300SN Question

Bumblingtinkerer

Bumblingtinkerer

Joined
Jun 10, 2013
Messages
107
Hey guys, I was in the closest thing we have to a knife shop today, which also happens to be a Benchmade dealer. I handled two knives today, the two that caught my eye most, the 940 Osbourne(WHICH ROCKS) and the 300SN Axis flipper. I was painfully disappointed with the latter. It was amazingly smooth, and the finish was epic, but it was short, and stubby, and thick. I like small knives. I carry a mini grip daily, but this was like a brick. And the other thing was it was super slow flipping without wrist movement. Has anyone else experienced this? Thanks, Lucas
 
Hi Lucas,

I agree on both counts, the 940 is a must-have but the 300SN is a model either we love or hate. IMO the blade's too short and the thickness doesn't allow for a quick flip. The original Ball design was liner lock flipper only. On this production knife, combining the Axis lock with that is just a strange combination.
 
I've gotten to play with 4 different 300 Ball Axis flipper variations (including the one I owned) and heard the same complaint every time (and several online complaints) about how hard it was to flip open.

I could flip all of them with no wrist-movement at all.

I think Spyderco and Benchmade folks just aren't used to flippers :)

In all seriousness - the Axis Lock plus the flipper means you have to use some extra force when flipping, but it doesn't take long to be able to do it almost effortlessly. It is heavy, but it's also super beefy for a smaller knife. I regret selling mine and will probably snag a 300-1 when I can.
 
I own 2 variations and both flip open just fine with no excess force. Not too hard to adjust them to the point where they open easily with no blade play.
I love a small beefy knife. Big Phat Bob fan too!
 
EZ Bake said:
I've gotten to play with 4 different 300 Ball Axis flipper variations (including the one I owned) and heard the same complaint every time (and several online complaints) about how hard it was to flip open.

I could flip all of them with no wrist-movement at all.

I think Spyderco and Benchmade folks just aren't used to flippers :)

In all seriousness - the Axis Lock plus the flipper means you have to use some extra force when flipping, but it doesn't take long to be able to do it almost effortlessly. It is heavy, but it's also super beefy for a smaller knife. I regret selling mine and will probably snag a 300-1 when I can.
Click to expand...

Agreed. I have the 300-1 and it flips open easily. I will note that it flips easier with time as the knife breaks in a bit. But no issue from day 1 here. :)

jkarp_53 said:
Hi Lucas,

I agree on both counts, the 940 is a must-have but the 300SN is a model either we love or hate. IMO the blade's too short and the thickness doesn't allow for a quick flip. The original Ball design was liner lock flipper only. On this production knife, combining the Axis lock with that is just a strange combination.
Click to expand...

But I also agree with jkarp as well. It seems that people either love or hate the knife. I love mine, so I guess I'm in that camp. :)
 
I understand you're used to smaller knives so you think the 300sn is a beefy knife, but did you by chance handle the Adamas? Now that's a big knife (in best Crocodile Dundee voice)
 
I like both of mine (brown and blue scales). No issues with them at all. But, I like stout folders. Not interested in thin lightweight knives.
 
If the 300 SN feels too bulky, try handling the 300-1. It is slightly thinner but feels considerably thinner due to the more contoured g10. I have both and love them both. My 300 SN, that I EDC, just falls open once the detent is overcome. As a southpaw, the combo of flipper and axis lock, was my reason for buying the first one. I bought the other two, another 300 SN and a 300-1, because the first one was so perfect.
The blade length has never been an issue in the woods, at work or around the house. I carry this knife (300sn) in my back pocket most of the time, but even when it is in my front pocket, it is unnoticeable to the point of me having to use my hand to make sure it is there. Perhaps you are just used to something thinner or smaller.
All that being said, if they put out a version with a fully flat ground blade (a 300 lightweight) - I would get one.........
or two.
 
It's really not that it's too bulky it's just slow. It's not hard to open but it's just really slow. I actually thought about picking it up and trying to find someone to make some thinner scales, but I'm just gonna save my pennies and snag the 940 or a 943. I'm not against a big knife, as I carry a Manix 2 with the mini grip, but there is a limit on my knives. I have no real problem carrying something as big as a Timberline 18 Delta, and that thing is a beast.

To terry, because im not sure how to direct a comment, they didn't have one, or i would have.
 
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