Benchmade Anthem Alternatives...?

BigDogg795

BigDogg795

Joined
Apr 29, 2013
Messages
168
So for the last couple of weeks or so I’ve been going back and forth on wanting a Benchmade Anthem. Originally I was going to get it directly from Benchmade but when I realized that after shipping and taxes I’ll be paying close to $450...which made me realize why everyone says the knife isn’t a great deal. When you can (potentially) get a Shiro secondhand for not much more, it really puts it in perspective. So fellow BF members; what’s out there that’s worth my hard earned pennies that’s got a great action and feel like the Anthem? Should I look at a CRK? I have a ZT0452Ti and wouldn’t mind something a bit smaller of a blade; maybe 3.6 or 3.7” perhaps? Thanks in advance for any input you can offer!
 
Id say definitely grab a CRK over an Anthem. Go for an Umnumzaan and thank us later.

The Anthem is nice, i like it quite a bit, but my biggest issue is the pocket clip doesnt lay flat against the knife and i still dont know why.
 
The Anthem I have has the best action of any knife I have or have had. It’s ridiculous. I thought I would not like the clip but I do. No issues with that at all but I knkw it bothers some and I can see why. Only thing I would change would be the axis lock nut. me and it don’t see eye to eye. Wish they had used the original. Quite a few like new Anthems show up on the exchange for $350 or less.

Funny you mention CRK because I actually traded a BNIB CRK for my Anthem.
 
My Anthem is nice but not 450 nice. Plus the qc issues they have ugh. Not to mention dealer costs on these is around 250 or so. I think it would be better priced a bit lower especially since most dealers aren't inspecting these for the money they are making on them.

Id rather have most other knives in the 400-550 range.

If you go with a CRK just keep in mind it's not a fidget flipper. But it's a great user with manual open on pb washers.

Another vote for that 451 as mentioned above. Ti/s35vn, g10 or cf inlays, button lock bearing flipper. Good quality knife.
 
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A CRK is always a good choice but maybe not if you’re looking for “action”.

The Freeman is a good choice and they’re made in small batches so they feel near custom.

If you’re drawn to the Anthem because of its integral construction, check out a WE 702. Probably a little better knife and can be found for less than $300.

Either way, I think the Anthem is a heck of a knife. I’ve looked at one myself a few times.
 
Great question, tough question. The problem is that I have not found another knife that feels quite like the Anthem. It's the perfect version of the axis lock on bearings. Super smooth, easy ambidextrous access, and a nice slender blade and handle. The only knife that vaguely reminds me of it, but still not there, is the We Knives Wisp. Other than that, be patient and wait for a good deal on an Anthem.
 
I didn't initially like the Anthem. After a couple of tries, I put it down and didn't touch it for a few months. When I revisited it, the "issues" (though still there) didn't bother me; and I've come to like it quite a lot...in fact, it's probably the knife I carry most frequently at work, due to its weight & easy carry.
 
Lapedog said:
What about a 940-1? It’s a great platform to take advantage of the CF construction due to the minimalist liners.
Click to expand...

I prefer my 940-1 to my CRK Sebenza 21 micarta insingo. I do not know why though. It might not help him decide but it could possibly save him some money to try that first.
 
I love my anthem killer action if you don't like the clip mxg gear make a great replacement clip.
 
Sorry to resurrect this...but I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a 451 Flipper but before I do, is there anything else out there with a great fidgety action like that I should look at first?
 
That Freeman 451 is cool. You could probably save some $ with a Hogue EX01. I have had both the 3.5" and 4" and prefer how the 4" handle fits my hand. Great action, centering, and fit/finish on both.
 
I opted for a Sebenza 21 over the Anthem about a year ago and have never regretted it.

Back then I had only owned a couple of Benchmades and thought it wouldn't get any better than the axis lock... how little did I know.
I therefore thought the Anthem would be the best of the best, but I now know that CRK is clearly in a different league entirely.

I would still like to handle and possible even own an Anthem at some point, but it is absolutely not worth the money imo.
 
BigDogg795 said:
Sorry to resurrect this...but I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a 451 Flipper but before I do, is there anything else out there with a great fidgety action like that I should look at first?
Click to expand...

Now that Hinderers have the triway pivot system it opens them up as a fidgety knife.

I wouldn’t hesitate on the Freeman though.
 
Rhah said:
I opted for a Sebenza 21 over the Anthem about a year ago and have never regretted it.

Back then I had only owned a couple of Benchmades and thought it wouldn't get any better than the axis lock... how little did I know.
I therefore thought the Anthem would be the best of the best, but I now know that CRK is clearly in a different league entirely.

I would still like to handle and possible even own an Anthem at some point, but it is absolutely not worth the money imo.
Click to expand...

I ended up getting a killer deal on an Anthem but I feel it’s too “proper” for work use. Centering is perfect and the action is amazing. I considered a CRK but I know the action doesn’t really lend itself to being toyed with. And from what I’ve seen CR doesn’t warranty any issue that develops from that either.

Lapedog said:
Now that Hinderers have the triway pivot system it opens them up as a fidgety knife.

I wouldn’t hesitate on the Freeman though.
Click to expand...

Everyone seems to love the Freeman...there’s gotta be a reason. If i did wanna take a look at a Hinderer, any particular one I should look at?
 
Rhah said:
I opted for a Sebenza 21 over the Anthem about a year ago and have never regretted it.

Back then I had only owned a couple of Benchmades and thought it wouldn't get any better than the axis lock... how little did I know.
I therefore thought the Anthem would be the best of the best, but I now know that CRK is clearly in a different league entirely.

I would still like to handle and possible even own an Anthem at some point, but it is absolutely not worth the money imo.
Click to expand...

I ended up getting a killer deal on an Anthem but I feel it’s too “proper” for work use. Centering is perfect and the action is amazing. I considered a CRK but I know the action doesn’t really lend itself to being toyed with. And from what I’ve seen CR doesn’t warranty any issue that develops from that either.

Lapedog said:
Now that Hinderers have the triway pivot system it opens them up as a fidgety knife.

I wouldn’t hesitate on the Freeman though.
Click to expand...

Everyone seems to love the Freeman...there’s gotta be a reason. If i did wanna take a look at a Hinderer, any particular one I should look at?
 
The Freeman is kind of like axis lock knives in fidgetiness I would imagine. I would love a 451 if it werent so heavy. Only one available right now is Ti and it is 6.5 oz. That doesnt bother some but I am not a fan of pocket bricks because I carry pistol, flashlight, wallet, keys, knife, pen, etc. Got to keep the weight down. Would also prefer non painted blade but if the weight were mid 5’s I would overlook the black blade to try one out.
 
AF said:
Reate JACK. :)
It's a lot bigger but it's an integral and it's amazing.
Click to expand...
This is another I would love to have but it is huge, over 7oz, and I see me carrying a couple of times and then saying screw this, too big. And I have sold all my knives I know I wont carry or cut with because too nice. Sad, because it is gorgeous.
 
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