alude904
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2012
- Messages
- 548
So this will be my first review (of many to come) for this forum as it appears that reviews aren't too popular around here. While there are several posts about this knife, there are no reviews and I am a strong believer in reviews.
This review is of the Benchmade Presidio Auto Axis Tanto Black coated folding knife. To get this out of the way, here are the straight specs for those who do not wish to venture outside the forum. (specs directly from benchmade website)
Blade Length 3.44"
Blade Thickness 1.55"
Blade Material 154CM
Blade Hardness 58-61 HRC
Weight 5.80oz
Overall Length 8.30"
Closed Length 4.86"
Handle Material 6061 T-6 Aluminum
Liner Material 420J Steel
Pros: Solid knife, blade steel, locking mech, grip, opening speed, reversible clip, lanyard hole
Cons: Blade coating, pocket friendly, heavy (imo)
So this Benchmade is the 5300BK. To break it down, the 5300 knives are the full size folders with the grips that have the bi-directional serrations.
They 5300's are also the tanto style blades.
The BK stands for the type of black finish that is added to the blade. The absence of the "S" in the model number as well as the evidence by the picture indicates that this model doesn't have a serrated blade. To further get into the blade, it's steel is great for every day tasks and can be resharpened easily. It isn't their top steel but 154cm is still a great steel for edc.
This model has the corrosive resistant black coating on it which adds to the price tag and protects the knife a little more than their satin finish but from my experience the coating immediately started chipping off after the first few days. Not really bad, just tiny little spots that do not appear to be getting any worse.
The auto axis locking mechanism is very smooth when opening but when it snaps back to lock and hits the bar that stops the blade (not sure of the term) it hits pretty hard, probably due to a strong spring. However, it's still nice that it opens fast unlike some other auto knives. Considering this type of mechanism, there is no blade play when closed or open.
I like that the knife locks solid and that it wont be accidentally opening on me. With that being said, This knife does have a safety lock. The safety lock is solid, very well designed, and is smooth to operate. At the same time, I'm not a fan of safety locks unless I feel they are totally necessary and like I said, the axis lock is so well designed, I feel that the safety is pointless.
The grips on this knife are very unique and is probably what sets it's price tag a little higher than other auto axis knives of the same class. It is very strong and feels great in the hand while being made from aluminum. One of the great features of the grips is that my hand grips it very well and I don't ever see it slipping out while being used.
This is also one of it's bad features. While this design is hand friendly, it is in no way pocket friendly. It actually grips everything too well. Being since the grips are cut as bi-directional serrations, coupled with the pocket clip, the grips snag while clipping onto and off of my pockets regardless of what kind of pants or shorts I'm wearing. This is probably the most annoying thing about this knife as it eats my pockets alive. While I haven't yet, I plan to get a knife holster just for this reason and may take the clip off. While a pocket clip is a must have for all my folders, it just seems poorly thought out for this knife.
Moving onto some other small facts, the back spacer is made out of a black plastic. I personally do not like plastic being a part of my knives but some may not care. However, due to it's purpose, location, and who it's made by, I don't think it will affect the knife in a negative way. The frame has a lanyard hole which is a plus for me. The pivot spacers appear to be bronze or some kind of metal (as apposed to plastic) which is also a plus. The overall weight does feel a little heavy for me but then again, that's just my preference. At the same time, the weight does give it a feeling of durability and good solid craftsmanship. While I have heard of the Omega springs going out on other axis' as well as the spring that makes this automatic, I have seen no issues there so far. As mentioned earlier, the pocket clip is reversible which is great and makes it a true ambidextrous knife (Points at lefties). The price range at which you'll see this knife is anywhere from $180 to $260 New. I purchased mine from my local gun shop for $204 out the door. Overall, I believe this is a great knife, especially for edc, but I do think the price tag on it is a little high considering the materials used. I believe this high price tag is just because you're getting a Benchmade. Now, for a few more pics.
This review is of the Benchmade Presidio Auto Axis Tanto Black coated folding knife. To get this out of the way, here are the straight specs for those who do not wish to venture outside the forum. (specs directly from benchmade website)
Blade Length 3.44"
Blade Thickness 1.55"
Blade Material 154CM
Blade Hardness 58-61 HRC
Weight 5.80oz
Overall Length 8.30"
Closed Length 4.86"
Handle Material 6061 T-6 Aluminum
Liner Material 420J Steel
Pros: Solid knife, blade steel, locking mech, grip, opening speed, reversible clip, lanyard hole
Cons: Blade coating, pocket friendly, heavy (imo)
So this Benchmade is the 5300BK. To break it down, the 5300 knives are the full size folders with the grips that have the bi-directional serrations.
They 5300's are also the tanto style blades.
The BK stands for the type of black finish that is added to the blade. The absence of the "S" in the model number as well as the evidence by the picture indicates that this model doesn't have a serrated blade. To further get into the blade, it's steel is great for every day tasks and can be resharpened easily. It isn't their top steel but 154cm is still a great steel for edc.
This model has the corrosive resistant black coating on it which adds to the price tag and protects the knife a little more than their satin finish but from my experience the coating immediately started chipping off after the first few days. Not really bad, just tiny little spots that do not appear to be getting any worse.
The auto axis locking mechanism is very smooth when opening but when it snaps back to lock and hits the bar that stops the blade (not sure of the term) it hits pretty hard, probably due to a strong spring. However, it's still nice that it opens fast unlike some other auto knives. Considering this type of mechanism, there is no blade play when closed or open.
I like that the knife locks solid and that it wont be accidentally opening on me. With that being said, This knife does have a safety lock. The safety lock is solid, very well designed, and is smooth to operate. At the same time, I'm not a fan of safety locks unless I feel they are totally necessary and like I said, the axis lock is so well designed, I feel that the safety is pointless.
The grips on this knife are very unique and is probably what sets it's price tag a little higher than other auto axis knives of the same class. It is very strong and feels great in the hand while being made from aluminum. One of the great features of the grips is that my hand grips it very well and I don't ever see it slipping out while being used.
This is also one of it's bad features. While this design is hand friendly, it is in no way pocket friendly. It actually grips everything too well. Being since the grips are cut as bi-directional serrations, coupled with the pocket clip, the grips snag while clipping onto and off of my pockets regardless of what kind of pants or shorts I'm wearing. This is probably the most annoying thing about this knife as it eats my pockets alive. While I haven't yet, I plan to get a knife holster just for this reason and may take the clip off. While a pocket clip is a must have for all my folders, it just seems poorly thought out for this knife.
Moving onto some other small facts, the back spacer is made out of a black plastic. I personally do not like plastic being a part of my knives but some may not care. However, due to it's purpose, location, and who it's made by, I don't think it will affect the knife in a negative way. The frame has a lanyard hole which is a plus for me. The pivot spacers appear to be bronze or some kind of metal (as apposed to plastic) which is also a plus. The overall weight does feel a little heavy for me but then again, that's just my preference. At the same time, the weight does give it a feeling of durability and good solid craftsmanship. While I have heard of the Omega springs going out on other axis' as well as the spring that makes this automatic, I have seen no issues there so far. As mentioned earlier, the pocket clip is reversible which is great and makes it a true ambidextrous knife (Points at lefties). The price range at which you'll see this knife is anywhere from $180 to $260 New. I purchased mine from my local gun shop for $204 out the door. Overall, I believe this is a great knife, especially for edc, but I do think the price tag on it is a little high considering the materials used. I believe this high price tag is just because you're getting a Benchmade. Now, for a few more pics.
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