Smith & Wesson Cleft Spring Assist Folding Knife Review

Let’s Talk About Smith & Wesson Cleft Spring Assist Folding Knife

The Smith & Wesson Cleft Spring Assist Folding Knife is a compelling option in the crowded EDC knife market. Crafted by Smith & Wesson, a name synonymous with quality and reliability, this knife boasts a spring-assisted opening, a stainless steel blade, and a comfortable G-10 handle. It’s designed to be an everyday carry (EDC) tool, ready for anything from opening packages to tackling light outdoor tasks.

I was in the market for a new EDC knife that wouldn’t break the bank but could still handle a variety of tasks. My old folding knife, a no-name brand I picked up years ago, had finally given up the ghost; the blade was wobbly, and the lock was failing. I needed something dependable and easy to carry, but I didn’t want to spend a fortune on a high-end tactical knife.

Upon unboxing the Smith & Wesson Cleft Spring Assist Folding Knife, I was immediately struck by its solid feel and clean design. The brown carbon fiber G-10 scales provided a comfortable and secure grip. The knife had a satisfying weight without feeling bulky, and the blade arrived sharp.

I considered several other options before settling on the Cleft. The Kershaw Blur offered similar spring-assist technology but was slightly more expensive. The CRKT M16-01KS was another contender, but I preferred the more streamlined look of the Smith & Wesson Cleft Spring Assist Folding Knife.

My first impression was positive. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of materials and the overall fit and finish, especially considering the price point. I was eager to put it to the test and see if it could live up to my expectations for an EDC knife.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Smith & Wesson Cleft Spring Assist Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Smith & Wesson Cleft Spring Assist Folding Knife during a weekend camping trip. I used it for various tasks, including food preparation, cutting rope, and whittling small pieces of wood for kindling. The spring-assisted opening proved to be incredibly convenient, allowing me to deploy the blade quickly with one hand.

The weather was damp, but the G-10 handle provided a secure grip even when my hands were wet. The blade remained sharp throughout the weekend, and I didn’t experience any issues with the liner lock. I found the knife easy to use and comfortable to hold, even after extended periods.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Smith & Wesson Cleft Spring Assist Folding Knife has held up remarkably well. I’ve carried it daily, using it for everything from opening boxes and letters to more demanding tasks around the house and yard. There are minimal signs of wear and tear, with only minor scratches on the satin blade finish.

The blade has maintained its sharpness well, requiring only occasional touch-ups with a honing steel. Cleaning is simple; I just wipe the blade and handle with a damp cloth after use. Compared to my previous EDC knife, the Smith & Wesson Cleft Spring Assist Folding Knife has significantly outperformed it in terms of durability, reliability, and overall user experience.

Breaking Down the Features of Smith & Wesson Cleft Spring Assist Folding Knife

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson.

• Blade Length: 3.4 inches – Provides a good balance between cutting power and portability.

• Closed Length: 4.5 inches – Compact enough for comfortable everyday carry.

• Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel – Offers a good combination of hardness, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.

• Knife Application: Folding Blade – Makes it convenient and safe to carry in your pocket.

• Overall Length: 7.9 inches – A useful length for many different cutting tasks.

• Handle Material: G10 – A durable and grippy composite material resistant to moisture and temperature changes.

• Handle Length: 4.5 inches – Provides a comfortable grip for most hand sizes.

• Handle Color: Tan – Neutral color that blends well in outdoor environments.

• Blade Finish: Satin – Reduces glare and helps to conceal scratches.

• Blade Shape: Clip Point – Versatile blade shape suitable for piercing and slicing.

• Blade Thickness: 0.13 inches – Provides strength and rigidity without being overly bulky.

• Lock Type: Liner Lock – Securely locks the blade in the open position.

• Opening Method: Spring Assisted – Allows for rapid and easy one-handed deployment of the blade.

• Weight: 0.3 lb (4.8 ounces) – Lightweight enough for comfortable carry.

• Color: Tan – A practical color that is ideal for the outdoors.

• Hand: Ambidextrous – Suitable for both right- and left-handed users.

These specifications are important because they directly influence the knife’s performance, durability, and suitability for various tasks. The 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade provides a good balance of sharpness and corrosion resistance, while the G-10 handle ensures a secure and comfortable grip. The spring-assisted opening mechanism makes it quick and easy to deploy the blade with one hand, which is essential for many EDC applications.

Performance & Functionality

The Smith & Wesson Cleft Spring Assist Folding Knife performs its job admirably, providing a reliable and versatile cutting tool for everyday tasks. The blade is sharp and holds its edge well, making it suitable for slicing, piercing, and general utility work. The spring-assisted opening is smooth and reliable, allowing for quick and easy deployment of the blade.

One of its strengths is its comfortable and secure grip, thanks to the G-10 handle. A potential weakness is the 8Cr13MoV stainless steel, while decent, isn’t a premium steel and may require more frequent sharpening with heavy use compared to high-end steels. Overall, the knife meets and exceeds my expectations for an EDC folding knife in its price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The Smith & Wesson Cleft Spring Assist Folding Knife features a well-thought-out design that prioritizes both aesthetics and functionality. The brown carbon fiber G-10 scales provide a visually appealing and tactilely pleasing grip. The knife’s weight is well-balanced, making it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.

The knife is generally user-friendly, with the spring-assisted opening and liner lock mechanism being easy to operate. There’s no significant learning curve, making it suitable for both experienced knife users and beginners.

Durability & Maintenance

The Smith & Wesson Cleft Spring Assist Folding Knife is built to last, with its stainless steel blade and G-10 handle providing excellent resistance to wear and tear. With proper care and maintenance, this knife should provide years of reliable service.

Maintaining the knife is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and sharpening. The stainless steel blade is resistant to corrosion, but it’s still recommended to wipe it down with a dry cloth after use, especially in wet or humid conditions.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Smith & Wesson Cleft Spring Assist Folding Knife comes with a convenient pocket clip for easy carry. While there are no specific accessories or customization options offered directly by Smith & Wesson, the knife is compatible with universal knife accessories such as lanyards, sharpening stones, and cleaning kits.

Pros and Cons of Smith & Wesson Cleft Spring Assist Folding Knife

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Who Should Buy Smith & Wesson Cleft Spring Assist Folding Knife?

The Smith & Wesson Cleft Spring Assist Folding Knife is perfect for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable EDC knife. This includes:

• Casual campers and hikers
• DIY enthusiasts
• Everyday users needing a versatile cutting tool

This knife may not be the best choice for:

• Professional survivalists or those requiring a heavy-duty tactical knife.
• Users who prefer high-end blade steels or extensive customization options.

A must-have accessory for this knife is a good quality sharpening stone or honing steel to maintain the blade’s edge.

Conclusion on Smith & Wesson Cleft Spring Assist Folding Knife

The Smith & Wesson Cleft Spring Assist Folding Knife is a solid and dependable EDC knife that offers excellent value for its price. The spring-assisted opening, G-10 handle, and stainless steel blade make it a versatile tool for various everyday tasks.

The price is certainly justified, given the knife’s quality materials, solid construction, and reliable performance. I would definitely recommend the Smith & Wesson Cleft Spring Assist Folding Knife to anyone looking for an affordable and dependable EDC option. It’s a great choice for anyone needing a practical and easy-to-carry knife for daily use. Pick one up today and experience the convenience and reliability of the Smith & Wesson Cleft Spring Assist Folding Knife for yourself!