I just got a Benchmade Vex. I would say that anything good you could say about the Spyderco Tenacious would be the same for the Vex - and I've heard nothing but good from those fans.
I got it because it was a flat ground blade and G10 scales. There are lots of other knives on the market the last two years with FRN and blades no better - for $20 more. I don't see it. FRN is not a superior grip material IMHO, and whether it's 420, AUS 4, or 18moVwhatever, it's a functional steel easily sharpened for utility use as an EDC. Having used an S30V blade for two years, "easily sharpened" now has a certain attraction. This steel is apparently compared to AUS8 by some, I’ll be happy if it works like AUS6.
Some don't like the hole close to the slabs - but a wide blade pocket carry also is a disadvantage, one noticed a lot more than a few nanoseconds lost in a hyper speed deployment against feral cardboard boxes. If you have mid sized hands, no problem. In the range of knife sizes, this ranks right in with the SnG, Gerber Covert, or CRKT M16 drop point. It's beefy, not at all delicate.
The G10 and blade grinds are even, and well finished. There's a slight dimple or two on the butt where the edge has been rounded, which is to be expected with a hand finished part. At this price level, it's inconsequential. I've paid more for a US knife and found sprue marks on the molded FRN grip left raw.
The TiN plating is on everything, including the liners. It makes a very smooth but matte surface, dark ti in color, which is different from stainless or some black coating. I've found TiN to be extremely scratch resistant, taking years to show wear, unlike teflons or others that can be destroyed cutting a fiber shipping tube.
The ergo's are just fine, and the clips double recesses give good grip in cutting without being in the way. The rounded blade back doesn't cut into the fingers or create discomfort. The slightly grooved surfaces grip without biting. It's a testament that the apparently straight design works more ergonomically than it might look. Other knives that "look" more ergonomic should do as well. It’s not always about styling.
Red class or not, this is a great Benchmade knife. I find it just as rugged, more durable, with better utility than my old BM CQC7. It certainly doesn't eat the back of your hand reaching in a pocket, and won't eat your big bills getting out a wallet.
Get one while you can . . .
I got it because it was a flat ground blade and G10 scales. There are lots of other knives on the market the last two years with FRN and blades no better - for $20 more. I don't see it. FRN is not a superior grip material IMHO, and whether it's 420, AUS 4, or 18moVwhatever, it's a functional steel easily sharpened for utility use as an EDC. Having used an S30V blade for two years, "easily sharpened" now has a certain attraction. This steel is apparently compared to AUS8 by some, I’ll be happy if it works like AUS6.
Some don't like the hole close to the slabs - but a wide blade pocket carry also is a disadvantage, one noticed a lot more than a few nanoseconds lost in a hyper speed deployment against feral cardboard boxes. If you have mid sized hands, no problem. In the range of knife sizes, this ranks right in with the SnG, Gerber Covert, or CRKT M16 drop point. It's beefy, not at all delicate.
The G10 and blade grinds are even, and well finished. There's a slight dimple or two on the butt where the edge has been rounded, which is to be expected with a hand finished part. At this price level, it's inconsequential. I've paid more for a US knife and found sprue marks on the molded FRN grip left raw.
The TiN plating is on everything, including the liners. It makes a very smooth but matte surface, dark ti in color, which is different from stainless or some black coating. I've found TiN to be extremely scratch resistant, taking years to show wear, unlike teflons or others that can be destroyed cutting a fiber shipping tube.
The ergo's are just fine, and the clips double recesses give good grip in cutting without being in the way. The rounded blade back doesn't cut into the fingers or create discomfort. The slightly grooved surfaces grip without biting. It's a testament that the apparently straight design works more ergonomically than it might look. Other knives that "look" more ergonomic should do as well. It’s not always about styling.
Red class or not, this is a great Benchmade knife. I find it just as rugged, more durable, with better utility than my old BM CQC7. It certainly doesn't eat the back of your hand reaching in a pocket, and won't eat your big bills getting out a wallet.
Get one while you can . . .
