EDC Knife Review – Smith & Wesson SWMP7TS

Specs Sheet:

• blade length-3.125″
• closed length-4.5″
• open length-7.5″
• width-1.5″
• weight-3.92 oz *as per bladehq website -independent verification unavailable at this time*
• height (including belt clip)-0.8125″
• blade composition-4034 steel
• blade style-tanto, partial serrated
• open type-thumb stud
• lock type-button
• handle-aluminium, rubber grip
• other notes-n/a

S&W SWMP7TS

Best Use: main/backup EDC knife, urban EDC kit

Pros:

• solid construction
• light weight

Cons:

• stiff operation -unable to flick open
• weird smell -was this sprayed with perfume???

Summary: another cheap EDC knife with a tactical spin ($42.07 CAD on amazon.ca). its lightweight form allows for easy carrying, but its size is somewhat boxy and obtrusive in the pocket. the large tanto blade is very secure and locks down with no noticeable blade play (both side to side and forward and back), though this creates so much friction that a flick open is impossible. the blade can still be opened one handed, though requires constant and smooth force on the thumb stud -a spring assisted open type would have been greatly appreciated. although this knife has a very solid construction it still wouldn’t be my ideal knife in a survival scenario. the less than effortless opening makes it less practical in utility scenarios where you only have one hand available, but would still work none the less. the blade is still sharp and shows its factory edge, and despite noticeable wear on the handle seems to be new. I have no concerns that this knife will be able to take down boxes, packaging, various cordage, and some light wood whittling.

EDC Knife Review – Schrade SCH501S

Specs Sheet:

• blade length-3.12″
• closed length-4.625″
• open length-7.75″
• width-1.4375″
• weight-5.15 oz *as per bladehq-independent verification unavailable at this time*
• height (including belt clip)-0.75″
• blade composition-9Cr18MoV steel
• blade style-drop point, partial serrated
• open type-thumb stud, flipper
• lock type-liner
• handle-Stainless Steel & G10
• other notes-glass breaker tip, lanyard loop

Schrade SCH501S

Best Use: backup EDC/car knife, small urban EDC kit

Pros:

• solid construction
• glass breaker =)

Cons:

• heavy & bulky

Summary: this cheap Schrade EDC knife ($28.47 on amazon.ca) seems like a really study EDC. its hearty construction leads to the idea that this knife can take some abuse and may hold up under light survival and camping activities (ie whittling and not breaking down firewood). the integrated glass breaker and lanyard loop are welcome additions, but the weight and size of the knife really hold it back from being a perfect contender. clipping it to jeans adds a noticeable bulge to both the back and front pockets (if it doesn’t for you, congratulations! you’re wearing dad jeans) and puts a very noticeable sag into my running shorts. the blade itself is a very sturdy drop point, half serrated edge that could use with a bit of sharpening. on the hair shaving test it couldn’t take out the thickest hairs on my leg leading me to believe that this knife may have issues holding an edge. still the blade flicks open and easily everytime and I have no concerns with its ability to take down cardboard boxes, cut twine, string and other cordage.

EDC Knife Review – Gerber EVO Mid – Tanto

Specs Sheet:

• blade length-3.12″
• closed length-4.625″
• open length-8″
• width-1.125″
• weight-2.40 oz *as per Gerber website -independent verification unavailable at this time*
• height (including belt clip)-0.625″
• blade composition-7Cr17MoV steel
• blade style-tanto, partial serrated
• open type-thumb stud, flipper
• lock type-liner
• handle-aluminium
• other notes-n/a

Gerber EVO Mid – Tanto

leaf spring jamming blade in open position

Best Use: urban EDC/pocket knife, backup EDC knife

Pros:

• light weight
• small form factor

Cons:

• horizontal blade play *I will try tightening the pin once I can get my hands on a T8 torx bit
• liner lock jamming issue

Summary: this is a cheap little EDC knife ($38.98 CAD on amazon.ca) whose light weight and small dimensions lead to a very unobtrusive profile in a front or back pocket, making it an ideal pocket knife for the urban yuppie types. carrying this around in the pocket I barely know it is there, even in the back pocket of my running shorts! the blade lock jamming issue is caused when flicking the knife open with moderate or excessive force, causing the lock to jam the blade in the open position and requires both hands to close. the blade itself seems to still be rather sharp despite some obvious use and a ding from making contact with one of the screws. given the light construction of this knife it would not make a dependable survival knife, but as an EDC pocket knife used for breaking down cardboard boxes, opening mail, and other menial scenarios its tough to beat the portability of this knife.

16-Sep-2016 UPDATE: the horizontal blade play is getting worse! the pivot point is so loose that the leaf spring is now pushing the blade into the handle upon close. there is a little nick in the aluminium and in the blade where the 2 parts make contact. I’ve tried unscrewing the torx nuts, but they seem to have used the strongest possible lock tight as I actually bent my torx bit. I’ll be attempting a few more fixes before I send this back to Gerber for a full fix; I’d really rather not pay an additional $8.36 to get this fixed if I don’t have to. I’ve included a copy of Gerber’s warranty info and the Canada Post costs to ship to Portland below.

Gerber Warranty Information

Expected Shipping Costs to Gerber