Benchmade for a gift...

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NewKnifeGirl

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Oct 14, 2009
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I'm looking for recommendations for a knife to get my boyfriend for his birthday. He is asking for about a 2 inch blade that he can carry everyday. He currently has a Benchmade that he loves, which is about 3.5 inches. (I don't know exactly which model since I don't want to ask and tip him off I'm getting him a new knife, but from what I have researched it seems to have an axis lock since he can open it one handed with a strong wrist flick.) I was looking at the Benchmite 3100, but from what I can tell they are discontinued. Any recommendations, up to about $150 for a smaller, one-handed, folding knife? Thanks!

(Sorry this got posted twice, I'm new to the forum setup :( )
 
i don't know if benchmade offers any knives with blades that small besides the benchmite.

I can, however, recommend a spyderco. I like the Spyderco G10 dragonfly. Spyderco has several offerings in smaller blade sizes, and they make quality knives.
 
Yeah, I think you'll be hard-pressed to find a Benchmade with that small of a blade. Spyderco is a good suggestion. Every bit as high-quality as Benchmade, with TONS of different models to choose from. Look at the Urban, the Copilot, the Cricket... those are some with small blades. Matter of fact, just go browse the Spyderco website, and then once you find a model that suits your needs, go to OneStopKnifeShop or NewGraham or BladeHQ (all reputable online retailers that I personally, and many others here, have had good dealings with) and place your order.

Hope that helps!
 
Thanks. I will definitely check out Spyderco. I did notice that Benchmade makes a benchmite II now, but it's a lot cheaper than the original. Any noticable drop in quality associated in the drop in price (about $60 less than the old version).

-Thanks!
 
You could look around for a Benchmade 705. It is slightly larger than what you are looking for, but not by much.

They are DCed, but pop up once in a while. If you are interested in that, I would watch the exchange and Ebay.

As A side note, If your Boyfriend liked BM, then may not like Spyderco. I have several Benchmade knives, but only one Spyderco. Spyderco knives are very nice, but most have a look/shapes that some just can not get over.

Best of Luck,
John
 
NewKnifeGirl said:
Thanks. I will definitely check out Spyderco. I did notice that Benchmade makes a benchmite II now, but it's a lot cheaper than the original. Any noticable drop in quality associated in the drop in price (about $60 less than the old version).

-Thanks!
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I think the difference is the origin it is made. The newer ones are made overseas somewhere in Asia, but is still backed by BM's great warrenty.
 
It's now classified in the Red Class, which means it's made in China. Benchmade's classes are as follows.

Gold: Fancy, expensive, ornamental, yet still high quality. Made in USA.
Black: Geared toward military and law enforcement, includes automatic knives (switchblades). Made in USA.
Blue: Standard, every-day tools. These are marketed to the civilian user who wants a high-quality tool. Made in USA.
Red: Designed to appeal based on the pricepoint, these are made in Asia. The materials and construction are good, but some would say not quite as nice as the other classes.
 
Spyderco just came out with a Cat and Chicago model. Both have carbon fiber and S30V blade (premium steel) and are under 50 bucks. They are made for where a shorter blade is needed for silly knife laws.

Just about everyone likes the look of carbon fiber so I doubt you can go wrong. Worth a look!
 
puukkoman said:
It's now classified in the Red Class, which means it's made in China. Benchmade's classes are as follows.

Gold: Fancy, expensive, ornamental, yet still high quality. Made in USA.
Black: Geared toward military and law enforcement, includes automatic knives (switchblades). Made in USA.
Blue: Standard, every-day tools. These are marketed to the civilian user who wants a high-quality tool. Made in USA.
Red: Designed to appeal based on the pricepoint, these are made in Asia. The materials and construction are good, but some would say not quite as nice as the other classes.
Click to expand...

There are now several Red Class models that are now USA-made, including the Aphid and the Rant Bowies. ;)
 
The Benchmite II (106100) is a nice little knife that could be carried on a keychain. It is not as fancy as its more expensive predecessor (the 310) in materials or design, but the now plane back scale can be engraved. I have one and I like it, but it cannot be opened with one hand.

Joe
 
I have a benchmite II and i love it. I would however recommend a spyderco over it, but if you want to get it it is not a bad knife for the money. With the money you save you could get him a spyderco sharpmaker? or possibly a swiss army knife also.
 
Donny Dont said:
The Benchmite II (106100) is a nice little knife that could be carried on a keychain. It is not as fancy as its more expensive predecessor (the 310) in materials or design, but the now plane back scale can be engraved. I have one and I like it, but it cannot be opened with one hand.

Joe
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Yes it can. I open mine one handed. Hold down the lock with a good grip and pound your fist on your leg or side, it opens enough to open it the rest of the way with the "nail" nick.
 
Check out:


1) Buck/Mayo Whimea
2) Spyderco Lava
3) Spyderco Dragonfly (G10 version if you want higher priced one)
4) Spyderco Leafstorm
5) Boker Subcom (Subclaw, Wharcom) (on a cheaper side)

Will think about other ones
 
NewKnifeGirl said:
Thanks. I will definitely check out Spyderco. I did notice that Benchmade makes a benchmite II now, but it's a lot cheaper than the original. Any noticable drop in quality associated in the drop in price (about $60 less than the old version).

-Thanks!
Click to expand...

I have a Benchmite 2 and a Spyderco Spin which is similar in size. I personally prefer the Spyderco.

The Benchmite has very nice build quality and the steel, while not as high end, is not bad at all. Still, the Benchmite is a bit awkward to try and open/close one handed. For that reason, as well as handle shape and feel, I prefer the Spyderco. Here is a picture of the Spin:

etchspin1.JPG


Or with a non-acid etched handle:

imgp0278ek5.jpg
 
Nak Lok 480
440 Osbourne

Blade length is closer to 3" but still a small knife. I would love either of these as a gift.
 
lathrop said:
Nak Lok 480
440 Osbourne

Blade length is closer to 3" but still a small knife. I would love either of these as a gift.
Click to expand...


I have a 480 and carry it quite often. It's a nice knife, and I definitely find it more useful than the Spyderco Spin I mentioned earlier.
 
NewKnifeGirl said:
Thanks. I will definitely check out Spyderco. I did notice that Benchmade makes a benchmite II now, but it's a lot cheaper than the original. Any noticable drop in quality associated in the drop in price (about $60 less than the old version).

-Thanks!
Click to expand...

I believe that the 3100 was an auto (switchblade) knife. They are no longer in production, and fairly difficult to find, from a little searching I have done. The Benchmites currently in production are not automatic. That probably explains at least part of the difference in price.
 
Steve_Holt said:
I believe that the 3100 was an auto (switchblade) knife. They are no longer in production, and fairly difficult to find, from a little searching I have done. The Benchmites currently in production are not automatic. That probably explains at least part of the difference in price.
Click to expand...

The 3100 or something like that was an auto, but there was also the 310 which was a manual, with blue titanium handles and 154CM steel (IIRC).
 
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