Possibly a company could build any decent knife around that selling point and find a market -- without the MAGIC system, this unusually styled knife might be more of a curiosity. But release the slide lock and push the knife blade forward with the thumb stud at the base of the blade, and the MAGIC spring-loaded opener swings the blade forward to lock securely in place. To close, release the knife's liner lock and press the blade back into the handle, locking the action with the slide. If it does that well, it doesn't need to be pretty.

With the rest of the knife, the company went a bit wild. The extremely sculpted blade features an upswept point, false upper edge, and a wicked combo-serrated cutting edge. The knife's handle still has the pistol grip look of its predecessor, but the machined aluminum frame with rubberized inserts shows fewer of the blocky edges that made the old model less than comfortable in use. Rounded contours in the handle of the SWMP5LS allow a solid grip and powerful control without all the unfriendly corners.

The 3-1/2-inch tactical black blade of 4034 high carbon stainless steel does have enough plain edge up front for normal uses and rips easily through cord or seat belt harnesses with the serrated portion. The folding clip M&P could be a good emergency knife for drivers -- a glass breaker hilt for pressure-smashing car windows is part of the deal.

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Smith Wesson Knives MP Lrg Asst Opening 5 SW knife Closed linerlock SWMP5LS US $45.59   Auction Ends: 1d 22h 55m

NEW SMITH WESSON SWMP5LS SPRING ASSISTED LOCK KNIFE NEW IN BOX SALE US $34.95   Auction Ends: 17d 23h 55m

From the writer's point of view, this 5.7-inch-long blue pen may be a little heavy. At 1.4 ounces, the pen could quickly become awkward if work involves constant longhand. Otherwise, it's really a nice pen with a nearly indestructible body of T6061 aircraft aluminum and a stainless steel pocket clip that would be at home on any pocket clip folding knife. The black ink ballpoint pen should outlast any writing instrument you've owned before.

For self defense it's brutally efficient, with a sharp point and deeply fluted surface that's reminiscent of some military bayonets. Weapons derived from ordinary objects have always been popular in secret agent movies -- but items like this one, tweaked for a higher level of efficiency, also found their way into the arsenals of genuine ninja warriors. The right move with a simple hardwood fistload could even penetrate a samurai's heavy armor. This tactical pen is better.

A little larger than the average writing instrument and easier to grip than the usual ball point, this machined metal pen includes a removable cap which protects ink and point when not in use. The only obvious clue to its hidden nature is the Smith & Wesson logo on the black pocket clip.

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With only three-inch blades, the H.R.T. knives lack intimidation factor, but the action is satisfying. This isn't quite switchblade performance, since if you slip the safety on one of the O.T.F. series knives, nothing should happen. Like other mainstream manufacturers, Smith & Wesson discovered a way to provide nearly automatic one-handed opening for ordinary knife owners. Push the blade slide forward and an internal spring takes over -- the blade launches on its own and locks into place. Returning the blade to the closed position is a more manual procedure. Press down on the slide, ease the blade back into the handle, and slide the lock shut.

Solidly built of high carbon 4116 stainless steel coated with non-reflective titanium nitride, the blade of the H.R.T. O.T.F comes in three styles of tanto, dagger, and clip point. The handle frame of machined aluminum has reliable strength, and the Kytel handle slabs contribute a comfortable non-slip gripping surface. Position it at the ready in the pocket with the stainless steel pocket clip. One last but important perk is the hardened steel glass breaker stud at the base of the handle. You'll never be trapped in a sinking car again.

Practically speaking, the H.R.T. O.T.F series from Smith & Wesson does fall short of automatic knife standards. Legal restrictions may still apply in some areas. Proper mechanical action depends on keeping the knife clean and lubricated. Don't expect the knife to work perfectly unless you spend regular maintenance time with this handy pocket folder.

