Bear OPS Bear Swipe 5 Assisted Opening Folding Knife Review

Let’s Talk About Bear OPS Bear Swipe 5 Assisted Opening Folding Knife

The Bear OPS Bear Swipe 5 Assisted Opening Folding Knife is a tactical and EDC (Everyday Carry) tool designed with preparedness in mind. Manufactured by Bear OPS, a brand known for its American-made quality, this knife packs a surprising amount of functionality into a relatively compact package. With its assisted opening mechanism, tanto blade, and integrated safety features like a belt cutter and glass breaker, the Bear Swipe 5 aims to be a reliable companion in various situations.

I was looking for a robust, multi-functional folding knife that could serve as both an EDC option and a backup tool in my outdoor gear. I needed a knife that could handle typical cutting tasks but also offer additional features for emergency situations.

My first impression upon unboxing the Bear OPS Bear Swipe 5 was that it felt solid and well-built. The G10 handle provides a secure grip, and the assisted opening action is smooth and fast. The weight, at 4.1 ounces, feels substantial without being overly heavy.

Compared to similar knives like the Gerber StrongArm or the SOG Trident AT, the Bear Swipe 5 stood out due to its combination of features and more compact size. While the Gerber and SOG offer robust construction, the Bear Swipe 5’s inclusion of both a belt cutter and glass breaker in such a streamlined design ultimately swayed my decision.

I was initially excited by the Bear OPS Bear Swipe 5, but also cautious. I’ve seen many knives with promising features that fall short in real-world performance, so I was eager to put it through its paces.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Bear OPS Bear Swipe 5 Assisted Opening Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Bear OPS Bear Swipe 5 Assisted Opening Folding Knife during a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. I used it for various tasks, including preparing food, cutting rope for setting up the tent, and feathering sticks for fire starting.

The Bear Swipe 5 performed well in dry conditions, providing a secure grip and a sharp cutting edge. While there was no rain, the high humidity did test the G10 handle’s grip, which remained secure. The assisted opening was incredibly useful when one hand was occupied.

The knife was easy to use straight out of the box. The assisted opening was intuitive, and the blade locked securely into place.

The only initial issue was the pocket clip being quite tight, making it slightly difficult to clip onto my pants pocket.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Bear OPS Bear Swipe 5 Assisted Opening Folding Knife has held up remarkably well. The blade is still sharp, requiring only minor touch-ups with a sharpening stone.

The G10 handle shows no signs of wear, and the assisted opening mechanism continues to function smoothly. The black finish on the blade has some minor scratches from use, but these are purely cosmetic. I did have to tighten the pivot screw once using a Torx wrench as it loosened after extensive use.

Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe-down with a clean cloth after use and occasional lubrication of the pivot point. Compared to previous knives I’ve owned, the Bear Swipe 5 has proven to be more durable and easier to maintain.

Breaking Down the Features of Bear OPS Bear Swipe 5 Assisted Opening Folding Knife

Specifications

• The Bear OPS Bear Swipe 5 Assisted Opening Folding Knife features a 3.25-inch black finish 14C28N Sandvik stainless tanto blade. This blade steel offers a good balance of hardness, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening, making it ideal for both EDC and tactical applications.
• The knife has an overall length of 7.5 inches when open and a closed length of 4.25 inches. Its compact size makes it easy to carry in a pocket or on a belt without being too bulky.
• The handle is made of black G10, a durable and lightweight composite material that provides an excellent grip, even in wet conditions. The textured surface of the G10 enhances grip security.
• It weighs 4.1 oz making it easy to carry all day. A lower weight ensures ease and comfort.
• Other key features include an extended tang, belt/cord cutter, glass breaker, and a pocket clip for convenient carry. These features increase the knives versatility.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the knife’s performance, durability, and overall utility. The blade steel determines how well the knife holds an edge and resists corrosion, while the handle material affects grip and comfort. The inclusion of extra features like a belt cutter and glass breaker adds to the knife’s functionality in emergency situations.

Performance & Functionality

The Bear OPS Bear Swipe 5 Assisted Opening Folding Knife performs admirably in a variety of tasks. The tanto blade is well-suited for piercing and slicing, and the assisted opening mechanism allows for quick and easy deployment.

One of its strengths is the secure grip provided by the G10 handle, even when wet or wearing gloves. One area for improvement is the location of the glass breaker; it can be slightly awkward to position effectively in a real-world emergency.

The Bear OPS Bear Swipe 5 Assisted Opening Folding Knife largely meets expectations, providing a reliable cutting tool with added emergency features. It is a solid EDC option, but shines as a backup tool for outdoors.

Design & Ergonomics

The Bear OPS Bear Swipe 5 Assisted Opening Folding Knife boasts a tactical design with practical ergonomics. The black finish on the blade and OD Green handle provide a discreet and professional look, while the G10 handle is contoured for a comfortable and secure grip.

The assisted opening mechanism is smooth and reliable, and the blade locks securely into place with no play. There is no significant learning curve; the knife is intuitive to use from the start.

Durability & Maintenance

The Bear OPS Bear Swipe 5 Assisted Opening Folding Knife is built to last. The 14C28N Sandvik stainless steel blade is resistant to corrosion and wear, and the G10 handle is virtually indestructible.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. With proper care, the Bear OPS Bear Swipe 5 Assisted Opening Folding Knife should provide years of reliable service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bear OPS Bear Swipe 5 Assisted Opening Folding Knife comes with a standard pocket clip. There are no included accessories beyond this, but the knife is compatible with aftermarket pocket clips.

Due to its design, there are no other significant customization options beyond potentially replacing the pocket clip. The knife is not designed to accommodate modifications like different blade steels or handle materials.

Pros and Cons of Bear OPS Bear Swipe 5 Assisted Opening Folding Knife

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Who Should Buy Bear OPS Bear Swipe 5 Assisted Opening Folding Knife?

• The Bear OPS Bear Swipe 5 Assisted Opening Folding Knife is perfect for first responders, law enforcement personnel, and anyone who values preparedness. Its combination of cutting functionality and emergency features makes it an invaluable tool for potentially dangerous situations.
• Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts can also benefit from its rugged construction and versatile design. The durable blade and secure grip make it suitable for a variety of tasks in the field.
• Those seeking a highly customizable knife with extensive modification options should look elsewhere.

Conclusion on Bear OPS Bear Swipe 5 Assisted Opening Folding Knife

The Bear OPS Bear Swipe 5 Assisted Opening Folding Knife is a well-designed and functional tool that offers a solid value proposition. While not without its minor drawbacks, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a reliable EDC or tactical knife.

The price of $86.49 is justified given the quality of materials, construction, and integrated features.

I would personally recommend the Bear OPS Bear Swipe 5 Assisted Opening Folding Knife to anyone looking for a dependable and versatile knife that can handle both everyday tasks and emergency situations. Consider adding this knife to your kit for that added peace of mind.