- Joined
- Oct 31, 1998
- Messages
- 3,037
I was wondering how many have this model and have put it to actual use.How does it perform?Does it fit the needs of a Scuba Diver? How does it hold it's edge? How useful is it's rather small blade length and handle size? etc. I just got mine.I'm searching at other forums,there is not much mention of this model.I'm not a diver,but would like to get certified within the next year or so.I'm also planning on getting back into boating eventually and this looks to be a useful design,though I admit my real world knife experiences are few for actual hard usage etc.So that being the case,I like to gather my information from people who actually use their equipment particuarly in emergencies or under stress etc,in case I ever need to use mine 
Anyhow,here is my useless mini review of this model.This model comes in either black or Yellow G-10 handles.The yellow is kinda of elusive,being the type of knife it is,the yellow is more popular with scuba divers and emergency personnel.I bought the black handled version because everyone was out of stock of the yellow.
First impressions was the fit and finish are flawless,but the handles are smaller (short/slim width)than I expected even though I knew the rather small blade length in advance.However,even with this fact, my medium size hands felt really comfortable wrapped around the tacky grooved nicely sculpted G-10 handles.I liked that the handles were attached with stout stainless steel removeable torx head chicago looking type screws.It has a lanyard hole if you desire that ability.It is of course full tang construction length and width of the handles.There are 1 1/4 inches of thumb grooves for control at top of the blade which some feel are too sharp,but they seem fine to me.The blade has a small finger choil and small lower interegal finger guard that seems to work well in keeping your fingers safe from sliding up onto the sharp blade. The blade is short and stout,not flimsy or thin.In fact the blade spine for the most part is the same thickness as at the handles all the way to the tip of the blade.In my opinion it is like a type of sheepsfoot/mariners type blade configuration.It would be fairly safe around rubber rafts or emergency work like cutting seatbelts.I think though in a pinch you could use it as a stabbing weapon if need be,just don't expect alot of performance in that department.The design shouts all emergency,boating,rescue squad etc. for use.Although I think it would be handy even in the "field" but who am I? I ain't no Grizzly Adams,so don't listen to me and buy it as a Wilderness survival knife.Now usually,I despise serrations,and especially partially serrated short blades,but this knife is the exception.The design is well executed,and this design has incorporated certain attributes that are needed by the target clientle.Cutting through lotsa tough webbing/ropes,impervious to saltwater,harsh enviroments.So I'm not at all put off by the serrations,as this is the type of knife that it is a must have.The serrations are well done and blade comes very sharp.The neatest thing about the knife is the well designed sheath made of a injection molded type of Kydex plastic.It is well made and durable as far as I can tell.It has a friction,locking the finger choil in with a positive snap,and has a thumb release device that makes this knife just about impossible to disengage the blade accidently even mounted inverted.It has a lash tab system for mounting to life jackets,scuba diving vests etc.Basically it is setup to be mounted inverted,which is cool,but I would have liked an option just to use it as a belt knife on a 1/ 1/2 to 2 inch belt like a wilderness belt or BDU belt etc.Just for going out boating and not neccessarily always going to have a life jacket strapped to me,plus I like things more attached directly to me,stuff needed in an emergency I like to make sure we don't get seperated
Anyhow,there really is no way to use this as a belt knife without modification etc.If anybody has done this by the way please tell us your modifications.Well not like sending off my knives for sheath modifications,I ordered a couple of Tech Locks and will see if I can incorporate them onto the sheath so I can carry my preferred method.When I get them, I'll let you know how that idea worked out.Otherwise it's off to some sheath maker to fashion a kydex belt loop to utilize with the sheath.Anyway I guess thats it,I really like this knife and for $59.00 it honestly is the best bang for the buck considering the fit,finish,and quality materials used.Oh,just one last thing I want to say.I think if Benchmade offers a larger size River Rescue knife and a few carrying options,I feel they can corner the Rescue,scuba diving,boating market with this knife imho.
Anyhow,here is my useless mini review of this model.This model comes in either black or Yellow G-10 handles.The yellow is kinda of elusive,being the type of knife it is,the yellow is more popular with scuba divers and emergency personnel.I bought the black handled version because everyone was out of stock of the yellow.
First impressions was the fit and finish are flawless,but the handles are smaller (short/slim width)than I expected even though I knew the rather small blade length in advance.However,even with this fact, my medium size hands felt really comfortable wrapped around the tacky grooved nicely sculpted G-10 handles.I liked that the handles were attached with stout stainless steel removeable torx head chicago looking type screws.It has a lanyard hole if you desire that ability.It is of course full tang construction length and width of the handles.There are 1 1/4 inches of thumb grooves for control at top of the blade which some feel are too sharp,but they seem fine to me.The blade has a small finger choil and small lower interegal finger guard that seems to work well in keeping your fingers safe from sliding up onto the sharp blade. The blade is short and stout,not flimsy or thin.In fact the blade spine for the most part is the same thickness as at the handles all the way to the tip of the blade.In my opinion it is like a type of sheepsfoot/mariners type blade configuration.It would be fairly safe around rubber rafts or emergency work like cutting seatbelts.I think though in a pinch you could use it as a stabbing weapon if need be,just don't expect alot of performance in that department.The design shouts all emergency,boating,rescue squad etc. for use.Although I think it would be handy even in the "field" but who am I? I ain't no Grizzly Adams,so don't listen to me and buy it as a Wilderness survival knife.Now usually,I despise serrations,and especially partially serrated short blades,but this knife is the exception.The design is well executed,and this design has incorporated certain attributes that are needed by the target clientle.Cutting through lotsa tough webbing/ropes,impervious to saltwater,harsh enviroments.So I'm not at all put off by the serrations,as this is the type of knife that it is a must have.The serrations are well done and blade comes very sharp.The neatest thing about the knife is the well designed sheath made of a injection molded type of Kydex plastic.It is well made and durable as far as I can tell.It has a friction,locking the finger choil in with a positive snap,and has a thumb release device that makes this knife just about impossible to disengage the blade accidently even mounted inverted.It has a lash tab system for mounting to life jackets,scuba diving vests etc.Basically it is setup to be mounted inverted,which is cool,but I would have liked an option just to use it as a belt knife on a 1/ 1/2 to 2 inch belt like a wilderness belt or BDU belt etc.Just for going out boating and not neccessarily always going to have a life jacket strapped to me,plus I like things more attached directly to me,stuff needed in an emergency I like to make sure we don't get seperated
Anyhow,there really is no way to use this as a belt knife without modification etc.If anybody has done this by the way please tell us your modifications.Well not like sending off my knives for sheath modifications,I ordered a couple of Tech Locks and will see if I can incorporate them onto the sheath so I can carry my preferred method.When I get them, I'll let you know how that idea worked out.Otherwise it's off to some sheath maker to fashion a kydex belt loop to utilize with the sheath.Anyway I guess thats it,I really like this knife and for $59.00 it honestly is the best bang for the buck considering the fit,finish,and quality materials used.Oh,just one last thing I want to say.I think if Benchmade offers a larger size River Rescue knife and a few carrying options,I feel they can corner the Rescue,scuba diving,boating market with this knife imho.
