Bear OPS Bear Swipe Assisted Opening Folding Knife Review

First Impressions of Bear OPS Bear Swipe Assisted Opening Folding Knife

The Bear OPS Bear Swipe Assisted Opening Folding Knife is a promising everyday carry (EDC) option from Bear OPS, known for its durable and reliable knives. Its assisted opening mechanism and lightweight design caught my attention. I was looking for a dependable knife that wouldn’t weigh me down, yet would be quickly deployable in various situations.

I was in the market for a new EDC knife to replace my aging Gerber Paraframe. The Gerber, while reliable, lacked the assisted opening feature I now desired for faster deployment. I also wanted something a bit more robust and with a more secure grip.

Upon unboxing, the Bear Swipe’s lightweight aluminum handle immediately impressed me. The blade’s steel finish gave it a sleek, professional look. The assisted opening felt snappy and responsive, giving me confidence in its rapid deployment.

I considered the Kershaw Leek and the SOG Flash AT before ultimately settling on the Bear OPS Bear Swipe. The Leek felt a bit too small for my larger hands. The SOG, while having a great assisted opening system, felt bulkier in my pocket. The Bear Swipe appeared to offer a balance of size, weight, and functionality.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The knife seemed well-built and comfortable. I was excited to put it through its paces and see if it lived up to the hype.

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

First Use Experience

I first tested the Bear OPS Bear Swipe Assisted Opening Folding Knife during a weekend camping trip in the Ozark Mountains. The terrain was varied, and the weather fluctuated between dry and humid. I used the knife for a variety of tasks, including food preparation, cutting rope for my hammock, and feathering sticks for fire starting.

The assisted opening proved invaluable when I needed to quickly deploy the blade with one hand while managing firewood. The blade held its edge surprisingly well while processing several pieces of hardwood. I noticed no slipping or discomfort with the grip even when my hands were slightly damp.

Extended Use & Reliability

After three months of consistent use, the Bear OPS Bear Swipe Assisted Opening Folding Knife has become a staple in my EDC rotation. It has accompanied me on several hiking trips, fishing excursions, and countless everyday tasks. The blade still retains a sharp edge after occasional honing.

There are minimal signs of wear and tear, mainly some slight scratches on the aluminum handle. The assisted opening mechanism continues to function flawlessly. The knife is easy to clean with a quick wipe-down after use. I’ve applied a drop of oil to the pivot point every few weeks to maintain smooth operation.

Compared to my previous EDC knives, the Bear OPS Bear Swipe offers a superior combination of lightweight design, rapid deployment, and reliable performance. It surpasses my expectations in terms of edge retention and overall durability.

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

Specifications

• The Bear OPS Bear Swipe Assisted Opening Folding Knife has a Blade Length of 4 inches, which is ideal for most EDC tasks. This provides ample cutting surface without being too cumbersome to carry.
• The Closed Length is 4 inches, making it incredibly compact for pocket carry. It minimizes bulk and allows for comfortable storage.
• The blade is made of 14C28N Blade Material, known for its excellent corrosion resistance and edge retention. This ensures long-lasting sharpness and minimal maintenance.
• Designed as a Folding Blade, it offers safe and convenient carry. The folding design prevents accidental deployment and protects the blade.
• The Overall Length is 6.5 inches when open, providing a comfortable and secure grip for various cutting tasks. It allows for precise control and leverage.
• The handle is constructed from 6061-T6 Aluminum, ensuring a lightweight yet durable grip. This material offers excellent resistance to wear and tear.
• The Handle Finish is Aluminum, providing a sleek and modern appearance. It also contributes to the overall corrosion resistance of the knife.
• The Blade Finish is Steel, offering a classic and understated look. The steel finish also helps protect the blade from rust and scratches.
• The Opening Method is Assist, allowing for rapid and effortless blade deployment with one hand. This is crucial in situations where quick access is needed.
• It weighs only 2 oz, making it incredibly lightweight and comfortable for everyday carry. This minimizes the burden on your pocket or belt.
• It comes in a Box Package Type, providing safe and secure storage during shipping. The box protects the knife from damage and ensures it arrives in perfect condition.
• The Color is Black, giving it a tactical and professional appearance. The black color also helps to conceal the knife for discreet carry.
• The Blade Type is Folding, reinforcing its suitability for everyday carry and safe storage. The folding design enhances its portability and safety.

Performance & Functionality

The Bear OPS Bear Swipe Assisted Opening Folding Knife excels in its primary function: cutting. The blade’s 14C28N steel provides excellent edge retention, allowing it to slice through various materials with ease. Its assisted opening mechanism makes it incredibly easy to deploy the blade with one hand. This is a huge advantage in situations where quick access is crucial.

While the blade performs admirably, the aluminum handle can feel a bit slick in extremely wet conditions. A textured grip would improve its performance in these scenarios. Overall, the Bear OPS Bear Swipe meets and slightly exceeds my expectations for an EDC knife in this price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Bear OPS Bear Swipe Assisted Opening Folding Knife is commendable. The 6061-T6 Aluminum handle feels robust and well-made. At only 2 oz, it is exceptionally comfortable to carry without adding unnecessary weight.

The knife is very user-friendly. The assisted opening is intuitive, and the liner lock is easy to engage and disengage. There is virtually no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its solid construction and quality materials, the Bear OPS Bear Swipe Assisted Opening Folding Knife should last for years with proper care. The 14C28N blade is known for its corrosion resistance, minimizing the risk of rust.

Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning and occasional oiling of the pivot point are all that is required to keep it in optimal condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bear OPS Bear Swipe Assisted Opening Folding Knife does not come with many accessories. It includes only the knife itself in a simple box. There are limited customization options available directly from Bear OPS.

However, because the handle is made from aluminum, some users may explore aftermarket options for custom scales or pocket clips. The standard pocket clip is functional, but some may prefer a deeper-carry clip for more discreet carry.

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

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

The Bear OPS Bear Swipe Assisted Opening Folding Knife is perfect for anyone looking for a lightweight and reliable EDC knife. It’s especially well-suited for hikers, campers, and everyday users who need a quick-deploying blade for various tasks. The assisted opening feature makes it an excellent choice for those who frequently need to operate a knife with one hand.

This product might not be ideal for those who require a heavy-duty knife for extreme tasks or prefer a more substantial grip in wet conditions. Someone seeking extensive customization options might also be disappointed.

A must-have accessory would be a quality honing rod to maintain the blade’s sharpness. A deeper-carry pocket clip might also be a worthwhile modification for enhanced concealment.

Conclusion on Bear OPS Bear Swipe Assisted Opening Folding Knife

The Bear OPS Bear Swipe Assisted Opening Folding Knife is an excellent EDC option that offers a compelling combination of lightweight design, rapid deployment, and reliable performance. Its 14C28N blade provides excellent edge retention, and its assisted opening mechanism is both quick and reliable. While the aluminum handle can be a bit slippery in wet conditions, this is a minor drawback compared to its overall strengths.

At $66.49, the price is justified by its quality materials and thoughtful design. It offers excellent value for the money.

I would definitely recommend the Bear OPS Bear Swipe Assisted Opening Folding Knife to anyone seeking a lightweight, dependable, and affordable EDC knife. Its ease of use, reliable performance, and comfortable carry make it a worthy addition to any everyday carry setup. Consider adding the Bear OPS Bear Swipe to your kit today!