Smith & Wesson EDC PC Kit, Folding Knife and Flashlight Review

What You Didn’t Know About the Smith & Wesson EDC PC Kit Cases, Folding Knife And Flashlight

The Smith & Wesson EDC PC Kit Cases, Folding Knife And Flashlight promises a complete everyday carry solution in a single package. It’s a seemingly convenient way to acquire essential tools for various situations. Smith & Wesson, a name synonymous with firearms and law enforcement, also ventures into the world of everyday carry (EDC) gear with this kit.

I needed a compact, reliable set of tools for my hiking trips and occasional camping excursions. I was tired of piecing together individual components, always forgetting something or dealing with mismatched gear. The allure of a coordinated kit, especially one bearing the Smith & Wesson name, was strong.

Upon unboxing, I was struck by the overall lightweight feel. The materials appeared to be standard, the kind you’d expect at this price point. The folding knife had a decent heft, while the flashlight felt surprisingly light, almost flimsy.

I was also considering a similar kit from Gerber and a standalone knife/flashlight combo from Benchmade. The Smith & Wesson kit won out initially due to its all-in-one convenience and perceived value. However, I was immediately skeptical about the long-term durability compared to the higher-priced Benchmade options.

My first impression was a mix of cautious optimism and slight disappointment. While the kit seemed practical, the perceived quality didn’t immediately scream “premium” or “tactical.” I wondered if the convenience factor would outweigh any potential shortcomings in build quality and performance.

Real-World Testing: Putting Smith & Wesson EDC PC Kit Cases, Folding Knife And Flashlight to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Smith & Wesson EDC PC Kit Cases, Folding Knife And Flashlight on a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The weather was relatively mild, but there was some light rain during the evenings. I used the knife for basic camp chores, such as cutting rope, preparing food, and whittling small pieces of wood for kindling.

The knife performed adequately in dry conditions. However, when wet, the grip became noticeably slippery. The flashlight proved useful for navigating around the campsite at night, but the beam wasn’t particularly powerful, and the battery life seemed shorter than advertised.

The knife required some effort to open smoothly. This was definitely not a one-handed operation. Additionally, the flashlight’s on/off switch felt somewhat loose, which made me question its reliability in the long run.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of moderate use, the Smith & Wesson EDC PC Kit Cases, Folding Knife And Flashlight has shown some signs of wear and tear. The black coating on the knife blade has started to chip in places. The flashlight’s beam has become noticeably dimmer, even with fresh batteries.

The knife requires more frequent sharpening to maintain a decent edge. The pivot point seems to have loosened slightly, resulting in a bit of blade play. The flashlight’s switch is still functional, but it feels even looser than before, and I suspect it will eventually fail.

Compared to my previous EDC knife (a Kershaw model), the Smith & Wesson knife is noticeably less durable and requires more maintenance. The flashlight’s performance is inferior to a dedicated Streamlight I own, especially in terms of brightness and battery life. Overall, the kit has underperformed compared to what I had hoped.

Breaking Down the Features of Smith & Wesson EDC PC Kit Cases, Folding Knife And Flashlight

Specifications

The Smith & Wesson EDC PC Kit Cases, Folding Knife And Flashlight includes a folding knife, a flashlight, and a carrying case. The dimensions of the entire kit are 1.60 x 6.25 x 9.25 inches. Smith & Wesson does not specify the exact type of steel used for the knife blade.

The knife likely uses a lower-grade stainless steel to keep costs down. The handle is made of what feels like a glass-filled nylon or similar polymer. The flashlight is powered by standard AAA batteries (not included).

These specifications matter because they directly impact the product’s performance and durability. The type of steel used for the knife blade determines its edge retention and resistance to corrosion. The quality of the handle material affects the knife’s grip and overall durability.

Performance & Functionality

The knife in the Smith & Wesson EDC PC Kit Cases, Folding Knife And Flashlight performs adequately for basic cutting tasks. It’s sharp enough to handle everyday chores like opening boxes, cutting rope, and preparing food. However, it’s not ideal for more demanding tasks like batoning wood or heavy-duty cutting.

The flashlight provides a decent amount of light for close-range illumination. It’s suitable for navigating around a campsite or finding items in a dark room. However, it’s not powerful enough for long-distance signaling or illuminating large areas.

The knife’s main weakness is its edge retention. It dulls relatively quickly and requires frequent sharpening. The flashlight’s primary drawback is its limited battery life and somewhat weak beam. Overall, the kit performs adequately for basic EDC tasks, but it’s not exceptional in any particular area.

Design & Ergonomics

The Smith & Wesson EDC PC Kit Cases, Folding Knife And Flashlight is designed with portability and convenience in mind. The carrying case is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry in a backpack or bag. The knife’s handle is ergonomically shaped, providing a comfortable grip for most hand sizes.

The flashlight is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry in a pocket or clip to a belt. However, the flashlight’s on/off switch could be improved. It feels somewhat loose and requires a firm press to activate.

The knife has a liner lock mechanism. This is relatively standard, but not the most robust locking mechanism available. The folding knife is relatively easy to deploy (with two hands), but it’s not a particularly smooth action.

Durability & Maintenance

The Smith & Wesson EDC PC Kit Cases, Folding Knife And Flashlight is reasonably durable for its price point. However, it’s not designed for heavy-duty use or extreme conditions. The knife blade is prone to chipping and corrosion if not properly maintained.

The flashlight is water-resistant, but not waterproof. It should be able to withstand light rain, but it’s not advisable to submerge it in water. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the knife blade will help to prevent corrosion and maintain smooth operation. The flashlight requires occasional battery replacement.

The flashlight seems like the most likely item to fail. The overall durability seems to reflect the lower price.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Smith & Wesson EDC PC Kit Cases, Folding Knife And Flashlight comes with a carrying case. There are no other included accessories. There are limited customization options available for this kit.

The knife’s handle scales are not easily replaceable. It’s unlikely that any aftermarket scales would fit without modification. The flashlight is a generic model, and there are no readily available accessories or upgrades.

You could add a lanyard to the knife for easier retrieval. A higher-quality flashlight could be swapped into the kit’s case. But that defeats the all-in-one convenience factor.

Pros and Cons of Smith & Wesson EDC PC Kit Cases, Folding Knife And Flashlight

Who Should Buy Smith & Wesson EDC PC Kit Cases, Folding Knife And Flashlight?

The Smith & Wesson EDC PC Kit Cases, Folding Knife And Flashlight is perfect for casual campers, hikers, and anyone looking for an affordable, basic EDC solution. It’s also a good option for beginners who are just starting to build their EDC gear collection. The kit provides a starting point for essential tools.

This product is not ideal for survivalists, tactical professionals, or anyone who requires high-performance, durable EDC gear. These users should invest in individual, higher-quality components. This will ensure reliability in demanding situations.

A must-have modification would be a higher quality AAA flashlight. If the budget allows, replace the knife entirely with a more durable option.

Conclusion on Smith & Wesson EDC PC Kit Cases, Folding Knife And Flashlight

The Smith & Wesson EDC PC Kit Cases, Folding Knife And Flashlight offers a convenient and affordable way to acquire essential EDC tools. However, it’s essential to understand its limitations. The lower-quality materials and construction mean that it’s not as durable or reliable as higher-end alternatives.

The price is justified for what you get. It provides a basic level of functionality and convenience. However, don’t expect it to perform like a premium EDC kit.

I would cautiously recommend it to beginners or those on a tight budget. Just be aware of its limitations and be prepared to upgrade individual components as needed. Overall, it’s a decent entry-level EDC kit, but it’s not a long-term solution for serious users.