Benchmade VS Spyderco

I'd probably have to say Spyderco. I have 11 Spydies and 3 Benchmades at this point. I don't find any fault with Benchmade; I actually still want to get quite a few more blades from their lineup, but I always seem to keep buying Spydercos when it's new-knife-time. I guess once I finally acquire the ~2/3 of the Spyderco catalog that I want, I can move on to Benchmade. :D
 
Hmmmm... this IS a good question... ;)

In times past, I would've said "Benchmade" without hesitation, simply because I prefer the thicker handles they usually don their blades with. However, the other day, I handled one of the new Delicas, with redesigned handle shape and inset steel liners... MMMMMMM. I love that knife. I need that knife. I'm eventually gonna get it and probably an Endura, to boot :D

In all, I prefer BM's handles and really lean towards Spyderco's blade geometries and innovations. However, I prefer the axis lock and G-10 scales... so, I like various facets of both companies :p Maybe they should do a collaboration...
 
Spyderco all the way. They make BM look like a nag mule in the Kentucky Derby.
 
Since I didn't answer initailly I will now.

I'd have to go with Benchmade personally. I think the two companies are almost in a dead heat in terms of design, but I have to give the overall edge to Benchmade just because of the Axis lock, and the fact that in my experience the fit and finish are better on the Benchmades.


Oh ya, and they make far superior balisongs, and I am a big fan of flipping.
 
If I had to vote which forum is the best its an easy choice. Spyderco kicks BMs butt there. The BM forum is there but it doens't do much for me really. You can post a question there for weeks sometimes and not get a single answer. It isn't uncommon to have them ignored altogether and that is a complaint there now. I believe there is a post to that effect started by someone else.

Both companies make great knives. BenchMade is one company I do like and for several reasons. The made in the USA thing is big with me, but they come out with some innovative and beautiful designs now and then also. The latest 14210 HK folder is something I am really excited about and can't wait to buy. But it isn't cheap.

Spyderco rock and rolls for me though. They make lower end user knives geared toward the working man on a budget. In many cases you can purchase two and sometimes three Spyderco knives for the price of one BM. Which do you think is going to get more attention in the USA just from the standpoint of cost to the end line user? Now you know why Wal-Mart is so popular.

We like a deal in this country and Spyderco gives them. You get premium blade steel, lots of bang for the buck spent and a 99.9% chance that you'll open the sharpest knife you can buy new in the box from anyone out there. Just look at the ZDP189 Calypso Jr. that came out in late 05 for a mere $65 and some change at most retailers. You can't beat deals like that with a big stick.

I vote Spyderco. True BenchMade is up there but if BenchMade went bankrupt tomorrow I'd be upset and sad. If Spyderco went bankrupt I'd literally cry big tears.


STR
 
I have more Spyderco's than Benchmades, but I EDC Benchmades because I prefer the AXIS lock, G-10 with full dual steel liners, etc. I think both companies make great knives. I can carry either brand, but Benchmade is what goes in my pocket 99% of the time, so I have to vote for Benchmade.
 
This is a bit odd for me to answer, because I really like both. I have more experience with Spyderco and have always had nothing but good luck with them. I only used the warranty once with no problem and the knife in question got to the Warranty Dept. by my use(mis-use), not any defects. I've had 15-20 Spydies and no issues. I've only had 4 BMs and I had a problem with one in that the scales weren't attached with long enough screws, causing the knife to split apart. I was told by the Warrant Dept. it was a recall issue, so I should send it back ,at my expense. I didn't feel it was my responsibility to pay for this, so I ended up trading it to a friend who thought he could fix it. This was my first BM and I didn't get another for about five years. Now that I have had a couple more, I think it was fairly isolated in terms of quality.
I like the designs of BM as a whole but think they are somewhat bland(maybe not the right word), so if you like one , you'll probably like most of them.

I think Spyderco is more innovative overall. Let's be honest, they pretty much started the trend of one-handed knives, clips and serrations, at least to the masses, anyways. Everyone else pretty much followed. Some of their designs don't appeal to me at all, but I respect the company for not staying in their comfort zone and pushing limits.

I'll give my nod to Spyderco, eventhough there's a BM and a Spydie in my pocket right now.
 
On the subject of G10.. That's a HUGE reason that Spyderco gets the nod for me. BM's G10 treatment is disappointingly plasticky and smoothed out, whereas Spydie's feels almost like grip tape. If BM changed the way they truly screw up their G10, then maybe they'd have a fighting chance in my book.
 
Ok knive lovers, here are the results of the "poll" so far: 61 took part, 21 prefer Spyderco, 18 prefer Benchmade, 16 like both the same, 6 didn't express preferance.The contest continues...
 
+1 to Spyderco, their designs seem to give each knife some personality while Benchmades all look boring
 
I really really like spyderco but so far Benchmade has made The Perfect EDC.

Its the mini-skirmish. The titanium is very elegant, the size of the knife when closed makes it look almost 'cute', but the blade is perfectly sized!

I love my manix and my kershaws, but I find myself always going for the Benchmade. Its big enough to do most tasks but light enough and pretty enough for dress pants and business clothes.
 
Dimit78 said:
I 'd like to see the brand with the most fans!Pls vote for spyderco or benchmade.I think that these two companies have different fans.These who love benchmade don't like spyderco and the opposite.
Click to expand...

I am neither - I like both.
 
Ming65 said:
Spyderco - Queer knives for straight guys

Benchmade - Straight knives for .........................

:p
Click to expand...

Ooooohhhhh, now you've done it!

This ought to be interesting (getting beer and chips and putting my feet up. . .)
 
It's like Han Solo and Luke Skywalker--their both good guys! I hate to see things get ugly.....
 
I try to like Benchmade but always find my self back in the Spyderco camp. Sure some of the benchmades look nice, but when it comes to functionality, Spyderco cant be beat.

And yes, BM needs to expand its g10 offering!
 
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