First Impressions of Smith & Wesson 24/7 Cleaver Linerlock A/O
The Smith & Wesson 24/7 Cleaver Linerlock A/O is an intriguing entry into the world of everyday carry knives. Boasting an assisted opening mechanism, a unique cleaver-style blade, and a sculpted G10 handle, it promises a blend of functionality and distinctive aesthetics. This knife immediately caught my eye with its unconventional design and the promise of Smith & Wesson‘s reputation for producing reliable tools.
My search for a new EDC knife was driven by the need for something easily deployable and capable of handling a variety of daily tasks. I needed a knife that could open boxes, slice rope, and even handle light food preparation when I’m out camping. The Smith & Wesson 24/7 Cleaver Linerlock A/O seemed to fit the bill with its promise of a robust blade and assisted opening.
Upon unboxing, the knife felt solid and well-built. The sculpted G10 handle offered a secure and comfortable grip, while the satin finish on the stainless steel blade was both visually appealing and seemingly practical. Its weight felt appropriate, suggesting durability without being overly bulky for everyday carry.
Compared to my Kershaw Leek and my CRKT Drifter, the Smith & Wesson 24/7 Cleaver Linerlock A/O stood out due to its blade shape and assisted opening. I opted for this knife over others, intrigued by the cleaver blade’s potential for diverse tasks and the perceived ease of deployment with the assisted opening feature. I have always appreciated the ergonomics and build quality of Smith & Wesson products.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The unique design certainly piqued my interest, and the build quality seemed promising, but I was eager to see how it would perform in real-world situations. I was excited to put this knife through its paces.
Real-World Testing: Putting Smith & Wesson 24/7 Cleaver Linerlock A/O to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Smith & Wesson 24/7 Cleaver Linerlock A/O was during a weekend camping trip in the local state forest. I used it primarily for food preparation, cutting cordage for the tent, and opening various packages. The assisted opening was initially a bit stiff but quickly became smoother with use.
The knife performed adequately in dry conditions, but the sculpted handle provided a good grip even when my hands were slightly damp. While the cleaver-style blade made slicing vegetables a breeze, its thickness made finer tasks a little more challenging. I needed some time to adjust to the blade shape, but it soon felt natural.
After the first use, I noticed some slight resistance in the liner lock mechanism, but nothing that hindered its functionality. Overall, I was satisfied with its initial performance, though I wanted to assess its durability over time. The edge retention was also something I was keen to monitor.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Smith & Wesson 24/7 Cleaver Linerlock A/O has proven to be a decent, if not exceptional, EDC knife. The blade’s satin finish shows some scratches from everyday use, but the steel has held up well against corrosion. The assisted opening mechanism still functions reliably, though it occasionally requires a bit of extra force.
The sculpted G10 handle continues to provide a comfortable and secure grip, even after being exposed to various weather conditions. I have noticed no significant signs of wear and tear on the handle scales, confirming the quality of the material. The liner lock still functions reliably, though it does require occasional cleaning.
Maintenance has been relatively simple, primarily involving cleaning the blade and applying a drop of oil to the pivot point. Compared to my experience with other EDC knives, the Smith & Wesson 24/7 Cleaver Linerlock A/O offers a unique blend of robustness and ease of maintenance. However, its performance has been more middle-of-the-road than stellar.
Breaking Down the Features of Smith & Wesson 24/7 Cleaver Linerlock A/O
Specifications
The Smith & Wesson 24/7 Cleaver Linerlock A/O features a 3.25-inch stainless steel cleaver-style blade, offering a unique aesthetic and utility. Its 4.5-inch closed length makes it compact enough for comfortable pocket carry. The knife weighs in at 0.24 lb, striking a balance between durability and manageable weight.
The handle is constructed from black sculpted G10, providing a secure and ergonomic grip. The knife utilizes a liner lock mechanism for secure blade lockup. It also features an assisted opening mechanism, a lanyard hole, and a pocket clip for convenient carry.
These specifications are important as they directly impact the knife’s usability and performance. The blade length determines its versatility for various tasks, while the weight and handle material influence its comfort and control. The assisted opening and pocket clip enhance its everyday carry convenience.
Performance & Functionality
The Smith & Wesson 24/7 Cleaver Linerlock A/O performs adequately for most everyday tasks, such as opening boxes, cutting rope, and light food preparation. The cleaver-style blade is surprisingly effective for slicing, but its thickness can make it less suitable for precision work. The assisted opening, once broken in, allows for quick and easy blade deployment.
One notable strength is its comfortable and secure grip, thanks to the sculpted G10 handle. A significant weakness is the somewhat stiff liner lock, which can sometimes be difficult to disengage. While it meets basic expectations for an EDC knife, it doesn’t necessarily exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent, with the stainless steel blade and G10 handle offering a reasonable level of durability. The knife feels well-balanced in hand, contributing to a comfortable user experience. The sculpted handle provides excellent ergonomics, even during prolonged use.
The design is generally user-friendly, although the liner lock mechanism may require some practice to operate smoothly. There isn’t a significant learning curve, making it accessible to both experienced knife users and beginners. The cleaver blade shape provides a unique aesthetic that I have grown to appreciate.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel blade and G10 handle suggest a reasonable lifespan, provided the knife is properly maintained. Regular cleaning and occasional lubrication of the pivot point are essential to ensure smooth operation. Overall, it seems relatively easy to maintain and repair, if necessary.
The blade steel, while not specified, seems to be a lower-end stainless, so corrosion resistance is probably good. It also most likely won’t hold an edge very long, but will be easy to sharpen in the field.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Smith & Wesson 24/7 Cleaver Linerlock A/O comes with a standard pocket clip, which can be repositioned for tip-up or tip-down carry. There are limited customization options available directly from Smith & Wesson. However, its generic design might allow for some aftermarket accessories, such as replacement pocket clips or lanyards.
It’s unlikely to be compatible with specialized accessories like custom scales or blade modifications, due to its unique design and lower price point. This knife is best used as is, rather than as a platform for extensive customization. Upgrades are not as readily available as they are for knives from brands like Benchmade or Spyderco.
Pros and Cons of Smith & Wesson 24/7 Cleaver Linerlock A/O
Pros
- Unique cleaver-style blade provides a distinctive look and decent slicing performance.
- Assisted opening mechanism allows for quick and easy blade deployment.
- Sculpted G10 handle offers a comfortable and secure grip.
- Relatively lightweight and compact for convenient everyday carry.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
Cons
- Stiff liner lock can be difficult to disengage at times.
- Lower-grade stainless steel may not hold an edge as well as premium steels.
- Limited customization options restrict personalization and upgrades.
Who Should Buy Smith & Wesson 24/7 Cleaver Linerlock A/O?
The Smith & Wesson 24/7 Cleaver Linerlock A/O is perfect for budget-minded individuals seeking a functional and unique EDC knife. Casual campers, hikers, and those needing a reliable tool for everyday tasks will find it suitable. This knife is also good for someone new to assisted opening knives that wants to try one out without breaking the bank.
This product is not ideal for users requiring high-performance blade steel or extensive customization options. It also may not appeal to experienced knife enthusiasts who prioritize premium materials and advanced features. Those who demand extreme sharpness and edge retention should skip this product.
A must-have modification would be a high-quality knife sharpener to maintain the blade’s edge. Additionally, a durable lanyard can enhance grip and accessibility, though the stock lanyard hole works fine. Some individuals might also consider replacing the pocket clip with a stronger aftermarket option.
Conclusion on Smith & Wesson 24/7 Cleaver Linerlock A/O
The Smith & Wesson 24/7 Cleaver Linerlock A/O offers a compelling blend of affordability, functionality, and unique aesthetics. While it may not compete with high-end EDC knives in terms of materials and performance, it provides a solid value proposition for its price. It delivers adequate performance for everyday tasks and is suitable for many beginners.
The price is certainly justified, considering its features and build quality, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. I would personally recommend it to individuals seeking a reliable and distinctive EDC knife without breaking the bank. Just be aware of its limitations.
Ultimately, the Smith & Wesson 24/7 Cleaver Linerlock A/O is a decent EDC option that strikes a balance between value and functionality. If you’re looking for an affordable and unique EDC knife, give the Smith & Wesson 24/7 Cleaver Linerlock A/O a try.