Smith & Wesson Special Tactical Rubber Coated Folding Knife Review

Let’s Dive into Smith & Wesson Special Tactical Rubber Coated Folding Knife

The Smith & Wesson Special Tactical Rubber Coated Folding Knife is an affordable entry into the world of tactical blades, offering a blend of practicality and straightforward design from the reputable Smith & Wesson. This folding knife boasts a partially serrated tanto blade crafted from 7Cr17MoV stainless steel, paired with a black rubber-coated synthetic handle, and aims to provide a reliable cutting tool for everyday carry or emergency situations. Its compact size and pocket clip make it a convenient option for anyone seeking a no-nonsense, budget-friendly knife.

What drew me to this knife was the need for a reliable backup blade for my hiking pack. My primary knife is a larger fixed blade, but I wanted something smaller and more discreet for finer tasks or unexpected situations. Upon unboxing, the Smith & Wesson Special Tactical Rubber Coated Folding Knife felt surprisingly sturdy for its price point, the rubberized handle providing a decent grip and the blade deploying smoothly.

Compared to other budget tactical folders I’ve handled, such as the CRKT Drifter or the Kershaw Cryo, the Smith & Wesson feels slightly less refined in its overall construction, but potentially more robust in terms of pure utility. I chose this particular model because of the Smith & Wesson name, the tanto blade shape, and the promise of a secure grip from the rubber coating, hoping it would offer a solid balance of functionality and value. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; it seemed like a decent tool, but I was eager to see how it would perform under real-world conditions.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Smith & Wesson Special Tactical Rubber Coated Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Smith & Wesson Special Tactical Rubber Coated Folding Knife during a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The knife saw use in preparing kindling, cutting rope for the tent, and opening food packages. The partially serrated blade proved useful for quickly sawing through thicker materials, while the smooth section was adequate for finer cutting tasks.

During a light rain shower, the rubberized handle maintained a secure grip, which was a definite plus. Deploying the blade with the thumb stud took a bit of practice initially, but after a few tries, it became relatively smooth and reliable. I did notice a slight wobble in the blade when fully extended, which raised some concerns about long-term durability.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of intermittent use, the Smith & Wesson Special Tactical Rubber Coated Folding Knife has held up reasonably well, though not without showing some signs of wear. The black coating on the blade has started to scratch and fade in certain areas, particularly near the tip and the serrated portion. The blade wobble I noticed initially has remained consistent, but hasn’t worsened noticeably.

Maintenance is relatively straightforward; I typically wipe down the blade after each use and apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust. Cleaning the handle is easy due to the rubberized texture, which doesn’t easily trap dirt. Compared to my higher-end knives, the Smith & Wesson requires more frequent sharpening, but that’s to be expected given the steel used. Overall, it performs as a basic, reliable tool for light to medium-duty tasks, although I wouldn’t rely on it for heavy or demanding situations.

Breaking Down the Features of Smith & Wesson Special Tactical Rubber Coated Folding Knife

Specifications

• The Smith & Wesson Special Tactical Rubber Coated Folding Knife features a 3.5-inch black finish partially serrated 7Cr17MoV stainless tanto blade. This blade steel is known for its decent corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening, although it may not hold an edge as well as higher-end steels.
• It has a closed length of 4.75 inches and an overall length of 8.1 inches. This compact size makes it convenient for everyday carry without being overly bulky.
• The handle is made of black checkered synthetic material with a rubber coating. This provides a reasonably secure grip, even in wet conditions, but the synthetic material may not be as durable as G10 or Micarta.
• Other features include a thumb stud for ambidextrous opening, an extended tang for added safety, a pocket clip for convenient carry, and a lanyard hole for attaching a cord or keychain. These features enhance the knife’s usability and versatility.
• It weighs approximately 3.5 ounces, making it lightweight enough for comfortable carry without feeling flimsy. The Liner Lock mechanism provides a relatively secure blade lockup, though it is not as robust as some other locking mechanisms like Axis Lock or Frame Lock.

