Benchmade knives?

S

Seanski

Joined
Nov 20, 2007
Messages
548
My knife shop has decided to get the Benchmade lineup of knives. I have very limited knowledge of this manufacturer and have not ever seen or touched one of their knives in the flesh. Have heard a bit about them though.
If one wanted to get off on the right foot and purchase a first folder from the company which model would be a good one to start off with? I don't want to spend a crazy amount but something middle of the road shall we say in price.
A folder that represents well what the company is all about in both function and it's quality. Thank you.

Sean
 
It should be an Axis-lock model.

How much are you willing to spend?

I'd suggent a 710, but there are other fine EDC Axis-lock models.
 
Then you should probably buy a Griptilian. I own quite a few Benchmades, but I've never owned a Grip. They are quite popular around here tho. If you want to spend a little more take a look at the Dejavoo.
As I'm sure you know they offer quite a few knives
 
HK 14205, 615, 943, 710, 950, 520 all those model numbers are bigger folders. I like bigger folders but if you want sub 3" here are some #'s 707, 525, 960(close to 3"), HK14210,
 
Another vote for the 707 Sequel. It was my EDC for over a year but is now rotated with a small Sebenza and Hinderer. The 154CM is easy to sharpen. In general I find blades longer than 3" are a pain for me to carry so I'm always looking for knives that are small and lightweight. I'm left-handed and have found the Axis lock to be one of the most ambidextrous mechanisms around. It's smooth as can be and opens as fast as my switchblades. You should have no problem finding one in the $90 to $100 range.

Quite similar, but slightly larger is the Mini-Griptillian. As nearly as I can tell, (someone please correct me if I'm wrong) it's the same as the Sequel but with a different grip material. It's slightly longer and thicker than the 707. These are in the $50/$60 range.

FWIW,

Dan
 
Definitely a 710. It was my first "decent" knife and I could tell the difference between that and any other knife I had every held. It just screamed "quality" to me from the first time I held it.
 
The 710 is hard to beat, but don't overlook the Osborne designs (940, 943, 950, 440, etc.). I have a couple and love them. The quality is excellent, and they are in the price range above.
 
Well the Griptilian, even though it is the best you may get, if you get the flat ground blades, is not the best to start with.

There is something about the knife, that makes you wish for an upgraded one, so you buy twice. You wont loose money, so to say, you get two great knives instead. But if you want to act wisely, buy the one, that appears to be the best looking for you and spend as much as is demanded.:D

After all: A composition of G10 handle scales, S30V or 154CM blade steel, axis lock and a blade length around 3.5" more or less makes no diference, is, what you should look for.

The 710 comes to mind (the recurve edge shouldn´t be that problem)

The 14205 is a great thing to (i have one and really like it)

The 14210 is smaller and features a recurve edge.

In short: Look for the blue or black line models.

You may buy knives with aluminium scales. They aren´t bad, the coating is great IMO, but most of the time ppl. wish to have long lasting G10 instead.

For example, i have carried the 520 and its automatic brother for very long and the are great but the G10 catched me after a few years.

You may also have a look at the model #551, but keep in mind, you may wish to have upgraded handle scales instead....:D

The newer models like the Barrage, well i have no own experience, but there has been a amazing review abou that small folder here.
 
M2HSSR-910SBK said:
HK 14205, 615, 943, 710, 950, 520 all those model numbers are bigger folders. I like bigger folders but if you want sub 3" here are some #'s 707, 525, 960(close to 3"), HK14210,
Click to expand...

+1:thumbup: what he said.;)I own all of these, except for the 520,525 & 14210.They're all outstanding folders.I'll toss in the mini-skirmish too(BM635).
The only thing about Benchmade is that they may be pretty dull 'out of the box'.It's happened to me countless times.I don't mind sharpening them up though.However the 710 was one of the sharpest knives 'out of the box' I ever got....go figure
 
The Minigrip is a great little knife , I love mine.

A cheap intro to Benchmade is the mini-Pika - great little knife.

Some models have been very 'mehh' with me as far as quality compared to cost is concerned though.

I would handle a few in a knife shop if you really want to know whats up.
 
If you only have 125 to spend you are somewhat limited and I would get a griptilian. I just did a quick search on the site your talking about and you can get a 940 for 165cdn. I would go for that!
 
710 as mentioned and the Griptilian. Any Griptilian! They are great knives!
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top