that wouldn’t add significant weight but could handle basic cutting tasks. The Smith & Wesson knife seemed to fit the bill, offering a tanto blade in a small package.

Upon unboxing, the knife felt surprisingly lightweight. The paracord wrap on the handle provided a decent grip, though I immediately noticed the overall small size of the knife. The blade had a reasonable factory edge, but the nylon sheath felt somewhat flimsy.

Compared to my Benchmade Bugout, which is significantly lighter but more expensive, and my Mora Companion, which is more robust but has a longer blade, the Smith & Wesson knife occupied a middle ground. I chose the Smith & Wesson primarily for its tanto blade shape and compact size, hoping it would be a good balance of utility and portability.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The knife felt well-built for its price point, but I remained skeptical about its long-term durability and edge retention.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Smith & Wesson Full Tang Combat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Smith & Wesson Full Tang Combat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife during a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. I used it for tasks like cutting cordage, preparing kindling, and opening food packages.

The knife performed adequately in dry conditions. However, the small handle became slippery when wet, reducing grip security. The blade itself seemed to lose its initial sharpness relatively quickly after processing some small branches for firewood.

The small size initially felt comfortable, but after extended use, my hand started cramping due to the limited gripping surface. There were no immediate signs of damage after my first use, but the sheath showed a little wear where the blade entered and exited.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of occasional use, the Smith & Wesson Full Tang Combat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife has shown its limitations. The blade requires frequent sharpening to maintain a decent edge.

The paracord wrap has held up reasonably well, though some strands have started to fray. The nylon sheath is showing significant wear and tear, and I wouldn’t trust it for long-term carry.

Compared to my experiences with knives made from higher-end steels like CPM-S30V, the Smith & Wesson knife’s 7Cr17MoV steel is noticeably inferior in edge retention and corrosion resistance. It has served its purpose for basic tasks, but it definitely does not outperform higher quality blades.

Breaking Down the Features of Smith & Wesson Full Tang Combat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife

Specifications

• Blade Length: 2.8 inches – This compact blade is suited for detail work but limits its utility for larger tasks.
• Overall Length: 5.9 inches – The short overall length enhances concealability but can compromise comfort for users with larger hands.
• Blade Material: 7Cr17MoV High Carbon Stainless Steel – This budget-friendly steel offers decent corrosion resistance but lacks the edge retention and toughness of higher-end steels.
• Blade Shape: Tanto – The tanto blade is known for its piercing ability and tip strength.
• Handle Material: Paracord – The paracord wrap provides a basic grip and can be unwound for emergency use.
• Sheath Material: Nylon – The nylon sheath is lightweight but not particularly durable or secure.
• Weight: 1.8 oz – The lightweight design is great for minimizing carry weight.
• Blade Type: Full Tang – The full tang construction provides increased strength and stability compared to partial tang designs.

These specifications make the knife a lightweight, compact, and affordable option. However, the use of 7Cr17MoV steel and a nylon sheath indicates compromises in long-term durability and performance.

Performance & Functionality

The Smith & Wesson Full Tang Combat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife performs adequately for light-duty tasks like cutting cordage and opening packages. However, its small size and relatively soft steel limit its usefulness for more demanding applications.

Its strengths lie in its compact size and lightweight design, making it easy to carry. Its weaknesses include poor edge retention, a slippery handle when wet, and a flimsy sheath.

Overall, the knife meets basic expectations for a budget-friendly, compact fixed blade. However, it does not exceed expectations in any particular area.

Design & Ergonomics

The knife’s design is simple and functional. The paracord-wrapped handle provides a reasonable grip, although it can become uncomfortable during extended use.

The knife is relatively user-friendly with no complicated mechanisms. There is little to no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The Smith & Wesson Full Tang Combat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife is not built for heavy-duty use. The 7Cr17MoV steel is prone to chipping and requires frequent sharpening, and the nylon sheath is likely to fail with extended use.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and sharpening. However, the knife’s long-term durability is questionable.

Accessories and Customization Options

The knife comes with a basic nylon sheath. There are limited customization options available.

Due to its unique design, the knife is not readily compatible with accessories from other brands. The paracord wrap could be replaced with a different style, but this would require some effort.

Pros and Cons of Smith & Wesson Full Tang Combat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife