First Impressions of Old Timer Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife 3 Drop Point Blade Two Tone Black Silver Box CE1FBBC7
The Old Timer Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife 3 Drop Point Blade Two Tone Black Silver Box CE1FBBC7 enters a crowded market of budget-friendly everyday carry knives. Its combination of familiar brands—Old Timer and Smith & Wesson—suggests a blend of classic utility with a tactical edge. I was looking for an affordable, reliable backup knife to keep in my truck’s glove compartment.
The knife arrived in a simple cardboard box, as expected for its price point. My initial impression was that it felt surprisingly solid for a sub-$20 knife. The two-tone black and silver finish gave it a slightly more premium look than I anticipated.
Compared to my usual EDC, a Benchmade Griptilian, the Old Timer offering felt significantly lighter and less substantial. However, for a beater knife that I wouldn’t be heartbroken to lose or damage, it seemed promising. I chose it over a similarly priced Gerber Paraframe because of the drop point blade and perceived sturdiness of the Old Timer design. I was cautiously optimistic; the price was right, and the initial feel was decent.
Real-World Testing: Putting Old Timer Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife 3 Drop Point Blade Two Tone Black Silver Box CE1FBBC7 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test involved using the Old Timer Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife 3 Drop Point Blade Two Tone Black Silver Box CE1FBBC7 on a weekend camping trip. I used it for basic tasks like opening packages of food, cutting rope, and preparing kindling for the fire. The knife performed adequately in dry conditions.
The lightweight nature of the knife made it easy to handle, but the edge wasn’t particularly sharp out of the box. I had to apply more pressure than usual when cutting thicker pieces of rope. The aluminum handle, while providing a decent grip in dry conditions, felt a little slippery when my hands were wet from washing dishes.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of sporadic use, mostly involving opening boxes and packages, the Old Timer showed some signs of wear. The black coating on the blade started to scratch off in a few places. The liner lock, while functional, felt a little loose and required more deliberate engagement than when I first got the knife.
The blade edge dulled relatively quickly, requiring more frequent sharpening than my other knives. Cleaning was simple enough; a quick wipe down with a cloth and a drop of oil on the pivot point was all it needed. Ultimately, it performed as expected for a budget knife; it’s adequate for light tasks but not a heavy-duty workhorse.
Breaking Down the Features of Old Timer Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife 3 Drop Point Blade Two Tone Black Silver Box CE1FBBC7
Specifications
The Old Timer Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife 3 Drop Point Blade Two Tone Black Silver Box CE1FBBC7 features a 3-inch blade made of 3Cr13MoV stainless steel. This steel is a budget-friendly option, known for its corrosion resistance but not its edge retention. The handle is made of black aluminum with a textured grip.
It is a manual folding knife, employing a liner lock mechanism. It also features a flipper tab and dual thumb studs for ambidextrous opening. A stainless steel tip-down pocket clip is included for convenient carry.
These specifications indicate a knife designed for lightweight carry and basic utility. The 3Cr13MoV steel is a compromise to keep the price down, trading off edge retention for affordability. The aluminum handle contributes to the knife’s light weight, while the pocket clip makes it easy to carry every day.
Performance & Functionality
The Old Timer Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife 3 Drop Point Blade Two Tone Black Silver Box CE1FBBC7 performs adequately for light tasks. The drop point blade is versatile enough for slicing, piercing, and general utility work. However, the edge dulls relatively quickly, requiring frequent sharpening.
The liner lock, while functional, can feel a bit flimsy and requires deliberate engagement. The flipper tab and thumb studs allow for relatively easy one-handed opening, though the action isn’t as smooth as higher-end knives. The knife meets expectations for its price point; it’s a usable tool, but not a high-performance one.
Design & Ergonomics
The Old Timer features a simple and functional design. The aluminum handle is lightweight and provides a decent grip, though the texture could be more aggressive for better purchase, especially in wet conditions. The knife feels reasonably balanced in hand.
There is a slight learning curve involved in getting used to the liner lock, but overall, the knife is user-friendly. The pocket clip is functional and allows for comfortable tip-down carry.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the Old Timer Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife 3 Drop Point Blade Two Tone Black Silver Box CE1FBBC7 is adequate for light use. The black coating on the blade is prone to scratching, and the edge requires frequent sharpening. The liner lock might loosen over time with heavy use.
Maintenance is simple; cleaning with a cloth and oiling the pivot point is usually sufficient. For the price, its lifespan should be adequate if not abused.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Old Timer Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife 3 Drop Point Blade Two Tone Black Silver Box CE1FBBC7 doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond the pocket clip. Customization options are limited due to its budget-friendly nature and construction. Aftermarket scales and clips are unlikely to be available.
Pros and Cons of Old Timer Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife 3 Drop Point Blade Two Tone Black Silver Box CE1FBBC7
Pros
- Affordable price: An excellent option for a backup or beater knife.
- Lightweight and easy to carry: Ideal for everyday carry without adding significant weight.
- Drop point blade: Versatile blade shape for a variety of tasks.
- Ambidextrous opening: Flipper tab and thumb studs for easy one-handed operation.
- Decent corrosion resistance: 3Cr13MoV steel resists rust and corrosion.
Cons
- Edge retention is poor and requires frequent sharpening.
- Liner lock feels flimsy and may loosen over time.
- Aluminum handle can be slippery when wet.
Who Should Buy Old Timer Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife 3 Drop Point Blade Two Tone Black Silver Box CE1FBBC7?
The Old Timer Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife 3 Drop Point Blade Two Tone Black Silver Box CE1FBBC7 is perfect for those who need a cheap, dependable backup knife. It’s also suitable for casual campers, hikers, or anyone who wants a basic EDC knife without breaking the bank. College students or new homeowners would find this knife useful in their everyday activities.
This knife is not ideal for those who require a high-performance, durable tool for heavy use. Professionals who rely on their knives daily should invest in a higher-quality option.
Must-have accessories would include a sharpening stone or honing steel to maintain the blade edge.
Conclusion on Old Timer Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife 3 Drop Point Blade Two Tone Black Silver Box CE1FBBC7
The Old Timer Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife 3 Drop Point Blade Two Tone Black Silver Box CE1FBBC7 is a budget-friendly option that delivers adequate performance for light tasks. While it’s not a high-end knife, it offers decent value for its low price.
The price is certainly justified for what you get; it’s a usable tool that won’t break the bank.
I would recommend it as a backup knife or for those who need a simple, affordable EDC option. If you’re looking for a reliable, inexpensive knife, the Old Timer Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife is worth considering. Pick one up today and have a solid, inexpensive tool on hand when you need it most.
