Benchmade Pika II?

[SaMX]

hi everyone, I'm new here. I just have a question about the benchmade mini pika II. I was going to get a benchmade mini pika as a pretty cheap EDC knife. They I saw on www.knifeoutlet.com that there is a pika II coming out. I'd like to get that just because it looks like it has better steel. Does anyone know when it will be available? Are there any other recommendations?

mini Pika II

 

[SaMX]

well I suppose no one has any idea then. I'll probably just spend a little more money and get something else from benchmade or spyderco instead.

 

[psinide]

I have no clue about the pika II, I was actually just playing with the mini-pika, it's my edc 90% of the time. Mine is in N690, it stays really sharp and sharpens quickly also and it's a simple folding lockback. I have no clue about that new steel, but the handle looks way better then on the mini-pika (zytel), so it's really either gamble the $22.95 + shipping or find something else.

 

[knarfeng]

They I saw on that there is a pika II coming out. I'd like to get that just because it looks like it has better steel. Does anyone know when it will be available? Are there any other recommendations?

I'm not sure that the new steel is "better". IIRC the Pika has been made in both 440C and N690. These are both good steels with a slightly higher carbon content, though a higher chromium than the new steel. The new one has traces of Co, Mo, and Vanadium. Might give it a finer grain structure than 440C, although I think N690 has these also. Bottom line is that I am not sure that you would notice any difference between the three steels in every day use. My Opinion.

There are some features about the Pika II that do interest me. The II is suposed to have metal liners. There have been some complaints especially about the larger version that the handle did not feel robust enough. The metal liners should fix that.

There have also been comments that some people felt the Pika oval opening was bevelled a bit too much and that it was hard to get a good grip to open it. I've not heard about the new one, but perhaps Benchmade has heard these comments and modified the bevel of the hole and not just the shape. Sorry to see the round hole. I prefer oval holes myself. But, that's just personal preference.

But to answer your main question, "No, I do not know when the new ones will be out." You might wander over to the Benchmade website and ask them by using their "contact us" link. I notice that they say they don't have any for sale yet, either.

 

[eel]

If those are similar to the older models with zytel handles? The old ones were smooth on the clip/backside of the handle, which made blade openings less than easy for most. The old models were just all wrong in a few ways, the threaded tubes for the clip screws molded into the zytel frame could pop out easily. Misaligned finger grooves in the grip were the main drawback, have you handled one yet? I'd find out if both sides of the handle are textured, that makes a huge difference.