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Smith and Wesson HRT Claw Knife Neck Knife Boot Knife Survival Knife US $11.25   Auction Ends: 15d 21h 46m

Smith Wesson HRT Claw KnifeSheath FREE SHIPPING FROM USA US $9.65   1 Bid Auction Ends: 5h 7m

The MAGIC acronym stands for Multi-purpose Assisted Generational Innovative Cutlery -- and that term does set a high standard for the Scooped Tanto. The 2.9-inch high carbon stainless steel blade has the dark non-reflective coating of a modern tactical knife as well as fast assisted opening triggered by a thumb stud. A side lock mechanism prevents accidental opening and allows quick release of the locked blade. The liner lock style prevents the blade from closing on the hand when the tanto point strikes a target. A concave "scooped" blade spine puts the point more in line with the thrust than in many tanto folders. The system should be dependable so long as the knife stays clean, but debris in the handle could prevent the lockback mechanism from working properly.

The coated T6061 aircraft aluminum handle provides a solid grip and protects the inner workings of the knife, unlike the open structure of skeletonized knives. The weight of 4.1 ounces is only slightly more than a more vulnerable openwork version. The combo blade's serrated section grips and severs seat belts and ropes, but the knife doesn't offer a safe harness cutter as most good rescue knives do. The butt of the handle houses a steel spike useful for shattering window glass -- aside from that, the MAGIC Tanto works better as a military knife than an emergency rescue tool.

The Smith & Wesson SWK M&P also comes in a variety of blade styles and colors such as plain edge w/ black blade, combo edge w/ bead blasted finish, and a serrated drop point blade.

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Smith Wesson New Military Police MA Black Scooped Back DPS Knife SWMP1BS US $31.19   Auction Ends: 5d 3h 42m

Smith Wesson Knife Military Police Scooped Back SWMP1 US $39.85   Auction Ends: 19h 28m

The 2.9-inch 4034 stainless steel blade of the Smith & Wesson knife has the black coating of a military folder and the armor-piercing tanto shape that today comes in handy when dealing with sheet metal and plastic. Emergency features beyond that include a window breaker stud in the butt of the knife and textured rubber grips for a solid hold in all types of conditions. A secure liner lock prevents the blade from accidentally folding on the owner, and the side lock allows easy closure. Basic handle parts are of machined aircraft quality aluminum, light and strong. The blade's thumb studs make one-handed opening smooth and simple with either hand. Smith and Wesson's M.A.G.I.C. system qualifies the knife as an assisted opening blade, not an automatic. Keeping it clean will be critical if you depend on fast deployment.

Handle design is angular but sensible, canted slightly towards the pistol grip shape that many builders imitate today. A stainless steel pocket clip makes the 4-1/4-inch tanto easy to carry and easy to find when you need it. It's a surprisingly good knife and an economical buy -- proof that, if you let them do their job, the craftsmen in Taiwan are as good as anybody.

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This inexpensive knife may have a tactical look, but the quality is more utility grade. Aircraft aluminum anodized handle parts and a blade of 440 high carbon stainless steel will hold up well to ordinary use. If a pocket knife fit your needs before, you'll find the smooth action and well-engineered concept fascinating and practical. The blade itself, hollow ground with a tanto point, offers nearly four inches of plain cutting edge. That's plenty for handymen who need a knife for scoring and rough trimming, or for hikers and campers who need a lightweight emergency blade.

For an extra degree of comfort, Kryton slabs cover the aluminum handle parts, making the grip nonslip and friendly. The Powerglide will slip through repetitive chores without ripping up your hands. Be prepared to tighten a few screws and provide your own Locktite for this well-designed bargain knife.

