Benchmade 770 Osborne initial impressions

[Double Edge Dave]

I am not a good knife reviewer. I'll leave that to the likes of Dexter and Anthony. I have really come to love the new 770 though.
It's small(~3") size and carbon fiber handle make it easy for shirt pocket carry. The clip is at the opposite end of the pivot and at the very end of the handle. The handle butt is very small in profile and it looks very much like a pen in the pocket to the uninitiated. The scaled down Axis Lock gives me a confidence in it that I normally do not associate with smaller knives like the BM 330 Mini Mel. The handle length is perfect for my ham-fists because my pinkie finger rolls in behind the end of the knife for added support when holding it in the sabre grip.
I have found a favorite way of carrying it is clipped to my shirt,centered at about nip level.It hides nicely in behind a tie there and is even useful in holding the tail in place.This also works for pocketless polo style shirts, since that is where a lot of people carry pens. It is super easy to draw with either hand from there.
When I first saw the 770,I was not that impressed. It just seemed like another in a long line of small knives.After carrying it for almost a month now, I revel in its concept and execution. Benchmade has another winner on its hands.It is the perfect back-up/ light utility knife.
David

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AKTI# A000150
NC Custom Knifemakers Guild member
NC Knife Knuts member

 

[Dexter Ewing]

David - to be honest with you, the first time I handed you my 770 I was sure that you wouldn't like it, with your big hands. Glad to hear that you really like it. This knife has really grown on me too. Like David said, I carry mine clipped to the shirt pocket or underneath a tie. I've even went as far as using the 770 itself as a tie clip. The entire knife is extremely light that you are not regulated to strictly pocket carry. It opens and closes very smoothly and while the lock buttons are small, they stick out far enough to get at them easily. The mill work on the pivot bolt, studs, and lock buttons add a nice touch. Of all the Axis Locks Benchmade has produced, the 940 is by far my favorite of the bunch, though the 770 ranks very high up there as well. I can't put my finger on it, there's something about Warren Osborne's designs that trips my trigger. The 770 is a perfectly executed piece.

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Proud member of AKTI, NCCKG, NCKK, and SCAK

In memory of James K. Mattis

 

[dsvirsky]

David, Dexter --
How does the 770 compare with the William Henry CF Lancet, in terms of the "niche" it fills? Does it have a more substantial feel? I like my CF Lancet, but it really doesn't feel like a knife that one would use for hard work -- does the 770 feel like more of a user?

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Dave

Let no one ever from henceforth say one word in any way countenancing war. It is dangerous even to speak of how here and there the individual may gain some hardship of soul by it. For war is hell, and those who institute it are criminals. Siegfried Loraine Sassoon

 

[Double Edge Dave]

Dave,
In a word, YES! I have a lancet and a mini-mel and the combination of axis lock and handle design are much more confidence inspiring.The lancet is a great knife, but can slip around pretty easily if it is asked to more than what it is designed for.The same can be said for the mini-mel 330. You will find the ergonomics of the 770 to be a lot closer to those of a larger sized knife.
They should be shipping in greater numbers now, so try and get your hands on one to feel it.
David

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AKTI# A000150
NC Custom Knifemakers Guild member
NC Knife Knuts member

 

[Pergatory]

I don't own, but I did get to play with it, and I have to say that the generous fingergroove make it much more comfortable to use as user over others.

 

[dsvirsky]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by davidb415:
They should be shipping in greater numbers now, so try and get your hands on one to feel it.
David

</font>

The local brick-and-mortar had some when I stopped in there last week, and at a decent price. Guess I'll have to go back there tomorrow and handle one.

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Dave

Let no one ever from henceforth say one word in any way countenancing war. It is dangerous even to speak of how here and there the individual may gain some hardship of soul by it. For war is hell, and those who institute it are criminals. Siegfried Loraine Sassoon

 

[dsvirsky]

Well, I handled a 770 today. Fit and finish were pretty good, but with the oft critiqued Benchmade sharpening job.

All and all, it seems a pretty decent knife, but it didn't really do anything for me. I found that I really didn't like the reduced size locking bar that most seem to feel is an improvement; not sure why, just found myself comparing it unfavorably to the BM 705.

Trip wasn't a complete waste, though (can any visit to a knife store be a complete waste?). Picked up the last Spyderco Toad they had in stock.

