Smith & Wesson OPS Recurve 3in Assisted Opening Folding Knife Review

First Impressions of Smith & Wesson OPS Recurve 3in Assisted Opening Folding Knife

The Smith & Wesson OPS Recurve 3in Assisted Opening Folding Knife enters a crowded market of budget-friendly everyday carry (EDC) knives. It promises rapid deployment and a dependable blade in a compact package. Coming from Smith & Wesson, a name known for firearms, I was curious to see if their knife could stand up to the rigors of daily use.

My interest in this particular knife stemmed from a need for a lightweight, easily accessible blade for odd jobs around the campsite and for quick tasks during day hikes. I’d previously relied on larger fixed-blade knives, which, while robust, proved cumbersome for everyday carry. I needed something that could clip discreetly to my pocket but still offer reliable cutting power.

Upon unboxing the Smith & Wesson OPS Recurve 3in Assisted Opening Folding Knife, my initial impression was one of practicality over premium aesthetics. The black matte polymer handle felt functional, if a bit basic, and the blade, while sporting an interesting recurve, seemed appropriately sized for EDC. The assisted opening mechanism was surprisingly snappy.

Compared to my Kershaw Leek and my CRKT Drifter, both popular EDC options, the Smith & Wesson OPS Recurve 3in Assisted Opening Folding Knife is noticeably lighter than the Leek, but slightly bulkier than the Drifter when closed. I chose this over a similar priced Gerber because of Smith & Wesson‘s reputation for quality control. I was cautiously optimistic.

While not love at first sight, I wasn’t disappointed either. The knife seemed well-assembled for its price point, and I was eager to see how it performed in the field. My initial excitement stemmed from the assisted opening feature, which promised rapid deployment and ease of use.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Smith & Wesson OPS Recurve 3in Assisted Opening Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I first put the Smith & Wesson OPS Recurve 3in Assisted Opening Folding Knife to use during a weekend camping trip in the Ozark Mountains. The conditions were fairly mild, with some humidity and occasional light rain. I primarily used it for food preparation, cutting rope, and opening packages.

The assisted opening proved invaluable when I needed to quickly deploy the blade with one hand while holding a bundle of firewood. The recurve blade made slicing vegetables and fruits surprisingly easy, and the stainless steel held an edge well enough for the basic tasks at hand. The polymer handle offered a secure grip, even with slightly damp hands.

One initial issue I encountered was the pocket clip’s tension. It felt a bit too tight, making it difficult to quickly draw the knife from my pocket. The blade lock also felt a little gritty, requiring a bit of extra pressure to disengage.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Smith & Wesson OPS Recurve 3in Assisted Opening Folding Knife has held up reasonably well. I’ve carried it daily, using it for everything from opening mail to cutting through cardboard boxes and light yard work.

The blade has retained its sharpness adequately, requiring only occasional touch-ups with a honing steel. There are some minor scratches on the blade coating, but no significant signs of rust or corrosion. The polymer handle, while showing some scuff marks, remains structurally sound.

Maintaining the Smith & Wesson OPS Recurve 3in Assisted Opening Folding Knife has been relatively simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth and occasional application of lubricating oil to the pivot point keeps it functioning smoothly. Compared to my more expensive knives with intricate locking mechanisms, this one is refreshingly easy to maintain. While it doesn’t outperform my higher-end knives in edge retention or overall durability, it has definitely exceeded my expectations for a budget-friendly option.

Breaking Down the Features of Smith & Wesson OPS Recurve 3in Assisted Opening Folding Knife

Specifications

• The Smith & Wesson OPS Recurve 3in Assisted Opening Folding Knife features a 3-inch blade, offering a decent cutting surface for everyday tasks. This length is a good compromise between portability and functionality.
• The knife has a 4.5-inch closed length, making it relatively compact for pocket carry. This is a key consideration for comfortable EDC.
• The blade is made from Stainless Steel, providing adequate corrosion resistance for most environments. While not a premium steel, it’s serviceable for the price point.
• The Overall Length when open is 7.5 inches. This gives a decent reach and leverage for various cutting tasks.
• The handle is constructed from Polymer, offering a lightweight and durable grip. The Black Matte Polymer finish provides a discreet and non-reflective appearance.
• The blade shape is Drop Point, making it versatile for piercing and slicing. The added recurve enhances its slicing capabilities.
• The knife weighs 4.8 oz, making it lightweight enough for comfortable everyday carry. You will hardly notice it in your pocket.

