530.. Your Thoughts & Impressions..

P_Meticulous

P_Meticulous

Joined
Apr 28, 2013
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Without a doubt the 940 design is in my top three - best knives ever made category, so naturally, I like smaller, lighter designs. So when the opportunity struck for a CF 530, it made sense.

The CF version is the only 530 version I own (so my impression stems from this model), but I have to say - this knife quickly moved up to my top three ranking. I realize that you sacrifice locking/frame strength - which is reasonable considering the knife weighs less then 2 ounces, has partial liners, and has a smaller axis design. But honestly, most of us, on a regular day-to-day basis, use our knives for basic cutting and such (no prying open busted elevator doors like action movies lol).

With a blade thickness of 0.090," and a length of 3.25," this blade is super thin, and arm hair shaving-sharp. Plus, the spearpoint is pretty damn cool IMO. I almost feel like you could throw this knife if you had to.

Someone here on forums said that the 530 has a very esoteric design, which is very true. I'm curious as to what you're impressions are on the knife, how you've used it, what you feel make it vulnerable, etc. etc.

Thanks
 
I held one ONCE and that's that. It felt so cheap like it wasn't even a benchmade :( I love the look of it but hate the feeling. But I am one who can care less about a pocket knives weight. I do see it being a super sleek light task blade tho, and it fits that role perfectly. It just was never ment to be between us. So I picked a 470 :)
 
I've held one a couple times. I think for a very lite knife that is a good slicer it's a great option. I plan on buying one at some point, I think for my needs it would be a fine knife. Also on a side note, I actually know a guy that pried himself out of an elevator with a ZT 0550. :)
 
The 530 is one of the few BM's I returned. I hated it right away, blade is too thin, plastic handle, thumb stud was awful. I can certainly see where some people may like it for a very lightweight, and light use, EDC folder. Just not my cup 'o 'joe.
 
Esoteric is an understatement ;)

I have yet to see anyone with some custom scales for the regular version, could easily solve that cheap feel. I agree regarding the reg. scales - similar cheap feel (IMO), like the grip scales..

I have to say though, you can't feel a 530 IWB ;)
 
I have two, the standard Grivory grip version and a REI CF limited production one. A nice light knife that has two ergonomics areas that could be improved, the thumb studs and the cupped ends on the Axis lock bar. From an ergonomics standpoint I actually prefer the Osborne 960 which is similar size and thickness but with more conventional Axis lock bar ends and Osborne style thumb studs. The Axis lock bar and thumb studs design does make the 960 thicker at those points but otherwise it is almost as thin as the Grivory 530 and thinner than the CF version. I have a 960-SLV and am expecting a stainless steel 960-02 to arrive today. The aluminum and G-10 960-SLV is only a little heavier than the 530 too at about 2.3 ounces.
 
I agree with most. I tried to love the plastic handled version. Several times I said I'd buy one, but handling one I just couldn't fall in love with it. Especially with 154cm. So then came the 30 run from KW with CF and S30V, which I bought immediately. Fit and finish issues aside, that knife has a completely different feel than the plastic version. It has the quality feel I've come to expect from benchmade which the 530 and large grip have always lacked with their plastic handles. The only thing that bothers me is the shape of the axis bar where you put your fingers. That dished shape is terrible compared to the normal axis bar. So I find myself agreeing that the 960 is the superior knife for this size range. Only slightly heavier, nicer looking, better ergonomics and available in a million different versions. That said, I will likely never part with my KW 530, and it part of my normal rotation, I have complete faith in it's ability. Small as it may be, I'd bet that the axis lock in it is still stronger than most frame locks twice as heavy.
 
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deathofallthings said:
That said, I will likely never part with my KW 530, and it part of my normal rotation, I have complete faith in it's ability. Small as it may be, I'd be that the axis lock in it is still stronger than most frame locks twice as heavy.
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Yea comparing the regular 530 to let's say the KW or -1303 is like comparing a 1980 Honda to a BMW. That "cheap" impression (due to the grivory) isn't there anymore.. And you feel that BM quality in design ;)

What most people don't realize about the blade ergo's of the 530 is that not a lot of downward pressure is needed to cut things because the blade is like a razor.. I've found with larger blade widths - more pressure is needed by the user (which is not a big deal at all lol, but I've noticed a significant ease in cutting the same materials compared to a 940 or 810).

