-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/
Benchmade 904 Questions!
- Thread starter mk.ultra
- Start date
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2014
- Messages
- 296
I have a mini axis stryker (904) and a mini grip (555HG) - the fit and finish is a ton better on the 904, and it is thinner so it carries easier. To me, the weight difference isn't noticeable. The 904 looks and feels like a more expensive knife (which it is) because of the full steel liners and G10 handles - it certainly doesn't have the 'hollow' feel that the mini grip has. The only thing I don't really like about the 904 is the blade shape - For me, tanto blades are a bit impractical for EDC. The handle is smaller on the 904, so some may complain that it doesn't fit the hand as well.
I end up using the 555 more often around the house, but carry the 904 a bit more often.
I end up using the 555 more often around the house, but carry the 904 a bit more often.
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2013
- Messages
- 1,002
I just ordered a 904 this week should be here on Monday. I don't really like tanto blades but the compact design with full steel liners, low profile G10 scales and deep carry clip pushed me to order. Hopefully they'll release a spear point blade in the near future.
I'll post some pics when I get it and compare it to my 556 which is a popular knife listed at the same size.
I currently edc a 525 which I love (own 4 of them) and am hoping the 904 will feel just as solid and robust but in a smaller package.
I'll post some pics when I get it and compare it to my 556 which is a popular knife listed at the same size.
I currently edc a 525 which I love (own 4 of them) and am hoping the 904 will feel just as solid and robust but in a smaller package.
Last edited:
I am not sure about everyone else but while I am interesting in the 904, I am waiting for it to be released with a drop point blade or spear point.
I have never owned or used a tanto blade (so maybe I am wrong) but they do not seem as useful for me personally as another blade shape. My use really consists of general edc tasks and wood shavings for fires.
I have never owned or used a tanto blade (so maybe I am wrong) but they do not seem as useful for me personally as another blade shape. My use really consists of general edc tasks and wood shavings for fires.
I don't own a Benchmade 'Tanto' blade, but I do own a SOG with one. I used it for a few days and decided at least for me it is the worst blade design for everyday use. I'm sure if a person wants to punch holes in a barrel or only pierce things it would be wonderful. If I ever get around to selling my 913SBKD2 and 907SBKD2 Nitrous Strykers I'll gift the SOG to the buyer, dislike it that much.
It is an extremely well-made knife with a beautiful handle and a great fit and finish. The AXIS makes a huge improvement over the previous liner lock/auto pickings, and they did a great job integrating it to an existing design. They didn't just throw it on, but they really reworked the ergos so that the knife itself feels good in the handle and is accessible to use. They also kept a lot of the initial styling from the original Stryker, which is pretty cool.
But with that said, I think that the blade shape is pretty useless and superior blades for less money makes the value of the 904 as an EDC in question. It struggles to perform certain tasks that a drop point or spear point could with ease, and with the way the generic tanto is made, the service life will most likely be lesser than most other grinds, and sharpening often isn't fun. For certain precision cuts, I find the BM tantos (and tantos from most big makers) to be an absolute nightmare.
On the flip side, the Ritter Griptilian has one of the most useful grinds in town, IMO. While the fit and finish of the 904 is better, the Ritter's performance as a cutting tool runs circles around the 904 with superior steel and geometry. For EDC, I personally find that to make justifying the 904 difficult.
But with that said, I think that the blade shape is pretty useless and superior blades for less money makes the value of the 904 as an EDC in question. It struggles to perform certain tasks that a drop point or spear point could with ease, and with the way the generic tanto is made, the service life will most likely be lesser than most other grinds, and sharpening often isn't fun. For certain precision cuts, I find the BM tantos (and tantos from most big makers) to be an absolute nightmare.
On the flip side, the Ritter Griptilian has one of the most useful grinds in town, IMO. While the fit and finish of the 904 is better, the Ritter's performance as a cutting tool runs circles around the 904 with superior steel and geometry. For EDC, I personally find that to make justifying the 904 difficult.
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2013
- Messages
- 1,002
My 904 came in the other day....no photos because I boxed it right back up after handling it. There were a lot of things I liked but one thing really killed it. The build construction was great, I really liked the G10 scales, all around it felt like a higher quality mini grip. The blade lock up was rock solid and it opened and closed super smooth, reminded me of my 707. I also really liked the design of the deep carry clip, wish they would use this version on more of their models.
What killed it for me was the thumb ramp "hump" on top of the handle. Holding the knife with my thumb on top just felt odd, it forced my hand into a position that was instantly uncomfortable. I open boxes and packing frequently at work and this is my preferred way of holding the knife so that was a deal breaker. There was some jimping on the spine of the blade which didn't make much sense since the hump got in the way. I don't understand why on earth Benchmade didn't make it flat on top of the handle like the original Stryker OR at least make a comfortable and usable thumb ramp.
One other thing I noticed is that the blade looked shorter than the measurement listed. I compared it to my 556, 707, and 525 and looked noticeably shorter. Maybe Tantos are measured differently or it was a fluke?
Oh well back it goes...
What killed it for me was the thumb ramp "hump" on top of the handle. Holding the knife with my thumb on top just felt odd, it forced my hand into a position that was instantly uncomfortable. I open boxes and packing frequently at work and this is my preferred way of holding the knife so that was a deal breaker. There was some jimping on the spine of the blade which didn't make much sense since the hump got in the way. I don't understand why on earth Benchmade didn't make it flat on top of the handle like the original Stryker OR at least make a comfortable and usable thumb ramp.
One other thing I noticed is that the blade looked shorter than the measurement listed. I compared it to my 556, 707, and 525 and looked noticeably shorter. Maybe Tantos are measured differently or it was a fluke?
Oh well back it goes...