Knife themes are quite popular lately. The manufacturers, striving to satisfy the demands of an ever-growing army of cold weapon lovers, literally overwhelmed the market with all kinds of its models. At the same time, domestic blades are often no less popular than foreign brands. However, the purpose of the article is not to compare different brands, but only to describe the impressions that the SMERSH-3 knife from CJSC Melita-K causes. I believe this article will be useful to edged lovers.
Characteristics
The parameters of the knife are publicly available, and I don’t see any sense in describing them in detail, I can only say that its dimensions are slightly different from those declared by the manufacturer. The blade is made in the form of puukko and coated with a matte finish. Garda is missing. On the ricaso, serifs are made from the side of the blade, not allowing the finger to slip on it. The handle is made of thermoplastic elastomer: solid rubber to the touch.
Application Experience
The SMERSH knife was used by me personally as a camping (tourist) knife . At the same time, I want to note that I do not go to the mountains once a year during my holidays. I live in the Carpathian region, and for me a hike in the mountains is like going to the gym: at least three to four days a month, regardless of the season. Therefore, the knife was used quite often. The first impressions the knife leaves positive. Firstly, thanks to the excellent leather scabbard with the Velcro fastening ideal for tourists, the knife is easily and reliably attached to a belt or equipment and can be removed just as easily. In the mountains, this convenience is very useful, because due to the constant change in weather, you often have to change your outer clothing (literally on the go), and any other knife would be under a jacket, which is not always convenient. And the SMERSH knife can be easily removed and secured in another place without unfastening the belt. Secondly, the handle leaves no less pleasant impression. It does not slip in a sweaty or wet hand, it lies perfectly in it, even if gloves are worn. In the cold, it does not lose plasticity and does not freeze. But the knife does not justify its main purpose (as a universal tool). Too thick butt (almost 6 mm) makes it difficult to manipulate during household work. They can’t cut thin lard, and you can only cut potatoes. The contents of the cans opened with it partially turns into porridge. Yes, and the blade steel is soft for this. Any careless blow to the stone, for example, when cutting wood chips to make a bonfire and the RC immediately breaks. Of course, this blade is not intended to chop nails, but still I would like more hardness. However, it is sharpened quite easily. And last but not least, the price. For a knife to be sharpened after each can, $ 80-100 is obviously a lot.
findings
The SMERSH knife cannot be recommended as a tourist knife, as opposed to what is written on its label. The same “Finn Wolf” by Cold Steel, although not so outwardly spectacular and does not have perfect sheaths, is cheaper, lighter, incomparably more convenient in everyday life, and it does not need to be constantly sharpened. SMERSH is a beautiful knife with pronounced combat functionality. Holding it in your hand, you really feel the ability to break through anything. Moreover, the lack of a guard (which, for example, has the SMERSH5 knife) does not interfere due to a very successful handle. For example, a 450-sheet book punches a blade through, which is an impossible task for a Cold Steel knife . But in general, an interesting "toy".