Benchmade Leuku; How good is it?

[y53p]

I'm on the fence with this one; been looking for a mid size knife with an high end steel for $200 that won't break on me, with good edge retention and rust resistance, as well as being able to throw sparks on a ferro rod.

This one, being usa made cpm3v seems to check those boxes from what I've seen, but what's your opinion on it? Do you own it? Are there better options in the price range?

 

[Dergyll]

I have the leuku and puukko. The leuku does much better at chopping, I have a little looped lanyard I tied to it to give it more retention.

Both the edge retention are not exemplary for 3V, because BM treats them slightly softer, no doubt to boost toughness (and it shows). These are very very tough knives and plenty worth the money especially when they used to be cheaper.

It's not a big knife, I think along similar footprint to the SRK. Not a thick knife either, so it can slice pretty good.

Definitely a good all-rounder outdoors knife. Their 3V takes a little effort, but is field-maintainable with the right tools...and won't chip on you. Here's an old picture, before I beat on it lol...

 

[Alberta Ed]

I have Benchmade's Puukko 200, which IMHO is a brilliant modern rendition of the traditional puukko. I would have no hesitation in relying on it as my only knife. The choice of steel is terrific -- very tough, takes a fine edge and holds it a long time, is quite easy to hone on diamonds (like any other tool steel). The geometry is about perfect -- not too thick, not too thin. slices well and is sturdy enough to stand up to abuse. As for chopping, an ax is a better tool, but you could baton it without concern. The Santoprene grip would be hard to improve on, especially when wet/cold/slippery. The sheath is a pretty good design overall but not up to the quality of the knife. I made a much better one out of heavier latigo saddle leather (my usual preference) using the original for a pattern.

 

[novisje]

Dergyll: any chance you know how the leuku compares to a böker bronco? i've been told böker gives it a "subpar" heat treatment is why i'm asking

 

[Drop bear]

I looked at that. But went with the Mora garberg. Mostly on price. And it is good enough in the same areas.