Okay so I've had this blade for about 3+ years now. I bought it somewhere else but I found it here new so I thought it appropriate to give my thoughts on it after some wearing on it and experience.Right now this knife is discounted and available for 12.99 which is GREAT! For the price you're getting a Smith and Wesson quality bang for your buck so you don't have to commit 300.00 for the just about the same quality youd get somewhere else. So that alone should entice you to give it a shot.As far personal wear and tear... It still holds strong after years of pretty much daily use. I've used this for everything because I don't believe in safety blades lol Now it's got some scuffing, it's got a tiny chip (please refer to the images above) but honestly I've gone out of my way to attempt to puncture everything from aluminum, and even sheet metal to see how it holds up and I gotta say... With the right angle and technique and the right amount of force, you could punch right through bare metal and the blade will hold up.It's still sharp and strong.I've sharpened this blade on my own to low effect, unfortunately this blade requires the hands of a professional and someone who knows what they're doing to keep the point and sharpness on this blade.So I don't recommend sharpening this on your own without the right equipment. The point or tip of the blade is decent. Only slightly worn down since purchase so I wouldn't worry to much about dulling it from regular use.I have a bad habit of playing with my personal blades so truth be told, I've probably gummed up the folding and unfolding hinge a bit. Its not as smooth as it was before but I think if you lube it up with some degreaser it'll be like new. I don't think the mechanism can be worned down until it doesn't lock anymore. I've probably opened and closed this blade well over 3000 times now and it still locks perfectly, just difficult to open with the flare and swish of the hand which is what I do to open it.The handle is still in great shape as it's made to last. It's held its shape and has ZERO damage. It forms to my hand perfectly and the ergonomic shape fits exactly to my hand. Though I have somewhat of "musicians hands" my hand shape is defined so it might be cumbersome or uncomfortable for older gentleman with stronger and thicker labor man's hands.Besides everything, this is a more than decent blade that'll last you a good 5+ years at LEAST and won't break the wallet. The blade shape is awesome as well with a clip shape so that's a plus, great for penetration and slashing all the same. I've taken this blade just about everywhere and it's held up this long. I've lost it frozen in the snow, taken it underwater, left it in the hot sun, dropped it from a 4 story building etc and everything and it's still my daily routine to clip it on my work belt because it's held up this long.This blade is perfect for a gift and first time utility tactical folding knife that's LEGAL and easy to carry and use. I'm no expert, but I thoroughly recommend it.