Bear & Son Cutlery 4-1/2 in. Black G10 Assisted Tanto Sideliner Review

Let’s Talk About Bear & Son Cutlery 4-1/2 in. Black G10 Assisted Tanto Sideliner

The Bear & Son Cutlery 4-1/2 in. Black G10 Assisted Tanto Sideliner is a knife that promises rapid deployment and a secure grip, all at an affordable price. From Bear & Son Cutlery, a company known for its American-made knives (though this specific model is imported), this assisted opener aims to bridge the gap between everyday carry and tactical utility. Its black G10 handle and tanto-style blade offer a sleek, modern aesthetic.

I’ve been searching for a reliable, budget-friendly assisted opening knife for my bug-out bag. I needed something that could handle a variety of tasks, from cutting rope and opening packages to potentially more demanding applications in a survival situation. The Bear & Son Cutlery 4-1/2 in. Black G10 Assisted Tanto Sideliner seemed to fit the bill.

Upon unboxing, the knife felt surprisingly solid for its price point. The G10 handle had a nice texture, providing a secure grip, and the blade deployed with a satisfying snap thanks to the assisted opening mechanism. The black powder coat finish gave it a tactical look, and the liner lock seemed sturdy enough for basic tasks.

I considered the Kershaw Blur and the CRKT M16-01KS before ultimately choosing the Bear & Son Cutlery 4-1/2 in. Black G10 Assisted Tanto Sideliner. The Kershaw, while excellent, was a bit more expensive, and the CRKT, while iconic, didn’t have the same level of grip I was looking for. This Bear & Son Cutlery model offered a good balance of features and affordability.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. It wasn’t a top-tier knife, but it certainly seemed capable and well-built for its price. I was eager to put it through its paces and see how it performed in real-world scenarios.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Bear & Son Cutlery 4-1/2 in. Black G10 Assisted Tanto Sideliner to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Bear & Son Cutlery 4-1/2 in. Black G10 Assisted Tanto Sideliner on a weekend camping trip in the local mountains. The tasks included preparing kindling, cutting rope for shelter building, and food preparation.

The knife performed adequately in dry conditions, allowing easy deployment of the blade and safe handling in cutting. However, the black coating showed immediate scratching after cutting through only a few small branches.

The assisted opening was quick and reliable, requiring minimal effort. It did take a bit of getting used to the liner lock, which felt slightly stiff at first. I was hoping for a smoother mechanism for lockup.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Bear & Son Cutlery 4-1/2 in. Black G10 Assisted Tanto Sideliner has held up reasonably well. The blade, however, seems to have a lot of wear and tear and is starting to dull.

The black coating on the blade has worn considerably, especially near the tip and cutting edge. The G10 handle, however, remains in good condition, showing no signs of cracking or chipping. The liner lock is still slightly stiff, but it has become easier to operate with continued use.

Cleaning involves wiping the blade with a damp cloth and applying a drop of oil to the pivot point to maintain smooth action. Sharpening the blade is necessary every few weeks, depending on use, due to the softness of the steel. The overall experience has been acceptable, but I have had other knives in a similar price range that have performed better.

Breaking Down the Features of Bear & Son Cutlery 4-1/2 in. Black G10 Assisted Tanto Sideliner

Specifications

• The Bear & Son Cutlery 4-1/2 in. Black G10 Assisted Tanto Sideliner features a 3.375-inch modified drop point blade made from 440 stainless steel. The blade’s shape is versatile, suitable for both piercing and slicing tasks.
• The handle is crafted from black G10 material and measures 4.5 inches in length. G10 is known for its durability, lightweight properties, and excellent grip, even in wet conditions.
• The knife features assisted opening with dual thumb studs for easy one-handed deployment. It also has a stainless-steel liner lock for secure blade lockup and a reversible pocket clip for tip-up carry. The overall weight is 4.3 ounces.

These specifications are important because they determine the knife’s functionality, durability, and ease of carry. The 440 stainless steel provides decent corrosion resistance, while the G10 handle ensures a secure and comfortable grip. The assisted opening mechanism allows for rapid deployment, and the liner lock keeps the blade securely in place during use.

Performance & Functionality

The Bear & Son Cutlery 4-1/2 in. Black G10 Assisted Tanto Sideliner performs adequately for basic cutting tasks. The assisted opening mechanism is reliable and makes one-handed operation easy.

The blade’s edge retention is average; requiring frequent sharpening with heavy use. The jimping on the blade and handle provides a secure grip, but the liner lock can be stiff to disengage. It meets expectations for a knife in its price range, but it does not exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The Bear & Son Cutlery 4-1/2 in. Black G10 Assisted Tanto Sideliner has a sleek, tactical design. The black G10 handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, even in wet conditions.

The knife feels well-balanced in hand, making it easy to control during use. The reversible pocket clip allows for convenient tip-up carry, but some users may find it slightly bulky.

Durability & Maintenance

The Bear & Son Cutlery 4-1/2 in. Black G10 Assisted Tanto Sideliner is reasonably durable for its price point. The G10 handle is resistant to wear and tear, and the stainless-steel liner lock provides secure blade lockup.

However, the 440 stainless steel blade is prone to dulling and may require frequent sharpening. Maintenance involves cleaning the blade and pivot point with a damp cloth and applying a drop of oil to keep the action smooth.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bear & Son Cutlery 4-1/2 in. Black G10 Assisted Tanto Sideliner comes with a reversible pocket clip. There are not many other customization options available directly from Bear & Son Cutlery.

However, the knife is compatible with aftermarket sharpening systems. Users can also customize the knife by replacing the pocket clip with different designs or materials.

Pros and Cons of Bear & Son Cutlery 4-1/2 in. Black G10 Assisted Tanto Sideliner

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Who Should Buy Bear & Son Cutlery 4-1/2 in. Black G10 Assisted Tanto Sideliner?

The Bear & Son Cutlery 4-1/2 in. Black G10 Assisted Tanto Sideliner is perfect for casual campers, hikers, and everyday carry users who need a reliable, affordable assisted opening knife. It is also a good option for people who want a tactical-looking knife without breaking the bank.

This knife is not suitable for heavy-duty users, survivalists, or those who require a knife with exceptional edge retention. These individuals should consider investing in a higher-end knife with premium materials and construction.

A quality sharpening system is a must-have accessory for maintaining the blade’s edge. Also, consider a lubricant specifically designed for knives to keep the action smooth and prevent corrosion.

Conclusion on Bear & Son Cutlery 4-1/2 in. Black G10 Assisted Tanto Sideliner

The Bear & Son Cutlery 4-1/2 in. Black G10 Assisted Tanto Sideliner is a decent, budget-friendly assisted opening knife. While it has some limitations, such as average edge retention and a somewhat stiff liner lock, it offers good value for the money.

The price is justified for those seeking an affordable EDC or back-up blade. For approximately $50, buyers receive a dependable blade with a good action and solid build.

I would recommend it to someone looking for an entry-level assisted opening knife or a backup blade for their bug-out bag. If you’re on a tight budget and need a functional, tactical-looking knife, the Bear & Son Cutlery 4-1/2 in. Black G10 Assisted Tanto Sideliner is worth considering. Consider the pros and cons and purchase this item at your own risk.