Benchmade 808 Loco Axis Lock

dtyndall · Mar 12, 2015

This knife is for sure on my Top 5 list for 201. It looks to be a great companion to my Benchmade Bedlam.

mikeylab · Mar 12, 2015

really like what i have seen of this knife. in the top 3 of my current most wanted folders (the other two are Benchmade as well, which makes choosing even more difficult).

tom700 · Mar 12, 2015

I am in love with my 808, I was skeptical at first but man this knife rocks, I cant leave it be im always playing with it.

ginaz · Mar 14, 2015

i went to my local shop to fondle a 25 and see if the zt 452 was in. got the 808 in my hands and that was it. it hasn't left my side yet. i pull it out at work just to look at it, smiling as i do. i may be a bit... loco...

fishface5 · Mar 14, 2015

Definitely a good idea to hold this one before buying. I did and despite my initial excitement when I saw the pics, in hand I realized the design isn't for me.

jkarp_53 · Apr 6, 2015

I will add to this post. This past year has been a long one. Moving from Cali to Virginia took a lot of cash and credit. No room for a new knife, but you get the picture. Well, this afternoon, and with the wife's support, I made a call to Roger's KW and placed my order for a satin PE 808 Loco. I know my S30V and love the material, and after reading multiple reviews made my decision to pull the trigger. On the way, should have it in the next few days...there are benefits to being on the East Coast. I welcome the newness of this design, and will post a review once I have it. BTW - one perk is they're tossing in a free Zippo branded stainless watch. Stay tuned.

jkarp_53 · Apr 9, 2015

Follow up: Received my 808 in the mail yesterday and was pleasantly surprised. 368/1000 came out of the box centered. Even bevels. Tight lockup. Absolutely no play. Swapped the stock black deep pocket clip out for (the same) silver version, which looks nice. The blade is certainly thick, but in the kitchen this morning sliced through the cold cuts easily. The curve of the handles makes it easy to bear down to the work, whatever that is. With medium hands, there are no discomforting places, yet. While the knife is a little broad to accommodate the thicker liners, the scales themselves are thin. This makes it an easy carry in the pocket. All things considered, this is a nice knife (that could be complimented by a smaller version) as BKC often does. I'll give this knife some time this week, but so far I like it. :thumbup:

crystalEyes · Apr 9, 2015

This really is a nice knife and one of my favorite benchmades. I particularly enjoy the oversized, textured locking pin and it is an incredibly smooth knife for being so heavy. Its kinda like a mix between my onslaught and 810. A must have for benchmade fans.

sabre cat · Apr 12, 2015

I got my hands on one of these last Thursday. My local dealer has one in stock. Love the blade but the grip does nothing for me.

The modified pivot screw and Axis lock are the bomb! Nice job Benchmade!

My dealer also spent time showing me the latest design Axis lock. Kinda cool. It's push button.

jkarp_53 · Apr 12, 2015

I'm usually skeptical of larger knives. But the 808 isn't like larger models like the 615 or Adamas. This thing is a good fit in my pocket, maybe due to the handle shape being curved. I've had mine for nearly a week now and for projects around the home and in the kitchen it's a superb slicer. It's breaking in nicely and super smooth. Yes, nice job Benchmade, now for the smaller version sometime next year!!

loonybin · Apr 13, 2015

jkarp_53 said:
I'm usually skeptical of larger knives. But the 808 isn't like larger models like the 615 or Adamas. This thing is a good fit in my pocket, maybe due to the handle shape being curved. I've had mine for nearly a week now and for projects around the home and in the kitchen it's a superb slicer. It's breaking in nicely and super smooth. Yes, nice job Benchmade, now for the smaller version sometime next year!!

You're not helping, Joe! I've already blown my knife budget on a 940-1. Don't tempt me.

jkarp_53 · Apr 13, 2015

Hey P., we have a friend in common from the BKC Forum, who remains surprised at my choice of Benchmades for this spring. It was originally a 485 Valet, but after hearing about soft(er) M390 blades was attracted by not only the design, but my favorite S30V steel as used on the 808. For a new design, like this one, I wasn't gonna either, but am glad I did!

biubiubiu · May 8, 2015

Hello there. Can you tell does this new Benchmade has a new axis-lock or no? I mean is it bigger(stronger) than regular axis-lock on other benchmades like contego adamas etc.

