Smith & Wesson Magic Assisted Opening Folding Knife Review

Let’s Talk About Smith & Wesson Magic Assisted Opening Folding Knife

The Smith & Wesson Magic Assisted Opening Folding Knife is an interesting piece, a blend of tactical aesthetics and everyday utility. Manufactured by Smith & Wesson, a name synonymous with firearms and increasingly, edged tools, this knife promises rapid deployment and reliable cutting performance. Its assisted opening mechanism, aluminum handle, and tanto blade are features that immediately caught my eye.

I needed a robust, easily deployable knife for general outdoor tasks and emergency preparedness. I’ve been through countless folding knives, and I was seeking something that could withstand abuse without breaking the bank. The Smith & Wesson Magic Assisted Opening Folding Knife seemed to strike that balance.

Upon unboxing, the knife feels substantial, despite its aluminum handle. The black oxide finish on the blade gives it a stealthy, tactical look. The assisted opening is snappy, almost violent in its eagerness to deploy the blade.

I also considered the Kershaw Blur and the CRKT M16-14SF, both reputable assisted-opening knives. The Smith & Wesson Magic Assisted Opening Folding Knife won out due to its aggressive tanto blade shape and included glass breaker, features the others lacked at a similar price point. The price point was also compelling.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited by the assisted opening and the solid feel, but a little wary of the 4034 steel, a budget-friendly but potentially less durable choice. The tanto blade shape also has a learning curve.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Smith & Wesson Magic Assisted Opening Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I initially tested the Smith & Wesson Magic Assisted Opening Folding Knife during a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. It saw action cutting rope, preparing kindling, and opening food packages. The assisted opening proved invaluable when one hand was occupied.

The humid mountain air didn’t seem to affect the blade’s action, and the aluminum handle provided a secure grip even when wet. The assisted opening deployed reliably every time. I needed a little getting used to the liner lock, but after a few deployments, it was second nature.

The blade dulled slightly after processing a significant amount of firewood, which was not entirely unexpected given the steel type.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of intermittent use, the Smith & Wesson Magic Assisted Opening Folding Knife has held up reasonably well. The blade has retained its edge adequately with occasional sharpening. The assisted opening mechanism still functions flawlessly.

There are some minor scratches on the black oxide finish of the blade, and the aluminum handle shows some wear around the edges. It’s easy to clean with a simple wipe-down, and a drop of oil on the pivot keeps the action smooth. I’ve experienced similar wear on other knives in this price range.

While it doesn’t outperform my higher-end Benchmade, the Smith & Wesson Magic Assisted Opening Folding Knife has exceeded my expectations for a budget-friendly tactical folder. It is reliable and functional for most daily tasks.

Breaking Down the Features of Smith & Wesson Magic Assisted Opening Folding Knife

Specifications

• Blade Length: 3.6 inches. This provides a useful cutting surface without being overly cumbersome for everyday carry.
• Closed Length: 5 inches. This makes it comfortable to carry in a pocket.
• Blade Material: 4034 Stainless Steel. This is a budget-friendly steel that offers decent corrosion resistance but requires more frequent sharpening than premium steels.
• Serrated: Plain Edge. This offers a cleaner, more precise cut for most tasks.
• Overall Length: 8.5 inches. This offers sufficient leverage when the blade is deployed.
• Included Accessories: Pocket Clip. The pocket clip allows for easy and secure carry.
• Handle Material: Aluminum. Aluminum provides a lightweight yet durable grip.
• Handle Finish: Aluminum. This finish provides a secure grip.
• Blade Finish: Black Oxide. The black oxide coating offers some corrosion resistance and a tactical look.
• Blade Shape: Tanto. The tanto blade is known for its piercing strength, making it suitable for tactical applications.
• Lock Type: Liner Lock. The liner lock is a common and generally reliable locking mechanism.
• Opening Method: Assisted Opening. The assisted opening mechanism provides rapid blade deployment with minimal effort.
• Weight: 7.8 oz. A bit on the heavier side for EDC, but still manageable.
• Additional Features: Lanyard Slot, Glass Break. The lanyard slot provides an additional carry option, while the glass break adds an emergency tool capability.
• Quantity: 1. Package contains one knife.
• Package Type: Box. Standard packaging.

These specifications are important because they define the knife’s performance characteristics. The blade steel dictates edge retention and corrosion resistance, while the blade shape influences cutting performance for different tasks. The assisted opening and lock type determine ease of use and safety.

Performance & Functionality

The Smith & Wesson Magic Assisted Opening Folding Knife performs admirably for everyday cutting tasks. It is a reliable, general-purpose tool. The assisted opening is fast and consistent.

The tanto blade is strong and capable of piercing tough materials, but not ideal for slicing tasks. Edge retention is adequate for light to medium use, but frequent sharpening is required. The pocket clip is sturdy and keeps the knife securely in place.

The knife meets expectations for a budget-friendly assisted opening knife with tactical features. It does not outperform higher-end knives, but it is a solid performer for the price.

Design & Ergonomics

The Smith & Wesson Magic Assisted Opening Folding Knife features a tactical design. The aluminum handle provides a good grip, even in wet conditions. The weight feels well-balanced.

The knife is generally user-friendly, with a smooth assisted opening and a reasonably easy-to-operate liner lock. There is a slight learning curve to mastering the liner lock, but it’s quickly overcome.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Smith & Wesson Magic Assisted Opening Folding Knife should last for several years of regular use. The aluminum handle is durable, and the blade can withstand moderate abuse.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring occasional cleaning and sharpening. A drop of oil on the pivot keeps the assisted opening mechanism working smoothly.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Smith & Wesson Magic Assisted Opening Folding Knife comes standard with a pocket clip. There are no specific Smith & Wesson branded accessories readily available for this particular model.

Customization options are limited, although aftermarket pocket clips are available from third-party manufacturers. The knife is compatible with standard lanyards, which can be attached to the lanyard hole. Aftermarket scales may be available, but it would be a deep dive search online.

Pros and Cons of Smith & Wesson Magic Assisted Opening Folding Knife