Bear & Son Bear Ops Bold Action V Review
Published: April 22nd, 2025
The Bear & Son Bear Ops Bold Action V is one of those knives that immediately feels built to last when you pick it up. It is a full-size automatic, measuring 8.75 inches overall with a closed length of 5 inches. It has a big presence without feeling bulky or awkward. At 5.4 ounces, you can definitely feel it in your pocket, but it is well-balanced and carries better than you would expect. It feels solid without being overbuilt, which is exactly what you want in a knife you can actually use every day.
The handle is made from layered green and black G10, giving it a rugged look without being too flashy. More importantly, it offers an excellent grip. G10 is a trusted material for a reason: it is lightweight, durable, and stays grippy even when your hands are wet or you are wearing gloves. Bear Ops did a great job shaping the handle so it fills the hand nicely without feeling blocky or uncomfortable. The texture provides just the right amount of traction, and the green and black layering gives it a little bit of style without going over the top.
The blade is 3.75 inches of Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel, finished with a sleek black coating that matches the knife’s tactical look. 14C28N is a fantastic choice for a blade like this because it holds an edge well, resists corrosion, and is easy to maintain when it eventually needs a touch-up. The modified tanto shape adds strength at the tip for piercing, but still has enough belly to make slicing tasks easy. It is a blade built for real work, not just for looks. The black finish not only looks great but also adds another layer of protection against the elements.
One of the best parts of the Bold Action V is the automatic action itself. Press the button, and the blade fires out fast and locks up with authority. There is no hesitation, no wiggle, and no worry. The action feels clean and dependable, which is exactly what you want, especially if you are using the knife in situations where you need it to work every time. The push button is easy to find and operate, even if you are wearing gloves or moving quickly.
Bold Action V
For a larger knife, it carries surprisingly well. The pocket clip is set up for tip-up carry and can be switched for left- or right-handed users, which adds a lot of flexibility. It rides securely in the pocket and still draws smoothly when you need it. In hand, the knife feels comfortable and confident. The handle shape, the balance, and the texture all come together to make it feel like an extension of your hand instead of something you are fighting against.
Overall, the Bear & Son Bear Ops Bold Action V is a strong, reliable automatic that is built to be used. Between the durable G10 handles, the tough 14C28N blade, the fast and secure action, and the American-made craftsmanship, it checks all the right boxes. If you are looking for a hardworking automatic that you can count on day in and day out, the Bold Action V is absolutely worth a serious look.
Featured Knives
Bear Ops Bold Action V
The Bear & Son Bold Action V OTS Green is a premium American-made automatic knife built for performance and reliability. It features a 3.62-inch Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel modified tanto blade with a durable black powder-coated finish. The green and black G-10 handle offers a secure grip, while the push-button mechanism ensures quick, easy deployment and locks the blade firmly in place. Designed for versatile carry, it includes a reversible tip-up pocket clip and a lanyard hole. With an overall length of 8.75 inches and weighing 5.4 ounces, the Bold Action V is a dependable tool for everyday or tactical use.