The Smith & Wesson Large Hunting Knife comes in clip point (SW980), drop point (SW960), and bowie (SW970) models. All of them feature a 5.75 inch partially serrated blade, hollow grind, 440C, Kraton handle, cheap leather sheaths. These knives go for around $12. They are medium-large sized general light utility fixed blades. I have to admit, I actually couldn’t find anything better for the same price – I’d recommend these as beater knives or just a knife to throw into an extra survival kit. I would not rely on a knife like this, but you could make due with it in a pinch and there are things you can do with a cheap knife that you wouldn’t risk doing to an expensive one.
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I have the Up-swept blade and it is SCARY SHARP. The Sharpest knives in my collect cost less than $10 from KY Knives on Ebay. They are razor sharp.
This is a great review, good info, you really know your stuff, but I must disagree with you on one point:
For 12 bucks, these are not a good value, they are an OUTSTANDING value. I love my SW980.
Can’t buy shit for 12 bucks.
They probably didn’t harden the steel too much, I think they figure that it’ll get re-sharpened often being a hunting knife. 440C can be hardened a lot more, like how Entrek does.
@HamBeau Thanks, buddy!
@WeAllJuggleKnives Well thank you sir. I hope these tips will be helpful to your viewers. Take care.
I have these knives and for the money they are fantastic. I thought the same thing… more tactical than hunting use. The serrations are too deep for cutting strap or cordage but saw wood fairly well. I have batoned just fine. I like the handle shape also but it’s a bit narrow for me so I cord wrapped it. The handle and pommel loosened so I wrapped fish line between which tightened them up. I also cut off the top guard for improved woods use. When the pommel tarnishes, Never Dull does the trick!
The Small Hunters are good boot knives for the money, I have the spear point and clip point ones,yes would work good with an improvised sheath too.
@JoakimfromAnka – It could be done.
@speedbuggy – I’m sorry. lol.
in Brazil, these knifes cost : R$97,99, it’s like hmm $50 almost. I hate live here. A kabar tactical knife cost almost $200 here.
my next knife 😀
Oh BTW, let me know when you’re ready to get rid of that 980… can’t find them anywhere lately. I’ll cover your cost, shipping and a few bucks more for your time.
don’t be sorry, it’s not your fault
Ive had one of these for years. Just never used it. Is the 440c steel any good? when I tried to sharpen it I noticed that the knife steel is rather soft. Is this some kind of softer 440C? or is that just how 440C is? My only real experience with steel is vg10 and aus8 from some pocket knives ive bought recently.
I’m sorry :[
Man I’m into that handle…
@cyclist01222 – Hey, thanks for the info and video response, your mods and field testing are great.
Is it possible to sharpen the back edge, the front at least?
Hey Sensei, what do you think of the S&W Small Hunter (model 650) in one of your improvised sheaths as a fixed defensive blade? Think I might prefer the handle to that of my Roach Belly.
this does come in a plain edge version
well for $12 each thats a pretty sweet looking set of blades, i think you nailed Sensei, they would be perfect for a beater/BOB/kids knife. i mean for the money how can you go wrong, excellent point on the handles Sensei not many blades allow that many different grips and still be comfortable!. Plus i can import these with no issue HA. great reveiw keep them coming brother, be safe be strong
$12? Finally a knife within my price range.