Benchmade EDC

dutch_0311

Gold Member
Basic Member
Joined
Feb 29, 2008
Messages
1,021
I am looking at getting a new Benchmade for EDC. Some models I am currently looking at are the 550 Griptilian, 710, 615 mini-Rukus, 520 Presidio and 913 Nitrous Stryker. I really like the 913 but am also a huge fan of the Axis lock. If anyone has any experience owning or using any of these knives and can give me some advise so that I can choose the right model please let me know. Thanks.
 
I have seen and handled all of the knives you've mentioned and EDC'd a couple of them.

The 710 and both Rukus models are too large for my taste and I've never warmed up to the looks of either knife. I stay in the 3" blade range for EDC and I don't like recurve blades. If I were going to pick between the 710 and the mini-Rukus, though, I'd take the mini-R because of the blade shape and the S30V. The Stryker that I handled seemed too light for the kinds of uses I give a knife. It seemed more like a large 530 to me, and I don't have any use for a knife like those. I don't know... when I played with the Stryker in the shop, I was just... underwhelmed. I have several liner locks and BM is one of the companies that I would trust to do a liner lock well, but... there just wasn't any spark there when I kissed her :p.

I have carried a 525 (520's too large for me) and a Grip before. Personally, I would choose the Grip or mini-G. They are great knives and somewhat lighter in pocket than the 520 / 525. I don't like aluminium handles because of their weight and the fact that they are relatively easy to ding up compared to FRN, G10, micarta, etc.

If you want a Grip with a Rukus-type blade, go for the Ritter Grip from Aeromedix. They are double tough with their FRN scales and the flat ground, S30V blade slices as well as anything I've ever handled once you get a good edge on it.
 
I picked up a Mini-Rukus a year ago -- the thing's a tank with a Cadillac door (the Axis lock). It is a superb cutter, and the S30V steel holds a fabulous edge (as good as any high carbon, except maybe 52100, IMHO) with no rust issues. It is a handful, but carries well IWB or in a jeans or jacket pocket. You could also carry it in a belt case. The Blackwood design deserves to be on display in a museum of modern design.
 
My favorite in order-
Grip 551- thumb studs (not hole)
Hk-14200- Like a heavy duty griptillian
710
Mini Rukus
 
I felt in love with the 520 the day, i saw it first.

It is a great thing, but overall, the 550 is best. I mean the flat ground old version. Or just take the 551 flat.

Strength is no question but the Grip is much lighter and carries better even though i used to carry the 520 all day.
 
I can second that on the 520.
To me the design is ingenious,handle and blade.
You could think a Japanese master swordsmith 400 hundred years ago would have thought it out as his masterpiece.Katana goes utility/tactical do it all folder at its best in perfect harmony.

Alex
 
I EDC a Benchmade Switchback (921s). It's got a S30V main blade with Axis lock, and a 440C secondary blade without a lock. In my opinion it is Benchmade's most versitile and useful folder available.
 
I'd get the bk1 coated mini-ruckus. I flipped one the other day (along with some other BM's) and now I'm wanting one pretty badly.
 
A 551 Grip would get my vote. It is lighter than the 710 and 520 but gives you plenty of blade in a tough package.
Consider the Cabela's D2 variant - and the 552 Ritter Mk1 from Aeromedix.
 
I have narrowed my choices down to the 551 Griptilian, 710 and 615 mini-Ruckus. Thanks for your input knivesandguns but I don't like any kind of black coated blades. I have also been eyeballing a Kershaw Leek with G10.
 
The Stryker that I handled seemed too light for the kinds of uses I give a knife. It seemed more like a large 530 to me, and I don't have any use for a knife like those. I don't know... when I played with the Stryker in the shop, I was just... underwhelmed. .


An apt description, as that is exactly how I felt about the knife. My opinion? Go with the mini-Rukus!:D:thumbup:
 
My favorite BM EDC's are the 940 Osborne and 551 Grip. The 710 is great but just a bit big/heavy for me typically. My next BM is the 707 Sequel. As I get older, my knives get smaller.
 
I have narrowed my choices down to the 551 Griptilian, 710 and 615 mini-Ruckus. Thanks for your input knivesandguns but I don't like any kind of black coated blades. I have also been eyeballing a Kershaw Leek with G10.

If you like assisted knives, the G10 w/S30V leek is hard to beat. Head over to the Kershaw side of the forums--the people there will get you started.
The leek is very lightweight, and the G-10 is super grippy.

If you want a BM, then the mini-ruckus is the way to go--looks and feels like a bullet-proof Cadillac Escalade.
 
Thanks for all your input fellas. I just ordered a 551 Griptilian. Next on my list is the Leek G10.
 
Just got my 551 Grip in the mail. It is better than I expected. Absolutely impressed!!
 
Way to go dutch_0311 :thumbup:. That is one of my all-time favorites. I have the 551 satin finish straight edge that my dad bought me for my 21st b-day (I picked it out of course ;)) and the newest edition to my collection is the 551 D-2 version from cabela's. The black coated blade is a bit different to the touch, but it has it's good side.

Glad you went with Benchmade for a good EDC knife.
 
Enjoy it! :thumbup:

Tightening all screws carefully(!) may reduce the "clack" a little. It does on my 550.
 
Back
Top