Skallywag Tactical Swifttail Folding Knife Review
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I recently picked up the Skallywag Tactical Swifttail Folding Knife, and I have been carrying it almost every day since. I appreciate knives that combine function with style, and this one delivers on both. The Swifttail is marketed as a gentleman’s folder, which means it is slim, refined, and easy to carry even when I dress up. At the same time, it has enough strength and performance to handle everyday cutting tasks.
First Impressions
The Swifttail made a good impression before I even opened it. The packaging is sharp, with a clean black box and the Skallywag Tactical logo in red. Inside, the knife rested in a foam cutout that kept it secure and protected. Presentation may not affect performance, but it shows that the company values its product and wants the customer to feel the same.
The handle caught my eye right away. It is carbon fiber, which keeps the knife lightweight but strong. The checkered pattern is subtle but provides grip without feeling rough. I also liked the blue anodized backspacer. It adds a little pop of color and gives the knife a more polished look. Small touches like this make it feel like more than just another pocketknife.
Skallywag Tactical Swifttail Blade and Action
The blade measures 3.75 inches and is made from 154CM stainless steel. I prefer this steel for an everyday carry knife because it holds an edge well and resists rust. Since a pocketknife spends most of its life close to body heat and moisture, corrosion resistance is important. The satin finish gives it a clean and professional look.
Opening the Swifttail feels fast and smooth every single time. The ball bearings give the action a clean glide, and it makes a big difference compared to some of the stiffer knives I have carried. The flipper tab works in a way that reminds me of a light switch. I still press down as with other flippers, but the way it moves against my finger feels different. It is hard to explain until you try it, but it has that same smooth and certain motion as flipping a switch. The blade snaps out right away without hesitation, and I never had to fight with it or adjust my grip. After a few openings, I found myself flipping it repeatedly just because the action feels so satisfying. That smooth deployment has become one of the things I enjoy most about carrying this knife.
Carry and Clip on the Skallywag Tactical Swifttail
The Swifttail carries very well thanks to its slim build and light weight. At only about 2.8 ounces, it barely feels like it is in my pocket. The deep carry clip keeps it low and discreet, which I always appreciate. I can wear it with jeans, shorts, or even dress pants, and it stays out of sight until I need it.
One thing about the clip is that it is very tight. That keeps the knife secure once clipped, but it takes extra effort to slide onto thicker pants. I would rather have a clip that is too tight than one that feels loose, but it is something worth pointing out. The clip is also set up only for right-hand carry. That works fine for me, but left-handed users may not like it.
Skallywag Tactical Swifttail In Use
I have carried the Swifttail daily for a mix of tasks. I used it to cut open packages, slice cord, and while cooking. It handled all of those jobs with ease. The slim blade makes precise cuts, and the carbon fiber handle feels comfortable in hand. I never noticed any hot spots, even when I used it for longer cutting sessions.
One test that stood out was when I used it in the kitchen. I pulled it out while cooking steak on the griddle and used it to check for doneness.
It sliced right through the meat with no hesitation. That might not be a traditional knife test, but it showed me that the edge is sharp and dependable. I like knowing that the knife I carry every day can handle anything I throw at it, whether it is work, outdoor tasks, or something as simple as cooking.
Specs
- Blade length 3.75 inches
- Handle length 4.25 inches
- Overall length 8 inches
- Blade thickness 0.125 inches
- Weight 2.8 ounces
- Blade steel 154CM stainless
- Blade hardness 58 to 61 RC
- Lock type liner lock
- Action ball bearing pivot
- Handle material carbon fiber
- Backspacer anodized aluminum in blue
- Pocket clip stainless steel deep carry right hand only
Verdict on the Skallywag Tactical Swifttail
The Skallywag Tactical Swifttail is a knife that blends style and function in a way that I really appreciate. It is slim, lightweight, and comfortable to carry, but it is also sharp, smooth, and reliable when I need it. The carbon fiber handle and blue backspacer give it a classy look, while the blade steel delivers the performance I expect from an everyday carry knife.
The one area I noticed was the pocket clip. It is very tight, which makes it harder to clip onto thicker pants. Once it is on, though, it stays secure. For me, that is better than the alternative of a clip that feels loose. Overall, I enjoy carrying the Swifttail and plan to keep it in my rotation. It is a knife I can carry with jeans or with dress clothes, and it always feels right. If you want a gentleman’s folder that does not sacrifice function, the Swifttail is worth a serious look. You can find more information or make a purchase by visiting skallywagtactical.com.
