benchmade 551 , 556 , or spyderco Delica?

W

Wolfie-

Joined
Sep 2, 2015
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42
Hey,

wanted to know the opinion of you guys

wich one is an overall better edc?
the Benchmade: 551 / 556 or
the spyderco Delica?
 
If you're willing to look at any BM mini version, check out the 586 and 525 for sure. To me they feel much more sturdy and solid than the 556, since they use aluminum and g10 (Al + G10 on 586, Al only on 525) for scales instead of the plasticky scales on the 556.

Both are excellent but the 586 is a bit pricier than the 556 or Delica and the 525 is discontinued so they're harder to find now. You also get M390 steel with the 586, though, which is great and worth the money IMO.

If you're choosing strictly between a new from dealer Delica and 556, Delica every time... yes, I greatly prefer the Axis lock but not when a new 556 is $89 and you can find new Delicas for $60.

A lightly used 556 for ~$70 would be a good deal and I would jump on that if you can find one (funny, they used to sell for $72....)

DSC_0081.jpg
 
they sell the griptilian for 120 euro's here and the delica for 109 euro's wich one is better when not looking on money
 
Well the Delica sits better for me in my back pocket. You see I have old man butt and there's not cushion and the Delica is flatter and feels better.
 
I couldn't decide, I now own them all.
Sorry, not very helpfull, I'd get the 556 Griptilian first.
Out of interest where in Europe are you based? As I'm sure one could be sourced cheaper than that in the UK.
 
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The Delica has always carried and opened easier than the mini-G for me. It's a flatter carry and the hole works better than those tiny thumb studs. Other than that, I think they're both about equally capable so it comes down to user preference AFAIC.

The 585 has already been recommended and I'll second that if you're OK with an AO (or with de-assisting it). I have a couple of 525s and they're great... if you like aluminium handles. Problem with them is, when you ding 'em up, it's there for life. They may not be the ideal everyday knife if your uses run to the rougher side of things. The Northfork is a mini-G sized BM folder that's got full SS liners and G10 scales. It's really a nice offering from BM but it does go for more $ than the mini-G / Delica models. Even farther up the scale in that size range is the 484 Nakamura. Still a mini-G sized knife with sculpted G10 and M390 in a blade with a slightly longer edge than the mini-G & Delica will offer.
 
I prefer the 556 when not looking at cost, or even if looking at cost I still like the 556 better than delica. Size, shape, looks, lock are all things I like better than the delica. (my opinion)

Asking about Benchmade or Spyderco in the Benchmade sub-forum will yield expected results. Head over to the Spyderco sub-forum and you can expect to hear praise of the Delica. Although I will still vote for the 556.

Now for the price, I may have to look at the Spyderco Sage 1 at just slightly higher than the 556. That may sway me lol. My sage 2 is a great knife.
 
It is impossible to pick a knife for another person. Speaking for myself only, with the exception of the Mini Presidio Ultra (and maybe some I have no experience with), Benchmade "Minis" are a little too mini in the grip area for me. I do really like the MPU a lot.
 
dalefuller said:
The Delica has always carried and opened easier than the mini-G for me. It's a flatter carry and the hole works better than those tiny thumb studs. Other than that, I think they're both about equally capable so it comes down to user preference AFAIC.

The 585 has already been recommended and I'll second that if you're OK with an AO (or with de-assisting it). I have a couple of 525s and they're great... if you like aluminium handles. Problem with them is, when you ding 'em up, it's there for life. They may not be the ideal everyday knife if your uses run to the rougher side of things. The Northfork is a mini-G sized BM folder that's got full SS liners and G10 scales. It's really a nice offering from BM but it does go for more $ than the mini-G / Delica models. Even farther up the scale in that size range is the 484 Nakamura. Still a mini-G sized knife with sculpted G10 and M390 in a blade with a slightly longer edge than the mini-G & Delica will offer.
Click to expand...

how about the Benchmade 530 Axis Pardue?
 
I just returned a 556 didn't like it most dull factory edge I've seen. These are my two favorite Benchmades both great EDC's.
940-1 and 484-1

 
I own all three, personally, and I've carried each extensively. I reach for the 551 when I expect to need something that large, but the 556 is my go-to EDC, hands-down. :cool:

IMG_0862a.jpg

It saw considerable action on last weekend's camping trip with the missus. ;)

Tom @ KnivesShipFree
 
Wolfie- said:
how about the Benchmade 530 Axis Pardue?
Click to expand...

I've never owned or even held one, so I can't speak to how it feels or performs. On looks alone, it'd probably be right in there with the Delica as far as carrying it. It's still a small thumb stud opener, though, so it may not work any better for me than the mini-G.
 
I like the Grip better than the Delica. However, I really dig the Endura. I find the Delica too small.

I don't own the Endura and carry a Grip most days. If I ever have to replace the Grip it will most likely be with an Endura.
 
I think the Delica is a way better value and every bit the knife. I've bought two off of the exchange forum, one LNIB $40, and one just last week in good shape for $37. For a good work beater Delica's and Rat 2's all the way. Even away from work I sometimes choose to carry them over my BM 940-1 and many other more expensive knives.
 
I recently lost my 556, which was such a good edc for me that I got rid of my other modern folders because they weren't getting used.

Now that I'm in the market for a replacement, I'm strongly considering the Spyderco Sage 1, along with a couple of others. Not that the 556 was deficient, I just want to try something different.
 
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