Benchmade Triage: If you have one get in here!

[Bradass80]

I've got the 916SBK-BLK and it's been in my EDC rotation for over a year now. I work in a warehouse and the hook is awesome for poly banding, rope, twine, shrink wrap on pallets, you don't have to worry about cutting the inner contents when you use the hook. I sent it in a few months back for Lifesharp, mostly just because I could, and because I have a hard time sharpening the hook. It's been super solid and has turned in to one of my favorites for sure. I also have the auto version, but don't carry it. I also really like how slim it is, it's no problem digging in your pocket for other stuff. The handle does shred pockets, but I wear through pants so quick that it doesn't bother me. Brad.

 

[WCEDC]

The G10 does have an aggressive texture compared to typical G10 finishes, however, you have to look at the target for this knife: First responders. When I'm responding to a crash, I've got rubber gloves on underneath heavy work gloves. In addition to that physical barrier, you've also got physiological ones, like all the hormones running through your body, decreasing your fine motor skills. With all that being said, the hook is great to have. It pretty much eliminates any need you might have for serrations ( I hate serrations). The N680 steel is great too, especially for it's corrosion resistance (even better If you buy the coated blade).
Bottom line is don't buy the knife thinking you're going to use it for it's intended functions. It's great for EDC, and comes with a deep carry clip, but keep in mind, it seems as though it's been designed to be carried in turnout pants, BDUs, etc, not necessarily work slacks, etc. It's definitely really sweet. I'm sure you could find someone to make you custom G10 scales or sand them down slightly to soften the texture if you don't like it though.

 

[Gary W. Graley]

I've liked mine since getting it, my daughter had it engraved with my G2 nickname on the blade, I've cut tons of things with it, edge is great, no play on mine. The seatbelt cutter is still like new, keeping it for when it really needs to be used and I've not had to bust any windows yet, but it's good to know I can if the need comes up.

G2

 

[canonfan11]

Besides Benchmade, does anyone know where I can get orange replacement scales?

 

[photoman12001]

I like the Triage knives quite a bit. I used the partially serrated 915 when I was a volunteer fire fighter, though not much since I got it shortly before I moved from the area. I just bought the plain blade 915 on the Exchange because I prefer plain edges. The partial serrated one is being gifted to a buddy who is still on the fire department. The auto version is good too but I would prefer the manual version if I had to choose. The seat belt hook is automatic and locks in place on the auto version (not on the non-auto) which I do like.

In case anyone is interested, here is the 915 opened up to show how the seat belt hook works. I got curious about it today. The shiny detent ball sits on a spring and engages the holes to either side of the pivot hole on the blade when it is opened or closed.

 

[Salt Peter]

I never carried my Triage much. Keep in the truck just in case. The Grizzly Creek looks like a more suitable EDC style that has the hook but not the glass breaker. Looking to grow the Benchmade addiction with the GC.

 

[Gary W. Graley]

I've taken the start of the blade's edge to a more soften start or a more rounded beginning, so if material happened to fall into that area while cutting, it would ride up and onto the edge instead of hanging up, even though it looks like it has a ramp like start already, it still would hang up on fibrous material or heavy plastic, and yes, I know some people have better control but when you are cutting stuff all day long, it is pretty easy to have the blade move in further than you intended. So with this I took my sharpening stones and just dragged that corner along the edge of the stone, rolling the blade so it made it more rounded on the sides as well as up to the edge and then stropped it on leather to bring it up to a smooth polished feel. Works great and doesn't hang up nearly as much as before, I'd prefer that the edge went up to the handle or not have the opening at all, but that's just my preference.

Benchmade_915_softenstart by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

G2

 

[akaSigFreak]

i've had the Auto Triage for over a year and it is always within reach even when I am carrying another knife.

 

[photoman12001]

I've taken the start of the blade's edge to a more soften start or a more rounded beginning, so if material happened to fall into that area while cutting, it would ride up and onto the edge instead of hanging up, even though it looks like it has a ramp like start already, it still would hang up on fibrous material or heavy plastic, and yes, I know some people have better control but when you are cutting stuff all day long, it is pretty easy to have the blade move in further than you intended. So with this I took my sharpening stones and just dragged that corner along the edge of the stone, rolling the blade so it made it more rounded on the sides as well as up to the edge and then stropped it on leather to bring it up to a smooth polished feel. Works great and doesn't hang up nearly as much as before, I'd prefer that the edge went up to the handle or not have the opening at all, but that's just my preference.

G2

That's a good idea. I had a hell of a time cutting a bag of dog food open recently because of that issue with my ZT0900. It was very annoying because the blade has a great edge but took several attempts to get the bag fully sliced open. It has a shorter blade than what I've recently been carrying so I kept thrusting too deeply during the slice.

 

[Gary W. Graley]

Thanks, it's a good compromise I think, if you have a blade's edge that is like that, if you take a look at a lot of the MasterBladeSmiths fixed blades you'll see that they usually have a rounded start at their edge, or they will have a full edge without any gaps for material to fall into.

Most all Spyderco's have full edges, there are a few with sharpening choils but most do not include them.

G2

 

[Gary W. Graley]

I modified my blade today, for me, I like it a lot better with a real point, if I were an EMT I'd probably have kept the rounded nose of a tip but this suits me far better, a pain to do mind you! but a great deal better...

IMG_6424 by GaryWGraley, on Flickr


IMG_6426 by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

G2

 

[craytab]

I love that look Gary!

Mine has served me well. It spent the better part of a week as a water knife, submerged for hours at a time. Took it apart and there was no noticeable corrosion anywhere.

 

[Gary W. Graley]

Thanks, I really like this so much more now with a direct point, while the proportions are not exactly to my liking, it is what it is. The very tip of the blade was not moved at all, I just ground down the spine to a more direct shot to the tip. It does remind me of the new Grip folder's blade but with a higher grind on this one

BM551-1 by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

G2

 

[Salt Peter]

I want to revive this instead of making a new thread. Is there an aftermarket option for scales? The stock ones are way too rough as noted in this thread.

 

[Dallas T]

I want to revive this instead of making a new thread. Is there an aftermarket option for scales? The stock ones are way too rough as noted in this thread.

Not to my knowledge however I removed mine and sanded with sandpaper lightly and removed the bumps till smooth as i do with Emersons and was perfect after that

 

[craytab]

Sanding would be the way to go. I sanded under and around the clip to make it shred pants less.

 

[Dallas T]

That works to but I completely removed and sanded whole slabs and still had plenty traction for edc stuff