Old Timer Smith & Wesson Black Ops Folding Knife 3-1/2 Clip Point Blade Slate Grey Box 3D81C047 Review

First Impressions of Old Timer Smith & Wesson Black Ops Folding Knife 3-1/2 Clip Point Blade Slate Grey Box 3D81C047

The Old Timer Smith & Wesson Black Ops Folding Knife 3-1/2 Clip Point Blade Slate Grey Box 3D81C047 arrives promising a blend of affordability and tactical styling, a tempting proposition for anyone needing a reliable everyday carry (EDC) knife. As a seasoned gear specialist, I’m always on the lookout for tools that bridge the gap between budget-friendly and battle-ready, and this offering from Smith & Wesson, under the venerable Old Timer banner, piqued my interest. It boasts a 3.35-inch clip point blade, a gray aluminum handle, and a liner lock – all features that suggest a functional and accessible tool.

I was in the market for a dependable backup knife that wouldn’t break the bank, something to keep in my go-bag or loan to less gear-conscious friends without wincing. My primary EDC is a high-end folder with a titanium frame and S35VN steel, but its price makes me hesitant to use it for rough tasks or lend it out. I needed a beater, and the Old Timer Smith & Wesson Black Ops Folding Knife 3-1/2 Clip Point Blade Slate Grey Box 3D81C047 seemed like a potential solution.

Upon unboxing, the knife felt surprisingly solid for its price point. The gray aluminum handle had a decent heft, and the blade, while not screaming premium steel, was acceptably sharp out of the box. The liner lock engaged with a reassuring click, and the overall design was aesthetically pleasing, leaning towards tactical without being overtly aggressive. I was cautiously optimistic.

I considered a Rough Ryder pocket knife and a CRKT Drifter before settling on this Old Timer Smith & Wesson Black Ops Folding Knife 3-1/2 Clip Point Blade Slate Grey Box 3D81C047. The Rough Ryder had a classic charm, but its steel worried me, while the Drifter felt too small for gloved hands. Ultimately, I chose the Black Ops for its perceived balance of size, durability, and price.

My first impression was a pleasant surprise. While it’s clearly not a high-end knife, the Old Timer Smith & Wesson Black Ops Folding Knife 3-1/2 Clip Point Blade Slate Grey Box 3D81C047 doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy. It felt like a capable tool ready for some abuse.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Old Timer Smith & Wesson Black Ops Folding Knife 3-1/2 Clip Point Blade Slate Grey Box 3D81C047 to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Old Timer Smith & Wesson Black Ops Folding Knife 3-1/2 Clip Point Blade Slate Grey Box 3D81C047 on a weekend camping trip to the Angeles National Forest. I primarily used it for basic camp chores like cutting rope, preparing kindling, and opening food packages. The environment was dry and dusty, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F.

The knife performed adequately for these tasks. The blade was sharp enough to easily slice through paracord and cardboard, and the handle provided a secure grip even with slightly sweaty hands. I did find the thumb studs a bit stiff initially, requiring more effort than I’d prefer to deploy the blade one-handed.

The first use was uneventful, though I noticed a slight looseness developing in the blade pivot after repeatedly cutting thicker branches for kindling.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of occasional use, the Old Timer Smith & Wesson Black Ops Folding Knife 3-1/2 Clip Point Blade Slate Grey Box 3D81C047 has proven to be a decent, if not exceptional, workhorse. The blade pivot looseness persisted, requiring periodic tightening with a Torx wrench. The gray finish on the aluminum handle is showing signs of wear, particularly around the edges, and the pocket clip has lost some of its tension.

The 3Cr stainless steel blade has held its edge surprisingly well, but it’s also more prone to corrosion than higher-grade steels. I’ve had to be diligent about cleaning and oiling the blade after exposure to moisture. Maintenance is straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth usually does the trick.

Compared to my primary EDC knife, the Black Ops is noticeably inferior in terms of edge retention, blade steel quality, and overall fit and finish. However, given its significantly lower price point, it serves its intended purpose as a beater knife admirably. It outperforms other similarly priced knives I’ve used in the past, such as some generic gas station folders, in terms of build quality and blade sharpness.

Breaking Down the Features of Old Timer Smith & Wesson Black Ops Folding Knife 3-1/2 Clip Point Blade Slate Grey Box 3D81C047

Specifications

• Blade Length: 3.35 inches. This is a practical length for everyday tasks, providing enough cutting surface without being unwieldy.
• Blade Steel: 3Cr Stainless Steel. This is an entry-level stainless steel, offering decent corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening, but lacking the edge retention of higher-end steels.
• Handle Material: Gray Aluminum. Aluminum is lightweight and durable, providing a comfortable and secure grip.
• Overall Length: Approximately 7.75 inches (open). A good overall length for general utility purposes.
• Locking Mechanism: Liner Lock. A standard and reliable locking mechanism, easy to operate with one hand.
• Opening Mechanism: Dual Thumb Studs. Allows for ambidextrous one-handed opening.
• Pocket Clip: Stainless Steel, Tip-Up Carry. Offers a convenient way to carry the knife securely.
• Weight: Approximately 3 ounces. A lightweight knife suitable for EDC.
• Blade Style: Clip Point. A versatile blade shape suitable for a variety of tasks.

