Benchmade Mini Ambush?

A

ambushman

Joined
Sep 13, 2008
Messages
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Hey everybody. I am in the market for an EDC, and was wondering if anyone has any experience with the Benchmade Mini Ambush. I know BM's reputation is great, but wasn't sure about their imported red class. What do you guys think about this one? Thanks.

Also, if I bought if off ebay to save $, would I still get Benchmade's warranty? Would I ever need it?
 
Hey. Sorry to say I haven't handled a Mini Ambush myself, but as for the Red Class, from what I've handled, they are quite solid. My favorite is the Vex, its a great EDC choice. 8Cr14MoV and G-10 scales, rock solid lockup and razor sharp out of the box (as always with Benchmade). My only gripe is the tip-down only carry (and it is a bit hefty at over 4oz, but doesn't really bother me).
 
I've had the Mini-ambush for years, It's really well made in spite of it's "red class" designation. It's also about as small as I'd consider for a EDC that would have defensive capabilities. The Aus 8 steel is also good for holding an edge and sufficiently stain resistant with the mirror finish. The pocket clip is nice and short and cool looking.

I dont know about the warranty, but I've never needed mine.
 
I have several red box Benchmades, though not a mini-ambush. All have been well made. I have never needed the warranty.
 
The mini-ambush is a solid knife.
The lock up is great. The locking mechanism is very smooth.
Great EDC blade shape and smooth deployment.
With enough practice you can flick the knife closed.
Flicking it open is very easy due to its smooth action.
Solid knife, no wiggle anywhere and it seems like it can take a beating.
Tip up carry only. You can change which side though.

Complaints would be that the pocket clip is a little too short and thin for my tastes. It functions fine but I prefer a longer one. The shortness makes putting it into your pocket a fraction more difficult than other knives. I assume you would get used to this with enough carry. The smaller clip might make it less obvious that you are carrying a knife if you are concerned about that.
I would also like to see the pocket clip mounted all the way back. But they got it as far back as they could with the lanyard hole being where it is.
Lanyard hole would not fit 550 paracord. If that's your thing.
Solid back design, so you would have to either take it apart or air spray it to get the lint out of it.

I would definitely recommend it.
 
Recommended. The handle is a bit blocky but functional. The lock is pretty funky looking but solid in lockup and the backdraft really makes the blade secure in the close position. To flick it open, you would need to use your fingernail as a wedge to overcome the inital resistance.

One thing that makes me get 1 is that the Aus8 is hardened to Hrc 58-60 instead of the norm of Hrc 56-58 of other manufacturers. Users in this forum of Benchmade hardened Aus8 have reported that they are better at holding the edge and last longer compared to those that harden to Hrc 56-58.

The other thing is that this blade is satin finished as compared to most that just bead blast the blade. I have a CRKT Mirage with Aus8 that has rust spots on the beadblast. But I do live in the tropics with 80% - 100% humidity all year round.

Gave mine to my brother in law as he needed a good folder for work. I have moved on to the Benchmade Blue class 930 Kulgera.
 
Well, I went to a store that sold Benchmade's, but they did not have the mini ambush. I did, however, look at a mini griptilian and loved it. Found it online for only $17 more than the mini ambush, so I ordered the grip. Thanks for all the help on the mini ambush though. It would have been in my pocket if they had it, but, like (seemingly) just about everyone else, I loved the griptilian when I got it in my hands. For just $17 more, I went ahead and sprung for it. It was more than I was going to spend, but I hear the grip is worth it. Now comes the anxious anticipation as I wait for it to arrive. :)
 
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