- Joined
- Jul 22, 2009
- Messages
- 11,409
This is my first knife review, and while I never really intended to ever do one, I felt I needed to go out of my way for this knife because it's the first Benchmade knife in which I was 100%(okay, maybe 99%
) satisfied with.
First impression, the handles are thick. This thing could easily give my XM-18, SR-1, and ZT 0301 and 0551 a run for their money in handle thickness. Not that I'm complaining, as thick handles are a great match for the smooth G10 to increase your grip on it.
The G10 and aluminum bolsters have some texturing to help get a good grip, though it might be a little TOO aggressive and could really wear on your fingers in hard use(which I rarely do).
At first the use of aluminum in the bolsters concerned me, as I've never had a good experience with titanium as a bolster material. However, the aluminum seems to be anodized, as I rubbed it against a screw with no scratches or scuffing.
The Axis Assist is a fun and practical combination. Unlike my coworker's Spec Bump, the blade will not limply flop out without a detent if the spring ever dies out since it should function like a manual Axis if that were to ever happen. And because of the lighter blade, it pops out quicker than my ZT 0301 and is easier to close as well.
It comes with the usual locking mechanism which can either lock the blade open or closed, though it seems a bit random in how easy it is to lock or unlock, and my thumb is already raw from one day of it.
Pocket clip arrived with some scuff marks, but I would expect that sooner or later and it doesn't really bother me.
Lastly, the thing I want to draw attention to is the level of fit and finish here:
It might be hard to tell, but the gap between the polished liners and the blade itself is VERY small, almost as little as a Sebenza. Sadly, it's not as well executed as the Sebenza, as you can push the blade against the liners. However, it does not rub against the liners in regular opening and closing, and there is zero blade play when I wrench the blade side to side while it's open(ditto with up and down). This is a first for an Axis lock Benchmade that I've owned. My 710-1 had ridiculously thick bronze phosphor washers and plenty of side to side bladeplay.
Out of box sharpness could barely slice paper with a ridiculously obtuse angle, but I don't think I can criticize Benchmade for that. For one, it's M390 super steel. I think it's a given that anyone looking to own a knife in that steel should be able to sharpen it themselves. For another, the thumbstuds are placed high enough and far back enough from the edge that it doesn't get in the way of sharpening.
Given that this is a sub-$200 knife, I feel like I got a lot of bang for my buck:thumbup:.
) satisfied with.
First impression, the handles are thick. This thing could easily give my XM-18, SR-1, and ZT 0301 and 0551 a run for their money in handle thickness. Not that I'm complaining, as thick handles are a great match for the smooth G10 to increase your grip on it.
The G10 and aluminum bolsters have some texturing to help get a good grip, though it might be a little TOO aggressive and could really wear on your fingers in hard use(which I rarely do).
At first the use of aluminum in the bolsters concerned me, as I've never had a good experience with titanium as a bolster material. However, the aluminum seems to be anodized, as I rubbed it against a screw with no scratches or scuffing.
The Axis Assist is a fun and practical combination. Unlike my coworker's Spec Bump, the blade will not limply flop out without a detent if the spring ever dies out since it should function like a manual Axis if that were to ever happen. And because of the lighter blade, it pops out quicker than my ZT 0301 and is easier to close as well.
It comes with the usual locking mechanism which can either lock the blade open or closed, though it seems a bit random in how easy it is to lock or unlock, and my thumb is already raw from one day of it.
Pocket clip arrived with some scuff marks, but I would expect that sooner or later and it doesn't really bother me.
Lastly, the thing I want to draw attention to is the level of fit and finish here:
It might be hard to tell, but the gap between the polished liners and the blade itself is VERY small, almost as little as a Sebenza. Sadly, it's not as well executed as the Sebenza, as you can push the blade against the liners. However, it does not rub against the liners in regular opening and closing, and there is zero blade play when I wrench the blade side to side while it's open(ditto with up and down). This is a first for an Axis lock Benchmade that I've owned. My 710-1 had ridiculously thick bronze phosphor washers and plenty of side to side bladeplay.
Out of box sharpness could barely slice paper with a ridiculously obtuse angle, but I don't think I can criticize Benchmade for that. For one, it's M390 super steel. I think it's a given that anyone looking to own a knife in that steel should be able to sharpen it themselves. For another, the thumbstuds are placed high enough and far back enough from the edge that it doesn't get in the way of sharpening.
Given that this is a sub-$200 knife, I feel like I got a lot of bang for my buck:thumbup:.
