Benchmade 530 or Cold Steel Ti-Lite

I recently had a chance to fondle the the 530 to see what everyone has been talking about.IMHO,I found it to be flimsy because of it's thin plastic handles and unusually slim handle thickness. There's not much of anything to the handle since it's has what BM calls,an ultra slim profile.

If,what you want is a strong and sturdy knife,I'd would go with the ti-lite. Even though,it has been pointed out that the spurs are really sharp and are guaranteed to damage your pockets.
 
I've got both knives, and I'd say that if you just want a stabbing blade, as for SD, then go with the CS Ti Lite. Though be prepared for extra weight, and CS QC. My Ti developed play very quickly, and the washers are funky. You really can't go wrong with a BM.
 
I have owned, trained with, and carried both the 6in and 4in, both zytel and titanium tilite models.. They are tough knives, though the quillion is a bit rough on clothing...I have never had blade play issues with any of them but the titanium model, and thats only because I put it to harsh use.. But that happens to most folders with hard use.... axis locks are super smooth and I like them very much, though I would recommend the Spyderco delica or Endura wave models, they are unmatched IMO...
 
Well, I got the BM 530. It was pretty dull when it arrived with really uneven bevels, but I fixed that quickly. I've been carrying it about a week, and I really like it. Really light, and fast opening. My Delica is sitting in the desk now, but the Dragonfly still goes to work with me (more sheeple friendly).
 
I bought a Titanium Ti-Lite and hated it. The lock could only be disengaged with a screwdriver, and I have strong hands. The fit and finish wasn't in keeping with its price tag.
 
I vote for the Ti-Lite. I agree with much of NutnFancy's review

I have owned a 4" in Zytel for over a year and have given a couple of tips here to make it a comfortable folder that comes out screaming fast.

I have found that the grips on the BM 530 and Barrage are very chintzy "in hand feeling" by comparison to the Zytel that Cold Steel puts on the Ti-Lite.

I didn't mention perhaps that it can be deployed strictly by gravity or drag it across the body of an attacker and the quillion will snap it open as you pursue your attack. I wouldn't do it thousands of times - it's made for defending yourself only (stabbing people).

The 530 would work for EDC "working chores" better than a Ti-Lite. I doubt if it's anywhere as sharp as a Ti-Lite out of the box though.

I write from the perspective of a martial arts guy with 36 yrs experience and 24 of them in Escrima.

I only think about such knives in regard to how easily I could cut someone up with it. (sorry but that's my pursuit - others like camping and "it's all good") :thumbup:

I suppose it hinges on what a man's intention for each knife he purchases is.

Good luck with your purchase.
 
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