RJ80 · May 9, 2015

biubiubiu said:
Hello there. Can you tell does this new Benchmade has a new axis-lock or no? I mean is it bigger(stronger) than regular axis-lock on other benchmades like contego adamas etc.

Yes, the axis lock on the 808 is larger than most other Benchmades. I haven't had mine apart, so I can't give you dimensions, but it's definitely larger.

loonybin · May 9, 2015

jkarp_53 said:
Hey P., we have a friend in common from the BKC Forum, who remains surprised at my choice of Benchmades for this spring. It was originally a 485 Valet, but after hearing about soft(er) M390 blades was attracted by not only the design, but my favorite S30V steel as used on the 808. For a new design, like this one, I wasn't gonna either, but am glad I did!

Yeah, I've heard about the softer M390, but I have to wonder about that. My Knifeworks Contego sure isn't soft! The edge lasts longer than the edge on my GSO-4.1, and Guy deliberately went down a point on the Rc scale to help the toughness -- around 60-61Rc.

I may have to find some dealer and see if they have a 808 to handle before I decide whether to sell my 275 to get a 808.

Keyman · Jun 7, 2015

biubiubiu said:
Hello there. Can you tell does this new Benchmade has a new axis-lock or no? I mean is it bigger(stronger) than regular axis-lock on other benchmades like contego adamas etc.

Yes, the Loco has the same robust axis lock and pivot as the Adamas & the Contego.
Heavy Duty!
Definitely pushed it's way into my rotation.
The Loco is pretty hard to beat, very hardy.
Bump this thread for a awesome BM knife.....

sixbyseven · Jun 18, 2015

BellaBlades said:
The teeth are throwing off the clean look. I hate when knives smile.

This might be the single best comment I've ever seen on BF.

sixbyseven · Jun 18, 2015

I just got one of these - still one of the first production run. Here it is next to my beloved BM 710.

(Sorry for the cellphone-quality image!) You can see it's a lot chunkier, and it's a lot heaver. Have to say I really like it so far. It fits well in the hand, great ergonomics, and I like the heft of it. Because it is chunkier I find the pocket clip annoying - may have to remove it.

Ironically, I got the Loco to replace a DPx HEST 2.0 which I disliked on account of it being a PITA to operate the lock and close the knife one-handed. However, this knife also has an issue. The AXIS lock doesn't seem to operate as easily as my other BMs do - the bar sticks in the locked position. I can't operate with just a thumb - I need to brace the butt of the handle against my palm and operate the lock with finger and thumb, flipping the blade closed. Will be ok I guess, with a bit of practice and maybe some wearing-in, but doesn't feel as smooth and controlled as my other AXIS locks. Deployment and lockup are perfect though.

Low_Speed · Jun 18, 2015

sixbyseven said:
I just got one of these - still one of the first production run. Here it is next to my beloved BM 710.

(Sorry for the cellphone-quality image!) You can see it's a lot chunkier, and it's a lot heaver. Have to say I really like it so far. It fits well in the hand, great ergonomics, and I like the heft of it. Because it is chunkier I find the pocket clip annoying - may have to remove it.

Ironically, I got the Loco to replace a DPx HEST 2.0 which I disliked on account of it being a PITA to operate the lock and close the knife one-handed. However, this knife also has an issue. The AXIS lock doesn't seem to operate as easily as my other BMs do - the bar sticks in the locked position. I can't operate with just a thumb - I need to brace the butt of the handle against my palm and operate the lock with finger and thumb, flipping the blade closed. Will be ok I guess, with a bit of practice and maybe some wearing-in, but doesn't feel as smooth and controlled as my other AXIS locks. Deployment and lockup are perfect though.

I've always manipulated the Axis bar with thumb and forefinger but the stickiness should work itself out the more you play with opening and closing it. My Axis Stryker was the same way when I got it. Love my Loco.

Kdavis0069 · Jun 18, 2015

I love the look of the 808 Loco. I'm kinda frustrated cause I can't decide between the Loco and the 950-1401 Rift in satin. Which one should I get for my next edc knife?? Wish I could just buy both and be done with it lol.