Benchmade 300SN beside the Spyderco Southard just my $.02

T

timinct

Joined
Aug 28, 2012
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You really can't compare these two head to head based on the price difference in my opinion. If you say the southard is better well then it should be at twice the price. The reason I compared these two is based on the fact they are new flippers from quality manufactures. My only deciding factor was mainly size, quality and operation.

I first bought the 300SN. I like that Benchmade is US made. In fact I couldn't imagine paying the high price for the Southard and it's not US made. Just my opinion once again. I looked at too many videos on the Southard and decided I needed to try it. Also I just wasn't totally impressed with the 300SN. It's nice don't get me wrong, but it did not win me over out of the box.

The one thing I noticed is the flipper action of the 300SN. It's ok, but I think the ball axis lock slows it down to much. I loosened the pivot screw and that helped, but it still takes some effort to get it out there in one motion without the wrist. I do like the G10 scales though. It's a nice change from the plain black smooth nothing fancy standard.

The Southard came and out of the box was wow! I know it's double the price, but that does't matter when you consider the size. My preference was to find something that was well built with smooth action and a small profile when carried in the pocket. I have a ZT0550 and it's a great knife, but it does take up some space in the pocket. That is what I like most about the Southard. It is small in width so it rides nice in the pocket while still providing you with a quality well built knife. The flipper action is amazing! With a little practice I had it flipping out almost as fast as my ZT0350. So, for a smooth action and low profile carry I chose the Southard. Now to sell the 300SN to help offset the price difference.

Some comparison pics for anyone that might have the same preference I have:

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Nice comparison! The Southard is high on my want list. The Benchmade seems small and fat. I almost bought one because I love flippers by I'm glad I blue off. Now to find a Southard
 
Yea, the axis lock and flippers don't really mix well, detents make or break flippers. Also the weight and girth seem a bit much for a little of 3 inch blade.
 
I too was wondering about the flipping action of the 300SN after playing with my old SOG Mini Vulcan a bit (which has a lock very similar to the axis lock). While incredibly smooth, the lack of resistance from the detent makes it hard to get out without a little wrist action. The two (flippers and axis locks) don't seem to be a winning combination.
 
I bought both, quickly sold the 300SN, and am debating whether to sell the Southard. Only thing I don't like about it is the spyderhole, it would look so much better without.
 
I pre-ordered two Southards; sold one for what I paid. The price is really decent, I think. It's a great flipper, and is in my pocket. I do have Striders and CRK's also, so that tells you something. The Spyderco is a good knife.

And, yes, I think you did a nice review of both knives.
Keep in mind that you do get something for that extra money for the Spyderco. A much better blade-steel and a good useable length. 204P is excellent and makes the 154cm look like a piker. At the minimum, BM could use CPM154 instead of 154CM. But then, BM would have to charge more. Also, I think that the Spyderco has a slimmer handle than the BM, and this is very important for comfortable carry to me.
Thanks for the review.
 
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TotalDbag said:
Did the benchmade get smoother with use?
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By almost all accounts the benchmade is extremely smooth, just like most other axis knives, but that's not the problem. The problem is that it lacks a detent ball which is what allows you to build up enough pressure for a good flipping action. The axis lock doesn't have this so it's flipping action is slow and lethargic. Until they figure out how to make a stronger detent on an axis lock the flipping action won't be as good as with a frame or liner lock, regardless of how smooth the knife is.
 
mkjellgren said:
By almost all accounts the benchmade is extremely smooth, just like most other axis knives, but that's not the problem. The problem is that it lacks a detent ball which is what allows you to build up enough pressure for a good flipping action. The axis lock doesn't have this so it's flipping action is slow and lethargic. Until they figure out how to make a stronger detent on an axis lock the flipping action won't be as good as with a frame or liner lock, regardless of how smooth the knife is.
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What if you build the pressure by pushing on the flipper in a slightly upward direction and then make like you are snapping your fingers and push down and in. I use that technique on some of my flippers with weak detents.
 
The axis lock is a darn good device and can be deployed in so many ways that adding a flipper makes no sense to me other than BM wanting to get in on the flipper craze. I have thoroughly enjoyed every axis lock knife I've owned and I think in the end BM will enjoy more success by employing a flipper on a different platform.
 
RetiredGuns said:
The axis lock is a darn good device and can be deployed in so many ways that adding a flipper makes no sense to me other than BM wanting to get in on the flipper craze. I have thoroughly enjoyed every axis lock knife I've owned and I think in the end BM will enjoy more success by employing a flipper on a different platform.
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I whole heartedly agree. I love the axis lock, and I love a good flipper, but combining the two takes away from the experience in my opinion.
 
Seems like a strange combination to me also. My 710 is crazy fast just by pulling back on the axis lock and giving a quick flip of the wrist. Closing is the same way.
 
tomsch said:
Seems like a strange combination to me also. My 710 is crazy fast just by pulling back on the axis lock and giving a quick flip of the wrist. Closing is the same way.
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Yep, my 940 will rival any flipper or even an auto for that matter.
 
The way I see it is I like the axis lock and I like flippers. Now I have both!
I'm lovin' this 300SN..
Also, I can't believe the whining over a little wrist flicking, lol. "Oh man, you mean I have to move my wrist?"
I wonder if people who whine about having to use a little wrist flick (if any) actually use their knives to cut things, as it's quite a bit more effort, lol.
 
I don't own either, only been able to handle them. In defense of the BM, I believe a axis lock flipper does have its place. Handling folders while wearing thick gloves, is annoying so a flipper deployment means easy access and no trying to fiddle with little studs. It can be a little hard to close a axis lock wearing gloves, but a bit easier than trying to close a liner or frame lock.
 
jdowell said:
The way I see it is I like the axis lock and I like flippers. Now I have both!
I'm lovin' this 300SN..
Also, I can't believe the whining over a little wrist flicking, lol. "Oh man, you mean I have to move my wrist?"
I wonder if people who whine about having to use a little wrist flick (if any) actually use their knives to cut things, as it's quite a bit more effort, lol.
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Now I'm really struggling on which to get. I have handled the 300sn and did notice the lack tension because of no detent. But it didn't seem to slow down deployment of the blade.
Decisions, decisions.
 
I have to agree on some of the points made. I love Axis lock and my 300sn is super smooth but it doesn't really flip without a little wrist action. It's no big deal for me and I usually use the thumb studs anyway. I love the deep carry clip but it does seem a little thick for a short blade.

Tom
 
@OP: Thanks for the great side by side photos.

NeverMore1701 said:
Only thing I don't like about it is the spyderhole, it would look so much better without.
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I couldn't agree with you more about this. I love the knife, I carry it everyday, but the goofy, unnecessary hole still bugs me. That said, it's a pretty knife after a little customizing:

mHEOV6i.jpg
 
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