[SC Tiger]

I was wondering what the board's opinion was on Smith and Wesson knives for defense. I have a S&W S.W.A.T. that I carry some (probably not legal but anyway) that I really like but I don't know much about what is considered a good defensive knife. This one has a long enough handle I can use it as a striking weapon (open or closed) plus the blade is thick enough it shouldn't break. It's a manual opener but with no spring I can open it with a flick of the wrist.

 

[SC Tiger]

My S&W is the natural stainless one. It has the second-generation handles (I think they are cast rather than machined, or they got the "melt" treatment) and this is actually better because there are fewer sharp corners on the bottom to poke you. The blade is ridgid once it is open. Edge retention is pretty good but to be honest I use my folding boxcutter more than anything else simply because I can change the blades if they get damaged.

I also sometimes carry a Kershaw Scallion sometimes but it is too short IMO. I have a Kershaw Blur but the only problem with it is the sandpaper-like grip surface eats up the pocket to my pants. My family likes to give knives as presents.

Of course, if things really get out of hand there's always the Kukri!