Benchmade DarkStar Replacement?

[DBAR]

Ok, I figured out which fixed Blade Knive I'm getting, the Hogue EX-F01. I'll probably switch back to the Knife Research Legion between now, and the time I actually place the order.

Now, I have to find a folder to replace my ageing Dark Star. The Benchmade Dark Star is my favorite EDC folder, and I've used it as my money clip for 10 years or so. It's light weight, clip is positioned for tip down carry, it's thin, simple liner lock, and it's a quality Blade that was made here in the US. It's been back to Benchmade twice for sharpening, and bolster replacement. I could buy another one off of Ebay for $175, but as good as it is, it has just a few faults. The blade sometimes bounces off the bolster upon closing, and the sides of it eventually will start to close in at the top as the bolster develop a groove from the blade bounce.

I've spent hours looking online, and I've visited the only knife shop around here, but I still haven't found what I'm looking for. The Benchmade Stryker comes close, but I don't really care for the "Nitrous" open assist system. Bradley Cutlery makes the Alias II, which seems to be the closest to want I'm wanting.

I thought I'd see if anyone here might have some other ideas for me....

I'm looking for is a simple knife (no autos) with a modified spear point Blade, or a drop point of some type. I prefer liner locks, maybe a frame lock. I want a good quality knife made of good materials, that isn't over $250. The one criteria that seems to nix most of the knives that I've wanted is, the tip down clip position.


Thanks in advance,

DBAR

 

[Allex]

Gerber Covert, 154cm, similar blade shape, liner lock ( better than my Dark Star, + safety )

 

[thegeek574]

hmmm, the emerson a100 looks close in blade shape, but is a little shorter. the kershaw speedform 2 looks kind of like it, and has excellent blade steel. the spyderco paramilitary and military both come to mind, becuase they are about the same shape. see what you like.

 

[DBAR]

Gerber Covert, 154cm, similar blade shape, liner lock ( better than my Dark Star, + safety )

Thanks, I kind of wrote Gerber off a few years back. I'll have to give them another look.


DBAR

 

[DBAR]

hmmm, the emerson a100 looks close in blade shape, but is a little shorter. the kershaw speedform 2 looks kind of like it, and has excellent blade steel. the spyderco paramilitary and military both come to mind, becuase they are about the same shape. see what you like.

Emerson doesn't have a tip down option, but the Kershaw Speedform 2 is on my list. Spyderco parmilitary is a little big, and it doesn't offer tip down carry.

I called Emerson today, and got the bad news. The Gal I spoke with said no tip down options. Trust me, I wish they did!!!!


So far on my list to look at:

Bradley (Benchmade) Alias II
Kershaw Leek G10 w/S30V Blade
Kershaw Speedform II
Benchmade Stryker 907D2


Thanks,

DBAR

 

[michaelm466]

The para 2 has a four position clip, though it isn't any smaller, it is an excellent edc knife, I would try handling it if possible. As for the Benchmade stryker, the assist opening can be removed fairly easily, there are probably threads or youtube vids on how to do it.

 

[Chris Pierce]

I found an older version of the Benchmade Stryker without the assisted opening and it's a great knife.

 

[baliblaster]

If you want another darkstar i will sell you one alot cheaper than $175.I have the large and small version if you are interested send me a PM or email me.