Let’s Dive into Smith & Wesson Taylor – Extr Ops
The Smith & Wesson Taylor – Extr Ops folding knife is a budget-friendly option marketed towards outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a readily available cutting tool. It promises versatility for tasks ranging from fishing to emergency situations. This review aims to dissect its performance, durability, and overall value proposition, based on my decade-plus experience handling tactical and outdoor gear.
I’ve been searching for a reliable, inexpensive folding knife to keep in my truck’s glove compartment as a backup to my primary EDC (Everyday Carry) knife. I needed something that could handle basic cutting tasks without breaking the bank, in case of loss or damage. The Smith & Wesson Taylor – Extr Ops caught my eye due to its advertised durability and recognizable brand name.
Upon receiving the Smith & Wesson Taylor – Extr Ops, my initial impression was a mix of expectation and slight apprehension. The black and blue aluminum handle looked visually appealing, but the lightweight nature felt a bit less substantial than some of my higher-end knives. The blade came reasonably sharp out of the box.
Compared to similar budget knives like the Kershaw Shuffle or the CRKT Drifter, the Smith & Wesson Taylor – Extr Ops appeared to offer a slightly larger blade and a potentially more robust locking mechanism. Ultimately, the Smith & Wesson name and the positive online reviews swayed my decision. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping it would live up to its promise of reliable performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Smith & Wesson Taylor – Extr Ops to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real test of the Smith & Wesson Taylor – Extr Ops was on a weekend camping trip in the nearby national forest. I used it primarily for food preparation, such as cutting rope, and creating kindling for the campfire. The partially serrated blade proved helpful for sawing through small branches.
The conditions were moderately humid, and the aluminum handle provided a decent grip, even with slightly damp hands. The liner lock engaged securely, instilling confidence during use. However, I noticed that the action felt a bit stiff and required some effort to open and close smoothly.
After the first day, I also observed some minor scratches on the black blade coating from normal use. It was not a deal breaker, but noticeable nonetheless.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Smith & Wesson Taylor – Extr Ops for various tasks, including opening boxes, cutting zip ties, and even some light yard work, it’s become clear that it’s a decent, but not exceptional, tool. It holds up reasonably well, but shows signs of wear and tear more quickly than my higher-quality knives. The blade requires more frequent sharpening to maintain its edge.
The black coating has continued to wear in high-friction areas. While this doesn’t affect the knife’s functionality, it detracts from its aesthetic appeal. Cleaning is straightforward. I generally wipe the blade with a dry cloth after use and occasionally apply a drop of oil to the pivot point to keep the action smooth.
Compared to my Benchmade Griptilian, which I’ve carried for years, the Smith & Wesson Taylor – Extr Ops simply doesn’t measure up in terms of edge retention, overall durability, or smooth operation. However, considering the price difference, this is not entirely unexpected.
Breaking Down the Features of Smith & Wesson Taylor – Extr Ops
Specifications
The Smith & Wesson Taylor – Extr Ops features a 3.1-inch blade crafted from 7Cr17MoV stainless steel. This steel is known for its decent corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening, but it doesn’t hold an edge as well as higher-end steels. It has a black oxide finish for corrosion resistance and a tactical appearance.
The handle is made from black and blue anodized aluminum, contributing to its lightweight design, with the knife weighing in at just 2.8 ounces. The overall length when open is 7.3 inches, and the closed length is 4.1 inches. It includes a liner lock mechanism for secure blade engagement and a pocket clip for convenient carry. The blade shape is a drop point, making it suitable for various cutting tasks.
These specifications place the Smith & Wesson Taylor – Extr Ops firmly in the budget-friendly category. The choice of materials reflects a focus on affordability and accessibility, rather than premium performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Smith & Wesson Taylor – Extr Ops performs adequately for basic cutting tasks. The drop point blade shape is versatile and suitable for slicing, piercing, and general utility work. The partially serrated edge enhances its ability to cut through tougher materials like rope or seatbelts.
However, the 7Cr17MoV steel requires frequent sharpening to maintain a decent edge. The action can feel a bit stiff, especially when new, requiring some break-in time. The liner lock, while functional, is not as smooth or confidence-inspiring as the locking mechanisms found on higher-end knives.
While the Smith & Wesson Taylor – Extr Ops meets basic expectations for a budget folding knife, it doesn’t exceed them. It’s a usable tool, but it’s not a high-performance option.
Design & Ergonomics
The Smith & Wesson Taylor – Extr Ops sports a visually appealing design with its black blade and black/blue handle. The aluminum handle is lightweight, which is good for pocket carry, but it can feel a bit flimsy in hand. The ergonomics are decent, although the handle lacks significant contouring or texturing for enhanced grip.
The pocket clip is functional, but its placement could be improved. It sits a bit high on the handle, leaving a portion of the knife exposed when clipped to a pocket. The liner lock is easily accessible for right-handed users, but may be less convenient for left-handed individuals.
The overall design is aesthetically pleasing, but the ergonomics and build quality could be improved.
Durability & Maintenance
The Smith & Wesson Taylor – Extr Ops is reasonably durable for its price point, but it’s not a knife that’s built to withstand heavy abuse. The 7Cr17MoV steel is prone to chipping and requires regular sharpening. The black coating on the blade wears off relatively quickly.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the pivot point are essential for maintaining smooth operation. The knife is easy to disassemble for thorough cleaning and sharpening.
With proper care, the Smith & Wesson Taylor – Extr Ops should last for a reasonable amount of time, but it’s not a knife that will withstand years of hard use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Smith & Wesson Taylor – Extr Ops comes with a pocket clip as its only included accessory. There are limited customization options available for this knife.
Due to its budget-friendly nature, there is minimal aftermarket support for accessories like custom scales or blades. It’s compatible with standard knife sharpening tools.
The lack of accessories and customization options reflects its budget-oriented design.
Pros and Cons of Smith & Wesson Taylor – Extr Ops
Pros
- Budget-friendly price point makes it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Lightweight aluminum handle makes it comfortable for everyday carry.
- Drop point blade shape is versatile and suitable for various tasks.
- Partially serrated blade enhances cutting performance on tough materials.
- Recognizable brand name provides some level of assurance.
Cons
- 7Cr17MoV steel requires frequent sharpening and is prone to chipping.
- Black blade coating wears off relatively quickly.
- Action can feel stiff and requires break-in time.
- Aluminum handle can feel flimsy.
Who Should Buy Smith & Wesson Taylor – Extr Ops?
The Smith & Wesson Taylor – Extr Ops is perfect for casual campers, occasional hikers, or anyone needing an inexpensive backup knife. It’s also suitable for those new to knives and want a functional tool without a significant investment.
This product should be skipped by experienced outdoorsmen, survivalists, or anyone requiring a highly durable and reliable knife for demanding tasks. These users should invest in a higher-quality option with better steel and construction.
A must-have accessory is a quality knife sharpener to maintain the blade’s edge.
Conclusion on Smith & Wesson Taylor – Extr Ops
The Smith & Wesson Taylor – Extr Ops is a decent budget folding knife that offers reasonable performance for its price. It’s not a high-end option, but it’s a functional tool that can handle basic cutting tasks.
The value proposition is justified for those seeking an affordable and readily available knife for occasional use. However, those requiring a durable and reliable knife for demanding tasks should consider investing in a higher-quality option.
Personally, I would recommend the Smith & Wesson Taylor – Extr Ops as a backup knife or for beginners, understanding its limitations. If you need a dependable everyday carry knife, spending more on a higher-quality model will pay off in the long run. Ultimately, the Smith & Wesson Taylor – Extr Ops is a practical choice if you need a blade without breaking the bank.