Smith & Wesson Border Guard 10in High Carbon S.S. Folding Knife with 4.4in Tanto Blade and Aluminum Handle for Tactical, Survival and EDC

Probably the coolest pocket knife ive ever bought, bigger and stronger and heavier than expected, only thing you may think less of is it says made in China, but the brand is well known and reputable i think, doesn't matter where it's made. The price is also unreal good for what you get i think, is worth probably easily double of what i paid which was 29 bucks being on sale.

As a public safety instructor (LE & Fire) with over 22 years service, I would recommend the S&W SWBG2TS Border Guard 2 as a substantial tool and ideal for law enforcement, firefighting or EMS/first responder duties as well as any other outdoor, sporting or work activity demanding a heavyweight folding blade.At 5.6" length and 8.8 ounces, the knife is long and extremely heavy for its size compared to typical blades in this class - more than most people will want for EDC (Every Day Carry) unless a knife of this size is preferred or needed. I wear 2XL gloves and have a size 15 ring size. The knife is a good fit in my rather large paw.The side plates are machined aluminum, adding considerably to the weight of the knife. The plates are painted/coated black, but will likely show wear and lose the finish very quickly if carried and handled on a regular basis. Most knives of this style use a modern plastic that is less likely to show wear.This design of this knife is better for a right handed user. The heavy duty clip presses against the palm of the right hand while in use, and the outer three fingertips are in contact with a gripping surface similar to a course scouring pad. In the left hand, the fingers are pressed against the clip in a less-than-ideal position. The clip is not relocatable to any other position on the knife, so lefties - be advised.I had no problem using the knife wearing nitrile medical gloves, lightweight 5.11 patrol gloves, lightly insulated leather patrol gloves, or Kevlar extrication gloves. The thumb stud is large and protrudes far enough from the blade to be functional. However, with structural firefighting gloves I was unable to positively open the blade with the thumb stud due to the overall thickness and inner waterproof membrane interfering with my thumb obtaining a firm purchase. I was still able to open the blade the old fashioned way by gripping the blade with my off hand and pulling the blade open.A little Break-Free oil improved opening smoothness, which was acceptable on arrival anyway.Hardware is all 6-point star head screws, a little harder to find than a standard allen wrench/hex key.Factory sharpness was acceptable, with a bevel good for a working tool. Don't expect to shave without spending some time with a stone.With a 4.4" tanto blade, the knife would prove effective in an emergency self-defense scenario. If you intend to carry this knife concealed, take the time to familiarize yourself with weapon carry laws in your state (and any you plan to visit). Many states would consider this knife a concealed weapon. A previous review dubbed this knife a "POCKET SWORD." I would concur with that opinion.Is it a good knife?I bought 4 of them for the outdoor-types in my family for gifts when I found them on Amazon at $14.41, qualified for free shipping. I'm keeping one (Sorry, brother-in-law - you're getting something else now!)

There was an ancient Samurai named Kusunoki who was a master sword builder, his katanas were known throughout the Japanese islands and if a man was to hold one his possession..... it is said that they were unbeatable. Able to cut the wind itself and shift the currents with one slash. Before his death Kusonoki began to forge his final blade but an earthquake finally took the mighty samurai from this plane onto the next before the mighty blade was finished. There the shard of metal sharp as a razor laid buried into the ground and stone that once gave it birth. The legend faded and what was once a precious treasure seeked out by hunters became that of legend and lore.Centuries passed and the world was brought to war for the second time and the once quiet islands of the pacific were engulfed in flames and battle cries of new warriors. Soldiers whose mighty swords were replaced by the M1 Garand, the sound of an unsheathed katana replaced by the sliding rifle chambers and the sprinkle of casings bouncing of the stones. And so the fate of the legendary blade man forgot had rekindled by a single man. A man by the name Private Smith who was praying in a fox hole ever so delicately designed by the payload of a Mitsubishi Zero...praying for salvation and forgiveness he gripped the Earth in an outburst of rage..... but this time the Earth stung back. As bullets screamed past his head and bombs created an opera of death all stopped. Not a single sound was heard anymore in Smiths ears, he only looked upon his hand and saw the drips of blood trickle down his wrist and saw what has caused such pain. A blade wrapped in canvas old as time a symbol imprinted upon its sheet...that of the house of Kusunoki. He took this blade and placed it in his pack and wrapped his hand as quickly as he could and said to himself in the quiet of his mind "I am tired of the pain" He took his rifle and walked into hell with gasoline in his veins. And that private saw the face of god just to tell him "NOT YET" and god listened. He made it home with the men he kept alive. He spent the remainder of his life learning and teaching himself the art of the forge. And he took the metal sharpened by heritage and history and finished the final blade of a master he never knew but taught him so much.....this is this blade...or so they sayIt is perfectPros:Incredibly SharpIncredibly DurableUsed it for over a year only sharpened it onceI have used it to cut wood, tethers, boxes, cloth, fiberglass sheets, thick rope you name itHandle grips great in water or when whetAdded Glass breaker and string cutterIts big, has incredible "whoa" presenceGreat weight in your hand you feel its awesomenessCons:None....period