Product Review: Wal-Mart's Ozark Trail Folding Knife

The Ozark Trail folding knife is available from Wal-Mart in the 'Hunting and Camping' section generally located in the back of the store. Priced at approximately $8 (dependent on state tax), this knife is an inexpensive option for those looking for a decent all-purpose or hunting knife.

There is a stigma attached to both Wal-Mart and cheap products, however, and when one product fits into both categories, many people are leery of the construction quality and choose the more expensive option instead. Is the Ozark Trail folding knife of good enough quality to accompany you on your next backpacking trip, or will it fail quickly and leave you without a blade? Read on to find out.

Blade

The blade on the Ozark Trail folding knife is thin and made of stainless steel. It is colored dark gray and is matte. The metal of the knife is the same metal used for the handle, and is bolted together with shiny silver screws. The blade has a stamp of the Ozark Trails logo (a mountain) in the top of the blade, as well as a thumb nub for easily flicking the blade open.

The blade is surprisingly sharp out of the package, and is thin enough to make most people nervous about durability. A quick run through a diamond sharpener made the blade as sharp as a razor. I tested it by shaving ribbons off a stick, cutting a can in half, and easily sawing through thick ropes. The edge held better than expected for stainless steel, and only needs a quick sharpening every couple days to keep the edge primed.

The thickness of the blade was a concern for me, and I cringed while prying the staples out of an old couch. As surprising as it was, the blade held up well and didn't break. I've used it to pry open lids, to cut open cans, to make fires, and to use for making dozens of fires.

Handle

The handle of the knife is comfortable to hold and is angled to fit nicely in the palm. It is capped on either side with glossed hardwood and stamped with the Ozark Trail logo. The back of the knife has a metal clip that is tight, holds well to a belt strap, and hasn't shown any signs of loosening or stress.

Conclusion

Though other bladed Ozark Trail knives have proven disappointing, I have nothing but good experiences with the Ozark Trail folding knife. It is more durable that it appears, it has withstood strenuous use, and at a cost of only $8, it is an wonderful option for those strapped for cash or looking for a throwaway knife they can use and abuse.