benchmade 180 Outbounder

S

SHADOW84

Joined
Aug 28, 2009
Messages
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I had been in the market for another fixed blade benchmade and Just happen to run across a good deal on the bay.. I picked up a benchmade 180 Outbounder off the bay for 40 bucks, I have a few questions because I could not find much information on this blade, first off my main intentions for the knifes use would to be for small tasks like carrying while hunting/fishing/camping I wont be chopping wood with it or anything like that (thats what my Estwing Hatchet is for) It looks like a aftermarket sheath with it and was curious if anyone knows anyone that made aftermarket sheaths, I believe its a first production run.. Any insight on the blade from people who have handled/owned / used it feel free to advise your opinion on it.. Thanks BTW I would post a pic if I could figure out how...
 
Damn. You got a good deal. I have two of them, and paid twice that for 'em. One is the 440C version, and the other is D-2. The D-2 is my fixed blade edc of choice. I really like the size of these knives.
 
Question Bladefoolish is one of your models a first production by chance? reason asking is from what I have found is the later models that were made before being discontinued were offered in D2, were the earlier blades 440c? thanks..
 
First ones 440c with "rosewood"
Than limited edition with D2 and "oak"
Last runs D2 and "rosewood"

The D2 on the lim ed was much nicer polished than the last production run.

Benchmade seems to switch at end of the "life-cycle" of a model from 440c to D2
See the Rands for ex.
 
I have an early 440C/Rosewood model that I use around the house for everything. Works great in the kitchen also. The 440C steel may not the most high tech but is sharpens easily..
 
You got a good deal. I have 3 of these, they are a classy little knife.
 
UPDATE: After carrying this blade around a bit I have found it to be a very useful blade, the 440c sharpens easily and retains a good edge, my favorite things about this blade is the ergo's and the curved jimping at the top of the blade allowing a secure hold when useing this knife.. The blade also has a good belly too it making it a good slicer for skinning small game and kitchen work.. Thanks all for your comments, I would recommend picking up one of these blades if you ever come across one.. :thumbup:
 
As a comment on the side, the later production blades were D2. The 180 was more or less replaced by the 201, which is generally similar, also in D2 and was supposedly a point or two harder than the 180 in D2, though reality and ad copy often differ. The 180 is a great knife. I keep thinking about doing a set of micarta scales for mine...

Edit - looks like the D2 transition was noted above...sorry.
 
JNewell said:
As a comment on the side, the later production blades were D2. The 180 was more or less replaced by the 201, which is generally similar, also in D2 and was supposedly a point or two harder than the 180 in D2, though reality and ad copy often differ. The 180 is a great knife. I keep thinking about doing a set of micarta scales for mine...

Edit - looks like the D2 transition was noted above...sorry.
Click to expand...

The 201 is also a good looking blade, but prefer the 180 between the two.. BTW let me know if you decide to make those Micarta scales for your 180 would love to see those! :thumbup:
 
I scored one with custom paper micarta scales on ebay bout a year ago. This thing is crazy cool :D
180D2-01%20Custom%20Ivory%20Scales%20D2%20Blade%20McHenry%20%26%20WIlliams%20Outbounder%20LE%20156of250.jpg
 
Nice! We have two - I was thinking black paper, my older son was thinking white (ivory) paper. It's a pretty simple job, and I have the materials on hand, but I owe several Mules new grips first!
 
I would call the later D2's a stonewashed blade. I kind of like it. The tang is also tapered, which I like a lot.
 
Very cool scales! I may have to look at something like that for my 440C/Rosewood model.
 
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