Benchmade makes me pull my hair out and I don't have much left!

[Buffalohump]

I like Benchmade knives a lot and own a few but I have to admit I find Benchmade design calls a mystery.

Case in point is the new Immunity folder. This looks like an awesome design in a lot of ways and also sports one of my favourite steels -- CPM-M4 -- which to their credit, BM continues to use. Love that wharncliffe blade profile!

But what's this? A sub 3 inch blade length? There's one that has a sub-2 inch length! Who made this call? Why create this great knife and then make it with such a short blade? Makes no sense at all!

Then there's the new CLA auto. What a great design, a Benchmade auto with G10 scales, now that's a dream come true! But what's this? 154CM steel? Why not S30V? The Casbah, which has Grivory scales, comes in S30V. Why then use 154CM for the CLA?

These odd choices are random and annoying.... make it make sense!

 

[mongomondo]

I love the 2" autos that are coming out from Pro Tech, Buck, and Benchmade (not a fan of the Microtechs though, too bulky or oddly proportioned). They are specifically that size since they are legal to carry in California. And I think that designing around strange legal constraints results in some creative and fun stuff.

 

[Buffalohump]

Didn't realise California was that important a market...

 

[mongomondo]

Well it's 50+ million potential customers. Of course not really, but the potential is high. Also you can sell those knives in many other places too. The Microtech california auto is very popular everywhere. You can tell because they make a billion variations.

 

[Centermass]

The 4300 CLA is not a new model. It was discontinued in 2021… as was the 4400 Casbah. Benchmade hasn’t used 154cm since around that time, if I recall correctly, when they moved to S30v as their base model steel.

 

[tinfoil hat timmy]

Didn't realise California was that important a market...

6th or 7th biggest economy in the world iirc

 

[Jesse B.]

Well it's 50+ million potential customers. Of course not really, but the potential is high. Also you can sell those knives in many other places too. The Microtech california auto is very popular everywhere. You can tell because they make a billion variations.

6th or 7th biggest economy in the world iirc

The population is ~40 million, with the fifth largest economy in the world (possibly fourth if it overtakes Germany).
Sorry to split hairs — I’m a details guy and spent 40 years there.

Regardless, “California legal” is a legitimate consideration for companies making and selling autos to the broadest possible U.S. market.

 

[tinfoil hat timmy]

The population is ~40 million, with the fifth largest economy in the world (possibly fourth if it overtakes Germany).
Sorry to split hairs — I’m a details guy and spent 40 years there.

Regardless, “California legal” is a legitimate consideration for companies mass-marketing autos.

I didnt want to over estimate.... price is right syndrome haha. thanks for the correction.

 

[Locutus D'Borg]

Didn't realise California was that important a market...

California - where I live - has the 5th largest economy IN THE WORLD. So, yeah, we are kinda a large market for knives. And many states, and countries, have 3" blade limits. OP obviously likes larger knives, which is great. Many of us prefer knives that are legal in our state. YMMV.

 

[Buffalohump]

I think there's also a trend for small knives.... Protech have several models with tiny blades now.

I just hope they make a bigger version of the Immunity. Really dig that design and blade steel!

 

[Buffalohump]

The 4300 CLA is not a new model. It was discontinued in 2021… as was the 4400 Casbah. Benchmade hasn’t used 154cm since around that time, if I recall correctly, when they moved to S30v as their base model steel.

Thanks for the info... glad to hear they've upgraded to S30V, they do a great job with it.

 

[Jesse B.]

I think there's also a trend for small knives.... Protech have several models with tiny blades now.

I just hope they make a bigger version of the Immunity. Really dig that design and blade steel!

I’m also intrigued by the Immunity. It may turn out to be one of those knives which is more functional and capable than its smaller size would suggest—(I’d have to handle one first to get a sense of that.) But I understand your skepticism; a 2.5” blade is pretty diminutive.

 

[Nebuchadnezzar]

The Taggedout makes me wonder as well.

$200 for CPM-154? Cool design and would pick one up but not at the prices I see them going for. Can get the Bugout, Presidio II, or even a Griptilian in S30V for less.

Lightweight & Slim 15535 Taggedout® Hunting Knife | Benchmade

Lightweight and slim, the 15535 TAGGEDOUT® Knife makes the perfect hunting knife! Shop this hunting and outdoor knife that is durable for any adventure!

www.benchmade.com

 

[Buffalohump]

The Taggedout makes me wonder as well.

$200 for CPM-154? Cool design and would pick one up but not at the prices I see them going for. Can get the Bugout, Presidio II, or even a Griptilian in S30V for less.

Lightweight & Slim 15535 Taggedout® Hunting Knife | Benchmade

Lightweight and slim, the 15535 TAGGEDOUT® Knife makes the perfect hunting knife! Shop this hunting and outdoor knife that is durable for any adventure!

www.benchmade.com

Cool design! The retail price should be less than that.