Benchmade mini skirmish

Lev

Lev

Joined
Nov 6, 2008
Messages
463
Hey everyone. My first time here. I've been thinking a long time and have decided on a BM Mini Skirmish. But I can't decide on whether to get a plain or black blade. Just would like some opinions on which is preferred and why. I'm leaning toward the black blade. But before I commit, here I am.

Let me know what you think.
 
Plain.

1. Less "tacti-cool" (less likely to be seen as a weapon)
2. Black rubs off, and you'll wish you didn't have it.
 
I'd say the above comment is pretty accurate. For when I don't have to worry about what people around me might think of my knife, I tend to prefer black coated blades (at least with BM's BK and BT coatings) for corrosion protection. I'm usually not so bad, but the extra protection is nice for the every once in a while that I neglect to clean off the blade when I should.

That said, S30V is a "stainless" steel, so it shouldn't matter for most people/uses.

Oh, and the other thing: I've noticed the black coating makes for less friction, and thus easier cutting into things like cardboard, etc. This is subjective, but just in case it makes a difference to you.
 
Black coated blades have an interesting effect on sheeple. I have had some ask me if my black coated knife is "real" or just a plastic folding knife (wtf?). The black coating is also more subtle and doesn't cause the light flash that gets attention.
 
Solid points. I don't plan to use it for tac purposes, so I could see the black rubbing of over time being a bit of a disappointment, especially for the price. However, I like the idea of the black being less reflective, thus drawing less attention in public. But I think the sheeple will findit offensive either way. So it boils down to just personal preference. The black looks cooler, but the plain classier. One of each would be nice:)
 
I'm with the concensus here. When I was new to knives I went black whenever I could but I go 100% plain egde and uncoated now that I have slightly matured in my knife hobby. I only buy coated when "the knife have to own" only comes that way.
 
I prefer satin knives. Blade coating tends to look like it's been used more when compared to a satin knife because of the contrast of the coating and the steel when the coating starts to come off.

I don't use my knives for food, but I also like the idea that if I were to use it on food, I wouldn't have to worry about consuming blade coating.

I'm sure it's possible that the coating might draw less attention than a shiny blade, but I've found that the manner in which you use the knife is what gets the most attention.
 
Same. I find that my tastes have matured a bit over the last few years, and that plain edge, satin finishes generally interest me more. I used to buy black coated, serrated or CE blades (Paramilitary...) when I started. Most of my time is in the urban environment, so looking for something subtle, but yet packs a solid punch. An EDC that fits everything. And the Skirmish is that (at least for me). Good point about the food. I've decided to go with satin finish. Thanks
 
IMHO, the Skirmish looks better with a plain blade, as it nicely sets off the handle. I like black blades too, so I usually buy one of each.
 
A.P.F. said:
IMHO, the Skirmish looks better with a plain blade, as it nicely sets off the handle. I like black blades too, so I usually buy one of each.
Click to expand...

Agreed. Mine is a 630 with a stonewash finish and it is really attractive and sheeple friendly sans the shear size of that knife . . .
 
I bought the Cabelas Mini OD version, in D2 and have been pleased! Sweet little knife. The larger Grip. model is a little chunky at the handel, but badass notheless IMO!
Kevin
 
Go with the plain. It gives you a closer connection with it. So you can see the real kife and the real knife can see you. It's like a blade coating covers up your knife's feelings and emotions. Do yourself a favor and let your knife be a free and happy knife. Go plain
 
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the black coating is nice you don't have to worry about your fingerprints on the steel. try and find the 635bk-503 with the black blade, black handle
 
Welcome to blade forums, LEV!

I wouldn't use the term "rubs off" when referring to BM's black coatings, but I understand what THG is saying - it shows it's use when a plain or stonewashed (or blasted) finish won;t as much if at all. I have a mini-Skirmish that I carry daily inside my right wasitband. It's a plain edge, plain finish blade. I don;t care for recurve blades but I like this one - "we like what we buy". ((( :D )))

I don;t have a picture of it by itself, so here's mine 5th from the top: (note the wear on the Nimravus blade - 3rd from top. The Nimravus above it is even worse now. I don;t mind, but understand that coatings do eventually "rub" off!)
BM-Collection-03.jpg
 
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I have a mini Skirmish and the blade finish seems like stonewash. It's not satin. I would go with that. I also think it looks better against the natural titanium handle.
 
The BK1 black finish that Benchmade uses is a harder, more resistant coating than the BT1. I don't know how it compares to the DLC black coatings several knife companies are now using, but figure it is close to that. The BK1 also gives the blade a matte black finish that is even throughout. I recently bought a 610BK Rukus and love the BK1 finish on it.:thumbup:
 
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