I saw this knife recently and it caught my eye. I like the slim profile and lightweight of the knife. It is not really my cup-of-tea for an EDC blade, but I fancy myself something of a collector, and I prefer to collect knives that are thought to be useful and somewhat popular. I like that this is available in a limited edition blue model(REI I believe) (something about blue handles intrigues me, maybe just because its my favorite color). It does seem to have a very thin(limiting, perhaps?)blade, but it does appear to be very sleek. Any thoughts?
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Benchmade 530. Thoughts?
- Thread starter oguruma
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I carry a BM 530 as my backup blade on a day to day basis, and as my main edc when in the house, or with basketball shorts or other light clothes. Its super light weight and thin profile make it easy to carry when other knives would feel heavy or bounce around (such as when out doing sports, or running).
Once I loctite'd the pivot screw, it didn't have the habit of getting loose anymore, which made it feel alot more tough. Its definately tougher than most would expect of something so thin IME. I find the thin blade to actually be useful for some fine cutting tasks as well. Overall, its comfy in the hand, but I could potentially see it getting some spots of irritation after hours of use.
Its main flaws IMO would be that the thumbstuds and axis lock are not quite as smooth as most other BMs. The thumbstud definately seems designed for thumb flicking (I find it to be my most thumb flickable knife, but opening it slowly, which I usually prefer, is a minor chore with this one). The axis lock "handles" are very small, and flush with the rest of the handle. This provides a little bit less purchase, and means you have to dig in your fingers a bit more to pull it back to close the knife. TBH though, I habitually open and close most of my knives, so this minor flaw/detail probably wouldn't be noticeable if I didn't open and close the knife 50 times in a row.
For the price, I think its a great light weight EDC. It always finds it's way into my carry, partially because its so light, adding it in is neglible, and its so thin, finding a place to comfortably carry it is super easy, but also because I love this knife. Not to mention, its tied with the Grip/Mini Grip for the most inexpensive axis lock that BM has.
Once I loctite'd the pivot screw, it didn't have the habit of getting loose anymore, which made it feel alot more tough. Its definately tougher than most would expect of something so thin IME. I find the thin blade to actually be useful for some fine cutting tasks as well. Overall, its comfy in the hand, but I could potentially see it getting some spots of irritation after hours of use.
Its main flaws IMO would be that the thumbstuds and axis lock are not quite as smooth as most other BMs. The thumbstud definately seems designed for thumb flicking (I find it to be my most thumb flickable knife, but opening it slowly, which I usually prefer, is a minor chore with this one). The axis lock "handles" are very small, and flush with the rest of the handle. This provides a little bit less purchase, and means you have to dig in your fingers a bit more to pull it back to close the knife. TBH though, I habitually open and close most of my knives, so this minor flaw/detail probably wouldn't be noticeable if I didn't open and close the knife 50 times in a row.
For the price, I think its a great light weight EDC. It always finds it's way into my carry, partially because its so light, adding it in is neglible, and its so thin, finding a place to comfortably carry it is super easy, but also because I love this knife. Not to mention, its tied with the Grip/Mini Grip for the most inexpensive axis lock that BM has.
Thanks for the info. Much appreciated. The price does sort of turn me off a bit though. Lowest I have found these for has been in the $70-80 range. Am I missing something here? It doesn't seem like you really get a lot of knife for the money... The REI version is even more at $130....
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Well, that might seem like alot, but when you compare it relative to other Benchmades, its either tied for cheapest, or their second cheapest knife. I usually go to knifeworks and use their coupon code, they seem to have the best BM prices, maybe check them out and see what your looking at. Generally I don't find BMs to be the best "high value" knives, but I really like how they do their knives, so I don't mind paying a slight premium. For bang for buck, I personally like Kershaw alot. They seem to have a ton of knives right around $50 street that are great, and a good selection under that too.
As for the REI version, yeah thats pretty pricey. Its pretty good for club members with a dividend to spend, but for $130 I would rather get a 950 Rift, or one of the 94x series Osborne Benchmades. Or save it towards a Sebenza (my next knife goal...
so expensive, but impulse to get overwhelming me).