Performance & Functionality

The Smith & Wesson OPS Recurve 3in Assisted Opening Folding Knife performs admirably for its intended purpose as an EDC blade. The assisted opening mechanism is quick and reliable, allowing for rapid deployment in a variety of situations.

The recurve blade excels at slicing, making it particularly useful for tasks like opening packages and preparing food. However, the recurve can be slightly more challenging to sharpen compared to a straight-edged blade. It is very functional.

While not designed for heavy-duty tasks, the Smith & Wesson OPS Recurve 3in Assisted Opening Folding Knife is perfectly capable of handling most everyday cutting chores. Its strengths lie in its portability, ease of use, and rapid deployment. The blade lock is a little gritty though.

Design & Ergonomics

The Smith & Wesson OPS Recurve 3in Assisted Opening Folding Knife features a simple, utilitarian design. The black polymer handle provides a secure grip, even when wet. The contoured shape of the handle fits comfortably in the hand.

The knife is lightweight and well-balanced, making it comfortable to carry and use for extended periods. There is minimal jimping.

While the polymer handle lacks the premium feel of materials like G10 or Micarta, it is durable and functional. The assisted opening mechanism is well-integrated into the design, and the pocket clip allows for convenient and discreet carry. It is user friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

The Smith & Wesson OPS Recurve 3in Assisted Opening Folding Knife is built to withstand moderate use and typical EDC tasks. The stainless steel blade offers decent corrosion resistance, and the polymer handle is resistant to impacts and abrasions.

With proper care and maintenance, this knife should last for several years of regular use. Occasional cleaning, lubrication, and sharpening are all that’s needed to keep it in good working condition. The ease of maintenance is a major plus for those who prefer a low-fuss EDC blade.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Smith & Wesson OPS Recurve 3in Assisted Opening Folding Knife does not come with any additional accessories. The pocket clip is not reversible, limiting carry options for left-handed users.

Due to its simple construction, there are limited customization options available for this knife. You could potentially replace the pocket clip with a third-party option, but that is generally it.

The standard pivot screw can be replaced. However, few after market parts exist.

Pros and Cons of Smith & Wesson OPS Recurve 3in Assisted Opening Folding Knife

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Who Should Buy Smith & Wesson OPS Recurve 3in Assisted Opening Folding Knife?

The Smith & Wesson OPS Recurve 3in Assisted Opening Folding Knife is perfect for:

• Everyday Carry (EDC) Users: Its lightweight design and rapid deployment make it an excellent option for daily tasks.
• Campers and Hikers: A reliable and affordable blade for basic camp chores and trailside tasks.
• Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those seeking a functional and durable knife without breaking the bank.

Who should skip this product?

• Users Requiring Heavy-Duty Performance: This knife is not designed for demanding tasks like batoning wood or processing large game.
• Left-Handed Users: The non-reversible pocket clip may be inconvenient.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

• Pocket Clip Upgrade: If the stock clip proves too tight, a more flexible replacement could improve usability.
• Honing Steel: Regular honing will help maintain the blade’s edge and slicing performance.

Conclusion on Smith & Wesson OPS Recurve 3in Assisted Opening Folding Knife

The Smith & Wesson OPS Recurve 3in Assisted Opening Folding Knife is a solid and reliable EDC option, especially considering its budget-friendly price. It is very functional.

The value proposition is excellent. It offers a surprising amount of performance and durability for under $20.

I would definitely recommend this knife to anyone looking for an affordable and practical EDC blade. It’s a great option for beginners or those who need a backup knife for everyday tasks. Grab one today, you won’t be disappointed!