Benchmade

[Aias]

My first "good" folder was the BM Rift; it has the plain black coated blade and the black/grey handle--after looking at their site again, I don't see the plain blade w/ coating available any more. Not sure why, it is great. My second BM was the Bone Collector 15020-2 (walnut handle); the action on this folder is buttery smooth and I get the D2 supremely sharp, though it is more toothy than the 154 cm of the Rift (which achieves a notably finer edge). Since these, I've purchased Spydies (mili and para2), as well as a ZT 0561--all of which are excellent in their own right, and in some ways superior. Nonetheless, the BM's make it back into my pocket often enough. The 15020 is on me now, mostly because I plan on doing some work around the house and it can handle anything I throw at it (anything a folder should handle). So yes, praise deserved; a little pricey, especially the Rift--but it is a hellu'va looker!

 

[deathofallthings]

Most of my knives are benchmades and I wouldn't have it any other way. Axis locks are amazing. That more than anything else makes me buy benchmade.

 

[mqqn]

I have a few and have bought some for gifts - and they all have been top notch.

I really like my mini Griptilian, the axis lock is excellent, and the knife is smooth and just a great little companion.

I have an STR deep carry pocket clip on that knife that makes it even better in my opinion.

I also have a full sized Griptilian

and an 890 Torrent -

I have not had to utilize BM customer support, so I can't speak to their quality there, but the knives are outstanding.

best

mqqn

 

[archieblue]

It is my personal opinion that Benchmade has been resting on their Laurels for the past several years. Sure, the axis lock is neato but not enough to have absorbed so much of the lineup.

When I joined bladeforums over ten years ago I had one specific mission: to find out which is the "best" Benchmade folder. A highly regarded BM at the time was the "Pinnacle" (basically a Sebenza knockoff). I handled one at a local store and, for $200, was not impressed.

I needed to learn more!

It didn't take long for my attention to be fully taken over by lesser known makers like Chris Reeve Knives. Could they be THAT much better? The second I handled a Sebenza it was obvious.

I've gone back and fourth on this over the years having bought several Benchmades including Gold Class. The Axis is OK, but the liner/frame lock offerings leave much to be desired. Overall, Benchmade is a "meh" topic for me. I think Spyderco's Golden, CO offerings are vastly better built and generally less expensive. When I look at any Benchmade, from the most affordable to the top tier, against a $400 Midtech I see one good knife and one great knife. There is very little cost justifying going on when the details are so apparent.

Finally, I still do have one Benchmade folder. It's a Mini Grip 555HG with not one, but TWO broken omega springs I've replaced with guitar strings. My personal .02c is that they are good at cranking out nice knives. That said, I can only recommend their less expensive offerings. When you begin getting up to the $200+ mark all you get is that same bottom tier knife with carbon fiber and a little more polish. If you, like me, want a "great" knife look elsewhere.

 

[southernknives]

One manufacturer that I don't think get's enough press in the forum(s) is Benchmade. I am amazed that I don't see more praise for the Grips, 710, and the Rift. My personal favorites are the Ritter Grip and the Rift. Both are tough and well made and both came sharp out of the box. So, does anyone else feel that Benchmades are a good deal?

I agree. I have a small collection of Benchmade knives. About 15. I had a CRK collection, however I don't like frame locks/ liner locks etc.

I plan on using those as EDC knives, as they are quality enough that they aren't going to fall apart. And focus on my fixed blade collection. I personally have to pick and choose my Benchmade knives. Some I really don't like some are incredible. Like my KW Limited green / black Ares.

 

[72jroberts]

It really sucks to hear stories like Dorito Monk tells with his personal experiences with Benchmade. I totally believe him. However, I have only had great things to say about BM based on my experiences. I bought my first Benchie in the mid late 90s. It was the Emerson cqc7 specwar. And Ive bought a half dozen since then and every single one has been top notch in every way. So when people say they are not worth it, well, that hasn't been my opinion. And not to hurt anyone's feelings, Ive always felt that BM has been putting out original designs- different blade shapes, materials, steels, etc. Whereas, if you have one spyderco, you basically have them all- a triangle shaped blade with a hole in it.
John

 

[FlaMtnBkr]

I like ther knives, but the companys policy is in some cases kinda annoying, for exempel, for me in Europe its no problem to get spare parts for my auto, but for people in the states they refuce to fix it for you if your not police or military even if you own one totaly legal, and they also wont send parts, i see that as realy bad service.

They will fix it for you, you just have to have identification saying you are who you say you are. If you are really in the military then you have an ID and it isn't a problem. If you aren't then it would be illegal for them to send you an auto knife and they are just following the law.

And I think every person that says they are over priced must pay MAPP pricing and doesn't know where to go to get a discount.

And for those that like to complain about having to ship a product back to the company in every Benchmade thread that comes up, that is fairly common practice when getting something fixed. If you complained to Benchmade a tenth of what you do in one of these threads I'm almost positive they would do something to make you happy. I have even had them offer to pay for all shipping and I didn't even complain. In my experience they want to do everything they can to make customers happy and if you shared your concerns about shipping they would pay it or send the parts if out of country. To hold a grudge years later is borderline ridiculous. How many tens of thousands of people buy their knives every year and don't have a problem. Either some people have really bad luck or they are doing something wrong with their knife.

 

[mley1]

To the fella's that have had trouble with Benchmades, and had to send them in. I'm thinking that can be said of just about every company. I had my troubles with ZT, and Case. I had to send several of each back. I had to send a ZT back twice before it was fixed. Having to send knives back to the manufacturer for repair really sucks. I think all the production companies will put out lemons from time to time. And, I can see how it would sour you on a company. It's soured me on ZT and Case. But, they still make good knives. I just got some lemons. I do wish BM would be a bit more liberal with their parts policy, and send spair parts to those of us who may want them. I believe they probably don't because of perceived liability issues. I don't know. At any rate, so far, for me, they've been the best knives I've acquired, with zero problems out of any of them.

 

[mley1]

And I think every person that says they are over priced must pay MAPP pricing and doesn't know where to go to get a discount.

This is what I need to learn. I've traded for many of the Benchmades I have. But, I want to learn of the places where they are sold at a discount. If you might have some links to these I'd sure appreciate a pm with them.