Anyone carry a Benchmade 520 or 525?

S

shroomie

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Sep 22, 2007
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I'm looking for a new EDC and I've had my eye on these knives for a while. The 525 seems to be almost exactly what I'm looking for, my only concern is the AXIS lock. I've played with a Mini-Grip a little bit, and while it seems like a good strong lock, I'm just not sure about it. It seems to me that it's not quite as easy to operate one-handed as a normal liner-lock. I suppose that it just takes some getting used to, though.

So, does anybody own or carry either of these knives? What are your thoughts on them?
 
I just picked up a 525 and really love it! Also have a mini Grip, and love it also!

Not sure I really understand your concern over the Axis lock. It's my favorite lock and it's super easy to one hand open and close, the easiest for me anyway (by far). It's safe to say, I will be sticking with Benchmade.

I would give it a try, stick with it, allow the Axis lock to break in a bit.

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I have a couple of Griptilians, also designed by Pardue, and love them. The axis lock is very smooth to open; releasing it takes some getting used to. I use my thumb and middle finger to pull back the lock and fold the blade with my index finger. You can also just use one side to release the lock. I can even open and close the knife with my left hand. Go for the Presidio. I have only handled the auto version, but it feels secure in my hand. And the aluminum scales are miles above the plastic grips. This one is only list. Please, Santa.

Joe
 
If anything the AXIS lock is easier to operate than the liner lock. It is much safer as your fingers never get in the path of the blade as it is closing. With a little time it will become second nature and you'll wonder how you ever got along with the linerlocks!:eek:;):)
 
shroomie said:
I'm looking for a new EDC and I've had my eye on these knives for a while. The 525 seems to be almost exactly what I'm looking for, my only concern is the AXIS lock. I've played with a Mini-Grip a little bit, and while it seems like a good strong lock, I'm just not sure about it. It seems to me that it's not quite as easy to operate one-handed as a normal liner-lock. I suppose that it just takes some getting used to, though.

So, does anybody own or carry either of these knives? What are your thoughts on them?
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Benchmade makes great quality knives. The Axis is one of the EASIEST locks to use. You just have to get accustomed to it.
 
I agree with everyone else. the Axis lock is by far the easiest system to use, bar none. In fact I keep looking to buy other knives, [some very expensive], and pass them by because the don't have as good a system as Axis. Framelocks and linerlocks are VERY SLOW and inherently risky to close compared to Axis locks. Any mechanism with a thumbstud or thumbhole can be fast to open one handed. The trick is to close it one handed quickly and safely. Lone Wolf 'Paul Axial lock' knives are another system that allows fast one-handed opening/closing. Many of us have owned these and had problems with blade play however so I can't recomend them.

I have both a full size Ritter Griptilian, 552 and a 525 mini presidio.
The aluminium handle on the 525 is nicer than the Noryl plastic handles on the Griptilians, but either is a good knife. My 525 is a limited edition from New Graham Knives so it has a grey handle/black blade instead of the black handle/plain blade, and the machining is less intense so it is easier on my pocket. The regular 525 is a bit rough on pants pockets.

I remember several years ago when I was looking to buy my first Benchmade Axis lock. Like you, I wasn't sure about the locking system. I was used to liner locks. The Axis felt weird and I couldn't figure out how to work it smoothly. I didn't buy one for several months. Now I own three!
I still like the look in peoples eyes when they see me pull my knife out, snap it open, severe whatever it is that needs cut, and snap it closed one handed, and stuff it back into my pocket, all in about 3 seconds! They usualy say something like, 'Wow! can I see your knife?' That never happend with any other knife design I've had before.

I really don't think you will be disapointed with a BM Axis lock. Be warned though, they are addictive.
 
I agree w/ everyone, the axis lock is great. You can't go wrong.

Also, I like the 525 over the mini-grips. The mini-grip is just a tad too small for my hand. When I flick closed the mini-grip it puts a micro-slice in the heel of my palm. Not enough to bleed, but enough to be a nuicence pain. (did I say they're sharp!!) The Mini-presidio doesn't do this to me. The grips are just big enough.

And the full size grip or presidio are perfect for me. I do like alum. handles on the presidos too. The plastic is ok, but........
 
I love my BM 525. It sees the most pocket time by far as it is my work knife. I got a limited edition with S30v blade and it's great. I was never big on AL handles but now that I've used it there is no big deal. Here is a shot of mine taken apart for cleaning....

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525_voided_h.jpg
 
Had a 520, ended up swapping it out for a 525 because I liked the samller size better. In either size, it's a great knife. I wouldn't worry about one-handed use on the Axis lock. After a bit of use you'll find the most comfortable way for your individual hand to work it, whether it be thumb, index finger, both of them together, etc.

