Hpa SWS Salmon Lockback Green Review

First Impressions of Hpa SWS Salmon Lockback Green

The Hpa SWS Salmon Lockback Green is a knife that immediately sparks interest, blending classic design with modern materials. Hpa might not be the biggest name in the knife world, but their attention to detail in this lockback suggests a commitment to quality. I was drawn to this knife because I needed a reliable, easy-to-carry blade for both everyday tasks and the occasional fishing trip, something that could handle fish prep without being overly bulky.

Upon unboxing, the knife feels substantial in hand, a pleasant surprise given its compact dimensions. The green micarta handle provides a solid grip, while the satin finish on the blade offers a touch of elegance. Compared to my usual EDC folders, the Hpa SWS Salmon Lockback Green felt less tactical and more like a refined tool, fitting somewhere between a gentleman’s folder and a working knife. I considered a few other lockbacks, like the Buck 110 or a Case Trapper, but the VG-10 steel and micarta handle of the Hpa appealed to me more than the traditional materials of those knives.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The design is appealing, the materials seem high-quality, and the lockback mechanism feels solid. I was excited to put it to the test and see if it could live up to its potential as a versatile and dependable everyday carry.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hpa SWS Salmon Lockback Green to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test for the Hpa SWS Salmon Lockback Green was on a weekend camping and fishing trip to a local river. I primarily used it for food preparation, including slicing vegetables and, as the name suggests, filleting a couple of freshly caught trout. The blade’s clip point proved to be exceptionally useful for the delicate work of removing bones and skin from the fish.

The Hpa SWS Salmon Lockback Green performed admirably even with wet hands. The micarta handle provided a secure grip, even when covered in fish slime, and the lockback mechanism remained reliable and easy to operate. No issues arose during this initial use, and I was impressed by the knife’s overall feel and functionality.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Hpa SWS Salmon Lockback Green has proven to be a dependable companion. I’ve used it for everything from opening packages and cutting rope to more demanding tasks like carving wood and preparing meals during outdoor excursions. The VG-10 steel has held its edge remarkably well, requiring only occasional stropping to maintain its sharpness.

There are minimal signs of wear and tear after months of everyday carry and use. The micarta handle has darkened slightly with handling, adding to its character, but it remains structurally sound. Maintenance is straightforward; I simply clean the blade with a damp cloth after use and occasionally apply a drop of oil to the pivot point. Compared to other folders I’ve owned, the Hpa SWS Salmon Lockback Green has exceeded my expectations in terms of both durability and edge retention.

Breaking Down the Features of Hpa SWS Salmon Lockback Green

Specifications

• The Hpa SWS Salmon Lockback Green features a 3.13-inch (7.95cm) clip point blade made of VG-10 stainless steel. This steel is known for its excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for a knife that might be exposed to moisture.
• With a closed length of 4.13 inches (10.49cm), the knife is compact enough for comfortable everyday carry. Its overall weight of 0.22 lb (approximately 3.5 ounces) also contributes to its portability, making it easy to carry in a pocket or on a belt.
• The handle is crafted from durable green micarta, offering a secure and comfortable grip, even in wet conditions. It also has an inlay shield adding to the aesthetic appeal and a lanyard hole for versatile carry options.

These specifications combine to create a knife that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The choice of VG-10 steel is particularly important because it ensures that the blade will hold its edge through extended use, reducing the need for frequent sharpening. The micarta handle provides a solid grip and is resistant to wear and tear, contributing to the knife’s overall durability.

Performance & Functionality

The Hpa SWS Salmon Lockback Green performs exceptionally well for its intended purpose. The blade’s clip point design is versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of tasks, from slicing and dicing to more detailed work. Its lockback mechanism is secure and reliable, providing confidence during use.

While the blade is not designed for heavy-duty tasks like batoning wood, it excels at finer cutting tasks. Its edge retention is impressive, requiring minimal maintenance to keep it sharp. It meets and, in many ways, exceeds expectations for an EDC knife in this price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hpa SWS Salmon Lockback Green boasts a classic and understated design. The green micarta handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, and its overall weight is well-balanced.

The knife feels natural in hand and is easy to manipulate, even for extended periods. There is no significant learning curve involved in using the knife, making it accessible to both experienced knife users and beginners.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the quality of its materials and construction, the Hpa SWS Salmon Lockback Green is built to last. The VG-10 stainless steel blade is resistant to corrosion and wear, and the micarta handle is incredibly durable.

Maintaining the knife is relatively simple. Regularly cleaning the blade with a damp cloth and lubricating the pivot point will ensure its longevity and smooth operation.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hpa SWS Salmon Lockback Green does not come with a wide range of accessories. It includes only the knife itself, packaged in a box.

There aren’t extensive customization options available directly from Hpa. However, the lanyard hole does allow for adding a personal touch with a decorative lanyard or a small bead. Because of the simpler design, aftermarket parts are limited.

Pros and Cons of Hpa SWS Salmon Lockback Green

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Who Should Buy Hpa SWS Salmon Lockback Green?

The Hpa SWS Salmon Lockback Green is perfect for individuals who appreciate a blend of classic design and modern materials in a reliable EDC knife. It’s well-suited for:

• Everyday carry enthusiasts looking for a dependable and aesthetically pleasing folder.
• Anglers who need a sharp and corrosion-resistant blade for preparing fish.
• Campers and hikers who require a versatile cutting tool for food preparation and other camp tasks.

Individuals seeking a highly tactical knife with aggressive styling or those who prefer assisted-opening mechanisms might want to consider other options.

A must-have accessory would be a quality sharpening steel or strop to maintain the blade’s edge.

Conclusion on Hpa SWS Salmon Lockback Green

The Hpa SWS Salmon Lockback Green is a well-designed and executed knife that offers excellent value for its price of $87.99. The combination of VG-10 steel, micarta handle, and reliable lockback mechanism makes it a dependable and versatile EDC option.

The price is justified given the quality of the materials and construction. I would personally recommend the Hpa SWS Salmon Lockback Green to anyone looking for a practical and aesthetically pleasing everyday carry knife.

If you value a balance of classic design, modern materials, and dependable performance, the Hpa SWS Salmon Lockback Green is definitely worth considering. Add it to your collection or make it your new go-to EDC – you won’t be disappointed.