Bear & Son Cutlery has grown on me as time has gone on. Their factory in Jacksonville, Alabama produces all manner of blades ranging from tactical autos to old-fashioned fixed blades–and everything in between. I have long been a fan of their Bowie knives, which both look the part and performs nimbly as a combat blade should. For everyday carry, their new 3 3/4 inch Slidelock Folder has been a constant companion.
Features
The Bear & Son Slidelock Folder is a one-hand ready traditional pocket knife with a mix of traditional and modern accents. This wood-and-steel option weighs just three ounces and is 3 3/4 inches long in its carried position. It features a spring-loaded slidelock and a 2 3/4 inch drop point blade. While most of Bear’s products use traditional American knife steels, this folder uses Swedish Sandvick 14C28N steel.
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The knife features a stainless steel guard and bolster with a choice of either India stag bone or rosewood scales. It has a tip-up pocket clip that allows for the knife to be carried in a closed position and be drawn and manipulated with one-handed. The inclusion of an ambidextrous thumb stud assists in that operation. As this is a traditional locking folder, there are no buttons to press or spring assistance to speed or complicate the operation.
Cutting Against the Grain
As a defensive tool, a fixed blade is where it is at for me. But as a do-all tool, nothing beats a good locking folder and this one has been in the pocket since I received it. It has done everything from making kindling to carving the toughest steaks when the wife’s dollar store cutlery didn’t make the cut.
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This version of the Bear Slidelock folder is on the smaller end. They also offer a version with a 3 1/2 inch blade and a 5 inch closed length.
I selected the 3 3/4 inch model with rosewood grips for the sake of program compliance–ensuring no excuses for having the knife on me. It’s cute size also makes it a natural to pair with my NAA Mini revolvers. Absurdity aside, the classic look betrays a surprising business-like performance.
This dense little blade is no auto, but is surprisingly quick to deploy by pushing forward on the slide lock and snapping the wrist. Letting the slide lock go locks the blade in place without needing to use the thumb stud or go for the offhand.
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Functionally, the Bear & Son Slidelock is a bit too touch for its own good. Sandvick steel is on the harder side of cutlery steel without being brittle. It excels at holding an edge and picks apart meat with a flick of the wrist. But the hardness of the blade makes it somewhat difficult to accomplish finer tasks against tougher stuff, such as shaving kindling. On the other hand, this little folder can be hammered through appropriate hardwood without a problem. Although it won’t be a substitute for a good carving knife, this sharp looking folder excels at most general tasks and looks good doing it.
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