Head to Head
Benchmade Griptilian vs Smith & Wesson SWAT Tanto: $156 Premium vs $22 Budget EDC
The Benchmade Griptilian costs $156.50. The Smith & Wesson SWAT Tanto costs $21.59. Both are folding knives people carry every day. If you've ever wondered whether a $150 knife is actually worth it compared to a $20 option, this comparison answers that directly.
Option A
Benchmade Griptilian Folding Knife
$156.50
Made in Oregon City, Oregon. The folding knife that professionals carry every day.
Option B
Smith & Wesson SWAT Tanto Folding Knife
$21.59
Tactical tanto blade, assisted opening, under $25. Hard to beat at this price.
Side by Side
| Benchmade Griptilian Folding | Smith & Wesson | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $156.50 | $21.59 |
| Made in USA | Yes — Oregon City, OR | No |
| Blade steel | CPM-S30V | 7Cr17MoV stainless |
| Blade length | 3.45" | 3.1" |
| Lock type | AXIS lock | Liner lock |
| Edge retention | Excellent — holds edge for months of use | Fair — dulls with regular use |
| Warranty | LifeSharp — free sharpening for life | Limited |
Best for
Benchmade Griptilian Folding Knife
- ✓Daily carry where you use the knife regularly
- ✓Anyone who wants a knife they buy once and keep for decades
- ✓People who want Made in USA quality and Benchmade's LifeSharp service
- ✓Hard daily users who need real edge retention
Best for
Smith & Wesson SWAT
- ✓A backup knife or truck/glove box knife you don't mind losing
- ✓First EDC knife for someone who isn't sure they'll carry consistently
- ✓Situations where a cheap tool makes more sense than an expensive one
- ✓Budget-limited buyers who need a functional folder
The Verdict
The price gap is real and so is what you get for it. The Benchmade's CPM-S30V steel holds an edge for months of daily use while the Smith & Wesson's 7Cr17 dulls noticeably within weeks of regular cutting. The AXIS lock is smoother and stronger than any liner lock at any price. The LifeSharp service means you never pay for sharpening again. If you carry a knife every day and actually use it: the Benchmade pays for itself in performance over a few years. If you want a cheap functional knife for the glovebox, fishing bag, or occasional use: the Smith & Wesson is fine for what it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Smith & Wesson SWAT Tanto a good knife?
For the price, yes. It functions as a folding knife, holds an edge for light use, and the tanto blade style is useful for piercing tasks. It's not a daily driver for hard use, but for occasional light tasks or a glove box knife, it delivers.
What is CPM-S30V steel?
CPM-S30V is a premium American stainless steel made by Crucible Industries. It has significantly better edge retention than budget steels like 7Cr17, meaning it stays sharp much longer between sharpenings. The trade-off is it requires a quality sharpener to reprofile — it's harder than budget steels.
Is the Benchmade Griptilian worth $156?
For regular daily carry, yes. The edge retention alone saves you sharpening time. The AXIS lock is the best one-handed ambidextrous mechanism available. The LifeSharp program means the knife stays sharp for its entire lifespan at no additional cost.
What is the best budget EDC folding knife?
The Smith & Wesson SWAT Tanto is functional at under $25. If you want to step up slightly with better steel, the Gerber Suspension NXT is a solid mid-budget option. For a real performance jump, save up for the Benchmade Griptilian.
SpangledStuff may earn a commission if you buy through links on this site, at no extra cost to you. Product prices and availability may change — always verify on the retailer's page before purchasing. Learn more