Benchmade Presidio II

The True North

The True North

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Anyone have a Benchmade Presidio II 570-1?

Would like to hear some thoughts on the knife, as it doesn't come up very often. Seems like a relatively overlooked model.


Thanks.
 
Agreed. I’ve had two of the CF Elite models, and one of the original aluminum models over the years. My preference was actually for the CF Elite. I actually just gave my last remaining one to my son when he was visiting over the holidays.

It’s a great size (IMO), practical blade shape, and tough as nails without being too “overbuilt”. Definitely underrated, if you’re ok with old S30v.
 
Centermass said:
Agreed. I’ve had two of the CF Elite models, and one of the original aluminum models over the years. My preference was actually for the CF Elite. I actually just gave my last remaining one to my son when he was visiting over the holidays.

It’s a great size (IMO), practical blade shape, and tough as nails without being too “overbuilt”. Definitely underrated, if you’re ok with old S30v.
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How would you compare the CF Elite to Benchmade's regular valox and grivory?

And I love S30V, keeps things affordable.
 
The True North said:
How would you compare the CF Elite to Benchmade's regular valox and grivory?

And I love S30V, keeps things affordable.
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They feel pretty much the same to me. I personally like the molded texture, grippy but not abrasive, and preferred that it cut the weight a little compared to the aluminum on this larger, full steel liner model, so structure/rigidity is not at all a compromise.
 
Centermass said:
They feel pretty much the same to me. I personally like the molded texture, grippy but not abrasive, and preferred that it cut the weight a little compared to the aluminum on this larger, full steel liner model, so structure/rigidity is not at all a compromise.
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Thanks for the reply.

Ordered one this morning, couldn't resist.

Will post pics and thoughts when it comes in.
 
The True North said:
Thanks for the reply.

Ordered one this morning, couldn't resist.

Will post pics and thoughts when it comes in.
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Hope you enjoy it. It’s a capable, no-nonsense model. Like I said, I enjoyed it enough to have had three over the years. Haven’t replaced my last one, but not because I didn’t like it, just have several others in the same size/style right now that I don’t see the need to at the moment.
 
I bought the large model 570-1 two weeks ago after a long pause of buying ... I had that model years ago but gifted it. The edge was extremely chippy. That was the only time I had problems with chippy Benchmade steel.

I convinced myself buying the 570-1 again, because I also have a lot of Griptilian models with well treated/less burnt edges.

To make it short: The 570-1 is one of the best folders I have ever experienced (I had a lot and I am a Spyderco guy normally ..). It is large, extremely sturdy, thinly (not too thin) ground and so it is a great cutter as well. The weight is not too heavy. Nice neutral ergos.

I initially gave it a nice first edge. After cutting quite an amount of cardboard, packages and rope and carved into very hard wood, I can tell that the S30V is treated excellent. No chips, no damage.

Initially my model had lock stick, but after a little playing around it got better quickly.

It is one of Benchmade's best (besides the Griptilian).

Have fun with your new slicey tank ;)
 
It is such a great knife because it combines all needs you could have. It is a great slicer, very sturdy, not too big nor too small, not too heavy, neutral ergos, comfortable carry and hand feeling. You could even use it for bad situations.... (Original intention of that design).

The only other knife I love for the same reason (combination of all the attributes) is the Spyderco Shaman, but anyhow it is a different knife in some ways.

At the moment I carry it exclusively.

IMG20250118110409.jpg
 
Zenturio said:
It is such a great knife because it combines all needs you could have. It is a great slicer, very sturdy, not too big nor too small, not too heavy, neutral ergos, comfortable carry and hand feeling. You could even use it for bad situations.... (Original intention of that design).

The only other knife I love for the same reason (combination of all the attributes) is the Spyderco Shaman, but anyhow it is a different knife in some ways.

At the moment I carry it exclusively.

IMG20250118110409.jpg
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Very cool man. I love that blade shape. I've always been a huge Griptilian fan and this seems like a natural evolution of that design (even though they come from different designers). Benchmade designs have been growing on me lately for sure. I picked up a Benchmade 580 Barrage and a Spyderco Paramilitary 2 in the past week or so as well so I'm looking forward to comparing the three side-by-side.

I'm picking my 570-1 up today from the local dealer (House Of Knives in Calgary, great little store)
 
I love the
Zenturio said:
It is such a great knife because it combines all needs you could have. It is a great slicer, very sturdy, not too big nor too small, not too heavy, neutral ergos, comfortable carry and hand feeling. You could even use it for bad situations.... (Original intention of that design).
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But it looks ... Blah. I agree as an all around knife, it hits the spot. I May have to start carrying mine again.
 
Afaik the original Presidio was designed by Mel Pardue (RIP), as was the Griptilian. No wonder we like both models 😉

I find the Presidio to look nice. I do not carry for optics, but for use. That might be the case I like the looks of the Presidio, Griptilian, Spyderco Shaman... bc they appeal to me as well designed tools.

IMO the Presidio 570-1 and both Griptilians 550 and 551 are the best Benchmade models currently available. They work and are no nonsense. Benchmade should bring their focus back on those types of models, not colorful, fancy, overpriced toys...


BR
 
Zenturio said:
Afaik the original Presidio was designed by Mel Pardue (RIP), as was the Griptilian. No wonder we like both models 😉

I find the Presidio to look nice. I do not carry for optics, but for use. That might be the case I like the looks of the Presidio, Griptilian, Spyderco Shaman... bc they appeal to me as well designed tools.

IMO the Presidio 570-1 and both Griptilians 550 and 551 are the best Benchmade models currently available. They work and are no nonsense. Benchmade should bring their focus back on those types of models, not colorful, fancy, overpriced toys...


BR
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Interesting. I knew the original Presidio was a Pardue design but I wasn't aware he had a hand in the redesign.


Odd that there's no Pardue logo on the blade like the Original Presidio and the Griptilian.
 
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The True North said:
Interesting. I knew the original Presidio was a Pardue design but I wasn't aware he had a hand in the redesign.


Odd that there's no Pardue logo on the blade like the Original Presidio and the Griptilian.
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I don’t think Pardue himself had any actual involvement in the Presidio 2, but BM updated the earlier iteration and kept the model name.
 
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