Benchmade 485 Valet. I will have this!

Sunyata said:
Some of Benchmade's prices don't make sense to me.

The 485/581/586 are all around the same price featuring G10 and M390. The 808 Loco is G10 and S30v and is $230. The shot show Rukus is G10 and S30v at $200 for a LE model (overpriced to me). The Rift is G10 and 154CM for Almost as much as the M390 knives listed before. Custom version comes out with a slight upgrade to the steel still around the same price as the M390 knives listed. The Contego is a beast of a knife and has CPM M4 and costs less than the rest.
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I think 485 is a bit pricey for 3" blade without full liner. I think 581 is inexpensive, because internal mechanism is same as 580.

Design cost is what drives the price up as you can see. So 808 being 3.68" and never used blade shape in S30V, new AXIS lock geometry must have driven it more expensive.

Mini Rukus is already designed and S30V is also previously made, but I think price hike is keeping value of Rukus to remain high. Imagine selling it aroud $110? It would upset previous Rukus owners... I know, it doesn't make sence as far as cost, but BKC is a business company. Can't make market upset..

Rift is sort of odd in the mix. It is classified and use same full liner that is used as auto version. (Not 100% sure about Rukus frame) The liner is very solid, compare to others. The price of Rift is not too high for BKC though.


John_0917 said:
I see your point, and agree. The same could also be said in the context that the Grip/Mini Grips shouldn't cost nearly as much as they do given that they use FRN and (generally) lower premium steels (154, D2 etc), the handles are injection molded and the design doesn't require any highly complex machining beyond what most knife manufacture requires.
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Wait, Griptilian are $65-75 in local store with 154cm. REI version was $170, RSK is $140. They are not that outrageous.

Remember, AXIS lock is fairly tight tolerance and needs to make it right rather than stamping out in automated machine.

Considering those elements, I am not that upset about new knives. You know your favorite internet shop will have it with reasonable cost, and local hunting store goes even below MAP.

If you have a patient, you know you can get less expensive through trade.

MFL
 
I pretty sire the 485 has full liners. I checked several images and one video and I feel pretty certain of the full liners.
 
Elite_KG said:
I pretty sire the 485 has full liners. I checked several images and one video and I feel pretty certain of the full liners.
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Yes, it looks like the 485 has full liners:

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This is an appealing offering. I was thinking about an Emissary, but the 470 was a bit small, and I didn't like the safety on the side. The 477 looked better, and when the blue handled version became available, I was sure I was going to get one. But I handled a black 477 at a local retailer, and found the grip not as comfortable as I had thought, the safety a bit stiff, and the assisted action not to my like (though I don't generally mind assisted.)

I also realized that something a bit smaller than my 940 would be better for wear with suits/in the office, so perhaps this one will hit the sweet spot. And I'm liking those steel liners.
 
I'm seeing them online but they're all the marked up first production run knives.

Once I see some clean blades I'll be buying
 
Typically how many "first production" knives go out? I don't really care for an inscribed blade either. Just wondering how far out that would put me waiting.
 
Hurry up and buy all the tattooed versions as I prefer a virgin blade. 1,000 is not too bad. I don't understand the significance of the "first production" run if the only difference is the inscription.
 
I don't mind numbered blades if it is done in a small font in an out of the way place. I think ZT does it right - every blade is numbered back by the choil.
 
I just picked up my 485 from Recon 1. They called me when it arrived and I rushed over to get my hands on it. First production number 521 of 1000. The blade is nicely centered and the pivot is a smooth. The relief near the thumb stud is shallow so it's harder to get a really good grip on the stud with my thumb, but with a little more effort than my other Benchmade's require I'm able to flick it open. After I open it a couple hundred times (by tomorrow) it should be silky and easy. I love the slim profile and the deep carry clip...it disappears into the corner of my pocket beautifully. Great small blade shape. Perfect Benchmade for the office environment.

While I was at Recon 1 I also picked up the Shot Show Limited Edition BM Mini Rukus 615 #751 of 1000....AND....picked up my new 484-1 FP Run #153 of 1000. It's a good day!
 
Elite_KG said:
Pics of your new line up would be cool.
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I haven't taken the time yet to figure out how to post pics here. I'll look into where I need to park my photos in order to post them here and I'll try to get some shots up tonight or tomorrow.
 
For those considering the 485 it might be helpful to see it in hand for size perspective....
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For reference, I wear a size large glove.
 
Even better would be a pic of a hammer grip with the knife blade fully deployed. I'd like to get an idea of where your pinky rests when you hold the knife that way. Thanks. :)
 
bld522 said:
Even better would be a pic of a hammer grip with the knife blade fully deployed. I'd like to get an idea of where your pinky rests when you hold the knife that way. Thanks. :)
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Is this what you're looking for?
It's a 3 finger knife for me and the end of the knife is supported by my pinky knuckle.
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