Anyone have a Benchmade Rant bowie or droppoint?

L

lotoblades

Joined
Oct 20, 2006
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I've been looking at these for a while..never got the chance to pick one up...anyone have any opinions on them? I'm mostly interested in the newer U.S. made ones. not the older ones. I like the looks of the drop point, looks about the right size for a general use belt knife to me.

Thanks for any feed back!
 
I have handled them in person a couple times. They seem to be great knives for the money. If I didn't already have a couple good fixed blades, I would have picked one up. The fit and finish is nice and I really like the stonewashed finish on the blades. The handled are comfortable, grippy, and seem to be very solid. The blades are pretty thick but would still cut well. I like the drop point a little better, but is a personal preference thing. Pick one up, they are the best fixed blades for the money IMO.
 
Thanks BJE. I have a "few" fixed blades already but this one is calling me for the $$$..I like the drop point better as well. I've been impressed with the benchmades I've had before but just wanted a little info about them before picking one up. Pretty plain looking knife..but something about the grind and over all shape of it..guess I'll pick one up!
 
BJE said:
I have handled them in person a couple times. They seem to be great knives for the money. If I didn't already have a couple good fixed blades, I would have picked one up. The fit and finish is nice and I really like the stonewashed finish on the blades. The handled are comfortable, grippy, and seem to be very solid. The blades are pretty thick but would still cut well. I like the drop point a little better, but is a personal preference thing. Pick one up, they are the best fixed blades for the money IMO.
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I have the drop point and I agree with everything above. It's really comfortable and is a great value for the money---and it comes with a really well designed sheath.

I rarely meet a Mel Pardue design I don't like!
 
I have the 10502 drop point. It is a great knife. I think I may prefer it to the Fallkniven F1.
My only minor complaint is that the belt loop on the sheath is quite narrow.
 
Steven Andrews said:
I have the 10502 drop point. It is a great knife. I think I may prefer it to the Fallkniven F1.
My only minor complaint is that the belt loop on the sheath is quite narrow.
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Thanks for the shot of the two together..I'd been back and forth between a S1 and F1...then I saw the benchmade for around half the price of either.I have large hands and have read the Fallknivens have a somewhat smallish handle. The blade on the benchmade is flat ground not hollow right?
 
Doesn't sound like you need any more convincing; just want to say it's a helluva knife for the money.
(I have the current USA made version and that's the one I'm referring to.)
 
I've been looking to pick one up, but I'm not too sure on the steel. What do you guys think of the 440c blade? And Steven, is it just me or does it look like the blade is off-center on your bowie?
 
5370H55V said:
I've been looking to pick one up, but I'm not too sure on the steel. What do you guys think of the 440c blade? And Steven, is it just me or does it look like the blade is off-center on your bowie?
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440C is very good steel when given a proper heat treat. I have several Benchmades (though none in 440C) and judging by the Rockwell numbers and performance, each has received a good heat treat.
 
Well I just ordered one:D I know 440c is a pretty good edge holding steel,I've had several knives in this steel. I don't plan on beating on the knife to much but maybe some light battoning for kindling etc..if it can handle that and handles well I'll be happy :D
 
Hey Guys..

I've got a Rant..

It is a decent knife for the price...

ttyle

Eric
O/ST
 
5370H55V said:
I've been looking to pick one up, but I'm not too sure on the steel. What do you guys think of the 440c blade? And Steven, is it just me or does it look like the blade is off-center on your bowie?
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It must just be the photo - the blade is centered and straight.

I have used other Benchmades with 440C (TSEK, 145, 551, 555 and 556) and have found it to be a very good steel.
 
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Well I got it today, Overall I'm impressed for the $ not bad at all. Only complaint is as Steven said the belt loop, but it works, should get better as it breaks in. Came shaving sharp, has a nice feel to it. Fits my hand very well, I though from the pics that the handle might be a little full, but it's great, I think the f1 might feel like a steak knife to me. I took some pics I may add latter. Oh and I've yet to try it since I've put a better edge on it but it took a great edge, took about 30minutes on my dmt stones, finished on a loaded strop, nice mirror edge that feels like it should cut!

Pretty sharp out of the box
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It rained today, cut limb for fat wood, made some fine curls to light with the ferro rod
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Congratulations. Glad to hear.
 
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