Benchmade vs. Spyderco

AF said:
I wish Benchmade would not use the Axis assist and then I'd own at least one.
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Not all Axis knives are assisted... In fact, relatively few are.

There is no "better" between the two companies, it's purely preference. Which do YOU like better? I prefer Benchmades as it's not that easy for me to manipulate a Spyder hole, but that's just me. Jimmie Jack may prefer Spyderco for a different reason and Billie Bob might not like either. But they're two of the biggest names in knives for a reason, you can't really go wrong either way.
 
both companies offer
well above average production cutlery
spydercos are very, very well made knives
but benchmade makes far superior knives, materially.
but if to be brutally honest;
cosmetically speaking, that is.
i find spyderco's designs
far more acceptable and attractive for my needs.
it's just too bad that the stuff coming out from benchmade
these past years are
to my old eyes at least,
far too art-like
and hence becoming
something of an acquired taste...
maybe it's a passing phase or fad now
which i hope some day will metamorphosize
into something far more appealing to me.
 
neither is better then the other. I personally prefer benchmade. Benchmades quality spectrum is more condensed then spyderco imo if that makes sense. Benchmade knives usually range between 80-200$ are of similar materials other then a few gold glass things and some limited runs. As where spyderco ranges from 40-300 on just regular production knives. So it really depends what you want. Both companies got a great quality starter knife for under 100 bucks too.
 
I've always enjoyed sticking my thumb in the hole. I like both BM and Spyderco. Spyderco seems to always have more bang for the buck, great quality at a lower price, They never leave you wanting when you pick the right one for your needs. BM is a good value too but when it comes down to it, if your a knife nut, you're going to want both.
 
I have 27 Benchmades and 34 Spydercos. This means that Benchmade knives are better as it takes fewer to make up the perfect collection. ;)
 
goodshepherdknives said:
ok ill venture into an intelligant answer attempt. I think spyderco S30V is better than benchmade because they use a CPM S30V which is a purer, slightly stronger formation due to the powder metalurgy and it impresses me on my native, my dejavoo, meh its ok i guess. benchmades are classy. if you like church knives, gentlemans folders, collectability, high end stuff, i like a benchmade knife, like their gold class, ill probably never own one but just an example. they have some good work folders like the 710 with D2 and titanium liners, g 10 and an axis lock, which is awesome. they have some great military knives like the nimravus. also i think i enjoy benhmades frequent use of 154cm, its my favorite well rounded steel. spyderco, however, in my experience has the best edc knives. theyre affordable enough to not off yourself if you lose an endura or manbug, and they allow super exotic steels at a low price point. frn is a good handle material, and spyderco always does a better job at traction. they always feel better in the hand. i hope this helps
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There is no non-CPM s30v. All s30v is made via the CPM particle metallurgy process.
 
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Both companies make great knives, but Spyderco's flagship models (Delica, Endura, Military, Paramilitary) are better suited to hard use than Benchmade's best known knives (710, Griptillian), in my opinion, due to Benchmades axis lock's dependence on tiny guitar string Omega springs that break and then they won't send you new ones to get your knife running again.

Spyderco's pivot bushing system, used on the Para2, is revolutionary and allows for almost zero friction without any perceptible blade play. The Compression lock is extremely strong and simple, a great combination.

I like many of Benchmade's designs, but won't buy one that has an Axis lock. I really really really miss my original Stryker.

After using and abusing both, I'll take my Para2 or Military over any Benchmade.
 
Both companies on are a level that there is no "better". Only personal preference based on one's likes and needs.

Personally I prefer Benchmade but also have great regard for Spyderco and own both.

Sorry but your not going the get "this one is better then that one" type answers and if you do it's all pure opinion.

Find which appeals to you more and start with that. Knives from either company will serve you very well.
 
MatthewSB said:
Both companies make great knives, but Spyderco's flagship models (Delica, Endura, Military, Paramilitary) are better suited to hard use than Benchmade's best known knives (710, Griptillian), in my opinion, due to Benchmades axis lock's dependence on tiny guitar string Omega springs that break and then they won't send you new ones to get your knife running again.

Spyderco's pivot bushing system, used on the Para2, is revolutionary and allows for almost zero friction without any perceptible blade play. The Compression lock is extremely strong and simple, a great combination.

