Smith & Wesson Knife Review: The Ultimate Guide to Tactical & EDC Blades
When you hear the name Smith & Wesson, your mind likely jumps immediately to firearms. For over a century, they have been the titan of the revolver world. But for those of us who live the Everyday Carry (EDC) lifestyle or work in first response, the “S&W” logo has another meaning: Reliable, budget-friendly tactical knives.
But let’s address the elephant in the room immediately. Are these knives on the same level as a $300 custom blade? No. But are they the best bang-for-your-buck tool you can throw in a glovebox, a tactical vest, or a boot? Absolutely.
In this extensive Smith & Wesson knife review, we are going to break down the materials, the build quality, and the top models you can buy today. We will compare them against competitors like M-Tech tactical knives and see if it’s worth stepping up to premium brands like Kershaw.
Quick Comparison: Top 4 Smith & Wesson Knives
Before we dive into the deep reviews, here is a quick snapshot of the models we tested for this guide.
| Image | Model Name | Blade Style | Steel | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
S&W Extreme Ops SWA24S | Serrated Drop Point | 7Cr17MoV | EDC / General Utility |
 |
S&W Border Guard | Tanto | 7Cr17MoV | Rescue / First Responders |
 |
S&W Benji | Tanto Compact | 8Cr13MoV | Minimalist Carry |
 |
S&W M&P Special Ops | Assisted Spear Point | AUS-8 | Tactical / Police |
The Deep Dive: Detailed Reviews
1. Smith & Wesson Border Guard (SWBG2TS)
If you are a first responder, EMT, or just someone who wants a knife that feels like a tank, the Border Guard is the industry standard. This is not a small, polite gentleman’s folder. This is a massive tool designed to save lives.
The Features: The handle is constructed from heavy-duty aluminum with Trac-Tec inserts (think grip tape) that ensure the knife never slips, even if your hands are covered in oil, water, or blood. The integrated glass breaker and strap cutter are essential for vehicle extraction scenarios.
The Video Proof: Want to see this beast in action? Check out this detailed breakdown of the Border Guard’s capabilities:
- Extremely rugged build quality.
- Integrated seatbelt cutter actually works (unlike cheap knockoffs).
- Glass breaker is tungsten carbide.
- Intimidating aesthetic.
- Very heavy (not great for gym shorts).
- 7Cr17MoV steel needs frequent sharpening.
2. Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops (SWA24S)
The Extreme Ops series is likely one of the best-selling knives on Amazon, and for good reason. It sits in that “impulse buy” price range, yet it delivers performance that rivals knives double its cost. This is the definition of a “beater knife.”
Unlike the Border Guard, the Extreme Ops is slim and lightweight. It disappears in the pocket. The blade features aggressive serrations near the handle, making it excellent for cutting through fibrous materials like rope or cardboard.
In terms of market positioning, this knife competes directly with brands found in the Blue Ridge Knives catalog. It’s mass-produced, efficient, and widely available.
- Incredibly affordable.
- Lightweight aluminum handle.
- Serrations are sharp out of the box.
- Liner lock is thin.
- Finish on the blade scratches easily.
Steel Analysis: What is 7Cr17MoV?
To write an honest Smith & Wesson knife review, we have to talk about metallurgy. Most S&W knives use 7Cr17MoV high carbon stainless steel.
In the knife community, this is considered a “budget steel.” It is essentially a modified version of 440A with added Vanadium for toughness. Here is the reality of what that means for you:
- Corrosion Resistance: Excellent. These knives rarely rust, even if you leave them in a damp tackle box.
- Sharpening: Very easy. You can bring these back to a razor edge with a simple pull-through sharpener.
- Edge Retention: Low. If you cut cardboard all day, you will need to sharpen it at night.
If you are looking for a knife that holds an edge for months, you need to look at premium options like the Kershaw Blur in S30V steel. S30V is a “super steel” that outperforms the 7Cr17MoV found in S&W knives by a wide margin, but it also costs significantly more. It’s a trade-off between price and performance.
The “Tactical” Aesthetic: Function or Fashion?
Smith & Wesson knives are unapologetically “tactical.” They feature black oxide coatings, aggressive jimping, and often Tanto blade shapes. For law enforcement and military personnel, these aren’t just fashion statements—they are functional requirements. The black coating reduces glare, and the Tanto tip provides immense strength for piercing tasks.
However, for the average office worker, this might be overkill. If you want something more “fantasy” styled, you might look at M-Tech’s lineup, but S&W keeps their designs grounded in reality. They look like tools meant to be used, not just displayed.
Who Manufactures Smith & Wesson Knives?
Smith & Wesson does not forge these blades in the same factory as their revolvers. For years, the manufacturing was handled by Taylor Brands, and subsequently BTI Tools. This licensing agreement allows S&W to focus on firearms while experts in cutlery handle the knives.
This is a common practice in the industry. The benefit to you is that the quality control is managed by cutlery specialists who understand heat treatment and lock geometry, ensuring that despite the low price, the knife won’t close on your fingers.
Buying Guide: Choosing Your S&W Blade
With hundreds of models, how do you pick? Here is a simple guide:
1. The Lock Mechanism
Most S&W knives are Liner Locks. This keeps them slim and light. Some of the “Assist” models (labeled M.A.G.I.C. assist) use a spring to help deploy the blade. If you live in an area with strict knife laws, check if assisted opening is legal before buying.
2. The Blade Shape
Drop Point: Best for general utility (Extreme Ops).
Tanto: Best for piercing and tactical use (Border Guard).
Serrated vs. Plain: Get serrations if you cut a lot of rope or seatbelts. Get a plain edge for clean slices on boxes or food.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are Smith & Wesson knives made in the USA?
While the company is an American icon, most of their budget-friendly knives (like the Extreme Ops and Border Guard series) are manufactured in China or Taiwan to keep costs accessible. Some limited premium runs have been made in the USA, but they are rare.
Is Smith & Wesson a good knife brand?
Yes, for the price point. If you are looking for a reliable work knife under $30 or $40, they are market leaders. They are durable, easy to sharpen, and backed by a reputable company name.
What is the best Smith & Wesson knife for self-defense?
The Border Guard or the M&P Special Ops series are often cited for self-defense due to their substantial grip, quick deployment, and aggressive blade geometries.
How do I sharpen a Smith & Wesson serrated knife?
You cannot use a standard flat stone on serrations. You need a tapered diamond rod or a ceramic rod (like a Sharpmaker) to get inside the grooves of the serrations. The plain edge portion can be sharpened normally.
Are S&W knives spring assisted?
Many of them are. Look for models labeled “MAGIC Assist” or “Spring Assist.” These use a spring to deploy the blade once you manually start the motion. They are not switchblades, but they open very quickly.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, our Smith & Wesson knife review finds that these tools occupy a vital space in the market. They are the working man’s tactical knife. They aren’t trying to impress the collectors at a knife show; they are trying to get the job done in the back of an ambulance, on a construction site, or on a camping trip.
If you have the budget and want premium materials, look toward Kershaw or Spyderco. But if you have $25 and want a tool that won’t let you down, Smith & Wesson is the way to go.