Performance & Functionality

The Smith & Wesson Special Tactical Rubber Coated Folding Knife performs adequately for most general cutting tasks. The partially serrated blade enhances its ability to cut through fibrous materials like rope or webbing. However, the edge retention of the 7Cr17MoV steel is not exceptional, requiring more frequent sharpening with heavy use.

The tanto blade shape is effective for piercing and stabbing, but it may not be the most versatile for slicing or carving. The handle’s rubber coating provides a decent grip, but it can feel a little slippery when wet. Overall, the knife meets expectations as a basic, budget-friendly tactical folder suitable for light to medium-duty tasks, but it’s not a high-performance tool.

Design & Ergonomics

The Smith & Wesson Special Tactical Rubber Coated Folding Knife has a utilitarian design with a focus on practicality over aesthetics. The black finish and tanto blade give it a tactical look. The handle’s rubber coating enhances grip, but the checkered pattern could be more aggressive for improved traction.

The thumb stud allows for easy one-handed opening, but the action can be a bit stiff initially. The pocket clip is functional and secure, allowing for comfortable carry in a pocket or on a belt. There is a slight learning curve to getting used to the blade deployment, but overall the knife is fairly user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

The Smith & Wesson Special Tactical Rubber Coated Folding Knife, while decent for its price, is unlikely to last as long as higher-end knives with premium materials. The 7Cr17MoV steel is prone to corrosion if not properly maintained, and the black coating is susceptible to scratching and wear. Regular cleaning and oiling are necessary to prevent rust and maintain smooth operation.

The Liner Lock mechanism may loosen over time with heavy use, requiring occasional adjustment. The rubber handle is relatively durable, but it could tear or crack with extreme force or prolonged exposure to harsh conditions. The knife is reasonably easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance, but replacement parts may be difficult to find.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Smith & Wesson Special Tactical Rubber Coated Folding Knife comes with a basic pocket clip pre-installed. There are limited customization options available directly from Smith & Wesson. However, due to its fairly standard construction, some aftermarket accessories may be compatible.

Replacement pocket clips from other brands may fit, and paracord can be easily added through the lanyard hole for a more secure grip. Aftermarket sheaths can be purchased for alternative carry options. Upgrading the blade steel or handle material is not feasible without significant modifications, making extensive customization impractical.

Pros and Cons of Smith & Wesson Special Tactical Rubber Coated Folding Knife

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Who Should Buy Smith & Wesson Special Tactical Rubber Coated Folding Knife?

The Smith & Wesson Special Tactical Rubber Coated Folding Knife is perfect for campers, hikers, or anyone needing a reliable backup blade for general utility tasks. It is also well-suited for those who want an inexpensive entry into the world of tactical folding knives. It’s a good choice for casual users who aren’t overly demanding on their equipment.

This product should be skipped by those who require a high-performance knife with superior edge retention, exceptional durability, or advanced features. Professionals who rely on their knives for demanding tasks should invest in a higher-quality blade with premium materials and a more robust locking mechanism. A must-have accessory would be a sharpening stone to maintain the blade’s edge, and potentially some paracord for a more secure grip.

Conclusion on Smith & Wesson Special Tactical Rubber Coated Folding Knife

The Smith & Wesson Special Tactical Rubber Coated Folding Knife is a decent, budget-friendly option for those seeking a basic and reliable folding knife. While it may not offer the same level of performance or durability as higher-end models, it provides adequate functionality for everyday carry and light to medium-duty tasks. The price is justified for what you get.

I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable backup blade or a starter knife for general utility purposes. However, it’s important to be realistic about its limitations and to understand that it’s not designed for heavy or demanding use. If you’re looking for a no-frills, budget-friendly tactical folder, the Smith & Wesson Special Tactical Rubber Coated Folding Knife is worth considering. Grab yours today and be prepared for whatever comes your way!