At first glance, the Smith and Wesson SW671 Extraction and Evasion Tool looks like a formidable tool
capable of inflicting some serious damage. The test will be to see if it performs
as good as it looks in an urban survival scenario.
Basic Features
The Smith and Wesson SW671 Extraction and Evasion Tool
with its 3/8” thick full tang handle and Kraton
grips has an overall length of 15.9 inches. It is made of 1070 high carbon
steel and with a weight of 2 lbs. 11 ounces makes this a very formidable
extraction and evasion tool.
with its 3/8” thick full tang handle and Kraton
grips has an overall length of 15.9 inches. It is made of 1070 high carbon
steel and with a weight of 2 lbs. 11 ounces makes this a very formidable
extraction and evasion tool. 
It also comes with a
protective nylon sheath that includes a belt loop (as if someone would actually
carry this monster on their belt). The sheath has an inner nylon protector to
prevent accidentally poking a hole in the sheath.
The 3/8 inch tang also allows
the butt end to function similar to a hammer.
Basic Functions
The SW671 has a handle
length that permits a good “two-handed” grip when in use. This allows you to
exercise a lot more control, especially in close quarters. Control is an
important factor when choosing a good hand tool and the SW671 gives you exactly
that.
It has a good balance to it
and packs enough weight to enable you to apply plenty of force with your swing.
This tool is going to create some awesome damage to whatever gets in its way. After
using it, don’t expect the protective blade coating to survive without some
scuff marks.
Main Function
The SW671 with its
combination spike tip and blade allows you to destroy a variety of different materials.
The ability to hack your way through different types of material will aid in
your escape or entry as determined by the situation at hand. This is the main
function of any evasion & extraction tool.
The SW671 had no problem
with cinder blocks and did a good job of breaking rock masonry with just a few
blows. It would probably be more prudent to use it to chip away the mortar
between the bricks or masonry because it will probably require less effort on
your part. Once the mortar has been removed, the masonry should come apart
easily.
The spike tip with its
beveled edges easily punctures thinner sheet metal (such as tin roofing, etc.).
It doesn't do much good on thicker plate metal of a 1/4 inch thickness or more
as it merely scratches the surface. You could hack your way through a metal
roof or a metal clad door fairly easily.
It chops wood quite easily
and works like most any type of axe in this regard. Its size falls between a
small camp axe and a regular axe. The weight also falls in between these two
types of axes. It weighs slightly more than a typical camp axe but less than a full size
axe.
The blade edge held up well
when chopping wood and the only damage done to the SW671 was the finish.
Several scuff marks and scratches were readily apparent with even moderate use
but this doesn't affect its overall performance.
When tested on various
materials that are normally used in home construction, the SW671 handled the
destruction of all the basic home construction materials with ease. This makes
it an ideal tool for extraction and evasion. You’ll need to keep a pair of
safety goggles handy and a decent pair of gloves when using the SW671.
Got urban survival tools?
Staying above the water
line!
Riverwalker
Posts
5 comments:
It doesn't look like it's suited well to prying - something I would expect to be valuable in an urban environ. I think a wrecking tool that you can find in the hardware store may be a better multi-use option. This looks like a cross between a camp axe and a 'hawk, not really an "extraction" type tool.
To: Dustin
With the thickness of the tool, it could work easily as a pry bar, if necessary. I've got a large pry bar but it's heavy and makes a poor axe. It's basically suited to prying with and little else.
Thanks Dustin.
RW
I'm a thinkin' that I'm a gonna get me one!
Bob
III
To: idahobob
I've seen ones that are $10 to $20 cheaper than this one but they have fiberglass handles attached to the axe which could prove to be a weakness. The full metal tang of the SW671 is a big plus in my estimation.
Thanks bob.
RW
Good review sir - thanks. If you want a compact pry bar that chops, check into those inexpensive Chinese crate hatchets. Maybe $5 or $6, fairly lightweight and they take a pretty good beating to boot.
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