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921 versus 960!

Artfully Martial

Artfully Martial

Joined
Jun 8, 2005
Messages
4,761
I have to get one of these, but I can't decide...they're both so gorgeous. The 921 is actually more folder for the money, in my opinion, but I think the 960 looks slightly more gorgeous. Whatchu guys think? Personal picks are very welcome, though I've handled both numerous times in real life.
 
I have both of these models and still can't decide which one I like more. The 921 is a much bigger knife and has the added smaller blade (2 knives in 1), but the 960 just feels great in your hand and the looks, well they speak for themselves.

I have noticed however, on both of these models, that the liner only extends about 1/2 of the length of the scales. I am not sure if this really effects the overall strength of the knife. Alas, both are more of a "gent" than hard task users. I guess you'll just have to do as I did and get 'em both.:D
 
Oh believe me, one day I will have both, but my knife list is pretty long at the moment. Secretly, the 921 was the first Benchmade that I ever noticed. I had dabbled in CRKTs for awhile and was a knife novice, but I was hanging out in a gunstore with SamuraiDave one day and I saw the blue 921 and I was blown away. Granted, I'd never seen a 960 or a huge amount of other knives, but the 921 is kind of the "first one." I hated to put it down when I saw it was like 150 dollars in the store--and, with my experience today, I know that's not really a bad price to pay in store. I wonder if they still have it... this was...three years ago I guess.

I blame the rapid escalation of knife collecting on that single 921.
 
The 921s are tougher than their sleek look implies.
I have never seen one damaged by hard use. Mine is a tank,
it just does not look like a tank.
 
The following is just my opinion - only personal preference & the such:

I just sold my LE 921 (D2 Steel) and, it was very smooth in operation (would you expect anything else from the Axis mechanism), extremely easy to carry due to its frame design - which is thin, lightweight, rounded edges, and tip-up ambidextrous clip. The handle length was also a benefit as it allowed more contact with the entire hand including the little finger.

The thinness of the frame could work against one though, as gripping it was a bit awkward for anything other than relatively small cutting chores. The grip just didn't exactly inspire confidence - like one gets when gripping the 710 or, the Griptilian. I found the small blade relatively useless also. They might as well omitted it and shaved another half ounce off - imho. And the main blade, well frankly I liked the D2 steel - though I wasn't so fond of the blackened (Benchcote) blade (I prefer silver). Nor did I like its semi-Whanrcliff profile. I'm no doubt in the minority here but, I tend to find the straight edge Wharncliffs to be more task specific in lieu of being more general purpose. This limits their versatility in my opinion. They just don't feel comfortable to me for general cutting duties that I typically come into contact with.

I do not own a 960 but, after handling one have a preference for it over the 921 mainly due to its blade profile which is more of a drop point style. I sort of like the red color that it is available in also. Still, the overall thinness worries me a bit. I prefer a little more thickness in the handle like the mini-grip or, 707 provides. However, to their benefit those thin aluminum handle knives like the 921 and 960 are extremely easy to carry. They never seem to draw attention to themselves even when you squat down or stoop, bend way over or whatever. They fit the pocket like a glove.
 
Artfully Martial said:
the 921 is kind of the "first one."
Click to expand...

How is this not a no-brainer? Sentiments man..... go for it.

[Edit]
I got a red 960 for my woman and she loves it. I've only carried it a handful of times because I'll get my ass kicked if she catches me, but from my limited experiance the 960 is an amazing knife. But even if the 960 is slightly better than the 921 (and I have no idea if it is or not), get the 921. If I were in your shoes... I'd be jumping over my own mother if I had a chance to get my hands on the first knife I saw that got me interested in knives.
 
I own 921 and sometimes think about grabbing 960. 921 is good knife. It looks just good with blades folded - oval shape. It may look a bit awkward when the main blade is extended, but it works fine. (I first thought it would give funny grip, but I was wrong!)
The main blade opens and closes real smooth. (It's so smooth, I feel a bit scared.) The lock holds quite strong, but works smooth. The blade is real sharp just out of box.
The second smaller blade has not much use though. With smooth opening of main blade, I just happen to use the main blade unless I consciously try to use the smaller blade. Also, grip is not that comfortable when you're using the second blade.
Though 960 is smaller than 921, 921 looks smaller to me. Maybe it's design.
Whenever I think of getting 960, something holds me back. It just does not have the feel, yet. While 921 just saying 'come get me'.

Like CriTiCiZe just said, if 921 was the knife that hook you up here, go get it.
Don't you hear she's crying? :)
 
921. You can't beat that little blade for cutting lime slices to jam into your Corona bottle. A comfortable easy carry and not your normal tactical black color.
 
Here's my 2 cents...

I've got the 960 with steel frame and wood inserts. Quite possibly the most practical, easiest knife to use that I've ever had. Rides pretty low in the pocket, but not too low. Slim design. Easiest to open and close with one hand. D2 blade is now my favorite steel...
I dislike aluminum for knife handles, so I'd steer clear of those.
 
I've got a pre-pro s30v 921 and love it. It came my way in a trade and I've enjoyed it SOOOOO much more than I expected. It is light, slim, buttery smooth, and I've become fond of the shape of the main blade. It has become my primary blade for slacks/sheeple carry.

Based on my affection for the 921, I've seriously been considering a 960. Somehow, I got derailed and went for another Osbourne designed BM - the 940! I've only had it a few days, but it felt better to me than the 960s in the store.

More food for thought... I think the 921 was discontinued, no? If so, grab a 921 now (you won't be disappointed) and a 960 later.

Check out the 940, too! :D
(Completely unrelated, but I bought a 732 Ares PE a few weeks ago and it has fit the bill for a heavier G10 folder when many other "heavy" folders felt too big for to be comfortable for me! (ie. Manix.))
 
Argh. I'm really beginning to miss my MIA 921. :(

Might have to buy another one sometime soon.
 
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