Benchmade 690

H

H2600

Joined
May 4, 2003
Messages
89
My eighteenth birthday passed just a few weeks ago and I'm considering getting myself a BM 690 as a birthday present. Right now I'm thinking that I'm going to get it with the BC1 coating because it seems to look nice and shiny in the Benchmade photo and I like the idea of extreme scratch resistance. However, I don't really want to get a really nice looking folder with carbon fiber and rosewood and then ruin it's "classy" look by throwing on a coating that is going to make the blade look "tactical."

Does anyone here own a 690 that can comment on the real-life look of the BC1 coating or on the general fit and finish of this knife? I'd also appreciate seeing some non-stock pictures of the knife so that I can get a better impression of what it looks like.
 
The BC1 coating doesn't look tactical at all. It looks very nice against the carbon fiber and rosewood.

The only problem is that it shows fingerprints easily. :(
 
I have been using the 690 on a daily basis for almost a year now... I can report that it is one of the best built knives I have ever had. I was not happy with the blade thickness (a bit on the thick side for slicing)... After a good sharpening, much better... the knife is very solid and light... overall excellent as an EDC...

hope this helps...
 
Thanks for the replies so far. Does anyone have any pictures? After re-reading the Benchmade description I noticed that it mentions "stabilized" hardwood. What, exactly, is stabilized wood and what benefits does it provide?
 
Originally posted by H2600
Thanks for the replies so far. Does anyone have any pictures? After re-reading the Benchmade description I noticed that it mentions "stabilized" hardwood. What, exactly, is stabilized wood and what benefits does it provide?
Click to expand...

It means it has epoxy resin soaked through it by a vacuum. It makes the wood more durable and less prone to wear and discolor.
 
Okay, I'm pretty much sold on this knife...unless anyone has other suggestions for about the same price (~$130). I'm also looking for a cheap store to buy from, I'm interested in any and all suggestions.
 
Personally, I can't stand the knife. At first I thought it looked really pretty, but then I actually got to play with it. I am SO happy I didn't buy it over the internet. My issues are 1) this knife is actually a drop point. The swedge doesn't go all the way to the end.
and 2. Take a good look at the handle. The wood doesn't actually reach the edge making it rather sharp.
I suggest the 710 or the smaller or OR the 730 Ares with the green handles. (I can't stand the purple/red)
 
I dont believe they make either of those Ares versions anymore. Now they are just making a black G10 handled version. Much better looking IMO.
 
I have 3 690's... I think they are of excellent quality and design.

My only complaint is the finish on the scales. All 3 arrived 'dull'. The stabilized rosewood is great, though. the finish runs through.

I removed the scales (easy) and wet-sanded 1000, 1500 and 2000 grit sandpaper. I finished by buffing with Happich Simichrome metal polish The results are beautiful. The carbon fiber also polishes beautifully.

As one poster said, the scales do not reach the edge of the liners. Not only does this look cool, but it's fine ergonomically (IMO).

There are many great knives out there... this is one of them.
 
The BM 690 is among the small handful of knives that I would consider to be contenders for best production folder ever.

Not only is it a very attractive design, it it an excellent working tool as well.

I actually like the way the wood scales do not go al the way to the end of the liners. That little rim of blue sticking out around the edges of the knife is a rather nice touch.
 
Obviously some like some don't. Maybe Most do.
I just want to point out that you should handle it before you buy. I've already said what I thought, and I'll leave it at that.
There are always going to be some knives you don't like no matter how much everyone else loves them.
 
Thanks for all the great replies!

Walkin Man: I'd love to handle it before I buy it, but there really aren't any knife stores near where I live that I know of.

manicreader: Thanks for your opinion. Where did you get sandpaper with such fine grit? I can't find anything beyond 600 at Home Depot. What does it take to remove the scales from the handle?
 
Waheyy! Can't believe I'm here in this forum:)
I got my 690 at the start of the year. The boron coating on the right side of the blade had came off gradually since a few months ago, getting worse by the day. The left side is still intact though.
Still my edc.
 
I have a 690 with the ivory scales and it is truly a wonderful edc. I've carried mine for the last 2 year and my only complaint is the very thick blade. I've found that the blade is a little thick for good slicing. The up side to the thick blade is that it's a very stout knife, overbuilt IMHO, which is a good thing for some.

I would pass on the blade coating simply because I don't like coatings. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a 690 they're a very classy edc.
 
>manicreader: Thanks for your opinion.
>Where did you get sandpaper with such
>fine grit?

At my local OSH. Surprised that Home Depot doesn't have it.

>What does it take to remove the scales from the handle?

Remove pocket clip (2 screws). Each scale is attached via 3 2-56 button head screws and the blade pivot screw. You will need 2 different Torx drivers for the screws (don't know size). It is really simple.

Each scale is actually one piece; the carbon fiber is attached to the rosewood.
 
Does anyone have a preferred shop that they buy knives from online? Of course, price is important...
 
I think we are allowed to name dealers here on the forums...I will just take the chance anyways.

americanheritagesports.com and bestknives.com both have very excellent prices and service. I enjoy doing business with both of those dealers, I highly recommend them. www.newgraham.com (you have to use the www for this one for some reason...) has very good prices too...apparently they include bandages with any knife purchase.
 
I have one in my pocket as I type - White "ivory" and carbon fiber. One darn fine knife for general utility around the office.
 
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