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Smith Wesson Powerglide black tanto Knife US $17.95   Auction Ends: 20d 4h 35m

Smith Wesson Black Tanto Power Glide Folding Knife New US $17.73   Auction Ends: 27d 2h 41m

In general, this 12-3/4-inch-long bowie knife with nearly 8 inches of blade is the bayonet Rambo would have carried if he were a real person. Bayonet loop and notch allow mounting to the appropriate military rifles for display or actual use. Ontario Knife Company is a long term supplier of dependable knives for the U.S. military, so the M9 SW3G is the real thing. Since it hasn't been streamlined for civilian use, the 440C high carbon stainless steel is thick enough for pry bar action. Rat tail tang construction and a light but rugged polymer handle save a little weight, but not much.

The nylon scabbard in matching OD green includes a map pouch, handy for other essentials as well, and clips to the belt. While this is a little more knife than many backpackers or hunters would want to carry, the M9 is a great knife for those who travel remote tracks in vehicles.

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Smith Wesson Knives Special OPS M 9 Bayonet SW3G US $54.99   Auction Ends: 22d 22h 32m

NEW Smith Wesson Knives Special OPS M 9 Bayonet SW3G US $54.99   0 Bid Auction Ends: 9h

The G10 composite handle, textured for a non-slip grip, stays warm in the hand even in frigid weather. A flick of the thumb stud swings the stout 3.5-inch blade out and locks it in place. For cutting seat belts and rope, the serrated teeth on the inner section of cutting edge could be very efficient, but they'll also interfere with sharpening later on. The tanto point, originally designed for piercing armor, could be too delicate for practical purposes in ordinary life. If your emergency involves turning the head of a screw, the tanto tip won't be the best choice.

Compare the knife to your needs -- the Extreme Ops Camo Tanto falls into an odd range between practical civilian blade and rugged survival or tactical knife. The Camo Tanto weighs only 5 ounces, so tuck it away in a pocket as a backup blade or stash it with your bug out bag. A short armor piercing folding knife won't be needed every day.

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Smith Wesson CK32C Extreme OPS Camo Karambit Knife US $16.99   Auction Ends: 24d 27m

Smith Wesson Extreme OPS Urban Camo Karambit Knife US $17.97   Auction Ends: 17d 2h 14m

The watch, a dark highlighted non reflective analog type (no glow in the dark numerals to draw attention in the night) features a rotating bezel used as a simple stop watch mechanism. Rotate the arrow to the minute hand position and use the bezel as a way to track elapsed time without having to punch all the buttons of a digital counterpart. It's an old solution used by divers and pilots. The Spec Ops watch, waterproof to 300 feet, also has a small compass on the black nylon wrist strap--something even a GPS master should always take along.

The knife in the set is similar in style to the S&W Extreme Ops model--built with an aircraft aluminum frame handle, this lockback opens with one hand for quick and reliable deployment. The non reflective stainless steel tanto point blade is designed for penetrating power but serves equally well for more ordinary chores. A steel pocket clip on the handle makes it easy to wear and keep always at hand.

Smith & Wesson offers a limited lifetime warranty on all its knives, and a lesser guarantee on the watch.

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As carpenter's axes were worn down, the original straight edge ground away slowly to a broad curve. For woodworking, that's not a good thing. For rough cutting, it's just fine. If you want to clear brush or chop wood, a curved edge will do quick work. The shape of this Smith and Wesson is much like what you'd see in an ax that's been well used--wide, short, and curved.

The full tang construction gives this ax a lot of strength, but that's held back a little by the short handle length of only 10.75" overall. Easier to wield than a longer handled ax, this still reduces the velocity of the swing, and in hand work every small difference is important. The black rubberized handle provides a secure grip, but lacks the durability of Zytel.

Hatchets, however, are very simple things. You don't need a fancy reputation or high tech engineering to chop camp wood. If you want a simple, functional tool that's less likely to wreck your arm after a half hour of work, this short Smith & Wesson is a good pick.

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Smith and Wesson Knives Bullseye Campfire Knife Set with Hatchet SW CAMP US $45.00   Auction Ends: 29d 1h 53m

Smith Wesson Bullseye Hatchet w Nylon Sheath CH100 US $18.95   Auction Ends: 7d 21h 33m