Benchmade Red Class

H

hunter3030

Joined
Feb 12, 2007
Messages
26
As stated on the Benchmade website. "Edged tools with the same Benchmade signature innovation and performance driven mindset, geared for the casual knife buyer. It’s a commitment to be the “best in class” value, and initiate an entirely new group of knife users to the Benchmade performance difference. (Some product offerings in the Red Class are produced in our off-shores facility and our Oregon City facilty)"

Where are their off-shore facilitys? and Since these knives are the least expensive knives Benchmade offers, are they of the same quality one would expect from Benchmade?
 
They are made in Taiwan or China. I've seen older Pikas and Monocromes, they were all top quality. No experience with the Chinese ones, but I think they are just as good.
 
I've had an Ambush, and I still have a Fecas Snipe. Both knives were well constructed with no QC issues at all. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Red Class.
 
I had a Benchmade Rant Bowie. Sold it to a friend because I decided the bowie shape with its upswept clip tip was not for me. But it was a solid knife, no QC issues and felt great in my hands. Pretty nice leather sheath too.. even allowed for one-handed release with either hand.
 
I've handled them. They seem fine. I won;t buy them because I'm prejudiced against American companies selling out.

If the thought is: They can get the same quality overseas for a lower price. Then I say, why not make ALL their knives overseas then?

If the thought is: Since the cost to BM is lower, they can sell Red Class knives cheaper, making the knife affordable to those with a lower budget. Then I say, why not make ALL their knives overseas then?

If the thought is: BM wants to stay competitive with "lower-end" knives that are flooding the market. Then I say, why not make ALL their knives overseas then?

It takes considerable effort when shopping for anything to find products made in the USA. Sometimes we can;t. I think China, Taiwan, and others certainly have the capability to make fine products... sometimes they do, often they don;t. Whatever the quality, I'd rather not buy it if I can get the same product made here (where both the price and quality will almost certainly be higher).
 
I have a Benchmite II and a Vex. Both are excellent knives for the money. Well made with attention to detail. There are often shortcomings in the steel chosen for the blades but for their pricepoint, they perform well.

Phil
 
I have a Snipe and an Ambush. Both are really good knives and the heat treatment of the AUS8A is first rate judging by the edges they both take. They are an excellent value.
 
I have A Ju Ju, It came in a red box and was a bargan so I am assuming it was from the red class. If I ever break or wear this knife out it would be a miracle. It is built for abuse.

I didn't like the sheath however. I made a leather one to replace it.
 
I had a mini-ambush that would not stay detented closed while in the pocket. I sliced my finger open several times reaching for this knife, I exchanged it twice at the retail establishment that I bought it at and both times resulted in the same defect.

I haven't bought another Red Class since and don't plan to. (I do love the Blue and Black class knives though).
 
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