Benchmade vs Spyderco---Not, Probably, What You Think

[steelscout30]

I'm interested in both the Benchmade 210 Activator (with the D2 blade and natural wood scales or the S30V and G10/carbon fiber scales) and the Spyderco Caspain Salt. In the outdoors, which would serve my purposes better for general utility? That includes, but is not limited to: cutting several different types of rope, including parachute cord, some maritime utility (the knife, essentially, will be wet---making the D2 inhibitive to utility), ease of maintenance, ease of sharpening, sheath retention, some whittling, some cooking preparation.

In summation, the general tasks performed at an event like a Scout campout or a backpacking trip.

Thanks for the help.

God bless you, America, and our men and women overseas.

KATN,

Wade
619G6

Glesser for President in '08.

 

[CWL]

People have complained that the H1 steel used by Spyderco is hard to sharpen although I have not experienced this with my Tasman Salt version.

If you really plan lots of wet weather/maritime use you probably shouldn't choose wood scales nor carbon steel.

 

[jaislandboy]

Caspian Salt is my recommendation :thumbup:
non rusting H-1 is a pleasure to use around water

 

[enderwiggin]

For the uses you're talking about, get the H1 knife, hands down.

D2 isn't true stainless, and while S30V is a good balance of stainless and hardness--it rusts more easily that a lot of other blade metals. YMMV, of course.

 

[ginaz]

if you simply wipe the knife off, s30v will give you no trouble. on the d2 i cannot comment but i have used m2 for the uses you outline (including many days of constant rain) with minor care and no problems. the 201 might serve you better with it's longer blade.

http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=201-HP

 

[Blop]

None of each.

Look at the 201 Activator+ Simple knife for simple tasks.

Mabe look over to BRKT.

Forget rust.

 

[Absintheur]

If you don't mind the price the Mission Knife and Tool MS-101 with it's beta titanium blade is as corrosion resistant as anything made.

 

[topher]

I'd go with the Salt.

I picked up a Salt 1 back a few years ago, originally more out of curiosity than anything, and also with the thought that it'd be handy on my little sailboat. Since then, it's impressed me so much that it's been my EDC for almost 3 years now.

The convenience of knowing that I never really have to worry about corrosion is just awesome. Great knives.