Let’s Talk About Smith & Wesson S&w Stonewash Drop Point 3.6″ Blade W/ S&w Logo In G10 Hndl
The Smith & Wesson S&w Stonewash Drop Point 3.6″ Blade W/ S&w Logo In G10 Hndl is a folding knife designed for everyday carry (EDC) and tactical applications. Manufactured by Smith & Wesson, this knife boasts a durable 8Cr13MoV steel blade, G10 handle, and a stonewash finish, combining functionality with a rugged aesthetic that appeals to a broad range of users. Its ambidextrous thumb studs, frame lock, and pocket clip further enhance its versatility and practicality.
I’ve been carrying a knife daily for over a decade, from my time in the military to my outdoor adventures. I was looking for a reliable, mid-sized folder that wouldn’t break the bank but could still handle the rigors of daily use, and potentially a self-defense situation.
My first impression upon unboxing the Smith & Wesson S&w Stonewash Drop Point 3.6″ Blade W/ S&w Logo In G10 Hndl was that it felt solid and well-built for its price point. The stonewash finish on the blade gave it a worn-in, ready-for-action look, and the G10 handle provided a secure grip.
Compared to my usual EDC, a Benchmade Griptilian and a Spyderco Paramilitary 2, the Smith & Wesson felt slightly less refined, but also noticeably more robust. I chose it over other budget options like the Kershaw Blur because of its full G10 handle and the perceived durability offered by the frame lock mechanism. It was a good balance of cost and functionality that I felt confident would meet my needs.
Initially, I was excited about the potential of this knife as a reliable and affordable EDC option. I was hoping it would live up to the Smith & Wesson name and provide a solid cutting tool for everyday tasks and emergencies.
Real-World Testing: Putting Smith & Wesson S&w Stonewash Drop Point 3.6″ Blade W/ S&w Logo In G10 Hndl to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing grounds for the Smith & Wesson S&w Stonewash Drop Point 3.6″ Blade W/ S&w Logo In G10 Hndl was a weekend camping trip in the Ozark Mountains. I used it for various tasks around the campsite, including food preparation, cutting rope, and even some light wood processing for kindling.
The knife performed adequately in dry conditions, maintaining a decent edge through the basic tasks. However, when the rain started, the G10 handle became slightly slick, requiring a firmer grip to maintain control while slicing.
The deployment was smooth thanks to the dual thumb studs, but the frame lock was a bit stiff at first. After cutting some paracord, I did notice the blade lost some of its initial sharpness fairly quickly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular carry and use, the Smith & Wesson S&w Stonewash Drop Point 3.6″ Blade W/ S&w Logo In G10 Hndl has held up reasonably well. There are some minor scratches on the blade’s stonewash finish and a small amount of play in the blade when fully locked open, but nothing that significantly impacts functionality.
The edge retention, however, is still a concern. I’ve found myself needing to sharpen it more frequently than my knives with higher-end steel.
Cleaning is straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the pivot point keeps it functioning smoothly. Compared to my Benchmade, which uses a more premium steel and requires less frequent sharpening, the Smith & Wesson is a decent, but not exceptional performer.
Breaking Down the Features of Smith & Wesson S&w Stonewash Drop Point 3.6″ Blade W/ S&w Logo In G10 Hndl
Specifications
- Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV stainless steel. This steel offers a good balance of hardness, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening, making it a decent choice for an EDC knife in this price range.
- Blade Length: 3.6 inches. This length provides ample cutting surface for a variety of tasks without being overly cumbersome for daily carry.
- Handle Material: G-10 composite. G-10 is a durable and lightweight material that provides a solid grip, even in wet conditions.
- Open Length: 8.3 inches. A comfortable open length for a full grip and effective use.
- Closed Length: 4.6 inches. Compact enough to easily fit in a pocket or on a belt.
- Weight: 5.9 ounces. This weight is substantial enough to feel solid in hand but not so heavy as to be a burden for EDC.
- Other Features: Dual thumb studs for ambidextrous opening, a frame lock for secure blade lockup, an index flipper for fast deployment, a pocket clip for convenient carry, and a stonewashed blade finish for a rugged look. The Smith & Wesson logo is prominently displayed on the handle.
