Benchmade Presidio 520 versus Emerson Commander

[rcxtreme]

I'm stuck in a dilemma over which of these two blades to purchase: Benchmade 520 Presidio or an Emerson Commader. I wanted to get some real-world opinions. What do you boys prefer? Any feedback very much welcomed.

 

[Gary W. Graley]

I've owned the 520 and it's little brother the 525, I've not owned a more
secure knife grip than those two. While the grooved handles are a bit
tough on pants pockets, you get a good feeling when gripping these knives.
Blade shape on both are very useful, spearpoint style, flat grind, quite a
thin edge that cuts well. Unfortunately I can't compare it to the EC, but
wanted to offer my take on the Presidio folders, still tempted all the time
to get one or the other back into the fold, only sold them in order to fund
some camera things that I needed a while back, otherwise I'd have kept
them.

G2

 

[Siggyhk]

I've only held the 520 in a store, but I did own a commander, 05 I think. The commander has one of the best grips I've ever felt on any knife, secure and comfortable. It's recurve might not be the greatest for general use though, but usable. The only time I held the 520 I was very impressed with it. -The grip was surprisingly secure to me. For day to day use, it would probably be the better choice. The 520 has the axis lock+++, secure grip, good blade shape for general cutting tasks, and a secure handle. The commander has the wave, a very secure handle, and a deep recurved edge (probably better for self-defense than general cutting). -In the end, you'll probably love either of them.

 

[zebra81]

I've been carrying a prisidio for the last year and like it quite a bit. I carried a commander for a couple of years previously and I would agree with the above post. I loved the grip but never cared much for the blade for most everyday chores. That might be why i started carrying a second knife now that i think about it. I'm sure you'd enjoy either but the blade on the prisidio is a nice utility blade imo. My commander just spent the last year in Iraq and the fellow that now carries it tells me it's his favorite knife now. im glad it got a good home. I cut a battery cable (a big one) at a wreck with it one day and it cut it like it was meant for it but i camp and hunt a bit and never liked it in the woods.

 

[brj]

i don't have a commander, but one of my friends does... i happen to be a big fan of recurved blades so this would be my primary choice
on the other hand, the presidio has become MY FAVOURITE folder, at least for backpacking/camping chores
one of the reasons for which i like the presisio so much: the tip of the blade being 'under' the longitudinal axis of the knife, it gives you better control for slashing & wood carving and increases chopping capabilities (somehow like a khukri)

the pic was taken by Andrew Nik and is imo the greatest pic of the 520 i have ever seen
go figure ... this being a knife forum i'd suggest you get both

 

[biogon]

Two very, very different knives.

Have owned and used both.

Commander:
+:
Super ergonomic
Nice recurve blade cuts deeply, especially on the draw stroke
Deep front guard
Waved
Comfortable warm G10

-:
Thin Linerlock
Not very sharp point
Single-bevel edge
Not exactly a great slicer due to the low saber grind
Difficult to sharpen on a flat stone

520:
+:
High grind, thin, blade. Slices very well.
AXIS lock.

-:
Not much front guard.
Aluminum scales ding easily, cold feel.
Machined texturing is rough on the hands without increasing usable grip (imho)

Hope this helps.

-j

 

[barrabas74]

My sentiments are about the same as above. My big problem with the 520 is that it ate away at my pockets alot with the way the grip is. Just my opinion.

 

[Bungwrench]

I handled a couple Emerson knives at a local knife shop. I was very unimpressed with the liner locks on them. They were thin and the lockup was mediocre.

I think that the BM 520 is a tank and I would go with that.