Yea the bowl-like Axis lock takes some getting used too, but honestly, I have pretty big hands and there's no real issue closing the blade. The 530 blade deploys just as fast/smooth as a 94x/810, and I didn't add oil. I think if most had the CF version, people's main gripe would simply be the axis lock.

BM should reconsider possibly doing G10 on the 530, that would be cool-er than the plastic shizzzz
 
I get mix feelings with the 530....yeah it's light as a feather, feels more like a razor box cutter. I rather carry a mini grip or a 707
 
The 530, great design, some people purposefully seek out over sized heavy knives, others look for knives you can wear with sports shorts, easily carry IWB or in dress pants without the mass and weight.

There are different designs for different people with differing needs.

So in my opinion it's a great design.
 
I like mine a lot. G-10 handles would be better but I don't hate the "plastic"
I have no problem with the axis lock-minimal pressure is all that I need to get a grip and the studs,though small, allow me to pop the blade out with the speed of an A/O.
 
I'd been eyeballing 530's for years and finally pulled the trigger a few weeks ago on the REI exclusive.
Always been a sucker for dagger/spear blade profiles, so this fits the bill. The coffin shaped handle is such a major plus-- aesthetically and in hand.
The 530 is so low drag when cutting through matter, it's ridiculous-- definitely my favorite sub 2oz folder.
It sits quite slim in the pocket or IWB with great pocket clip retention.

My knives tend to get ejected from pocket from time to time as I always have one on me while training. One of my biggest concerns when this happens is if the blade deploys or not on impact (or the following tumbles). It is not a selling point to me, as that is not what I am purchasing a blade for, but it is a personal afterthought. The other night, my 530 did fall out of my sweater pocket (not clipped) while walking around the house and the blade did in fact deploy. Got lucky as the tip/edge was not damaged.

Anyhow, this thing has not left my side since day one of receiving it. Now my pockets are home to multiple beasts daily-- a spyder and a butterfly.
 
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PS- this particular access to thumb studs took some days to get accustomed to, but now deployment is a breeze.
The low-laying scalloped, or "cupped," Axis ends mentioned do require both thumb and index finger on both sides to disengage as opposed to my other Axis models.
 
Skimo said:
The 530, great design, some people purposefully seek out over sized heavy knives, others look for knives you can wear with sports shorts, easily carry IWB or in dress pants without the mass and weight.

There are different designs for different people with differing needs.

So in my opinion it's a great design.
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Nicely said, I'm glad there's a few out there that don't totally discredit the intended purpose of this knife ;)
 
I have till tomorrow to decide if I keep mine or not. It will depend on how cost effective it is and which one I would want in its place.
The only one I can think of is the 950 Rift.
 
We'll see. This 530 has it's merits. I bought it for mostly the blade design, length, and without the clip, there isn't much that can be scratched or damaged.
I expect it will be a keeper. I have a nice lanyard on it and oiled it up so it is getting easier to use.

I need to figure out which Rift I would want if the retailer makes a good offer.
 
Hypermole said:
We'll see. This 530 has it's merits. I bought it for mostly the blade design, length, and without the clip, there isn't much that can be scratched or damaged.
I expect it will be a keeper. I have a nice lanyard on it and oiled it up so it is getting easier to use.
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My 530 flicks open as fast as my 940 does which is a plus, and like you said, it's tough to scratch up this design ;)

For the Rift, PE/un-coated would be the best, and if you can *find the CF version, go for it. There's always the custom scale option too, for the more personal approach ;)
 
Hehe, I own the cf/m4 rift.... Would be one if the last blades I'd ever get rid of.
 
P_Meticulous said:
My 530 flicks open as fast as my 940 does which is a plus, and like you said, it's tough to scratch up this design ;)

For the Rift, PE/un-coated would be the best, and if you can *find the CF version, go for it. There's always the custom scale option too, for the more personal approach ;)
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I am going to have to learn allot more before I buy a Rift. I do really like the black and white swirl handle with a plain or light gray blade. A plain non coated clip would be nice also. The 530 is a keeper. I may try some black heat shrink tube on the thumbstuds since I have extra and a heat gun in my tool box.
 
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