531, or not…?

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vanslem6

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Oct 4, 2014
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Hey all, I've been doing a little bit of searching regarding the 531, however, there isn't a ton of stuff out there. Anyhow, I'm kind of going back and fourth with Benchmade and Spyderco, and following the pattern I am due for a Benchmade next. I fell in love with the 530 design when I first discovered it. The issue I have is my experience with the 556, Mini-Grip. I like the knife, and would love it if it had a better feel. More specifically, I think the handle needs more substance. The 531 seems to address that point. At $130 or so, I want value. Having just spent less than that on a PM2, I'm having a hard time believing better value can be achieved. If it's comparable to the PM2, I'm in! If not, do I just skip to the 940 instead?

I appreciate any and all input. Thanks! :)
 
Not sure if I'm reading you correctly, but the minigrip handle is SIGNIFICANTLY more substantial than that of the 531. The 531 is the thinnest knife I own and the thinnest modern folder I've seen or heard of. It's a fantastic blade and I love mine, but hand-filling it ain't. The 940 is larger but still svelte, and again quite a bit thinner than a minigrip.

Also, personally if I hadn't bought the 531 first, I don't think I'd get one after getting a 940. The 531 is thinner and lighter, but the 940 disappears in the pocket just as easily and has better ergos.
 
I think you answered my question. Without even thinking about it, I didn't bother to look up the weight of each knife. I was shocked to find that the Mini-Grip is heavier than the 531. I guess I assumed that the G10 would add just the right amount of weight….Guess not!

Thanks for the response, it was more helpful than you know. Also, points for using 'svelte.' :)
 
No worries, glad I could help. If you want something similar in size but slightly bulkier than the mini grip, check out the BM Bone Collector knives. If you can get past the cheesy (imo) branding you get a mini grip with better steel and really nice looking, slightly thicker g10 scales for around $120.
 
image.jpgThe 940 is my favorite EDC followed by a M390 Doug Ritter mini with custom micarta scales and the 531 which is a great knife for the low weight and slim size but it's not a heavy duty knife, but should do routine work just fine.
 
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I managed to catch whatever it is you guys have. I ended up ordering a 531 the other day, despite having doubts. I also plan on eventually buying the 940, lol. I just love the look of the 531 too much to pass it up. Thanks again, guys!
 
Spyderco knives are a WAY BETTER Value hands down no doubt about no question.

The knives are made of the same premium materials and Spyderco has just as good if not better fit/finish and quality control. BM's are definitely overpriced IMO so I really only buy them on the exchange.

If you can get a good price on the exchange I say get it. I do love benchmade knives but I hate the prices.

In terms of the 531 specifically, It doesn't really excite me visually and the materials are good but not great. I would prefer a 950 rift if I was going to get a G10/154CM benchmade right now or maybe get G10 scales for my grip.

Hope you found this useful!
 
I'm still waiting for a special run of the 531 with M390 steel. The Gold Class version is more than I want to spend on it though.
 
Ok, I got the knife this afternoon. I had to do some more work this evening, and I was pleasantly surprised with the knife. Out of the box, the Axis lock was sticky. I am impatient, and I have a bottle of BM blue lube. I applied a small drop to each side of the lock studs, and it's buttery smooth now. I was uneasy about the thinness initially, however, the added length over the mini-griptilian seems to make all the difference. I'm still up in the air regarding 154CM, but this thing slices very, very well. It doesn't quite have the edge of the FFG Delica 4 (out of the box), but it just keeps on going through everything I cut. I think the added length of the blade is the key, though I could be wrong. The texture is good, the dick-clip is good (my first). Overall, so far, so good. It was pricey at $130, but I'm happy thus far. So far, it is a much better slicer than my PM2. I think the 531 and PM2 would be a great EDC combo. I have never carried more than one knife, but I think they'd make an excellent pair.

Took a few pics with my phone, but I wasn't keen on the results. I'll have to bust out the regular camera and get some photos. I know you've all seen a factory 531 before, but I'm pumped right now! I also got a brown-handled Rat II for my brother. A Christmas gift I may give to him early. Bought him a Skyline a few months ago, and he uses the crap out of it! We work together, and use our knives for everything, every single day. Our busy season lasts until Christmas, so I'm thinking he'll get a ton of use out of it if I give it to him early. Lol, just rambling now. But it won out over the Tenacious…for now. I'll probably get him that one for his birthday. Ha, pictures soon!
 
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I managed to pick up a 531 a couple months ago on clearance, and I've been pleased with it. It's surprisingly solid for it's thinness and weight, and I love how it rides in my pocket. The lock on mine sticks every now and then, but it's no big deal. It's also razor sharp, no doubt because of the extremely thin edge grind.

I was always tempted by the 530, but I'm glad I ended up with this one instead.
 
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