Description
The brand new SWMP4 series is big. It is beefy, big, solid, and sturdy. It has the same intimidating firearm style and feel that the first 3 SWMP knife styles had but it is a lot beefier. This knife is solid in the hand and in action. The combat folder has a glass breaker tip and a tip-up pocketclip. Plus it features the extremely popular M.A.G.I.C. assisted opening system. You pull the lever and the blade springs out. The safety is patterned after a gun safety, you swing the arm one way and it is "live", the other way is on safety. Easy to operate both the safety and the lever with one hand. Even one hand that is wearing protective gloves. If you liked the 1st generation of S&W M&P knives, you will love this 2nd generation. The blade locks open with an easy to operate and solid linerlock. The biggest improvement to this line is the new heavy duty blade actuator and the new pistol style side safety. Cool features about this series include the firing lever is patterned after gun sights and the safety is just like the safety on some pistols. The handle has great patterning on it and is really easy on the hands. This edition has a gun metal blue handle and a plain edged black blade. Blade Length: 3.5" Overall Length: 8 5/8" Handle Length: 5" Steel: 4034 Stainless Steel Blade Style: Drop Point Blade Handle Material: Aluminum with Rubber Outlay, Gun Metal Blue Locking Mechanism: Linerlock Side Safety and Glass Breaker Made in Taiwan Weight: 7.5 Ounces
BLADE
OVERALL IMPRESSION
Smith & Wesson Military & Police MP4LB
Smith and Wesson knives have been offering the Military and Police series for several years now. The first three variations have now been followed by the 4 and 5. The 4 series offers a bigger knife with the same great spring assist action.
BLADE
With a 3.5" blade of 4034 stainless steel, this knife sports a black finish on the blade. The blade is a classic drop point. Big enough to get heavy jobs done, this knife easily qualifies as an every day carry knife, although it is on the large end of the spectrum. The blade snaps out incredibly fast with the MAGIC assist system. You pull the "gun trigger" style mechanism on the spine and it starts to open the blade. After a short movement, the spring takes over and the blade springs to full open with authority. The blade has a slight hollow grind which makes it ideal for heavy cutting of hard materials. The blade stays sharp and is relatively easy to resharpen.
The blade has a square thumb stud on the spine. It locks open with a liner lock system.
HANDLE
The handle on the M&P knife series is built from anodized aluminum. On this model it is a blue/grey with dual black polymer onlays near the butt of the handle to add texture, grip and a splash of contrast. The handle ahs several finger choils that make for a more secure grip and the butt of the handle is big enough that the knife feels very solid in your hand. The spine trigger doubles as a thumb ramp when the blade is open and gives you even more control over the blade for fine cutting and close up work. At the butt of the handle is a small glass breaker. Tip up, removable pocket clip.
SAFETY AND FIRE BUTTON
The spring assist "gun trigger" is found on the spine of the handle. Extremely easy to activate, it is held in check with a swing lever on the side of the handle. The swing lever pulls slightly toward the spine. When there, a red dot shows declaring the knife ready to open--or off safety. When the blade is open, the same swing lever can be used to lock the blade in the open position. I especially like the MAGIC assist system--one of the best spring assist systems on the market and extremely intuitive to operate.
OVERALL IMPRESSION
I really like the M&P knives from Smith & Wesson. They are simple to operate, the price is right, and they are tough as nails. At the price, you would be hard pressed to find a more durable knife for every day carry. These are perfect duty knives that also work well in the civilian world. A definite 9.5 out of 10.