These specifications combine to create a knife that is reasonably durable, functional, and convenient to carry. The blade steel is easy to sharpen, the handle provides a secure grip, and the various features add to its overall usability.
Performance & Functionality
The Smith & Wesson S&w Stonewash Drop Point 3.6″ Blade W/ S&w Logo In G10 Hndl performs adequately for most EDC tasks. It’s suitable for opening boxes, cutting rope, preparing food, and other common cutting chores.
While the edge retention isn’t stellar, the blade is relatively easy to sharpen with basic sharpening tools. The frame lock provides a secure lockup, but can be stiff when new.
Overall, it meets expectations for a budget-friendly EDC knife. Its performance is reliable but not exceptional, making it a good value for the price.
Design & Ergonomics
The knife features a robust build with a full tang construction that extends into the G10 scales. The weight feels balanced in hand, and the G10 provides a comfortable and secure grip.
The index finger flipper is a nice touch that allows for rapid deployment, while the dual thumb studs offer an alternative opening method. The pocket clip is well-positioned for deep carry, making it discreet and convenient. There is a slight learning curve to the frame lock, but after a few days of use, it became more intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the materials and construction, the Smith & Wesson S&w Stonewash Drop Point 3.6″ Blade W/ S&w Logo In G10 Hndl should last several years with proper care. The 8Cr13MoV steel is reasonably corrosion resistant, but it’s still important to keep the blade clean and dry.
Maintenance is straightforward: regular cleaning, occasional sharpening, and lubricating the pivot point are all that’s needed to keep it in good working order. Replacing the G10 handle scales would be difficult, but the blade itself could be replaced with some effort.
Accessories and Customization Options
The knife comes with a standard pocket clip and a box. While there aren’t many official Smith & Wesson accessories for this specific model, the standard size and construction make it compatible with many aftermarket pocket clips.
The pivot screw and handle screws can likely be replaced with standard sizes from other brands, but significant modifications may require custom work. The design of the knife is relatively simple, making it potentially compatible with custom scales or other modifications, but that would void any warranty.
Pros and Cons of Smith & Wesson S&w Stonewash Drop Point 3.6″ Blade W/ S&w Logo In G10 Hndl
Pros
- Affordable Price: Offers great value for a budget-friendly EDC knife.
- Durable Construction: Solid build with G10 handles and a secure frame lock.
- Ambidextrous Design: Dual thumb studs for easy opening by left- or right-handed users.
- Good Grip: G10 handle provides a secure and comfortable grip, even in wet conditions.
- Convenient Carry: Pocket clip allows for discreet and easy carry.
Cons
- Edge Retention: 8Cr13MoV steel requires more frequent sharpening compared to premium steels.
- Stiff Frame Lock: The frame lock can be difficult to disengage initially.
Who Should Buy Smith & Wesson S&w Stonewash Drop Point 3.6″ Blade W/ S&w Logo In G10 Hndl?
The Smith & Wesson S&w Stonewash Drop Point 3.6″ Blade W/ S&w Logo In G10 Hndl is perfect for those looking for an affordable and reliable EDC knife. It’s a great option for campers, hikers, and everyday users who need a solid cutting tool without breaking the bank. It would also serve well as a backup knife or a first knife for someone just getting into the world of EDC.
Those who prioritize premium steel and exceptional edge retention should skip this product. Users who require a knife for heavy-duty tasks or demanding environments may also want to consider a more robust option.
A must-have accessory would be a quality sharpening stone or system to maintain the blade’s edge. A small bottle of lubricant for the pivot point is also recommended for smooth operation.
Conclusion on Smith & Wesson S&w Stonewash Drop Point 3.6″ Blade W/ S&w Logo In G10 Hndl
The Smith & Wesson S&w Stonewash Drop Point 3.6″ Blade W/ S&w Logo In G10 Hndl offers a solid value proposition for its price. It’s a dependable and functional EDC knife with a durable construction and a comfortable grip.
The price is certainly justified for the features and build quality you receive. While it may not compete with high-end knives in terms of edge retention and refinement, it’s a great option for budget-conscious users.
I would recommend this knife to anyone looking for an affordable and reliable EDC tool. It’s a great starting point for newcomers and a practical option for experienced users who need a dependable backup. Pick one up today and experience the practicality and value for yourself!