Benchmade new Hunt Series

coaltrain

coaltrain

Joined
Jul 11, 2013
Messages
482
I looked around here and didn't see anything posted about the new Hunt series from Benchmade. Received an email this morning with a very nice YouTube video:

[video=youtube;jlvX8Lj_9E8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlvX8Lj_9E8&feature=em-subs_digest[/video]

Looked it up on the Benchmade site:

http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_list.aspx?keyword=hunt

I'm not an avid officiando, but I love my Benchmade knives. I thought I was done buying knives for a while, but this may change my mind. I found one vendor who is taking pre-orders for a $5 deposit. For myself, I like the 15031 North Fork with the Dymondwood scales.

15031.jpg
 
Cool video. I love videos like this showing behind the scenes work. The edge retention clip was interesting to see how they measured the edge angle with a laser.

I think they are being a little generous with their claim "you'll be without your knife for about a week" when sending it in for a sharpening or service. I sent my 940 in on January 6 and still have not received it back. Not complaining, just sayin...
 
What got me was Jason Rice saying there's nothing like a factory edge. A lot of focus on stain/rust resistance.

I'd love to see the difference between m390 and s30v from the CATRA.
 
That Diamondwood version of the North Fork might very well replace the small Axis Bone Collector in Walnut I keep buying and selling because there's just something about it I don't like (but I really want to like it).
 
Skimo said:
What got me was Jason Rice saying there's nothing like a factory edge. A lot of focus on stain/rust resistance.

I'd love to see the difference between m390 and s30v from the CATRA.
Click to expand...

Would've been better if he recited the company line that there's nothing like a factory edge at 60 degrees inclusive and then zoom in to a tight shot of a 0.5mm bevel.
 
Yeah, I've had a couple edges that came okay from the factory, most need work though. It pained me to see footage of carbide scrapers and hearing how "easily they sharpen".
 
EZ Bake said:
That Diamondwood version of the North Fork might very well replace the small Axis Bone Collector in Walnut I keep buying and selling because there's just something about it I don't like (but I really want to like it).
Click to expand...

Knifemaker Jay Fisher has good descriptions of knife handle material on his website: http://www.jayfisher.com/Handles_Knife_Manmade_Materials.htm

His description/comments about Diamondwood is below:

Phenolic Impregnated Woods: Dymondwood®
"Sold under the brand names Pakkawood®, Staminawood®, and Dymondwood®, and Colorwood®, these are actually plywood products, constructed from birch. Today, these products are made and sold by Rutland Plywood Corporation, who bought out Pakkawood years ago, and modified and updated their technology. The name Pakkawood is discontinued, and the name Staminawood is another name for the same product. There are other names, but today, in knives, it's all Dymondwood.

How it's made: Dymondwood is a densified, impregnated, hardwood composite with the mechanical properties of high density hardwoods, acrylics, polycarbonates, and even brass. Dyes are vacuum-impregnated into the wood, then the wood is pressure-impregnated with phenolic resin at very high pressures, then highly compressed into plywood blocks at 29 plies per inch. With the high compression rates and solid massing of the material, this creates a very dense, solid wood product, that is pretty much waterproof. They can be a bit brittle when used in thin cross sections, though they hold up extremely well on knife handles. They're warp-free and stable. Though I don't use these often (some of the colors are garish), some clients request them and I'm happy to accommodate them. These stabilized laminates are very durable, polish brightly, and are long lived, some of the only waterproof wood products available. Great for clients who wish for a wood look, but require high moisture and exposure resistance typical in combat arms, tactical knives, kitchen knives, and hunting and specialty knives."


I also read comments from another handle maker who believes Dymondwood is a little "cheesy" and would not use it for a handle unless the customer insists on using it. It will be interesting to see what owners of the new "Hunt" series using Dymondwood think after having it for a while.


Moderators: If the quote is not appropriate, please delete it.
 
I like these much better than the bone collector knives with the opening hole and that fugly logo.
 
glocker199 said:
I like these much better than the bone collector knives with the opening hole and that fugly logo.
Click to expand...

One of the greatest upgrade paths was the non-branded 15020/15030 BC handle/frames. Pop in a stock Presidio blade and you got a winner; much better than the aluminum versions IMO. The Bone logo was never attractive, and to put the art on both blade and handle scales was too much.

Carbide blade scrapers have no place on a now high-dollar knife, and these new Hunt models beg for (scale) customization. And let's applaud the use of lock backs in the mix for those wanting a simple and bombproof design! :thumbup:
 
jkarp_53 said:
One of the greatest upgrade paths was the non-branded 15020/15030 BC handle/frames. Pop in a stock Presidio blade and you got a winner; much better than the aluminum versions IMO. The Bone logo was never attractive, and to put the art on both blade and handle scales was too much.

Carbide blade scrapers have no place on a now high-dollar knife, and these new Hunt models beg for (scale) customization. And let's applaud the use of lock backs in the mix for those wanting a simple and bombproof design! :thumbup:
Click to expand...

I've honestly been considering doing this lately, but I really like D2.

I don't know what it is about the mini bone-collector, but I love it on paper (in walnut), but in person, I just don't like it at all. I may have to try out the large Walnut version and see if I like it.
 
DiRT__ said:
Anyone know when exactly they will be available?
Click to expand...

I sent an email to the vendor offering pre-orders - response was that they didn't know - only know it will be sometime in 2014.

I think I will wait and not pre-order myself unless I find that there might be limited quantities available.

Anyone have an experience with new Benchmade releases? Are they hard to get when they first start shipping to retailers?
 
According to Benchmade customer service all "Hunt" models will ship to dealers during the first week of February, EXCEPT the 15031, 15051, 15060 models. Those will ship toward the end of March.
 
harris2 said:
According to Benchmade customer service all "Hunt" models will ship to dealers during the first week of February, EXCEPT the 15031, 15051, 15060 models. Those will ship toward the end of March.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info.
 
I really like my Bushcrafter 162, but I think I'm going to have to order one of these fixed blades for my collection. I might need a folder too. :)
 
In the weekly email that I get from knives ship free they tell that have the small lockback versions in stock. I don't need anymore knives......but I might end up ordering it later anyways!
 
I have wanted to gift a 15055 bone collector to my father in law for awhile now but being a barge pilot D2 wouldn't suit his needs, the 15056 will probably be the perfect knife for him. I only wish my dad was still with us so I could give them a matched pair.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top