Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folding Knife Review

Let’s Talk About Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folding Knife

The Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folding Knife is a budget-friendly option for those seeking a reliable everyday carry (EDC) knife. Made by Smith & Wesson, a brand with a long history in firearms and edged tools, this knife aims to offer a balance between functionality and affordability. I was looking for an inexpensive, sturdy folding knife that I wouldn’t hesitate to use and potentially abuse in various outdoor settings.

Upon unboxing, the Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folding Knife felt surprisingly solid for its price point. The stonewashed stainless steel handle with brown G-10 inserts provides a decent grip, and the blade arrived reasonably sharp. Compared to other budget knives I’ve handled, like some generic gas station knives or even some Rough Rider models, this felt like a step up in terms of overall build quality.

While I considered other options like the Kershaw Cryo or the Ontario RAT Model 1, I chose the Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folding Knife primarily for its combination of a classic drop point blade shape and the attractive stonewashed finish. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; I was eager to see how it would perform under real-world conditions, given its modest price tag. I was pleasantly surprised by the aesthetics and solid feel for what I paid.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folding Knife was on a weekend camping trip in the local state forest. I used it for various tasks, including food preparation (cutting vegetables and opening packages), making feather sticks for fire starting, and light camp chores like cutting cordage. While it handled these tasks adequately, the blade required more effort than my higher-end knives to slice through tougher materials.

The conditions were fairly dry, though the morning dew did put a bit of moisture on the blade and handle. The G-10 inserts provided a decent grip even when slightly damp. The thumb knobs and index flipper allowed for easy one-handed opening. After the first day, I noticed a slight loosening of the pivot screw, requiring a quick tightening with a small screwdriver I thankfully had on hand.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of intermittent use, the Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folding Knife has held up surprisingly well, considering its price. The stonewashed blade finish has proven effective at hiding scratches and minor blemishes. While the edge retention isn’t stellar, it’s acceptable for general use; I touch it up with a ceramic rod every few weeks.

The liner lock has remained secure, and the handle has shown no signs of cracking or warping. I’ve primarily used it for light-duty tasks like opening boxes, cutting rope, and preparing small game while hunting. Cleaning is relatively straightforward; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth and a light oiling of the pivot point are usually sufficient. Compared to my Benchmade Griptilian (a much more expensive knife), the Smith & Wesson requires more frequent sharpening and doesn’t feel quite as robust, but it’s still a functional tool.

Breaking Down the Features of Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folding Knife

Specifications

The Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folding Knife boasts the following specifications:

• Blade Length: 3.55 inches – A good size for EDC, providing sufficient cutting edge without being overly bulky.
• Closed Length: 4.79 inches – Compact enough to comfortably carry in a pocket.
• Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV High Carbon Stainless Steel – A decent budget steel, offering a good balance of corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening.
• Knife Application: Folding Blade – Designed for convenient carry and use.
• Blade Shape: Drop Point – A versatile blade shape suitable for a wide range of tasks.
• Handle Material: G10 – Durable and provides a good grip, even in wet conditions.
• Handle Finish: Textured – Enhances grip security.
• Blade Finish: Stonewash – Helps to hide scratches and wear.
• Handle Color: Brown – An aesthetically pleasing neutral color.
• Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson

These specifications make the Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folding Knife a practical tool for everyday tasks. The choice of 8Cr13MoV steel is a compromise, but it allows for a more affordable price point. The drop point blade shape and G10 handle contribute to its versatility and usability.

Performance & Functionality

The Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folding Knife performs its basic function—cutting—adequately. It’s not a high-performance slicer, but it’s capable of handling most common EDC tasks. The blade opens smoothly thanks to the thumb knobs and index flipper, and the liner lock engages securely.

The primary strengths are its ease of use, affordability, and decent build quality for the price. The weaknesses include the relatively soft steel, which requires more frequent sharpening, and the somewhat generic design. It meets my basic expectations for a budget EDC knife, but it doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folding Knife features a straightforward, functional design. The stonewashed stainless steel handle, combined with the brown textured G-10 inserts, gives it a visually appealing look. The handle is comfortable to hold for extended periods, and the jimping on the thumb rest provides added grip security.

The knife is relatively lightweight, which makes it comfortable to carry in a pocket all day. There is a slight learning curve to mastering the index flipper opening, but it quickly becomes intuitive. The Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folding Knife is undoubtedly a user-friendly knife.

Durability & Maintenance

The Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folding Knife seems reasonably durable for its price point. The 8Cr13MoV steel is prone to dulling more quickly than higher-end steels, but it’s also relatively easy to sharpen. The liner lock mechanism is solid and reliable.

Maintenance is simple; I clean the blade and handle with a damp cloth after each use and apply a drop of oil to the pivot point occasionally. With proper care, it should last for several years of regular use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folding Knife comes with a pocket clip, which is reversible for left or right-hand carry. Beyond that, there are not a lot of dedicated accessories available specifically for this knife. The lanyard hole offers some basic customization options for adding a paracord lanyard or bead.

Due to its widespread design, it may be compatible with some aftermarket pocket clips or screws, but these would need to be sourced generically. There are no official Smith & Wesson aftermarket scales or blades for this model.

Pros and Cons of Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folding Knife

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folding Knife?

The Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folding Knife is perfect for:

• Casual campers or hikers who need a reliable, inexpensive knife for basic tasks.
• Everyday carry (EDC) users looking for a budget-friendly option that they won’t be afraid to use and potentially abuse.
• Individuals who are new to knives and want to learn basic knife skills without investing a lot of money.

Who should skip this product?

• Serious outdoorsmen or survivalists who require a knife with superior edge retention and durability.
• Knife enthusiasts who appreciate high-end materials and craftsmanship.

A must-have accessory would be a sharpening stone or ceramic rod for maintaining the blade edge. I would also recommend a small bottle of knife oil for keeping the pivot point lubricated.

Conclusion on Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folding Knife

The Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folding Knife offers a solid value proposition for those seeking an affordable and functional EDC knife. While it’s not a high-performance tool, it performs its basic function—cutting—reliably. The price is definitely justified considering the materials and build quality.

I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a budget-friendly option for everyday tasks. If you need a dependable, no-frills knife that won’t break the bank, the Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folding Knife is definitely worth considering. Pick one up and put it to work; you might be surprised by its capabilities.