Benchmade 300SN Initial Impressions - Video and Text

Joben

Joben

Joined
May 22, 2009
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Benchmades new model, the 300SN, designed by Butch Ball (In my mind with assistance from Slab Bulkhead, Gristle McThornbody and all the other David Ryder pseudonyms) Geek in-jokes aside lets get to the knife.

It's Benchmade's first knife with a flipper. They claim it's a drop point, but you could make an argument for it having a straight spine for all practical purposes. The 3 inch blade has a lot of belly and seems pretty well ground for slicing tasks.

It's interesting to look at, very curvy, like something Ken Onion might design. The handle is deeply curved and there are multiple finger grooves. The overall package is only a little bigger than a Mini-Griptillian, but it feels much more solid and secure in hand.

Above all else I think this knife is gorgeous in a quirky sorta way.

[video=youtube;KestruJbM5w]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KestruJbM5w[/video]

Official Specs:

Benchmade Website said:
Blade Length: 3.18"
Blade Thickness: 0.130"
Handle Thickness: 0.590"
Blade Material: 154CM Stainless Steel
Blade Hardness: 58-61HRC
Blade Style: Drop-Point with Ambidextrous Thumb-Studs
Weight: 4.85oz.

Pocket Clip: Reversible, Tip-up, Silver, Deep-Carry
Lock Mechanism: AXIS
Overall Length: 7.36"
Closed Length: 4.25"
Click to expand...

http://www.benchmade.com/products/300SN
 
I just got one of these.

Quite a nice knife in a compact package.

I think that it is a hybrid blade shape mix of dropped and clip.
 
Awesome, I have one of these on the way when I get back from my trip. Can't wait! This will be my first Benchmade.
 
I don't mind the fact that the knife may need a little wrist snap to open reliably. What concerns me is the possibility that the knife might open up in my pocket.

I just purchased a custom button lock flipper from a Canadian maker by the name of Rod Olson. The flipper incorporates Brian Tighe's sealed thrust bearing system. It opens reliably with little or no wrist snap. But like the Benchmade, it doesn't keep the blade fully retracted when I apply light finger pressure on the flipper. That could be problematic depending upon how a user intends to carry a button-lock (or Axis-lock) flipper. A front pocket tip-up carry with the spine against the pocket seam should be just fine. Or the knife could be carried in a custom pouch or sheath, which is how I'll probably end up carrying my Olson. I'm not a big fan of pocket clips.

PS: There is a point of view that frame and liner locks are the only reasonable choices for flipper knives. I don't agree with that position entirely. But from the standpoint of keeping the blade closed when you want it to stay closed, it may have merit. You can read more about it in this thread beginning with post #123:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1026278
 
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A properly executed Axis lock should have better close blade tension, and should be better than frame lock/liner lock IMO. The linked threa is so long, perhaps you can quote the related post? I'm always interested to learn about locking mechanism and the close retention related.

Joben,

What do you think comparing this to EL01?
 
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I've had only three flippers, two XM-18's and a Spyderco Southard.
I sold the Hinderers, 3" slicer and 3.5" spanto grind, nearly immediately. The 3" was too small (for me); the 3.5" is too massive. They are both excellent folders; just not for me.
The third flipper is the Southard, and I am liking it. It's light, has a positive action, a reasonably thick blade in an awfully good steel. I really like it.
 
if they make a full sized version of this knife, I'll be SOOO excited... it's just TOO small for my hands sadly :(
 
Yes, I would like to see a larger version and different colors and blade steels too.

Maybe since there wasn't that much new stuff for 2013 for Benchmade they will have some new versions out by the time of the Blade Show.
 
Chris "Anagarika";11720679 said:
A properly executed Axis lock should have better close blade tension, and should be better than frame lock/liner lock IMO. The linked threa is so long, perhaps you can quote the related post? I'm always interested to learn about locking mechanism and the close retention related.

Joben,

What do you think comparing this to EL01?
Click to expand...

hum, not my experience, clearly not. i've yet to touch an axis that shows half the detent of my weakest milie (for exemple). they will catch the blade farther from the full closed point but with waaaaaaaaaaaaay less force than a properly made liner/frame lock.
 
Chris "Anagarika";11720679 said:
Joben,

What do you think comparing this to EL01?
Click to expand...

The EL-01 is a bit longer overall, more handle room for people with big hands or gloves. A bit more blade length too.
They both feel secure in hand but the 300SN takes the win here, it seems very very grippy from both friction and mechanics.

I need to cut more stuff with the 300SN before I can talk about comfort, performance, leverage etc.
 
Now that I have a BM 300SN, I think it is going to be a decent EDC. The knife is too bulky to be great, but if you don't wear
suits or dress slacks, the bulk of the knife won't be an issue.
I do think that a flipper is a little redundant on an Axis lock knife. It already flies open with a thumb stud. I have to admit that having this BM just makes me want Spyderco Southard or ZT 561 even more.
 
I got this knife about a week ago and my first impression was that it was ok. Basically a Grippie flipper! I dont find that mine could easily fly open in my pocket. To me the G10 scales look better in photos than in person but maybe im just used to seeing nice custom scales by Rival and Preacher?! I have larger hands and do find this knife a tad on the small side. I do think it looks a little weird not having a standoff or lanyard hole at the end of the knife. Looks like somethings missing! I must say I prefer my Spydie Southard flipper! And to that I must say I prefer my Wilson Les George flipper much more!! But for the price I think Benchmades first flipper is ok. I do love their axis locks!! :thumbup:

DSCN0423_zpsf89a54a2.jpg

DSCN0424_zpsb74c4a85.jpg
 
I received my BM 300sn today. Initial impressions were favorable, but after a little scrutiny I found a few things that I was preeetty not ok with.

The holes in the handles for the screws have edge chipping around the outside. Looks like they drilled too close to the edge, and the material was just too thin there. Very minor, but still... on a $150 knife?

I'm not crazy about the finger grooves. My pinky rests on the last peak which is not the most comfortable thing I've experienced.

And, most seriously, my blade has some side-to-side wobble. Nothing crazy, but again... axis lock knives are supposed to lock up rock-solid. I'm going to call Benchmade tomorrow to see if they can tell me something to do to eliminate this so I hopefully won't have to send it in to get worked on (I'm currently in Afghanistan, so shipping anything back to the states takes forever).

But, honestly overall I like it. It's not worth $150, but you can find it online for around $115. At that price, it is certainly worth the purchase.
 
@jehiks, yeh I've been notcing the short grip thing and not having a good place for my pinky. And I agree, this is not a good value in a $150 knife. I got mine for about $111 shipped though which if still expensive (I'm a budget-price high value knife fan) is at least on par with similar quality offerings from Spyderco and such. So not a bad deal at that price point.

lol thanks yojiro, I don't think I mentioned his origin in that video. I found that Gengar in a geocache and had to trade knick-knacks for him. He watches over my reviews now. :D I blew tons of time with Pokemon Blue when I was a kid and he was a favorite.
 
My 300SN is really growing on me. I have gotten really used to flipping it now, especially with my right hand, and it is a wonderful little plaything!;) I have no problem with the price. It is average for a G10 Axis Lock Benchmade.
 
Had mine for around a week now and I still have a hard time putting it down. 'Anthony Q. Cheeseboro' I am right with you there, it is a wonderful little plaything. The handle size doesn't bother me as I don't have big hands, so using this knife for some general tasks felt comfortable for me. The chubby handle is an ergonomic plus for me also.
So far, so good.
Cheers
 
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