Benchmade Activator

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meliaant

Joined
Sep 10, 2008
Messages
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Hey folks...looking for a nice deer/small game hunting knife, and as a current, happy Griptilian owner, thumbed through Benchmade's offerings...anyone have any experience with the Activator (201) with the winewood handles? Looks pretty sweet, and got a good review from a site I found online. Thanks!
 
Great review, thanks...can anyone with more knowledge than I (not hard, I don't know much) shed some light on whether or not getting this in D2 is worth the extra money over the Rant Drop Point in 440? I know two different knives, but these are the two I'm most interested in...thanks.
 
I can't help with the comparison with the Rant as I don't have one but I have had a 201 for a while now and recommend it highly. The blade is fine - some may find the grip a bit on the thin side.
 
The review is of the BM201+ (Activator Plus) which is much bigger than the original BM210 Activator (originally released in carbon fiber/S30V, but later released in wood/D2). I like both of them, the BM210 is very small but still usable, and I own the BM190 which is very similar to the BM201 my favorite deer knife and perfectly sized for deer. BM does a nice job with its D2 heat treat and I managed 3 deer with it with very minor touchups in between. The thing was still very sharp after each deer, but there isn't much to do at deer camp so I always end up sharpening everyone's knives.
 
Is the 201+ still a solid, tough enough knife to double as a general outdoors knife, as well? I've noticed a lot of hunting knives tend to be a bit narrower through the blade for better slicing/skinning, but will the 201+ still hold up to tough camp chores, etc?
 
meliaant said:
Is the 201+ still a solid, tough enough knife to double as a general outdoors knife, as well? I've noticed a lot of hunting knives tend to be a bit narrower through the blade for better slicing/skinning, but will the 201+ still hold up to tough camp chores, etc?
Click to expand...

Of coarse it will hold up to camping chores. It would make better sense too carry two knives in that situation.
 
I had a BM 201 & a BM/HK FB in 440C. I have not had nor handled the Rant. However, in comparing the D2 to 440C, I think it really depends on your priorities.

I personally like edge holding over rust, so I prefer the D2 myself. However, if you live where rust can be an issue (Humidity maybe), then you'll have to decide for yourself on that one.

I think the BM Activator design is a good one. I've had both of the little ones (S30V & D2) & the 210.

Good luck with your choice.
 
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