Benchmade, in general

See2 · Dec 8, 2000

Hey guys - me again.

I need opinions. John Hollister showed a pic of a new Benchmade folder - the "722" - a Mel Pardue "design", with a blade resembling Ernie's CQC6/7. Now, I like the look of the knife, and 1 stop has it for $109 (it lists at $160-190). I'd like to get it, but, since I respect the opionions of the Suspects, I was wondering what you guys thought of Benchmade. Is a BM knife really worth buying, considering it'll get almost daily use/abuse?

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The enemy of my friend, he is my enemy.

The friend of my enemy, he is my enemy.

Ahh, but the enemy of my enemy - he is my friend.

[This message has been edited by See2 (edited 12-08-2000).]

[This message has been edited by See2 (edited 12-08-2000).]

John Hollister · Dec 8, 2000

See2

I just answered your question about the 722 on another string.

The 722 is, well, cute. But as I mentioned, not real original.

Question for ya. (Just asking) Why not get a CQC7B? If you like the CQC7, why not get one?

Another reason for getting the CQC7B is that the price from your specified dealer (1SKS) for a CQC7B is either $89 or $99.

Again, just curious.

John

[This message has been edited by John Hollister (edited 12-08-2000).]

See2 · Dec 8, 2000

John - the reason is, because I'm a bonehead. I didn't even think of that - I've been thinking "custom" so long, I forgot Ernie made production knives, as well. See? That's what happens when you don't get enough sleep, for many nights in a row.

Chris

John Hollister · Dec 9, 2000

I completely understand.

Ya' know. If you were to spend a little more (note that the CQC7B isn't a great knife) you could get a waved CQC7B from EKI or a SOCFK for Extreme Outfitters.

It's like "Super Sizing" your order.

John

Brigadier · Dec 9, 2000

I find a bead blasted CQC7B just fine for everyday work. The only problem is that I've noticed the liner lock keeps creeping farther and farther to the right.

How far it too far before the knife is not safe?

I've been wanting a tanto SOCFK for work for awhile, or a waved CQC7. No, a SOCFK. No, a waved-7, no ............

The only advantage I see the BM having is the Axis lock. Other than that, pass the Emersons, please.

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Brigadier
Beretta 92 FS nut and Wave-aholic
"And for this cause God shall send them stong delusion,that they should believe a lie;" 2 Thessalonians 2:11

John Hollister · Dec 9, 2000

I don't know that there is a set area that is "entering the danger zone", but if it was off on the last quarter or so, I would start contacting Benchmade about redoing the lock/liner.

John

See2 · Dec 9, 2000

Well, I'm going to 1SKS to get myself one of the "real" CQC7s. One more question for y'all. Combo edge or plain edge? I've always had a "plain" on my knives, just because I have no idea how to sharpen serrations (or if you even NEED to) when they get dull (if they ever do). Any preferences? I suppose if I'm ever trapped in a flipped over car, and need to saw through my jammed seatbelt, the serrated edge would be a good thing. That hasn't happened recently, though...

Chris

Brigadier · Dec 10, 2000

Oops, one more advantage BM has over EKI, the availablility of plain blades. Good luck finding a CQC7 with a plain edge. Emerson just doesn't produce that many.

You will probably have to settle for serrated.

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Brigadier
Beretta 92 FS nut and Wave-aholic
"And for this cause God shall send them stong delusion,that they should believe a lie;" 2 Thessalonians 2:11

Scott Dog · Dec 9, 2000

Get the straight edge! As far as I can tell the serrations only cut the length of the useful edge. I tried to cut a rope with the serrations on my CQC 7. It was then that I realized how ineffective a small area of serrations are. Not that the serrations are defective mind you, but the straight edge will slice though rope just as well. The straight edge also looks cleaner. Personally, I won't buy another parially serrated knife. Being left handed however left me with limited options on the purchase of my CQC-7. You can only get lefties from EKI and pay full price and they only come in the combo blade. I wish that Emerson would be a little more friendly to us southpaws. I was fortunate to get a order in for a CQC-5 left hand before Ernie stopped taking orders for customs. All the money in the world won't get me a custom that I can use. I found one guy who had a lefty CQC-6 but would not consider selling it. And I wasn't going to start offering thousands for it. I will just be patient and wait ten years for my custom. I hope I'm not senile by then!

See2 · Dec 10, 2000

OK! It's decided then. CQC7B with a plain edge. Now all I have to worry about is bead blasting or Teflon (and since my BM is showing the dreadful orange, it looks like teflon - just wish Ernie did more green-T. It is SO cool... sigh

Knife Boy · Dec 13, 2000

I own a few Emersons as well as benchmades and many others. In my opinion, I like the design and the solid feel of the Emersons, but It really disturbs me that if you want a plain edge, you have to pay at least $50 more than you would from a dealer and get it from Emerson direct. That is if he even has any plain edges in stock. Another thing that upsets me is this chisel ground edge. After using my Emersons, I really have come to dislike this edge style. Even straight out of the box, the things never were as razor sharp as my benchmades or spydercos ro MT's. And as far as sharpening goes, they are a real pain in the butt for me to sharpen. So, it pains me to say it, but unless you are a master sharpener and can live with serrations, I would probably go with the Benchmade, or maybe even a Microtech. I got two of them from the dealer you mention at great prices. A mini socom and a manual action LCC. Both excellent knives with great fit and finish and razor sharp edges.