As mentioned, the machined aluminum handles can chew on the edges of your pockets, but they do provide excellent grip when you have the knife in hand.
 
My best bud, about 7-8 months ago, wanted a BM auto and expressed interest in the Presidio. I told him to go to a certain shop and play with one for as long as the babe would allow it.
............and I recommended against the auto (if the police find it, they'll take it away; it's no more than a novelty - the Axis will open just as fast; after a short time, pulling the switch and watching the blade snap opens becomes old-hat, whereas opening a standard Axis, no matter how long or often you do it, is better than any carnival ride; and on and on and on).

He wouldn;t listen (somehow I knew he wouldn;t) and he bought a full-size Presidio auto. OK, I was disappointed in him, but otherwise the knife is exactly like the one you're considering. It's built well (BM, of course), and feels good in the hand. I axed him and he said he had no problems with the rough texture of the scales eating his jeans or other clothes. He loves it. About a month after he had it, I needed it for something while we working on his land. It was dull as a sapling and I just happened to have my Sharpmaker in the truck. I fed the Presidio's 154CM to the rods (already knowing what was going to happen when that precious metal came away from the ceramic rods) and he fell back in love with that knife.

I still had to give him a look of disgust, though, because he fell for the auto like a little kid falling for the latest cheap toy! :D
 
I've actually been considering the 5500 (Auto version of the 525) myself since they're legal here in Florida. The only problem is that once you tack on tax and shipping, they cost a little more than I'm willing to pay at the moment.
 
I have a 520. It's a great knife. Built like a tank. Awsome grip. The 520 is a grate work knife. Mine has seen alot of use and carry. Haven't have a problem with it yet.
In my HO, I think that axis is the BEST lock there is, plain and simple.
 
shroomie said:
I've actually been considering the 5500 (Auto version of the 525) myself since they're legal here in Florida. The only problem is that once you tack on tax and shipping, they cost a little more than I'm willing to pay at the moment.
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Shroomie,
I'd like to tell you the same thing I told my bud: Forget the Auto - legal or not.
- While the auto Presidio is an Axis, it all but defeats the purpose. The beauty of the Axis is the lockup; the fun is in opening it; the auto takes away the fun.
- Autos are a novelty. If you need one, OK, "but just dip the chip once and end it, willya?" (Seinfeld)
- I can open my 975 liner-lock as fast as the Presidio auto. I've proved it to my bud and, most importantly, to myself. Is speed what we're looking for?
- When an auto breaks, it's ugly, plain and simple. It leaves you with this gut feeling "Man, why did I get this ugly knife?" When in fact the knife is beautiful! (But UGLY since the auto that you so long depended on is broken!)

I know some guys like autos and that's cool with me. I just like to pass on these things I have observed.....pass them on to you.

It's just what I do, my friend.....just what I do.





((( :D )))
 
StretchNM said:
Shroomie,
I'd like to tell you the same thing I told my bud: Forget the Auto - legal or not.
- While the auto Presidio is an Axis, it all but defeats the purpose. The beauty of the Axis is the lockup; the fun is in opening it; the auto takes away the fun.
- Autos are a novelty. If you need one, OK, "but just dip the chip once and end it, willya?" (Seinfeld)
- I can open my 975 liner-lock as fast as the Presidio auto. I've proved it to my bud and, most importantly, to myself. Is speed what we're looking for?
- When an auto breaks, it's ugly, plain and simple. It leaves you with this gut feeling "Man, why did I get this ugly knife?" When in fact the knife is beautiful! (But UGLY since the auto that you so long depended on is broken!)

I know some guys like autos and that's cool with me. I just like to pass on these things I have observed.....pass them on to you.

It's just what I do, my friend.....just what I do.





((( :D )))
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input, those are all very good points. I think I'm going to hold off on Autos until I can afford a Microtech. I got a chance to play with one of their OTF models (I believe it was a Troodon) a while back and have wanted one ever since.
 
my current edc setup includes a Benchmade 520 AND a Spyderco Military
they complement each other perfectly and work great for my needs, but i have a slightest preference for the Presidio because:
-it fills perfectly my hand
-i like the fact that it is a bit on the heavier side
-the texture on the scales takes grippability to new levels
-it has a strong & robust tip
-it has no bladeplay yet it deploys super fast

i really don't think you can go wrong with a 520, it is a perfect heavy duty folder

 
I've had both the 520 and 5000 (auto version). I too am a liner lock guy but I have no problems with the axis lock. I don't really care for the heavy weight of the 520/5000 but I really love the blade style. The 525 and it's auto version are probably more carry friendly. I contemplated the axis locks for a while when they came out, but now they run a close second to the liner lock as my prefered locking mechanism. My vote, the 525 over the 520.:)
 
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