Hi I just used Afterpay on DLT Trading to order the Benchmade Infidel 3300 and am just wondering if anyone has any experience with that company? I am super excited, this will be my first Auto OTF. I’ve held one before and I loved it. Can’t wait to have it. Just wondering if anyone has any input on that company or anything I should know about the Infidel? Any tips or ideas on using the knife? Thank you in advance!
I haven't dealt with DLT Trading yet but I did recently get the Blade HQ exclusive Infidel: DLC coated S30V blade with green handle. I have mixed feelings about the knife but it's probably just my personal preferences.
The activator switch is much easier to use than the one on my Microtech UTX-85, I definitely prefer it over the MT.
Haven't decided how I feel about the position of the slider on the Infidel but I kind of wish it were on the spine like the MT so it wasn't pressed into my leg when pocket carrying (or sitting), it's a minor thing though and probably fine.
The overall size is pretty big for a pocket carried edc, again just personal preference. My usual edc is in the 3" blade range (small Sebenza) but I've been carrying a Pro-Tech TR-3 quite a bit since late June and I love that knife.
Overall fit and finish are... okay I guess. There's a bit more blade play edge to edge than I'd like for a knife in this price range (no lateral movement though), It's at least twice the play as my MT. There's a YT video that shows how to tighten that up and loctite it so it doesn't loosen up again but, for a knife this expensive, it should've been dealt with at the factory. I'm also not thrilled about disassembling the OTF mechanism so I'll probably leave it as is.
Between the Infidel and the UTX-85, I think I sightly prefer the UTX-85 for a few reasons: overall size is more my taste (a Mini Infidel probably would've been a better choice for me), my UTX is a single edge blade that I find more utilitarian, the texture on the Infidel handle is a bit aggressive for my taste and the UTX is easier going in and out of the pocket. But slider action on the Infidel is OH SO NICE, I really wish my UTX was as comfortable to use.
Between my three autos (Infidel, UTX- 85 and TR-3) I prefer my TR-3. The blade is more substantial and I can open it discreetly if I need it in public - there's no loud THWACK! if I hold my fingers over the spine and let it open slowly. Sure I could catch the OTFs... once.
Again, it's just my subjective opinion. You might get yours and think it's the greatest knife you've ever had. I do think the Infidel, and most other Benchmades, are WAY overpriced these days.