Benchmade Crooked River

Ruggdogg87 · Apr 8, 2016

RX-79G said:
I guess I don't really "get" this knife. The combinations of materials and the way they are fit together, the blade finish. It just doesn't look like a finished product - especially the wood version.

I do understand the novelty of its fresh looks, though. Just not for me.

It's a giant Benchmade buck 110 axis lock. What's not to get?! I love the G10 and the fit and finish is superb. But to each his own and there are some knives that others love that I don't get.

RX-79G · Apr 8, 2016

Ruggdogg87 said:
It's a giant Benchmade buck 110 axis lock. What's not to get?! I love the G10 and the fit and finish is superb. But to each his own and there are some knives that others love that I don't get.

The Buck has a more finished blade and the wood is carefully fit to the bolsters then finished together. The pieces of this knife were separately machined then simply assembled with clearances that look like gaps. And then a big chunk of stepped orange stuff in between is just strange.

I think this could be a handsome knife if the materials were finished together after assembly for the smooth good looks of the Buck. The way it looks now, it's as if it was made for frequent disassembly.

Again, just my opinion. Aesthetics are very personal.

vmmvmmm · Apr 8, 2016

I actually got mine with the intent to modify it. I like the basics, but thought I could probably improve it with custom scales and spacers.

eon blue apocalypse · Apr 10, 2016

Ruggdogg87 said:
It's a giant Benchmade buck 110 axis lock.

This is exactly why I jumped on this knife as fast as I could. Could it be improved? Yes. Ti bolsters and materials fitted ultra flush (assembled and then finished together) would have been even better, but this knife is quite the piece as it is.

6850 · Apr 13, 2016

Ruggdogg87 said:
It's a giant Benchmade buck 110 axis lock. What's not to get?! I love the G10 and the fit and finish is superb. But to each his own and there are some knives that others love that I don't get.

I know this is old, but thanks Ruggdogg for the pics & review!
I wouldn't have normally looked at this knife, but it is intriguing me!
Especially when compared like that...
I want the ZT095 as well...
Anyway, I appreciate the time and effort spent on your review!

Bmk8960 · Apr 23, 2016

I got a wooden handled one a week ago Friday. Loved it, but discovered there was a small crack in the handle. I called BM that day to see what I needed to do. They paid for me to ship it back to them. It arrived Wednesday morning at their facility, and was put back in the mail Wednesday afternoon to ship back to me. Just have to wait till it arrives next week. Can't wait to get it back and play with it.

palonej · Apr 23, 2016

^^^ As usual.....excellent Customer Service!!
Thanks for sharing!!
Joe

Tenakal · Jul 9, 2016

Anyone have an idea where I can find a custom backspacer for this guy?

jill jackson · Jul 9, 2016

The one I bought is smooth, sharp and overall very well done. I can't find anything to complain about.

steve ladabauche · Sep 24, 2016

Had this Crooked River for a few weeks now and it's seen a lot of pocket time. I got the wood version and replaced the orange spacer with some Indian Rosewood.

BenchCo Spydermade · Sep 24, 2016

Love my crooked River, and it's unique to all my other blades. Well done Benchmade!

rschuch · Sep 24, 2016

steve ladabauche said:
Had this Crooked River for a few weeks now and it's seen a lot of pocket time. I got the wood version and replaced the orange spacer with some Indian Rosewood.

Love the backspacer! I was considering dying mine black, but that looks WAY better! You should make a few extra and sell them!

Homer is King · Oct 8, 2016

I have been looking for a large folder for my camping / hiking backpack. Just came across this knife. It's exactly what i've been looking for. Beautiful knife! Thanks for all the photos and info!!

Now that they have been out for a while anyone have some field use updates / info?

palonej · Oct 8, 2016

Hello!!
I have my G10 version for a couple months and can definitely say this knife is a sexy beast! Mine arrived just how you want a new blade to arrive......perfectly centered, excellent action...just excellent....great feel in hand, beautiful even and screaming sharp edge and tough as nails!
Doesn't look like a slicer, but rest assured......it weeeeel slice!!!
It's a great knife that won't disappoint!!
Joe

smith357 · Oct 9, 2016

I picked up a Crooked River from the sales forum about a week ago, Thanks Bladeforums! It is a really big knife but it carries like a much smaller knife in the pocket, I am really liking it so far.