Benchmade 180 Outbounder (pic)

shootist16

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The blade is just over 3.5". I believe they are using 440C on it. Suggested retail is $100.

I am not sure if I like the sheath or not. I would probably prefer a retention strap.
 
I like it very much too. It is very much back to the traditions: good steel, beautiful wooden slabs, LEATHER sheaths.
As much I have to admit some of the advantages of plastics, I like the feel and smell of quality leather and wood.
I wish to see more of an index finger groove but it is probably more than enough. A protective insert inside the sheath and a security strap might be a good idea. Once I lost a knife because of a similar sheath that became loose with time.
Again, another nice blade from BM.

HM
 
Interesting looking knife. Like the blade shape quite well, not so sure about the handle. First question -- what are the handle/scales made from? Doesn't look like any wood I know. Is it Pakkawood, or micarta?

I'm with whomever said they didn't care much for the sheath. From the design of the knife, I would assume it's primary intended role is self defense/fighting. I wouldn't want to be trying to draw the knife from that sheath if it was really important how well I did it. I'd rather see a good kydex sheath, like Normark makes.

Still, I like it. Gotta figure out if it is twice the knife the CRKT Companion is. Not too sure yet.
 
Kind of looks like sculpted/sanded g10 handles. Blade type looks more utilitarian to me. Probably designed more as a camp/field knife. Looks nice. Sheath is more like a pukko's.

Sam
 
It is a nice knife, smaller overall than I had pictured in my mind; but very nice. It is designed as a field/hunting knife I believe. The slabs are rosewood if memory serves correct. As for the sheath, it is more than enough. Rentention strap not needed at all IMO, you would have to 'work at' losing it. Sheath insert might not be a bad idea though. my .02 worth
Have a good one, :)
 
My local Brick and Mortar shop had one last week and I grabbed it :D it is a rosewood handle scale ... I like it except for the fact that my index finger rides close to the cutting edge of the knife and my purchase "feels" like I might slide foward into the blade- but I have large hands. The grip also seems a little on the small size- but that also is why I like it, Not a bulky package. It seems to be a dressy little field/camp blade and definately not so "tactical".... I guess as we get some feedback from some of us who end up using it we will learn a little more :)
 
tallpaul,
Your right , the handle is kinda small but you get used to it or at least I have so far..:)
I plane on taking 'care' of my first 'bambi' this yaer w/ the 180. I'll report back on how it works for me. Don't hold your breath though, deer season is still almost 3 months away....:(
Have a good one,
 
Originally posted by teacher
The slabs are rosewood if memory

The protos they had at the blade show were laminated hardwood, dymondwood is the trade name I think, the production model looks to be the same material. Anyway, it is a very nice hunting/utility knife and feel great in the hand . . . IMHO :D :D
 
I have #326 of 500 in the 1st production run. The handles are natural wood, not laminate. Steel is 440C. Nice little woods knife. I got mine from Jed at outdoor america for $65.00.
It's great bang for the buck.
 
It looks as though the handles may come off rather easily. Could make for some awesome customizing. :D
 
Originally posted by fudo
I got mine from Jed at outdoor america for $65.00.

Thanks. That's what I was looking for. Haven't seen it advertised much online. Saw 39/500 at a local B&M store, but it was $90. I'm thinking that's a big much.

Guess I'll look at those Greco Companions over at BladeArt again.

Mike
 
Originally posted by Michael_Aos



Guess I'll look at those Greco Companions over at BladeArt again.

Mike

Mike, I have both knives and the Greco is alot heavier and "stouter" at 1/4 ". I really like the Greco especially at those prices but the outbounder is a really nice lightweight, almost "gentlemanly" outdoors knife to me.... they are not really the same style of knives.
 
Originally posted by tallpaul
...the outbounder is a really nice lightweight, almost "gentlemanly" outdoors knife to me.

Actually I had it in mind for my soon-to-be-ex wife.

She had "adopted" my Buck Crosslock River Rafter and was keeping it in her nightstand. We were out yesterday (yeah, it's weird, I know) and she commented how much she liked the Outbounder. I know she'd really like that #39/500 we saw yesterday, but I hate to spend $90+tax for it.

Mike
 
Great knife...

Anyone know how wide the blade is back near the handle (from spine to edge)?? Better yet, can anyone show it in a picture along with something else like a dollar bill or a ruler for perspective? I think I like it...

--Matt
 
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