Benchmade Stryker 910 Review

T

Tweakmeister

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Jan 17, 2005
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Being a person who enjoys moderately-priced knives, I've been eager to check out the Benchmade Stryker 910, a Black-Class model knife.

Many know this knife for its cousin - the 9100SBK Automatic version which is available to the US Military. The 9100SBK has a coated blade with partial serrations.

bm910.jpg


A little history...the 910 blade material has gone through several variations in steel type (ATS34, 154CM, M2), with the latest version being primarily D2. The D2 is offered in a basic finish (looks almost like dull titanium) or with the anti-reflective black coating that Benchmade offers on many of its models.

The blade is a modified tanto point that is very thick/strong. This is one of the few folder tanto's that I've had an interest in, and compared to flat ground knives (like Spyderco manix, military, etc.), this blade looks like you could pry a door open with it.

bm910710.jpg


The handle is G10 with a liner lock. For being a Black-class knife that the military uses, I had high expectations for how it felt in the hand. Unfortunately, this is where the knife is a bit of a let down (at least for me). As you can see in the picture, the titanium liners are on the thin side, and the knife is very blade heavy (similar to the 550 series Ritters). In putting a lot of value in knife ergonomics, I find the 910 a bit disaapointing compared to something like the 710 (pictured) which "feels" solid in the hand. Where the 910 blade looks like I could pry a door open with it, the weak point feels like it would snap the handle in doing so.

It looks like I have to run, so I will sum up for the time being...

The bottom line:
Ultimately, this knife is a good price. You get a quality Benchmade, strong blade, and G10 handles of the right proportion. For me, the 910 feels like 90% in the execution - the balance of the knife, and little things like having a clip mounting holes only on one side (this knife is for right handed carry only). How hard would it be to drill 3 holes?

I've ordered a Buck Strider 880TX, which is at a similar price point, and look forward to comparing the two soon.

*Update below*
 
Nice review.

When you eventually use and sharpen it, would you mind noting how it compares to either BMs 154CM or M2 (or older 806D2)?

I've got those and am interested in how these newer D2 blades compare.

Wonderin' if they changed heat treat with the increased production (BM is usin' a lot of D2 now).
 
GarageBoy said:
That handle is one of the best features of that knife. Fit's MANY people well
Click to expand...

The size is perfect...it's the weight that gets me. And it's the same reason I got rid of the 550 Ritter I had - these knives are blade-heavy, and the balance just doesn't feel comfortable in the hand.

*Update*
For the most part, my initial impression remains - I think the knife would be perfect (100%) if the liners were just a little thicker, and weighed just a little more (this would happen if they switched from a Liner to an Axis lock too). To BM's credit the liners are solid, where as the 710's liners are drilled out (which removes weight at the cost of strength).

For $80-90 on eBay, this knife is a great price for what you get, and should be both a pleaser and a workhorse. I have a Cold Steel Recon 1 (for the low end) and a Buck 880TX on the way, and will get some comparison shots up shortly.

In the mean time, I'm curious to hear from other 910 owners. I spent a bit of time searching the forums before making a purchase, and what the knife is pretty much as expected.
 
I love the knife, but I tell you what, I've had one hell of a time trying to resharpen this knife. I'm pretty good on my sharpmaker, but it just seems to dull so quickly. Maybe I'll need to use the Diamond Rods to redo the angles?

my thoughts
Pros: very light, nice finish, great weight in hand, very happy with the opening and closing mechanics, very slim in the pocket

Cons: Liner lock (not a biggie to me), hard to maintain sharp edge for long, black finish wore off very quickly
 
It interesting that you like the weight of the knife. I still feel like it's on the lighter side of things...but so many knives are...the Delica/Endura, the Ritter's, etc.

The finish on these does wear quickly, which is why I'm trying the uncoated version this time around. When I opened the box, the blade was lightly coated in oil, but the grind (edge) had some dark coloration to it - and from the sound of other members on the forum, D2 tends to stain easily.

The knife is a little rough to open, and there was some dirt/grit around the pivot point when I opened the knife for the first time. I may pull the side off and give it a proper cleaning/oiling, although you'd think it would be smooth from the factory (I've found about half the new Benchmades I have tried are very rough to open when new).

In terms of longevity, the 710HS (M2 steel) has been incredible. I've pulled it out of a rain-soaked pocket without any signs of rust, and the edge has lasted longer than any other knife I own.
 
That's why I'm interested in BMs new D2.

I've reprofiled my production 806 to a pretty acute angle, therefore there is a fair amount of exposed metal. Never have observed rust on it. That knife, however, is softer then the 806 Pre-Production I have (based upon observed feel when sharpening on a Spyderco white stone). The Pre-Pro feels like my M2 knives (except for one M2 that feels softer). So, I believe a difference in hardness.

Of course, feel is highly subjective, but I use it for comparisons. For example, the Pre-Pro feels like my Ingram (reputed to be well heat treated).
 
used mine for long term moderate use.
never had to sharpen it over a years time (sadly it is gone now)

Fit like a glove, and the thumb ramps were perfect.

eventualy the tip (less than a mm) got deformed but thats from dropping the blade, it still penetrated with ease. it is a thick knife for slicing but it's a good worker.

You are right the handle doesn;t inspire confidence, but it isn;t a prybar either. In a situation like that even if the blade breaks I doubt I'd care, the door is getting opened.
I thought the swedge of the spine to the point was almost a warncliff hint.


EDIT: mine was 910HS plain, and i will be getting another one.
 
I am able to disengage the liner lock simply by squeezing the handle on every 910 I've had (3 so far). I'm right handed and I guess it must be the way that it's designed. Due to the 910 and also an Al Mar SERE 2000 I no longer buy liner locks. :)
 
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