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The 530-901 sold at REI is a little pricey but with dividend and 20% coupon I got mine for $65 which is a good deal. Compared to my older 530BK which is a slow opener and closer (can't actually flip it closed...) this version is super slick, flips and closes with a little snap of the wrist, and the S30V blade is razor sharp. The blue scales are good looking. Here's a couple of pics:
In general, the 530 is a good utility/backup knife. The lightest of the Benchmades it's great for dress pants and/or shorts...I know REI sells a bunch of them for the backpack/climbing fans that want to keep weight to a minimum.
In general, the 530 is a good utility/backup knife. The lightest of the Benchmades it's great for dress pants and/or shorts...I know REI sells a bunch of them for the backpack/climbing fans that want to keep weight to a minimum.
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Are you in the UK, UKKnifer? I may have a spare 530 pivot screw.
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No pivot bolt? That's nuts. Actually the 530 is a very capable knife. As a slicer it's hard to beat, and no it's not a 710 or 14205, but for shorts and dress pants, along with light duty uses its a great hiking/camping knife. REI sells a ton of them for that reason.
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Yup! I've used mine relatively heavily for the lightweight knife that it is and it's held up great--in fact it looks nearly the same as when I bought it 5 years ago! This isn't a knife you'll want to be putting a ton of lateral pressure on, but as long as you use it for cutting stuff it won't let you down. I'm constantly amazed at just how capable it is.
And as mentioned above it's a good choice when dressing UP (slacks) or DOWN (khakis).
sorry to jump in here, but:
Precisely how useful is the blade shape for daily chores, such as slicing or or general cutting? for example, boredom whittling while camping, or just general camping necessities like food preparation?
Perhaps in comparison to a reverse recurve blade, or a clip point?
I've only seen it once, and to be honest, i was focused on how good it looks, and how sleek and smooth it is opening. i didn't pay much attention to the blade shape, and i couldn't cut anything in the store
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Frankly, for EDC purposes, i wouldn't be too concerned about blade shape. So long as it's got a keen edge, it should cut tape, open boxes, packaging, and all the other menial tasks. But occasionally, such as when camping, the necessity arises to cut something such as rope or a belt, or well, whatever circumstance throws at you...
again, i haven't used it, but frankly based on the pictures it looks like it's not good for much more than opening packaging and stabbing things (people). my stance on knives in self defense is... well, i've got two legs and a general sense of direction- away. either that, or "here take my wallet. i'm a student, you'd be no better off than me", so that lessens the practical aspect of my attraction to it...
Precisely how useful is the blade shape for daily chores, such as slicing or or general cutting? for example, boredom whittling while camping, or just general camping necessities like food preparation?
Perhaps in comparison to a reverse recurve blade, or a clip point?
I've only seen it once, and to be honest, i was focused on how good it looks, and how sleek and smooth it is opening. i didn't pay much attention to the blade shape, and i couldn't cut anything in the store
.Frankly, for EDC purposes, i wouldn't be too concerned about blade shape. So long as it's got a keen edge, it should cut tape, open boxes, packaging, and all the other menial tasks. But occasionally, such as when camping, the necessity arises to cut something such as rope or a belt, or well, whatever circumstance throws at you...
again, i haven't used it, but frankly based on the pictures it looks like it's not good for much more than opening packaging and stabbing things (people). my stance on knives in self defense is... well, i've got two legs and a general sense of direction- away. either that, or "here take my wallet. i'm a student, you'd be no better off than me", so that lessens the practical aspect of my attraction to it...
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It's actually not bad at all. There's enough curve at the tip that general slicing tasks aren't impeded. It's not the number one best design if you're doing a lot of slicing, but it'll definitely do the job no problem. 
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If I do a lot of slicing, a freshly touched up 800 AFCK will do any job I want it to. But the 530 is a good utility knife for opening packaging, cutting threads, and the like. Best part is how light it is never mind the cool looking factor. It's the lightest folding knife I've ever owned and surprising how well it works.
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I have to disagree. I think the design is as strong as you could expect for a knife with those materials and dimensions. I've used my really hard, and as said, as long as lateral pressure isn't extreme it will hold up fine. It holds up to stabbing stacks of thick carpet foam too.
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What he said. I think a lot of folks just don't push it as hard as they could because of it being so light and thin. It's a tough little knife!
I picked up one a few years ago, my second Benchmade after a 943. I was looking for a slim, lightweight, one handed folder for hiking and backpacking. I carried it for a few months EDC, but no hard use. It is a favorite of mine, although I usually carry something smaller.