Knife Review — Smith & Wesson Special Ops Fixed Blade Knife, SW7

Always a serious contender in the fixed blade market, Smith & Wesson has done it again with their SW7.  This Special Ops series knife features a 5.2″ 9Cr17 stainless steel tanto blade.  The full tang blade features a Zytel covered handle and a serious skull crusher at the butt of the handle.

The Tanto blade has many competing claims as to its origin.  Some claim it comes from the ancient Samurai who, after breaking the tips off their swords in practice and training would sharpen the blade again for use as a knife, with a tanto shaped blade.  Others claim it originated as a tool the Samurai would use to cut themselves out of their armor in case of emergency.  Sort of similar to a modern-day egress tool.  Like most history that lies shrouded in the fog of time, I’m certain that the truth lies in some combination of the many competing stories.  Everyone seems to agree that the tanto blade was used by the Samurai as a close fighting knife and as a defensive short sword.  One group even claims the Samurai would carry a tanto blade from birth to death as an everyday tool as well as an easy to access defensive weapon.  Whatever the truth is, the real benefit of a tanto style blade is the serious penetrating power the blade shape offers. The straight edge of the tanto blade gives you all the normal cutting and slicing power of other blades with the extra advantage of a serious piercing weapon with minimal chance of blade breakage.

The Smith & Wesson SW7 gives you all the advantages of the ancient Samurai tool in a reasonably priced, well-built package.  The blade has a dark grey/black finish.  Handle butt has oversized lanyard hole.  Knife comes with a multi position black plastic sheath.  If you are looking for one of these excellent Smith & Wesson knives you can find them here on our site.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Overall Length: 10.6″
• Blade Length: 5.2″
• Blade Material: 9Cr17 High Carbon Stainless Steel
• Blade Detail: Tanto Plain Edge, Black Coat
• Handle Material: Black Zytel
• Weight: 8.5 Ounces
• Includes Sheath