SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife Review

First Impressions of SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife

The SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife arrived, promising a blend of tactical utility and everyday carry practicality. This knife, from SKIF Knives, aims to deliver a reliable cutting tool without breaking the bank, and the initial look is promising. I’ve always appreciated a good, solid folding knife, especially one with a stonewashed finish for hiding wear and tear.

My search for the perfect EDC (Everyday Carry) knife has been ongoing. My primary requirement was finding a blade that could handle everything from opening packages to more demanding tasks during outdoor adventures. I was hoping the SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife could fulfill this role without being overly bulky or expensive.

Upon unboxing, the SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife feels substantial in hand. The black sculpted G10 handle provides a secure grip, and the black stonewash blade has a rugged, no-nonsense look. The overall build quality seems surprisingly good for a knife in this price range, though I will need to test its performance.

Compared to my Benchmade Griptilian, which is my usual go-to, the SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife is noticeably heavier. It is also a bit bulkier than my Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight. I chose the SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife because I was drawn to the combination of a robust blade steel (9Cr18MoV) and a G10 handle at an affordable price, something I was missing in my collection.

My first impression of the SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife is one of cautious optimism. I’m definitely excited to see how it holds up in real-world scenarios. The knife seems well-built for the price, although field testing is needed to determine if it can handle tougher environments.

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Real-World Testing: Putting SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test for the SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife involved a weekend camping trip in the local state park. The SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife was used for various tasks, including preparing food, cutting rope for setting up the tent, and processing small pieces of wood for kindling. The weather was moderately humid, but there was no rain.

The SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife performed reasonably well, though the blade required a bit more force than expected to cut through thicker pieces of wood. The G10 handle remained secure and comfortable even when my hands were slightly damp. The thumb pull was easy to access, even wearing gloves.

I did notice the blade seemed to lose its initial sharpness more quickly than expected after repeated use on wood. Also, the frame lock felt a little stiff to disengage at first. Overall, the initial use revealed no immediate deal-breakers but pointed out a need for further testing on edge retention and lock smoothness.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife for daily tasks and weekend outdoor adventures, it’s showing some wear but continues to function reliably. I’ve used it for everything from opening cardboard boxes to cleaning fish on a recent fishing trip. The stonewash finish does a fantastic job of hiding scratches.

Despite the initial concerns about edge retention, the blade has held up reasonably well after a good sharpening. There are a few minor scratches on the G10 handle, but nothing significant. The pocket clip remains secure, and the knife has stayed firmly in place during hikes and other activities.

Maintaining the SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife has been fairly simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth after use, along with occasional lubrication of the pivot point, keeps it in good working order. I use gun cleaning patches with a drop of CLP to wipe the blade. Compared to my Benchmade, the SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife requires more frequent sharpening.

Breaking Down the Features of SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife

Specifications

The SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife boasts a 3.75-inch black stonewash finish blade made from 9Cr18MoV stainless steel. This steel is known for its good balance of hardness, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. The handle is constructed from black sculpted G10 with a gray stainless back handle.

The overall closed length is 127 mm (5 inches). The knife features a framelock mechanism, providing a secure blade lockup during use. Other notable features include a thumb pull for easy one-handed opening, a lanyard hole for convenient carry options, an extended tang, and a pocket clip for secure attachment to clothing or gear. These specifications contribute to a knife that is meant to be both functional and practical.

Performance & Functionality

The SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife performs adequately for its intended purpose as an EDC and light-duty outdoor knife. The blade is reasonably sharp out of the box and capable of handling basic cutting tasks. However, its edge retention is not as stellar as higher-end steels. The frame lock is secure, preventing accidental closure during use.

The strength of the SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife is its value proposition. It offers a decent level of performance and functionality for the price. The primary weakness is its steel which will require more frequent sharpening. Overall, the knife meets expectations for a budget-friendly option, albeit with some limitations.

Design & Ergonomics

The SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife features a well-designed, ergonomic handle. The sculpted G10 scales provide a secure and comfortable grip, even in wet conditions. The knife feels balanced in hand, and the thumb pull is easily accessible for one-handed opening. The pocket clip allows for deep carry, minimizing its profile in the pocket.

The build quality is decent for a knife in this price range. The knife is user-friendly with only a small learning curve, mainly in getting accustomed to the stiffness of the frame lock. The G10 handle feels durable, and the stonewashed blade hides scratches effectively.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife should last for a reasonable amount of time with light to moderate use. The 9Cr18MoV steel is relatively easy to sharpen, and the G10 handle is resistant to wear and tear. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for maintaining its performance.

Maintaining the SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife is straightforward. Cleaning the blade after each use prevents corrosion. Lubricating the pivot point ensures smooth opening and closing. The knife is easy to disassemble for thorough cleaning and maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife does not come with any additional accessories besides the integrated pocket clip. The only real customization option is potentially replacing the pocket clip with a different style if desired. Aftermarket scales are probably not available due to the design and cost of the SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife.

The lanyard hole is a useful feature. It allows for adding a lanyard or fob for easier retrieval from the pocket. The pocket clip is designed for tip-up carry. This is a preferred style of carry for most users.

Pros and Cons of SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife

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Who Should Buy SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife?

The SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife is perfect for budget-conscious individuals. It is great for those needing a reliable EDC knife for light-duty tasks. This knife would also work well for casual campers and hikers who want a dependable cutting tool without investing in a high-end option. It is a good choice for someone looking for a solid beater knife that they won’t be heartbroken over if it gets lost or damaged.

Individuals who require exceptional edge retention or those who prefer a lightweight knife should skip this product. Those needing a knife for heavy-duty tasks or prolonged use in demanding environments may also want to consider a more robust option.

A sharpening stone or sharpening system is a must-have accessory to maintain the blade’s edge. A quality knife lubricant is also recommended for smooth operation and corrosion prevention.

Conclusion on SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife

The SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife is a decent knife. It provides a good balance of performance, durability, and affordability. While it may not outperform higher-end knives in terms of edge retention or overall refinement, it offers excellent value for the price.

The price of $45.99 is justified. It gets you a reliable and functional cutting tool without breaking the bank. I would personally recommend the SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife to anyone looking for a budget-friendly EDC option or a dependable backup knife for outdoor adventures.

If you’re in the market for a reliable and affordable folding knife, the SKIF Knives Shark BSW Black Folding Knife is definitely worth considering. Pick one up and experience its rugged dependability for yourself!