Smith & Wesson Black Ops 4B Assist Knife
The next installment in the Black Ops series from Smith & Wesson is finally available and it was definitely worth the wait. A high quality assist knife that fits any budget, the SWBLOP4B gives you a lightning fast open as well as a comfortable grip which combine to make a knife that is delightful to hold and use. Youll like it so much you may not ever want to put it down.
BLADE
The stainless steel modified drop point/clip point blade has a moderate belly recurve which makes it perfect for pull cuts and slicing while not giving up your ability to get thrust cuts as well as chop cuts done when the need arises. It uses the MAGIC assist mechanism which gets the blade out in a hurry. My favorite way to open this blade is with the small spine leverpull it down and the blade spring takes over and snaps the blade out with serious authority. You can also do the job with ambidextrous thumb studs. The blade has a nice thumb ramp where my thumb sits comfortably. This perch allows my thumb to direct the action when making precise cuts and it also gives me a backstop when making heavy thrust cuts. The blade has a black finish and standard (non serrated) edge.
HANDLE
The black aluminum handle is nearly 4 ½ long. CNC machined, it has tiger stripe style grooves across the face and back of the handle scales. It also has a random orange peel style texture that gives additional grip security. Seriously aggressive jimping sits in several locations on the spine and inside edge of the handle scales. The scales are supported by stainless steel liners. One of the liners doubles as a liner lock for the blade. A right/left reversibly tip up pocket clip is set so the knife is nearly a deep carry. This handle gives you maximum grip, some serious good looks, as well as durability. It also has a slight bend which gives you a natural forward grip on the knife making it perfect for heavy thrust cuts as well as reducing fatigue when using the knife for long periods of time.
OVERALL IMPRESSION
This knife weighs just under 5 ounces and is the perfect heavy duty, daily carry knife. If you are extremely hard on knives, this is the kind of knife for you. It is extremely well built out of materials that are going to handle some serious abuse