- Joined
- Apr 17, 2001
- Messages
- 491
Just wondering if anyone had the new Benchmade 520 yet? What do you think of it? I've handled one at a show and it looks great. A real heavy duty cutting machine.
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Any BM 520 reviews yet?
- Thread starter John Frederick
- Start date
- Joined
- May 24, 2003
- Messages
- 181
My wife bought me a 520 this past weekend, Just have to give props where they are due.
It is a very sturdy knife. I think that you would have have a very difficult time torquing this knife much, due to the robust aluminum handle. I like the Axis lock, I'm a Lefty so it works easily.
Of knives I have, the closest comparison would be the Al Mar s2k.They both have roughly the same dimensions. 3.5"+- blade length.
It is about the same size as Al Mar S2k perhaps just slightly lighter. The blade is a little wider, edge to spine than the S2k. The blade is a little bit more"stout" than I've seen on Benchmade knives. I haven't really had a chance to make it work hard. It will slice paper and shave your arm. It made short work of some boxes that needed reducing. It cuts nylon rope quick.
I like the way it feels in my hand. I've seen comments by others that it was difficult to carry. I had mine in the utility side pocket of my Carhart pants all day and it rode fine.
It is a very sturdy knife. I think that you would have have a very difficult time torquing this knife much, due to the robust aluminum handle. I like the Axis lock, I'm a Lefty so it works easily.
Of knives I have, the closest comparison would be the Al Mar s2k.They both have roughly the same dimensions. 3.5"+- blade length.
It is about the same size as Al Mar S2k perhaps just slightly lighter. The blade is a little wider, edge to spine than the S2k. The blade is a little bit more"stout" than I've seen on Benchmade knives. I haven't really had a chance to make it work hard. It will slice paper and shave your arm. It made short work of some boxes that needed reducing. It cuts nylon rope quick.
I like the way it feels in my hand. I've seen comments by others that it was difficult to carry. I had mine in the utility side pocket of my Carhart pants all day and it rode fine.
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2003
- Messages
- 1,321
I "just" got the auto version, but considering the handle and blade shape, i agree, it is very comfortable and secure to grip. The clip is a bit stiff. The balde is perfectly. A strong spine and a high belly for good slicing abilities. And they had an eye on tip strength.
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2001
- Messages
- 3,709
I just picked up a Benchmade 520SBT Pre-production model at a local gun shop and though I'd share my initial impressions.
The 3.42" long, 0.13" thick 154CM blade is razor sharp. The handle is 4.87" in length and consists of aluminum scales over steel liners. Blade to handle ratio on this knife may not be the best in the world, but it's not that bad either. Folks with large hands will find the grip quite comfortable. For those familiar with Benchmade auto knives like the AFO, Auto Stryker and such, the handle on the 520 has a sort of grippy feel to it because of the bead blasting process. That combined with the texture on the scales provides a solid grip in wet or dry hands. The removable pocketclip is set up for tip up left or right hand carry and does fit rather tight against the aluminum handle, but if you're an active individual, it is less likely to slide out of your pocket.
At the shop I visited, the only model available was the BM520SBT and I typically stay away from black coated combo edge knives, but after handling the knife I just had to have it. I was that impressed with it. After seeing all the little "gent" knives being released by Benchmade, it's refreshing to see a large and solid tactical/working folder back in their lineup.
The 3.42" long, 0.13" thick 154CM blade is razor sharp. The handle is 4.87" in length and consists of aluminum scales over steel liners. Blade to handle ratio on this knife may not be the best in the world, but it's not that bad either. Folks with large hands will find the grip quite comfortable. For those familiar with Benchmade auto knives like the AFO, Auto Stryker and such, the handle on the 520 has a sort of grippy feel to it because of the bead blasting process. That combined with the texture on the scales provides a solid grip in wet or dry hands. The removable pocketclip is set up for tip up left or right hand carry and does fit rather tight against the aluminum handle, but if you're an active individual, it is less likely to slide out of your pocket.
At the shop I visited, the only model available was the BM520SBT and I typically stay away from black coated combo edge knives, but after handling the knife I just had to have it. I was that impressed with it. After seeing all the little "gent" knives being released by Benchmade, it's refreshing to see a large and solid tactical/working folder back in their lineup.
This Knife is plain awesome you should have one for EDC...the only draw back is the weight may be a problem with some dress pants that said it works fine with my suit pants and they are very light.
You have to see one in person cause the pictures don't show it right.
You have to see one in person cause the pictures don't show it right.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 1998
- Messages
- 15,230
My personal opinion is that it's a "best buy" right now. Great handle and blade shape, easy to open, absolutely ambi, what's not to like? Only thing missing is an included sheath for those that use them.
I also picked up a pre-production 520SBT at my local B&M dealer. After handling it, I had to have it. Eventually, I'll pick up a plain, satin-finished model.
This may be the strongest knife BM has ever made. Even the solid back spacer is metal (probably aluminum), not plastic as on most other BMs.
IMHO, the best feature is the handle design. Once you get your fingers around the handles, it's not coming out of your hand unless you want it to. The high, flat blade grind gives it remarkable cutting ability as well.
I think BM has a real winner here. As Spark pointed out, it is also a great value.
Grab one! I'd like to see some limited editions as well--maybe an S30V version??
This may be the strongest knife BM has ever made. Even the solid back spacer is metal (probably aluminum), not plastic as on most other BMs.
IMHO, the best feature is the handle design. Once you get your fingers around the handles, it's not coming out of your hand unless you want it to. The high, flat blade grind gives it remarkable cutting ability as well.
I think BM has a real winner here. As Spark pointed out, it is also a great value.
Grab one! I'd like to see some limited editions as well--maybe an S30V version??
and limited to 100 pieces
. Got #18
