Review: Bear & Son Large Stiletto Model MC-350
Pat Cascio 07.26.16
Bear & Son Cutlery’s tactical division is called Bear OPS, and they’ve turned out a dandy knife that I’m happy to review for you here. It’s the Model MC-350-ALBK-S Large Stiletto lockback folder, and it’s quite well-made right here in the USA.
First, some specs:
- Model: MC-350-ALBK-S
- Blade Material: CPM-S30V Steel
- Handle Material: Black T6 Aluminum, grooved to help your grip
- Lock: Liner lock
- Rockwell: 58-60
- Closed Length: 5″
- Edge: 3-5/8″
- Weight: 3 ounces
- Extras: One Hand Open, Pocket Clip & Tip Up Carry
The CPM S30V steel is one of the newer powdered stainless steels. It’s actually compressed powder. The blade rides on bronze phosphorus washers and ball bearings, which allow it to open and close smoothly. Nice!
This knife–as with any stiletto–is neither a survival knife nor hunting knife. It is meant to be used for self-defense. I’ve seen my share of confrontations on the streets of Chicago, and more than once I was able to end the attempted robbery or assault by quickly deploying and displaying a good self-defense knife.
To me, this is where the Bear OPS Large Stiletto folder shines. It’s a great folding knife for self-defense because the light weight makes it extremely fast in the hand.
Any sort of deadly weapon should only be used as a last resort, so don’t go thinking that just because you are carrying a knife (or a firearm) that you have to reach for it at the onset of things; that will just make you appear to be the bad guy in the eye of the law.
For testing, I used the Bear OPS Large Stiletto around the kitchen to slice meat and veggies. I also stabbed it into stacked cardboard, and it easily penetrated to the handle scales thanks to the extremely pointed design of the stiletto blade.
I never had to re-sharpen the blade during my limited testing, but I know from past experience with CPM S30V stainless steel that it’s fairly easy to resharpen this steel if it’s been properly heat-treated.
The Bear OPS Stiletto retails for $134.99, and considering the CPM S30V stainless steel blade, the quality workmanship, and the limited lifetime warranty, I think it’s quite a deal. And if you happen to simply collect stiletto types of knives, be sure to add this one to your collection. And don’t forget that Bear OPS has a smaller stiletto as well.
