Benchmade Instigator

K

Knifeclerk

Joined
Jul 16, 2004
Messages
1,083
I never heard of it either. I had never seen it online or in a catalog. But I walked into my competitor's store this morning, and there it was: staring at me. I was just thinking how BM should come out with a smaller version of the Juju. Different style then the Juju, but still the same for the most part. When I got to work, it had turned out my manager had just bought the Juju. He was dumb-struck when I showed him this piece.
The run down:
AUS8 blade/handle.
Blade- 3.25"
Weight- 2.34 oz
Red Class
DSC00900.jpg


It is on their website now. Great fixed blade for $50 (of course they gave it to me for $39.) Factory edge was pretty damn good, too!
-KC
 
My only beef was that instead of coming with a decent amount of paracord, they only gave me two shoe strings. Oh well, this could hardly be considered a problem, considering how much paracord I already have.
 
Knifeclerk--is this knife chisel ground? If so, on which side is the bevel? Have you had a chance to test this little honey? I'm curious about edge retention and re-sharpening issues.
 
I like the design, but I think Benchmade could have done it better. They could have at least used 440C like they did on their CBK, which is, IIRC, Black class just like their Instigator. I think it would be cool if they offered their knives in at least a choice of a couple different steels. I'd buy it if it was American made and in 440C or preferably S30V.
 
i like this shape, I alrdy ordered something similar or would have considered this one too.

What is the difference between 440c and 440a by the way? or point me to the "steel faqs" =)
 
Well, for one thing, AUS8 is Japanese, it's their equivalent to 440B, which is not necessarily a bad steel, but it's more likely that you'll get a better quality knife when the maker cares enough to spring for the slightly better steel. With Benchmade, Buck, Spyderco, etc., their AUS8 or 440B is still quality, but I would still prefer better steel. But I'm a steel snob.
 
Not sure that I like BM's sheath. To make an ultra-slim knife and put it into rather bulky sheath... something is wrong about it...
 
Lost Jaguar said:
Knifeclerk--is this knife chisel ground? If so, on which side is the bevel? Have you had a chance to test this little honey? I'm curious about edge retention and re-sharpening issues.
Click to expand...
I'd like to know which side it's ground on too.
 
madcap_magician said:
I'd buy it if it was American made and in 440C or preferably S30V.
Click to expand...

If you d be willing to buy it in S30V, why not just buy the Snody original? Its American, handmade craftsmenship. The cost would be about the same(possibly more.) Its BG42 which is hardy a step down from s30V, and you get the snob factor of saying you have a Snody custom.
 
Snody's not taking orders right now, and his customs are more expensive than a BG42 or S30V production model would be. Plus, I'd be happy with 440C, even.
 
The blade is ground on the proper side for a right handed person for utility work. IE: if you hold the knife by the handle, edge pointing to the right, you can see the bevel. I've used it quite a bit as I've been carving a handle for my Zatoichi cane sword. It has been holding up like a true champ, and I haven't needed to sharpen it yet. It's very comfortable to use and the sheath isn't very thick at all. No, it's only slightly wider than the spine of the knife. It carries very flatly under the arm when worn as a neck knife. It can not be seen under a button down shirt or a moderately loose t-shirt.
All in all, I would say "Good work Benchmade. You've done it again!"
-KC
 
madcap_magician said:
Snody's not taking orders right now, and his customs are more expensive than a BG42 or S30V production model would be. Plus, I'd be happy with 440C, even.
Click to expand...

Him not taking orders would be an issue, I wasnt aware of that. I apologize. The BG42 orginal is only $125 so I figured the cost of BM making a s30v version would cost atleast $70 so I would justify buying an orginal...if he was taking orders, alas he is not so Im spent.
 
AcesAndEights said:
Him not taking orders would be an issue, I wasnt aware of that. I apologize. The BG42 orginal is only $125 so I figured the cost of BM making a s30v version would cost atleast $70 so I would justify buying an orginal...if he was taking orders, alas he is not so Im spent.
Click to expand...

I wasn't trying to rag on you or anything... and I was unaware that the original was only $125! Thanks for that... I'm going to go see what I can dig up on that...
 
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