I like many of Benchmade's designs, but won't buy one that has an Axis lock. I really really really miss my original Stryker.

After using and abusing both, I'll take my Para2 or Military over any Benchmade.
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Benchmade has models with a back lock and with a liner lock (and even with a compression lock like Nagara): which of course does not mean that any of these systems are better than Axis. So what about them: will that change your statement that Spyderco is better than BM? After all, BM can have any of the locks that Spyderco uses, while the opposite is not true! And if you believe that Endura or Delica are better suited for hard use than Griptillian: you probably should take a closer look at how small the pivot/lock area on Endura blade is... So in theory they are actually weaker... Or try to pry something with Military blade tip or close the knife after getting it really dirty and filled with wet sand... Yes, I know that a qualified user will not abuse a tool: so that is not a proper example and may be far-fetched. But do you really have any proper examples supporting your statement? Did you have an omega spring broken in your knife and did BM refuse to help you with it? People's criticism of the Axis may be rather based on some theoretical considerations than on actual facts and may be as far-fetched as anything: and multiple threads on BF regarding omega spring weakness only confirm that...
So what I am saying: why wouldn't just say that it is your personal preference, and that you like some Spyderco models you have more than a few BM knives that you have heard of and probably even used - I do not know... Nobody can argue with that! And if you do have an actual story to share about your BM experience: sure we will all be glad to hear it!
 
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I hope this thread doesn't turn into a big argument.

I prefer Spyderco. Both companies have designs I like and dislike. Spyderco has more of the former than Benchmade. I like knives whose form follows function, and while both companies make a lot of knives that are more form > function IMO, Spyderco makes more knives where function is the main priority. Again, my opinion.

Spyderco is also a great innovator, revolutionizing the knife industry with one handed opening, the pocket clip, and serrations on a folding knife.

I'm also a super big fan of Spyderco's leaf shaped blades, as well as the general aesthetics of a Spyderco knife (function is more important than form to me, but dayum, some of these knives...). Spyderco is one of my favorite companies, hands down.

Not bashing Benchmade. I respect that they show you tests of some of their knives on video, and I'm probably going to really, really like the Axis lock once I finally decide to buy an Adamas.
 
Next thread, "Man I just watched the Cold steel Video and I want one bad what are your guys thoughts?", I'm just having a little fun here in both of my posts... Welcome to Bladeforums, BTW
 
I like both brands and own several knives from each, but if I had to choose one, it would be Emerson.
 
Benchmade: GREAT knives, axis lock is hard to beat, seem to lack customer input for designs and such, but still use top notch materials and great/proven designs.

Spyderco: answers the general public in what they want, seems like they can make a product with similar materials and charge less, a lot more variety in styles, they di more sprint runs which is a major +

Overall: both fantastic companys with top notch service on both ends. I lean towards benchmade for them being 100% usa made, but spyderco has great qc in their overseas facilities. I will by either one with no regrets
 
I will say this politely as possible: MatthewSB you are talking the biggest load of junk available in knife history. . . .
 
Both are excellent companies, with excellent products. Trying to decide which one is best, is a fool's errand, imo.
 
goodshepherdknives said:
ok ill venture into an intelligant answer attempt. I think spyderco S30V is better than benchmade because they use a CPM S30V which is a purer, slightly stronger formation due to the powder metalurgy and it impresses me on my native, my dejavoo, meh its ok i guess. benchmades are classy. if you like church knives, gentlemans folders, collectability, high end stuff, i like a benchmade knife, like their gold class, ill probably never own one but just an example. they have some good work folders like the 710 with D2 and titanium liners, g 10 and an axis lock, which is awesome. they have some great military knives like the nimravus. also i think i enjoy benhmades frequent use of 154cm, its my favorite well rounded steel. spyderco, however, in my experience has the best edc knives. theyre affordable enough to not off yourself if you lose an endura or manbug, and they allow super exotic steels at a low price point. frn is a good handle material, and spyderco always does a better job at traction. they always feel better in the hand. i hope this helps
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Your assessment of S30V is wrong. There is only one kind of S30V and that is CPM S30V. It is what both Spyderco and Benchmade, and everyone else use. Funny how dropping the CPM can completely change someone's view of the steel.
 
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