While crusing around Benchmades website, I noticed their Pika and Mini-Pika knives. I was in the market for a cheaper, yet reliable folder that I wouldn't mind giving some hard use. Something with a lock back and Zytel handles was what I was looking for.
My Mini-Pika arrived today, and I am extremely impressed with it.
Blade
The mini used Benchmades "Clip Point" style. It is a basic shape that I feel is perfect in relation to tip "pointyness" as well as tip strength. I really like this blade. It comes in 440C, which is generally accepted as a good knife steel. It's been around forever and holds extremely sharp edges. It's also very easy to sharpen. It will not hold that edge as long as VG-10, S30V, D2, etc, but really, who reading this forum doesn't have their own sharpening system anyway?
I wanted to make a special note to say that this blade came with THE sharpest out of box edge I've EVER handled in my life. I've had hundreds of knives through my hands, and I've NEVER seen one this sharp. As I said though, this is my first day with it and being 440C, that edge probably wont stay as long as VG-10 or the like.
Handle
The Pika's use your basic Zytel (Or FRN, according to Spyderco). Its cheap, durable as hell, lightweight, has good grip, and is easy to clean. I'm a fan of Zytel, some aren't however.
Opening
This knife uses BM's oval hole in the blade. I like it better than a thumbstud because it is lower profile and doesn't catch on my jeans when taking it in/out of my pocket.
Clip
This is one of Benchmades newest clip styles, designed for deep pocket carry. I really wanted a low rider clip (this is my second) and I really like it. You can only see the black clip when it is in my pocket, NONE of the knife is shown when it is clipped on. Some people dislike that the knife is a bit harder to remove with a deep pocket clip, but I haven't had that problem. Its different to remove, but no more difficult.
Lock
The Pika uses the age old lockback system. Solid, reliable, cheap. I will say that this is my least favorite locking system for the fact that it usually requires two hands to close. Pinching the handle and lock with one hand and partially closing the blade against my leg works just fine, and I've grown a love for the lockbacks again. (I haven't carried one since I was about 8 years old
) I did remove the spring that holds the lock together and made it a bit less stiff. It made the knife much easier to open using the oval hole.Construction
The handle is one piece, and the blade and lock are held in by one pivot screw and one press fit pin. The entire knife can be disassembled by removing the one pivot screw for cleaning. Extremely simple.
Overall
I bought this knife for $21.95 from gpknives.com. To me, it is the best knife in the sub $40 price range. It's a solid user that uses materials designed to take a beating and keep running. It has replaced my $70+ EDC knives. I wanted something a bit cheaper I wouldn't mind abusing too much.
