Benchmade 530

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xperiaarcs

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Jun 29, 2012
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My bday is coming up in about 2 weeks and i was thinking of getting 1 of these but im not sure.

It looks like a great knife to me and i hear good things about it.
The key features i like about it have to be that the steel i hear is good, the axis lock looks convenient (havent had 1 but it looks it) And its super light weight.

The only thing that stops me from jumping right on it is that its about 90 bucks and idk if its just me but im not sure i see why its worth that much more then other brands.

i mean iv seen other knives with similar (some better some the same some slightly worse) at a lower price but there just not visually as appealing as that is to me.
So what makes a bencchmade worth more? Dont get me wrong im not saying it isnt worth it, just asking what makes it worth it.
 
I never handled one so I couldn't say if it is a good buy it not.
Personally I don't really like the design and would prefer to buy a mini ritter Griptilian :)
 
I have one I use for hiking. It is super light. And functions well too.

Benchmades are made in the US. That contributes to their higher cost. And yes, in my opinion you do pay extra to carry the Benchmade Butterfly.

They have great customer service and a no questions asked warranty.

As for is it's worth? Well, that's for you to decide.

A Spyderco Endura 4 with the FRN scales is a close comparison for example, weight-wise. And it's cheaper.
 
xperiaarcs said:
just not visually as appealing as that is to me.
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You should get what you want, and you want the 530.

about 90 bucks
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$74.99 shipped at a large online auction site.

So what makes a benchmade worth more?
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They makes good knives, and appear to have excellent customer service. I am sending an 810 back to have the glass breaker replaced, and Benchmade is paying my shipping cost to them.

6 months from now, you won't remember or care whether you paid $45 or $75 for a knife, so you should just get what you want and enjoy it. :thumbup:
 
If you want one, get it. I've been wanting one for a very long time.
My only complaint about the knife is the dip in the axis stud. Makes it a little harder to get to than say a griptilians.. or any other axis lock I've owned or handled honestly. But that is my absolute only complaint. Other than that, it's a great little knife.

As to why you pay more for benchmade when it seems you can get more for less with other brands that are great brands as well.... I have no idea.

I mean... you can get a Spyderco Manix 2, same steel, G-10 handles, a sweet lock mechanism and just a great knife for $75, USA made and all. But it's a bit heavier... and bigger.

I think, if you want to check out something that you might feel better about spending $90+ on (actually about $100) you can check out the Spyderco Paramilitary 2. G-10 scales, s30v steel, great edc size, fits the hand well, great lock, etc, it's just a good knife.

That is if you want more options... Or even a Spyderco Native with s30v steel frn and just great built for about $50. And all I've mentioned are made here in the US.

But the truth of it is.. if you do get another knife... because you think it's a better deal or you just go with something else for whatever reason... you'll probably still want to try out that 530. And if it's what you truly want, then you should go with it. Because if you don't... you will eventually anyways because you'll always wonder and probably always like the style.

If you really want to test the waters... try to get one of the blue ones in s30v. Has a cool color and better steel. And you can pick it up for around the same price if you look around. I'd get that one. That's why I've held off because that's the one I want lol.
 
powernoodle said:
(They makes good knives, and appear to have excellent customer service. I am sending an 810 back to have the glass breaker replaced, and Benchmade is paying my shipping cost to them.)

What happened to you're glass breaker noodle?
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I have not handled one, but I have got a great look at one up close in person.
It is very thin. VERY thin.
Not a bad thing for EDC at all, but it may not be comfortable.
What we think, doesnt matter that much. If you like it, get it.
 
Top notch little knife. Very thin, very light, good slicer. You can find them for quite a bit less than $90 if you look hard.
 
I had one and liked it, you won't be disappointed with benchmade quality or the axis lock. As they say, if you want it, get it.
 
Its an awesome EDC blade. You'll forget you have it, its so slim/light. Enjoy!
 
it really depends on what your intended use for this blade is? its a light duty knife imo, its very slim, light and ground extremely thin. for opening boxes, envelops or splitting a sandwich its fine but i wouldnt feel comfortable putting it through its paces or thumping on it. for the money i would pass on it and i recommend a fullsize or mini griptilian instead.

or you can save up a little more and buy a 943 that weighs just 1 once more and just oozes class/style :)

edit: benchmades website msrp is way above what they really go for retail. imo their prices are fair. people often rag on their use of 154cm + steel inserts/partial liners + valox and how cheap it feels compared to s30v + steel liners + g10 (griptilian/para2) ;). their customer service is excellent, ive had better experiences with benchmade than kershaw or spyderco.... ymmv, just sharing my experiences. they dont have much of a presence here only because they have their own forum. my only gripe is theyre a bit behind on coming out with new designs... that i like.
 
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Benchmade makes some of the highest quality production knives. The 530 is a good sized knife, it has good blade steel, and the axis lock is a very convenient lock to operate. I think at that price it is a good value. Benchmade is my favorite company but I also own and carry good knives from Spyderco and Kershaw. I have even gotten some CRKT knives that were pretty good.

If you must have a less expensive knife then look at the Spyderco models with FRN handles, or Kershaws. The Kershaw Blur is a good model but a little bigger than the Benchmade 530.
 
Great little blade, don't be fooled by its blade size (3.25") or it's weight (1.88oz) this little guy is ideal for discreet carry. I slip it into the front pocket of my scrubs and I hardly know its there. It's 154cm steel so it is easy to sharpen, it's ideal for lefty or righty carry because of the dual thumb studs. The axis lock allows for a very very solid lock up.... You really never have to worry about the lock slipping (like with a frame or liner lock) or there being any up and down play after years of copious flicking.... I really like mine, Its been in my rotation for a few years now.
-Best of luck!
 
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