Let’s Dive into Smith & Wesson Out The Front Assisted Opening Folding Knife
The Smith & Wesson Out The Front Assisted Opening Folding Knife promises rapid deployment and tactical utility. With its assisted opening mechanism, double-edged blade, and glass breaker, it seems designed for quick response situations. The black aluminum handle offers a sleek aesthetic and hopefully, a secure grip.
My search for a reliable everyday carry (EDC) knife led me to explore OTF (Out The Front) options. I needed something that could quickly deploy with one hand for various tasks, from opening packages to more demanding outdoor activities. The Smith & Wesson brand name carries a certain weight, suggesting quality and durability, making this knife an appealing choice.
Unboxing the Smith & Wesson Out The Front Assisted Opening Folding Knife, my initial impression was mixed. The knife felt lighter than expected, which could be a positive for EDC, but also raised concerns about the robustness of the aluminum handle. The blade, with its black oxide coating, looked menacing, but the action felt a little gritty.
I considered other OTF knives from brands like Benchmade and Microtech, but the price point of the Smith & Wesson was significantly lower. This made it an attractive option for testing the OTF waters without a huge financial commitment. I ultimately picked this model hoping for a balance of functionality and affordability.
My first impression was cautious optimism. The knife looked the part, but the action needed to be smoother. I was eager to put it through its paces and see if it lived up to the Smith & Wesson name or was simply a budget-friendly imitation.
Real-World Testing: Putting Smith & Wesson Out The Front Assisted Opening Folding Knife to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Smith & Wesson Out The Front Assisted Opening Folding Knife on a weekend camping trip. I used it for various tasks, including cutting rope, preparing kindling, and opening food packages. The assisted opening was indeed fast, but the blade wiggled slightly when deployed, which was disconcerting.
The knife performed adequately in dry conditions, but the handle became slippery when wet from rain. I also noticed that fine dirt and debris easily got into the OTF mechanism. This made the action even less smooth and required frequent cleaning.
The knife was relatively easy to use, requiring minimal time to get accustomed to the blade slider and safety lock. However, I found myself constantly checking if the blade was securely locked in place due to the slight play and reports from other users.
After the first day of use, the blade retention became noticeably weaker. I managed to stab it into a dry piece of wood, and the blade immediately retracted into the handle with almost no resistance. This was a significant safety concern and completely negated the knife’s supposed tactical advantage.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a few weeks of carrying the Smith & Wesson Out The Front Assisted Opening Folding Knife as an EDC, my initial concerns were confirmed. The blade play worsened, and the assisted opening became unreliable. Sometimes it would deploy fully, other times it would stall halfway.
The black oxide coating on the blade showed signs of wear and scratches. The aluminum handle also exhibited minor dents and dings from everyday use. The glass breaker seemed durable but untested.
Cleaning and maintaining the knife became a chore. The OTF mechanism was difficult to disassemble and required specialized tools to properly clean. Regular lubrication helped temporarily, but the issue always returned.
My experience with this knife was a significant disappointment compared to my experiences with Smith & Wesson firearms. This knife felt cheap, unreliable, and ultimately unsafe for anything beyond light-duty tasks. It vastly underperformed compared to my other EDC knives, particularly those with fixed blades or traditional locking mechanisms.
Breaking Down the Features of Smith & Wesson Out The Front Assisted Opening Folding Knife
Specifications
The Smith & Wesson Out The Front Assisted Opening Folding Knife features an assisted opening mechanism. It measures 5.25 inches closed, making it suitable for pocket carry. The blade is 3.25 inches long and made of AUS-8 stainless steel with a black oxide coating.
The handle is constructed from black aluminum. The knife also includes a glass breaker, finger actuator, blade slider, and safety lock. These specifications suggest a tactical design intended for quick deployment and versatile use. The use of AUS-8 steel indicates a compromise between edge retention and ease of sharpening.
Performance & Functionality
The Smith & Wesson Out The Front Assisted Opening Folding Knife falls short in its primary function: reliable blade deployment and retention. The assisted opening is inconsistent. The blade wobbles and is prone to retracting under minimal pressure. The safety lock is also not confidence-inspiring.
The knife’s strengths are limited to its aesthetic appeal and relatively lightweight design. Its weaknesses include poor blade retention, unreliable action, and questionable durability. It does not meet expectations for a tactical knife intended for self-defense or demanding tasks.
Design & Ergonomics
The Smith & Wesson Out The Front Assisted Opening Folding Knife features a sleek, tactical design. The black aluminum handle provides a comfortable grip in dry conditions. The blade shape is aggressive, offering both cutting and piercing capabilities.
The design, however, is flawed by poor execution. The aluminum handle feels flimsy. The blade slider is stiff, and the overall build quality is subpar. The knife has a significant learning curve due to the OTF mechanism.
Durability & Maintenance
The Smith & Wesson Out The Front Assisted Opening Folding Knife is not designed for longevity. The materials used are not particularly durable. The OTF mechanism is prone to failure.
The knife requires frequent cleaning and lubrication to maintain even minimal functionality. Disassembly for thorough cleaning is difficult and requires specialized tools. Repairing the knife is likely not cost-effective.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Smith & Wesson Out The Front Assisted Opening Folding Knife comes with no accessories beyond the clam pack packaging. There are no readily available customization options for this knife. The blade and handle design limit aftermarket modifications.
The knife is not designed to be compatible with accessories from other brands. Users are limited to using the knife as is. This lack of customization limits its versatility.
Pros and Cons of Smith & Wesson Out The Front Assisted Opening Folding Knife
Pros
- Aesthetically appealing, with a sleek, tactical design.
- Relatively lightweight for an OTF knife, making it suitable for EDC.
- Assisted opening mechanism provides rapid blade deployment (when it works).
Cons
- Unreliable blade retention; the blade retracts under minimal pressure.
- Assisted opening mechanism is inconsistent and prone to failure.
- Poor build quality and durability; the aluminum handle feels flimsy.
Who Should Buy Smith & Wesson Out The Front Assisted Opening Folding Knife?
The Smith & Wesson Out The Front Assisted Opening Folding Knife is perfect for collectors who want a display piece. It is also suitable for individuals who need a letter opener with a tactical appearance.
Those who need a reliable self-defense tool or a durable EDC knife should skip this product. Users requiring a knife for demanding outdoor activities should also avoid this product. A must-have accessory, if one could call it that, would be a reliable fixed-blade knife to replace it.
Conclusion on Smith & Wesson Out The Front Assisted Opening Folding Knife
The Smith & Wesson Out The Front Assisted Opening Folding Knife promises tactical functionality but fails to deliver. Its unreliable blade retention, inconsistent action, and questionable durability make it unsuitable for serious use. The sleek design is overshadowed by its poor performance.
The price of $61.79 is not justified given the knife’s flaws. This knife represents a poor value proposition and is a disappointment considering the Smith & Wesson brand name.
I would not recommend this knife to anyone seeking a reliable tool for self-defense or outdoor activities. Save your money and invest in a higher-quality knife from a reputable brand. This knife is a classic case of style over substance, leaving much to be desired.