Bear and Son Knives Professional Lockback Folding Knife Review

Let’s Dive into Bear and Son Knives Professional Lockback Folding Knife

The Bear and Son Knives Professional Lockback Folding Knife presents itself as a classic, dependable tool for the outdoorsman. Crafted by Bear and Son Knives, this folding knife boasts a 3 5/8″ clip point blade and rosewood handles, offering a blend of traditional aesthetics and practical functionality. The lockback mechanism promises secure blade deployment, crucial for any serious cutting task.

My search for a reliable, general-purpose folding knife that wouldn’t break the bank led me to the Bear and Son Knives Professional Lockback Folding Knife. I wanted something more substantial than a keychain knife but not as bulky as a dedicated fixed blade. I’ve always appreciated the classic look of rosewood handles, and the clip point blade seemed versatile enough for various tasks.

Upon unboxing, the knife felt solid and well-constructed. The rosewood handles were smooth and comfortable in hand, and the lockback mechanism engaged with a reassuring click. The blade arrived reasonably sharp, though I’d likely refine the edge to my preferred level of keenness.

I considered the Buck 110 Folding Hunter and the Case XX Trapper before settling on this. The Buck 110 is an icon, but I wanted something a bit lighter. The Case XX Trapper, while beautiful, seemed more suited for delicate tasks than heavier cutting.

Initially, I was excited by the classic design and solid feel, a little apprehensive about edge retention of the stainless steel, but overall pleased with my choice. Only time and real-world use would tell if it lived up to its “Professional” designation.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Bear and Son Knives Professional Lockback Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Bear and Son Knives Professional Lockback Folding Knife during a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The knife handled tasks from food preparation to feather sticking for fire starting with ease.

The weather was typical for the mountains: damp and cool. The rosewood handles provided a secure grip even when slightly wet, and the stainless blade showed no signs of corrosion. The lockback mechanism remained reliable throughout, even after repeated use.

The knife felt comfortable in my hand and required no real “getting used to”. It opened smoothly and the lock engaged positively.

After the first day, the blade’s edge had dulled slightly after processing some hardwood. No serious issues arose, but this meant that I would have to hone the blade sooner than later.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Bear and Son Knives Professional Lockback Folding Knife has proven to be a dependable tool. It’s become my go-to knife for everyday carry and outdoor adventures.

The knife has held up surprisingly well, with only minor cosmetic scratches on the bolsters and blade. The lockback mechanism remains as solid as day one, and the rosewood handles still look great.

Maintaining the knife is relatively simple: I clean it after each use, apply a drop of oil to the pivot point, and occasionally sharpen the blade. The high carbon stainless steel requires regular honing to keep it razor sharp, but it’s a straightforward process.

Compared to my previous experience with cheaper folding knives, the Bear and Son Knives Professional Lockback Folding Knife is a significant upgrade. Its durability and reliable lockback mechanism provide peace of mind that I didn’t have before. It outperforms in edge retention, although it requires some maintenance, and its comfortable handle is far superior to plastic handles.

Breaking Down the Features of Bear and Son Knives Professional Lockback Folding Knife

Specifications

• Blade Length: 3.75 inches. This provides a good balance between cutting ability and portability.
• Closed Length: 5 inches. It’s compact enough to carry comfortably in a pocket or on a belt sheath.
• Serrated: Plain Edge. The plain edge allows for clean, precise cuts and is easier to sharpen than a serrated edge.
• Knife Application: Folding Blade. Offers the convenience of a fixed blade with the portability of a folding knife.
• Blade Shape: Clip Point. The clip point blade is versatile for piercing, slicing, and general utility tasks.
• Blade Finish: Steel. A classic look that’s easy to maintain.
• Sheath Material: Leather. The leather sheath protects the knife and allows for convenient carry.
• Weight: 5.5 oz. The knife is substantial enough to feel sturdy but not too heavy for everyday carry.
• Package Type: Clam Pack/ Plastic. Basic packaging, prioritizing function over presentation.
• Handles: Rosewood with Nickel Silver Bolsters. These handles provide a comfortable, secure grip and add to the knife’s aesthetic appeal.

These specifications are important because they contribute to the knife’s overall functionality and user experience. The blade length and shape make it suitable for a wide range of tasks, while the materials ensure durability and comfort. The weight and closed length make it easy to carry and use.

Performance & Functionality

The Bear and Son Knives Professional Lockback Folding Knife performs its job reliably. It cuts cleanly, locks securely, and feels comfortable in hand.

Its strength lies in its simplicity and reliability. The blade holds an edge well enough for most tasks and the lockback mechanism inspires confidence. The weakness is that the blade will need frequent honing to maintain a razor edge.

It mostly meets expectations. It’s not a premium, high-end knife, but it offers excellent value for its price.

Design & Ergonomics

The knife has a classic, timeless design. The rosewood handles and nickel silver bolsters give it an elegant look.

The handle is comfortable and provides a secure grip, even when wet. There’s a slight learning curve to closing the lockback mechanism with one hand, but it becomes intuitive with practice.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the knife should last for years. The high-carbon stainless-steel blade is resistant to corrosion, and the rosewood handles are durable.

Maintenance is relatively simple: clean it after each use, oil the pivot point, and sharpen the blade as needed. Replacing the handles or lockback mechanism would require sending it back to the manufacturer or finding a qualified gunsmith.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bear and Son Knives Professional Lockback Folding Knife comes with a brown leather belt sheath. This provides a safe and convenient way to carry the knife.

Customization options are limited, but some users might choose to replace the leather sheath with a different style or add a lanyard for easier retrieval. It is also possible to get the blade professionally sharpened or polished.

Pros and Cons of Bear and Son Knives Professional Lockback Folding Knife