Aphid (alternatives to) Vantage Pro. And <rigidity>

[Gershwin]

I have found --as an alternative to the above-named Buck -- the Benchmade Aphid.
The knife for me..
?

Yes I'd be happy with a knife a teensy larger; by 10% or 15%. But I can live with its dimensions. The one unresolved question is whether the blade has, under stress, any springiness. As a new person, I yet haven't confidence a blade won't break. A bread knife I once was using (not on bread ), and its strong blade snapped.

The knife I'm looking at is of 440C and is, again, Benchmade.

anyone?

 

[like em sharp]

I have an Aphid. It's not really comparable to the Vantage besides being of the same approximate size of the small version. AO vs. flipper, very, very different handles and all that.

As for blade rigidity, it shouldn't be a problem. The Aphid has a 3/32" thick blade which is plenty for a knife with a blade length of less than 2.5". The problem I did have with the Aphid is that I actually had the torsion bar for the A/O system snap in half on me. It was replaced under warranty, though and I've had no issues since. 440C isn't a super high-end steel but Benchmade's heat treat makes a it very workable steel.

The thumbstuds suck, though. Really badly. Way too close to the handle and they unscrew far too easily for my liking.