Benchmade Mini Rukus Alternative help?

J

JCK

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Nov 7, 2009
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645
Ok, so for me this was really uncool, benchmade's decision to discontinue this model. Its a shame because I only just stumbled upon a "what your favourite benchmade thread", and there were quite a few who were favourable to the rukus and mini rukus.
So I checked the mini rukus out and was like I want one, now.
Hoever, the next day they are discontinued, anyway, to make a long story short, I can't find any online to buy, they are all out of stock, surprise surprise.

So... what do you think is a reasonable alternative folding knife that is just as good as the mini-rukus. Are the griptillians any good.? Also, I'd like the blade to be no more than 4 inches long.
The reason I liked this model so much was bacuase it got positve reviews, was a really good blade length and seemed like an ideal knife for hiking, as its tough and not too heavy.

Also on a side note, has benchmade told us why they decided to discontinue the 610 and 615 models?
 
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the rukus is extremely overbuilt imo and is maybee one of the most solid pieces bm has ever produced. i would take a look at the 520/presidio series, they are pretty stout in their own right.
 
Most folks think that they have been discontinued due to designer Neil Blackwood's departure from the company.

The Rukus design is my favorite BM. Next for me is the Osborne Rift (model 950). It is not quite as big and tough as the Rukus line, but still quite strong with full G10 scales and steel liners. The blade is an excellent length (about 6mm more than the mini-Rukus) and the handle is very ergonomic.

If you are really after a Rukus or mini-Rukus, keep watch of eBay and forum FS areas.
 
The Rift 950 is plenty strong, and so are the Presidios. The griptilian's aren't really a hard use knife.
 
Check around some of your local brick and mortar shops.

The local store here had 2 or 3 as of a month ago.

I think they are still out there to be found, if you look.
 
Ok I will see what ebay can do for me, there aren't any actual stores that i know of that i can go into to see if they have it, as I'm an australian. :(

Also I was looking at the 707 Sequel, it seemed pretty good.

Just a quick question about ebay, i was looking at the mini rukus being sold by knife works, for 160 - http://cgi.ebay.com/BENCHMADE-KNIFE...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item35a6a4e1fd - however it says that it only ships to USA, as that is the only option it has, so is that a definate "ONLY SHIP TO USA" or can i convince them to ship to Australia.
Otherwise I will have to pay 198, which I would still pay, I would just prefer to pay 160.
 
dangreco said:
The Rift 950 is plenty strong, and so are the Presidios. The griptilian's aren't really a hard use knife.
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I'd like to know why you think that, is it personal experience?:confused:

I've owned the Rift and Grip, both are hard use folders. I've only handled a Presidio, it felt like a tank as well.

To answer the OP, the Grip is bang for buck the best BM you can buy, it's the best selling model for a reason. Tough and reliable.:thumbup:

Before anyone brings in the omega spring hate, I've been using Axis lock knives for 10 years and haven't worn out an omega spring yet, even carrying the same knife every day for years, I flip a lot, I calculated the cycles once. I intentionally gave it low estimates to be sure that the final number wasn't inflated and it was at about 11,500 cycles in 9 or 10 years, high end ball park was close to 19,000 if not a bit over. :D

Edit: I own a 707 sequel, it's about the same size as a mini grip, but with aluminum scales and g-10 inserts.
 
There is no way in hell the Grip is hard use. It has cheap feeling light plastic handles. I don't understand how people can call it 'tough'
 
Tenacious said:
There is no way in hell the Grip is hard use. It has cheap feeling light plastic handles. I don't understand how people can call it 'tough'
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Cheap feeling handles... those plastic Glocks are pretty unreliable too.:confused:

How it feels is subjective, being objective, it's tough.

Judge it by it's merits, handle weight may play a role in how it feels, but it does not affect performance or durability.
 
I really am thinking about the griptilian, and even if it does feel cheap to some, I will not be using it for very hard use, yet I have read many reviews that say is is pretty capable.

Shame though as it wouldn't arrive in time for my hiking trip, I'm still thinking about it.

Of course i could end up getting some 30 dollar POS from BCF haha
 
Tenacious said:
There is no way in hell the Grip is hard use. It has cheap feeling light plastic handles. I don't understand how people can call it 'tough'
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Boy have I been wrong then!!! I'm 47 and have carried knives for 40 of those years. The grip is one of the toughest knives I've used. I work construction outdoors in some very harsh climates (snow,mud,rain,sand) and my BM 551 Grip has handled EVERYTHING I've thrown at it. I alternate between my ZT MUDD and the BM Grip (and like em both) and I say without a doubt the Grip is Tough as nails in my opinion:thumbup: Check out the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgRTTz-lt6c
 
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Take a look at the Spyderco Paramilitary. it has a similar design with the large handle compaired to the blade. It comes in S30V steel, with G-10 handles, and the lock is super strong and so simple that it seems impossible to break.


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The handles on the Grip may "Feel" cheap, but I can assure you the material they are made of is very strong and durable. If you like the knife, give it a shot, I liked the one I bought for my father as a present so much, I ordered the m4 Ritter for myself. Now if only I can find a set of wilkins-grips I think it'll be my favorite blade.
 
i have seen B&M stores that have the 610, big, rukus. got to hold one that sucker was huge.
 
if anyone needs a satin plain edge 615 i know where they can be had for $150 shipped. they ship worldwide too but maybee for more.
 
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