Smith & Wesson M&P BodygUArd Folding Knives Review

Let’s Talk About Smith & Wesson M&P BodygUArd Folding Knives

The Smith & Wesson M&P BodygUArd Folding Knives represent an interesting entry point into the tactical folding knife market. Combining a tanto blade profile with aluminum handles and wood inlays, it aims to offer a blend of practicality and aesthetics at an affordable price. I’ve spent countless hours in the field relying on my knife, so when I saw this offering from Smith & Wesson, I was intrigued to see how it stacked up.

I was specifically looking for a lightweight, durable folder to add to my bug-out bag as a secondary cutting tool. My primary knife is a fixed blade, but sometimes a folder is more convenient for everyday tasks. Upon unboxing, the knife felt surprisingly solid for its price point, although the wood inlays seemed a bit more decorative than functional.

Compared to my Benchmade Griptilian and Spyderco Paramilitary 2, the Smith & Wesson M&P BodygUArd Folding Knives felt noticeably less refined, particularly the action of the flipper. I chose it over a cheaper no-name brand, hoping the Smith & Wesson name would guarantee a minimum level of quality and durability. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; it certainly looked the part, but I reserved final judgment until I could put it through its paces.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Smith & Wesson M&P BodygUArd Folding Knives to the Test

First Use Experience

I first took the Smith & Wesson M&P BodygUArd Folding Knives on a weekend camping trip in the local state forest. I used it primarily for food preparation, cutting rope, and light wood processing for kindling. The blade was reasonably sharp out of the box, and the tanto tip proved useful for piercing tasks.

In slightly damp conditions, the aluminum handles provided a decent grip, although I could imagine them becoming slicker with heavy rain or sweat. The flipper mechanism, as expected, required a deliberate wrist flick to fully deploy the blade, which wasn’t ideal. After my first day, I noticed the black oxide coating on the blade already showing some slight wear around the edges.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of intermittent use, the Smith & Wesson M&P BodygUArd Folding Knives has held up reasonably well, considering its price. While the blade is still functional, it requires frequent sharpening to maintain a decent edge. The aluminum handles have proven surprisingly durable, with only minor scratches and dings.

Cleaning the knife is relatively straightforward, but the pivot point tends to accumulate debris, requiring occasional disassembly for thorough maintenance. Compared to my higher-end knives, the Smith & Wesson feels less robust and requires more frequent attention to keep it in optimal working condition. While it hasn’t outperformed my expectations, it also hasn’t completely disappointed.

Breaking Down the Features of Smith & Wesson M&P BodygUArd Folding Knives

Specifications

• Blade Length: 3.625 inches. This provides a decent cutting surface for various tasks without being overly bulky.
• Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel. This is a budget-friendly steel known for its ease of sharpening and decent corrosion resistance, but it doesn’t hold an edge as well as premium steels.
• Serrated: Partial. The partial serrations are helpful for cutting through fibrous materials like rope or seatbelts.
• Knife Application: Folding Blade. This makes it easy to carry and deploy quickly when needed.
• Blade Shape: Tanto. The tanto blade is designed for piercing and stabbing, but its geometry can make slicing more challenging.
• Handle Material: Aluminum. Aluminum is lightweight and durable, providing a solid grip.
• Blade Finish: Black Oxide. The black oxide finish offers some corrosion resistance and reduces reflectivity.
• Opening Method: Dual Thumb Studs, Flipper. This gives you two different options for deploying the blade.
• Package Type: Clam Pack/Plastic. This is a basic packaging option, offering minimal protection during shipping.
• Hand: Ambidextrous. This is a great design for both right and left-handed individuals.
• Quantity: 1. You receive a single knife per purchase.

These specifications suggest a knife designed for general utility and self-defense, prioritizing affordability and ease of use over premium materials and advanced features. The 8Cr13MoV steel is a compromise, balancing cost with acceptable performance. The aluminum handles offer a decent grip and contribute to the knife’s lightweight profile, making it a comfortable carry option.

Performance & Functionality

The Smith & Wesson M&P BodygUArd Folding Knives performs adequately for its intended purpose as an everyday carry and utility knife. The blade comes reasonably sharp and can handle basic cutting tasks. The tanto tip is particularly effective for piercing and puncturing.

However, the flipper action is not as smooth or reliable as higher-end knives, often requiring a wrist flick to fully deploy the blade. The blade steel requires frequent sharpening, especially with heavy use. The knife’s strengths lie in its affordability and lightweight design. Its weaknesses are the less-than-premium materials and the inconsistent flipper action. It meets expectations for a budget-friendly knife, but doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is acceptable for the price, with no major flaws in the construction. The aluminum handles provide a comfortable and secure grip, even with wet hands. At $35.99, the weight is light enough for comfortable everyday carry.

The design is relatively simple and straightforward, with no unnecessary frills. There is a slight learning curve associated with the flipper mechanism, but most users will quickly adapt.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care and maintenance, this knife should last for several years of moderate use. The 8Cr13MoV steel is relatively easy to sharpen and maintain, but it will require more frequent sharpening than premium steels. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the pivot point will help to ensure smooth operation.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Smith & Wesson M&P BodygUArd Folding Knives comes with no included accessories. Customization options are limited due to its budget-friendly design. While some aftermarket pocket clips may be compatible, significant modifications are not recommended. It’s not designed for extensive customization.

Pros and Cons of Smith & Wesson M&P BodygUArd Folding Knives

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Who Should Buy Smith & Wesson M&P BodygUArd Folding Knives?

The Smith & Wesson M&P BodygUArd Folding Knives is perfect for casual campers, hikers, and everyday carry users who are looking for an affordable and reliable cutting tool. It’s also suitable as a backup knife for survivalists or preppers on a budget. Students or those new to knives who want to learn basic knife maintenance skills would find this a suitable first knife.

This product isn’t ideal for serious outdoorsmen, hunters, or tactical professionals who require a high-performance knife made from premium materials. Anyone who demands a buttery-smooth flipper action and exceptional edge retention should also skip this product. A better pocket clip is a must-have accessory for this knife.

Conclusion on Smith & Wesson M&P BodygUArd Folding Knives

The Smith & Wesson M&P BodygUArd Folding Knives offers a decent value proposition for its price. While it’s not a high-end knife, it provides acceptable performance and durability for everyday tasks. At $35.99, the price is definitely justified.

I would recommend this knife to anyone looking for an affordable and reliable EDC option, with the understanding that it requires more frequent maintenance than higher-end knives. It’s a solid choice for budget-conscious consumers. If you’re looking for a practical and budget-friendly knife, give the Smith & Wesson M&P BodygUArd Folding Knives a try!