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Dave

Let no one ever from henceforth say one word in any way countenancing war. It is dangerous even to speak of how here and there the individual may gain some hardship of soul by it. For war is hell, and those who institute it are criminals. Siegfried Loraine Sassoon

 

[Jedi Knife]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">How does the 770 compare with the William Henry CF Lancet, in terms
of the "niche" it fills?</font>

Does the Lancet have a pocket clip? If not, that alone- even disregarding the Axis lock- would be enough for me to choose the BM.

JK

 

[dsvirsky]

The CF Lancet has a titanium clip that's anodized a beautiful, deep purple, with blue highlights along the edges that match the color of the anodized liners. My wife refers to my CF Lancet as the "really pretty" knife.

Fit and finish far surpass that of the BM 770. However, there really isn't much difference in list price: $190 for the CF Lancet vs. $170 for the BM 770 (although Benchmade knves are generally available at a somewhat deeper discount than William Henry knives).

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Dave

Let no one ever from henceforth say one word in any way countenancing war. It is dangerous even to speak of how here and there the individual may gain some hardship of soul by it. For war is hell, and those who institute it are criminals. Siegfried Loraine Sassoon

 

[Abel]

Could anyone answer for me how good the "grippability" of the 770 is? I really like the look of those carbon-fiber scales, just a bit hesitant since they look kinda slick.

---Abel

 

[Dexter Ewing]

Abel - while the CF is slick to the touch, the handle ergonomics make up for the lack of surface texture. The integral lower guard keeps the hand from sliding forward and the flared part near the butt of the handle prevents backwards sliding. No worries here!

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Proud member of AKTI, NCCKG, NCKK, and SCAK

In memory of James K. Mattis

 

[Jedi Knife]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">The CF Lancet has a titanium clip that's anodized a beautiful, deep
purple, with blue highlights along the edges that match the color of
the anodized liners. My wife refers to my CF Lancet as the "really
pretty" knife.</font>

That sounds awesome. Do you know if the tiny "Kestral" has a pocket clip as well? I have been thinking of those WH knives lately but two different websites I've visited doesn't even specify if the WH CF series have pocket clips on them. My apologies in advance for this OT question- your response has piqued my interest. Also, is the clip attached to the pivot end? Thanks!

JK

 

[dsvirsky]

All three members of the William Henry CF series come with clips, attached at the pivot end. Buy one -- you won't regret it.

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Dave

Let no one ever from henceforth say one word in any way countenancing war. It is dangerous even to speak of how here and there the individual may gain some hardship of soul by it. For war is hell, and those who institute it are criminals. Siegfried Loraine Sassoon

 

[Abel]

Thanks Dexter! A buddy of mine just received the 940 Osborne...if the handle ergonomics are anywhere near as good, I'll gladly buy a 770!

Abel

 

[Dexter Ewing]

Abel - no thinking required here, get one and you'll like it

Superb gentlman's knife!

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Proud member of AKTI, NCCKG, NCKK, and SCAK

In memory of James K. Mattis

 

[Abel]

Hmmm...well, Dex, any ideas on where I can get one? I haven't been able to find them anywhere but on the Benchmade site.

Abel

 

[kirk]

I received my 770 four days ago. I got it from the cutlery shoppe for $127. Nice looks and feel. shaves hair off my arm. I can't stop flipping it open and closed. My wife made me put it away last night at a chinese restaurant. I also ordered a Spyderco native clipit for all my abusive work. Today I decided to go to my LNS (local knife shop)to look at their knives and show them mine but alas they have gone out of business. Must be from people like myself ordering over the net or mail order....Kirk

 

[kirk]

While eating dinner i needed to use my 770 to cut a seal off a new can of parmesan cheese, while seated i attempted to pull my 770 from my pocket, the thumb stud caught on my pocket opening the blade while still in the pocket giving me a nice little slice to my middle finger...

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[Dexter Ewing]

Abel - Right now BM is shipping to all the "brick and mortar" reatilers. I noticed you're in Vegas - might want to scoot on over to Blanchard's to see if they have any. If not, it'll probably be a little while longer until the net dealers get their supply. Good luck with the hunt!

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Proud member of AKTI, NCCKG, NCKK, and SCAK

In memory of James K. Mattis