These specifications translate to a knife that is light enough for comfortable everyday carry, durable enough for basic tasks, and easy to maintain. The 3Cr steel means you’ll need to sharpen it more often, but it also makes sharpening relatively easy.

Performance & Functionality

The Old Timer Smith & Wesson Black Ops Folding Knife 3-1/2 Clip Point Blade Slate Grey Box 3D81C047 performs its intended function as a general-purpose cutting tool reasonably well. The blade is sharp enough for most everyday tasks, and the liner lock provides a secure lockup, preventing accidental blade closures. However, the thumb studs are a bit stiff, and the blade pivot tends to loosen over time.

Its strengths lie in its affordability and lightweight design. Its weaknesses include the lower-grade blade steel and the tendency for the blade pivot to loosen. It meets expectations for a knife in its price range but doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The Black Ops has a simple and functional design. The gray aluminum handle is comfortable to hold, even for extended periods, and the pocket clip allows for convenient and secure carry. The overall weight is well-balanced, making it easy to control the knife during use.

The build quality is acceptable for the price. The materials used are decent, and the construction is reasonably solid. There is a slight learning curve associated with deploying the blade one-handed due to the stiff thumb studs.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Old Timer Smith & Wesson Black Ops Folding Knife 3-1/2 Clip Point Blade Slate Grey Box 3D81C047 should last for several years of occasional use. The blade steel is relatively soft, so it will require frequent sharpening, but it’s also easy to sharpen. Regular cleaning and oiling will prevent corrosion and keep the locking mechanism functioning smoothly.

Maintenance is simple and requires only basic tools and supplies. The blade pivot can be tightened with a Torx wrench, and the blade can be sharpened with a sharpening stone or honing steel.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Old Timer Smith & Wesson Black Ops Folding Knife 3-1/2 Clip Point Blade Slate Grey Box 3D81C047 does not come with any accessories beyond the standard pocket clip. Customization options are limited, but you could potentially replace the pocket clip with a different style or add a lanyard.

The knife is compatible with standard Torx wrenches for tightening the blade pivot. Aftermarket scales and other parts designed specifically for this model are not readily available.

Pros and Cons of Old Timer Smith & Wesson Black Ops Folding Knife 3-1/2 Clip Point Blade Slate Grey Box 3D81C047

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Who Should Buy Old Timer Smith & Wesson Black Ops Folding Knife 3-1/2 Clip Point Blade Slate Grey Box 3D81C047?

The Old Timer Smith & Wesson Black Ops Folding Knife 3-1/2 Clip Point Blade Slate Grey Box 3D81C047 is perfect for:

• Casual campers and hikers who need a basic cutting tool for light tasks.
• Individuals seeking an affordable and reliable backup knife for their go-bag or emergency kit.
• Those new to knife ownership who want a budget-friendly option to learn with.
• Anyone needing a “beater” knife for tasks where a higher-end knife might get damaged or lost.

Who should skip this product?

• Serious outdoorsmen or survivalists who require a knife with superior edge retention and durability.
• Those who prioritize one-handed opening and require a smooth and effortless deployment.
• Individuals who are unwilling to perform regular maintenance and sharpening.

A must-have accessory would be a small Torx wrench set for tightening the blade pivot. A sharpening stone or honing steel is also essential for maintaining the blade’s edge.

Conclusion on Old Timer Smith & Wesson Black Ops Folding Knife 3-1/2 Clip Point Blade Slate Grey Box 3D81C047

The Old Timer Smith & Wesson Black Ops Folding Knife 3-1/2 Clip Point Blade Slate Grey Box 3D81C047 is a decent budget-friendly option for basic cutting tasks. It’s not a high-performance knife, but it offers acceptable durability and functionality for its price. The knife serves its intended purpose as an affordable beater.

The value proposition is strong. For under $20, you get a functional folding knife that can handle everyday cutting tasks. The price is definitely justified.

I would recommend it to anyone looking for a cheap and cheerful EDC knife or a reliable backup option. It’s not going to win any awards, but it will get the job done.

Ultimately, the Old Timer Smith & Wesson Black Ops Folding Knife 3-1/2 Clip Point Blade Slate Grey Box 3D81C047 is a solid choice for anyone seeking an inexpensive and reasonably capable cutting tool. Don’t expect miracles, but do expect a decent knife for a very reasonable price. Go ahead and grab one – you might be surprised at how useful it becomes!