Benchmade vs. Kershaw - Which would would you prefer?

S

southbeachlaw

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May 28, 2007
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Ok...seem to be reading alot that Kershaw is definetly improving their quality....however, I have $100.00 burning a hole in my pocket. Which folder would you all suggest? Looking for an AO...I hear both Benchmade and Kershaw are comparable and both good quality knives. Is there one that is better than th other and why?
 
The only Kershaw AO I have used was the Avalanche. I am not a fan of it. I don't like the blade to handle ratio, or the shape of the overall knife. I like the Benchmade Nitrous system allot better then the Speedsafe. From what I have handled the nitrous system fires harder and faster. I like the BM Strykers (912 &913). I prefer their blade shapes and overall shapes. But I HATE the look of the handles on the Strykers, other then that though, they are great! You can also get a Benchmade 913 Stryker (spear point blade) with a PE BK blade from the pharmacy if you wanted a BK blade.
 
It's easier to pick a specific knife than to debate between whole companies.

Find some knives with the specifications you desire and go from there.
 
Get yourself a Kershaw Mini-Cyclone, or if you want a larger folder, get the Cyclone.
 
I am more familiar with Kershaw,excellent warranty,Great customer service; I own about 10 Kershaw pocket knives & 1 Benchmade...I prefer Kershaw but that is just my 2cents.
 
If you're getting it from a store (Not off the F/S section of the Forum), you probably won't find a Benchmade A/O for $100 or less. The Kershaw, no problem. However, if you look at the F/S section, you should be able to pick up a Benchmade A/O for $100 or less.

There's a few Kershaw A/Os that you can get for under $100, with very good steel: Blur (SG2 & S30V) & the Leek (S30V) come to mind.

On the Benchmade side, you "should" be able to find: 670/672 Apparition (154CM & D2) & 912/913 (D2), if you look around.

They're both good, so it's really which one feels the best to you.
 
Confining the comparison to AO, I would overall lean towards Kershaw. The two AO knives that appeal to me most are the Mini Cyclone, and the HK Blitz (made by Benchmade). I don't have the money to get either anytime soon, but it would be a tough choice for me between the profile (particularly when closed) and G10 of the Blitz, and the on/off feature of the Mini Cyclone. To me, that on/off switch is a huge factor in favor of Kershaw.

Just for knives in general, though, I tend to prefer the designs that Benchmade produces. Also, if you're not dead-set on AO, then I'd actually recommend a BM Axis lock knife of some sort (the Presidio may be my favorite, but the Grip line, Osbornes and HK Axis locks). The great thing about the Axis lock is that it can open AND close as fast as an AO knife (particularly the 94x series).

Just my $0.02.
 
I own both brands.
Kershaw- Blur, Leek, Scallion.
Benchmade-Several Axis lock models

The biggest drawback against Kershaws is the linerlock. You can open Speedsafe models one handed fast. You can't close them fast or easily with one hand though.

Benchmade Axis models open just as fast as Kershaws, [once you learn how].
The difference is that Axis knives CLOSE fast and easy one handed as well.

The Axis lock is stronger than liner locks.

I think the overall quality is better in Benchmades as well.


Kershaw and Benchmade are better than many other mainstream brands out there.
 
The BM 710 is a good $100 knife solid and got a good reputation, Kershaw has tons of knives around $100, they are all pretty good knives, pick a style you like. If you are concerned about which knife you picked just ask about it. Should get the best of everything.
 
I would recommend Benchmade first and foremost.

I used to purchase kershaw knives until I purchased the miracle of Benchmade, a Griptilian 551 model. Great knife and hasn't broken down yet.

Great blade style and handle shape. You'd be better off with an axis-lock knife from benchmade than any AO knife from kershaw.

http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=551

If you REALLY want a kershaw, I would recommend the blur or the speed bump for the price range that you are talking about. BUT, for the same price you can get a benchmade griptilian which will perform a lot better than the kershaws.

http://www.kershawknives.com/searchresults.php?search_by=searchform&search_value=blur

and

http://www.kershawknives.com/searchresults.php?search_by=searchform&search_value=speed+bump

Nothing against kershaw, just the Benchmades are better in my opinion. Hope this helps, J.
 
southbeachlaw said:
Benchmade vs. Kershaw - Which would would you prefer?
Click to expand...

Most of the Kershaws have recurve blades and/or assisted open. I don't care for either (personal preference). I would prefer the Benchmade because they have more designs that suit my tastes.
 
OK, to each their own, but Kershaw has many non a/o knives, and many MANY without recurve. Yes they probably have more recurves than Benchmade.

I agree with one of the first posts, both are respected companies--rather than choose based on manufacturer look to what you want in a knife insofar as size, design, function, and narrow it from there. Go to a store and try them in hand, there is no substitute for that "Ahhh, now THAT's a knife!" feeling.
 
I prefer benchmade over kershaw in every category when it comes to knives except price. Benchmades are more expensive but thats because they are better quality IMO.
 
They are both great,

Id pick Benchmade above Kershaw, but I have to say Kershaw has a better warranty, not that Benchmade warranty is bad.

But for AOs, Kershaw wins.

mike
 
If you go AO, definitively go Kershaw. Kershaw offer more knife for less money. But then again, all knives cut stuff so you need to like them, aesthetically I mean ( I, for one, love them). Now take a look and tell us what you like.
 
Handle a few from both lines. Then pick one. Both are excellent companies, both make solid, reliable products. Go with what feels good in the hand, sits well in the pocket and gives you a surge of pleasure when you snap it open :thumbup:
 
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