Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folder Folding Knife Review

Let’s Talk About Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folder Folding Knife

The Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folder Folding Knife is a tactical and everyday carry (EDC) option designed by the iconic Smith & Wesson. This knife boasts an 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade, an aluminum handle with a strap cutter and glass breaker, and an ambidextrous design, making it a versatile tool for a variety of situations. For just around $30, it promises a lot of functionality, but does it deliver?

I needed a reliable, multi-purpose knife for my preparedness kit, something that could handle everyday tasks but also offer some tactical advantages in emergency situations. Specifically, I was looking for a knife with a glass breaker and strap cutter, features often overlooked but crucial in vehicle-related emergencies. I’d been burned before by cheap “tactical” knives that fell apart after minimal use, so I wanted something with a reputable brand behind it, even at a budget price point.

Upon unboxing, the Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folder Folding Knife felt surprisingly solid. The black and blue aluminum handle provided a decent grip, and the blade arrived relatively sharp. It wasn’t a premium feel by any means, but for the price, it exceeded my initial expectations.

I considered the Kershaw Shuffle and the Gerber Paraframe Mini before ultimately choosing the Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folder Folding Knife. The Kershaw, while a solid EDC option, lacked the glass breaker and strap cutter. The Gerber, while more affordable, felt flimsy in comparison. My first impression of the Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folder Folding Knife was cautiously optimistic; the features were there, and the build seemed robust enough, but I needed to put it to the test.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folder Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folder Folding Knife on a weekend camping trip. The knife was used for basic camp chores such as cutting rope, preparing kindling, and opening packages of food. I also used the strap cutter to test its effectiveness on some old nylon webbing I had laying around.

The blade performed adequately for these tasks, and the strap cutter sliced through the webbing with relative ease. Although, the thumb stud was a little stiff initially, requiring some breaking-in. The ambidextrous thumb hole and index flipper deployment options are a plus, but they still require a firm, deliberate action.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of carrying the Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folder Folding Knife as part of my EDC and using it for various tasks around the house and yard, it has held up reasonably well. There are some minor scratches on the blade coating and handle, but nothing that affects its functionality. The liner lock, while initially stiff, has smoothed out with use, providing a secure lock-up.

The blade edge retention is decent for an 8Cr13MoV steel; it requires occasional touch-ups with a honing steel to maintain its sharpness. Cleaning is straightforward; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth and a drop of oil on the pivot point are all that’s needed. Compared to some of my higher-end knives, the steel quality isn’t comparable, but for the price, it performs adequately and does what I need it to do for EDC.

Breaking Down the Features of Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folder Folding Knife

Specifications

• Blade Length: 3.5 inches. A reasonable length for EDC tasks, providing enough cutting edge without being overly bulky.
• Closed Length: 4.88 inches. Compact enough to comfortably carry in a pocket.
• Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV High Carbon Stainless Steel. A decent budget steel offering a good balance of hardness, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.
• Serrated: Partial. The partial serration is useful for cutting through tougher materials like rope or seatbelts.
• Knife Application: Folding Blade. Classic folding design for easy carry and storage.
• Blade Shape: Drop Point. A versatile blade shape suitable for a wide range of tasks.
• Handle Material: Aluminum. Lightweight and durable, but can be slippery when wet.
• Handle Finish: Black and Blue. A visually appealing two-tone finish.
• Blade Finish: Black. Provides a tactical look and some degree of corrosion resistance.
• Handle Color: Blue, Black. Accents the overall design.

Performance & Functionality

The Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folder Folding Knife performs its intended job adequately, providing a reliable cutting tool for everyday tasks and emergency situations. The partially serrated blade is particularly useful for cutting through tough materials, and the glass breaker and strap cutter add extra layers of utility. The liner lock is secure, and the ambidextrous thumb hole and index flipper offer convenient deployment options.

One area for improvement is the sharpness out of the box; while the blade is reasonably sharp, it could benefit from a professional sharpening. Also, the aluminum handle, while lightweight, can become slippery in wet conditions.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folder Folding Knife is acceptable for the price point. The aluminum handle is lightweight and reasonably comfortable in hand, although the edges could be slightly more rounded for improved ergonomics. The black blade finish adds a tactical aesthetic, but the coating may wear off with heavy use.

There is a slight learning curve with the deployment mechanism; the thumb stud and index flipper require a deliberate action to fully deploy the blade. Once broken in, the deployment becomes smoother and easier to operate.

Durability & Maintenance

The Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folder Folding Knife is reasonably durable for its price range, capable of withstanding moderate use and wear. The 8Cr13MoV steel offers decent corrosion resistance and edge retention, and the aluminum handle is resistant to impacts and abrasion. With proper care and maintenance, this knife should last for several years.

Maintenance is straightforward; regular cleaning and occasional sharpening are all that’s needed to keep the Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folder Folding Knife in good working order. A drop of oil on the pivot point will ensure smooth blade deployment.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folder Folding Knife comes with a pocket clip for convenient carry. There are no readily available aftermarket accessories or customization options specifically designed for this knife. Some users may choose to replace the pocket clip or add a lanyard, but these modifications would require some DIY skills.

Pros and Cons of Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folder Folding Knife

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Who Should Buy Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folder Folding Knife?

The Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folder Folding Knife is perfect for:

• Budget-conscious individuals looking for a reliable EDC knife with emergency features.
• Hikers and campers who want a versatile cutting tool for basic camp chores.
• Preppers and survivalists who need a backup knife for their kits.
• Anyone who wants a convenient tool for cutting seatbelts and breaking glass in vehicle-related emergencies.

This product may not be suitable for:

• Those who require a high-end knife with premium materials and superior performance.
• Users who prefer a more secure grip in wet conditions.

A must-have accessory is a good quality knife sharpener to maintain the blade’s edge.

Conclusion on Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folder Folding Knife

The Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folder Folding Knife is a solid budget option that offers a lot of functionality for the price. While it may not be the highest-quality knife on the market, it provides a reliable cutting tool with useful emergency features, making it a worthwhile addition to any EDC or preparedness kit. At around $30, the price is definitely justified.

I would personally recommend the Smith & Wesson Linerlock Folder Folding Knife to anyone looking for an affordable and versatile knife for everyday carry and emergency preparedness. If you need a reliable tool that won’t break the bank, this knife is worth considering. Grab yours today!