Benchmade???

Nuke_Spook

Nuke_Spook

Joined
Oct 23, 2003
Messages
582
Okay, so I finally gave in and bought a couple of Benchmade knives. A Fecas Snipe and a Vex. While the Fecas Snipe seems to be well put together, to me it has all the ergonomics of a stick (a badly shaped one). The Vex is better, but still nothing to brag about. My old Buck Crosslock, Buck Mayo and CRKT M16-13SF all feel much better in my hand. So what is the deal? Did I just select two Benchmades with less than ideal designs or am I just one of the few people who these knives do not suit?

Thanks for the input,
 
I think you picked poorly. These designs do not interest me either, but others do.

I have the 710 wich I like but gets to much hipe I think but is a good knife. I have a Grip which I adore. And I have the Heckler & Koch 14205, now that one is awesome. One of my best allround knives.

Some of their designs I do not care for and I think are more trying to be different and for show rather than be a good knife. But some are pure pleasure. A sound company.
 
Hi, You have bought a couple of their Red Class knives that are made over seas. If you want their very good folders go to the Blue, Black, or Gold class. Here are some to try. The 940 series, 710, Rukus, Rift, Skirmish just to name a few. I really like the 940! Sometimes the fact is you get what you pay for. Benchmade has done a Red class for people who want a Benchmade knife and can not afford a higher class or someone who just wants a cheaper user that does not like to use a more expensive knife do to being afraid of losing it. All of the Major companies are getting a cheaper class of knives made due to those people who need them for the reasons I stated. Benchmade is as good as it gets. Hope this helps! Kevin :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
 
I agree with these guys, you just picked the worst 2 knives they make...Not your falt though, they are good for some just not for everyone, and as mentioned you got a few red classed knives from BM, which is made by them, but do not really represent what they are all about...
 
Please note I am not talking about fit or finish which is very good, but the knives actual designs. They feel awkward in my hand. More so than knives that are significantly older, Buck Crosslock, cheaper, Buck Mayo made in China, or a CRKT M-16 13sf made in Taiwan. Does Benchamde not design their Red Class knives? If they don't design them and don't make the them why would they want their name on an inferior product?
 
Give them another shot. Pick up a 710 or if you can get lucky enough to snag an 806 or even an Morpho. They will showcase true Benchmade fit and finish. I am upset that Benchmade even made red class knives.
 
Everyone has different taste when it comes to the feel of a knife. To someone else the Vex might be the best. They made these knives to keep up with all of the other companies. You will need to go to a knife store and just try out some of the other knives if how it feels in your hand is most important. Some buy for looks, shape, handles ECT. All of the major compaines make knives with different grips, shapes, sizes ECT. All have some that are REAL GOOD and some that are not so good. You just need to go to a knife shop and handle a few different models and see what you like. GOOD LUCK! Kevin :thumbup:
 
I've never really cared for the designs of either the Fecas Snipe or the Vex. But I read a couple of threads in which guys said they liked the Vex.

I think it boils down to individual preference. Not all blades feel really good any one individual.
 
Like KDA said, you bought their Red Class......made in Taiwan (and elsewhere). They are cheaper for a reason. Yes, Benchmade designed them. It would be a good thing if you didn't judge Benchmade's design, quality, or performance on their Red Class line.....
 
I will admit that a lot of what got me to buy the Snipe and the Vex was the Benchmade name. Not because I cared about owning a Benchmade knife, but because I "thought" a Benchmade would be well designed, even a Red Class. I guess I was expecting cheaper materials, maybe even a not so polished product, but not (from my view) poor designs. The Byrd Cara Cara is a good example of what I expected. It may not have quite the feel or the materials of a Spyderco, but it has a good design, good fit and finish and a price less than either the Vex ot the Snipe. I guess I have trouble with the idea that so little thought seemed to have gone into the design of these knives by such a constantly praised company.
 
it's opinion and preference. I think the design of the Vex is excellent and would love a high end version of it. Yet I've never found a Spyderco I liked. They don't feel right and have too much included angle between the handle and blade. And a few other things that don't excite me.

Love the hole though.

Phil
 
Not all knives are made for everybody. You can spend $500 on knives that won't suit you ergonomically. Next time, handle the knives in person before you buy them.
 
Excellent advice about trying before you buy!

Try a BM 941 or 943 (just a difference in color).

BM941


BM943
 
If I were you, I would write exactly what you have said to Benchmade.
Companies take a lot of time and spend a lot of $ to develop a brand image, and then all of the sudden, they decide coming out with knockoffs to make a quick buck won't sully the image. And yet think of all the brands; Pierre Cardin used to be a very exclusive brand. My dad bought a tux from the boutique in Beverly Hills 20 years ago for big money and it feels like Magic Elves made it. Now you find Pierre Cardin at Ross Dress for Less, in the bargain bin.

Many companies also say that offshoring production "to their spec's" will not impact quality. If you have an aunt that collects Swarovski crystals and jewelry (everybody's aunt seems to collect crystal) ask her about her crystals from say 5 years ago that were made in Austria or Rhode Island, and then ask her about the newer products that are made in China.

Before I even got into folding knives, I heard the name Benchmade bandied about and got the feeling it was some holy equiter of quality. Don't get me wrong, I have a Benchmade and plan on getting more. But the red class? Ever heard the expression "I wouldn't bang her with your ****?"
 
Go and have a look at a Grip or mini Grip. Excellent examples of Benchmade quality, feel good in the hand, mine does anyway, and very reasonably priced for top quality knives.
 
You bought the lowest-end knives of a high-end company.

I agree with bobofish in that you should send off a letter to Benchmade detailing what you've told us. Those knives are "introductory," but that doesn't help BM if they turn new customers off as much as they have done you.

I think the Griptilian is one of the lowest-end "quality" Benchmades. Try out the Blue Class if you feel like giving it another chance!
 
indeed the snipe looks like a not very usefull knife except pricking holes in somit.
Vex is handy tho, and very ergonomic, in my small hand anyway. very sturdy knive, lovely crowned spine, nice coating.
sold it tho, wanted something smaller, more sheeple friendly, more fun factor so am now awaiting delivery of a mini Griptilian with yellow handles BM555HGYEL.
 
bobofish said:
...........

Before I even got into folding knives, I heard the name Benchmade bandied about and got the feeling it was some holy equiter of quality. Don't get me wrong, I have a Benchmade and plan on getting more. But the red class? Ever heard the expression "I wouldn't bang her with your ****?"
Click to expand...

Excellent! I've often said in this forum: Why doesn't Benchmade just go whole hog and send their entire line overseas? They keep exclusive "made in USA" rights to their Gold, Blue, and Black Class knives (outstanding knives!), yet they feel, in order to compete with the bargain bins at the swap meet, they have to get some cheapies out there.

I say remain pure or trash the whole line. Get rid of the Red Class label and make them here.... to current BM standards.

Now, if Benchmade's thought process is: "Well, this way guys who can't afford a more expensive knife can pay less and still get a Benchmade", then I would say: They're not getting a Benchmade. They're getting a fake. They're getting a "made in Taiwan" special with a butterfly on it and the word "Benchmade" superimposed over it.
 
Nuke_Spook said:
I will admit that a lot of what got me to buy the Snipe and the Vex was the Benchmade name. Not because I cared about owning a Benchmade knife, but because I "thought" a Benchmade would be well designed, even a Red Class. I guess I was expecting cheaper materials, maybe even a not so polished product, but not (from my view) poor designs. The Byrd Cara Cara is a good example of what I expected. It may not have quite the feel or the materials of a Spyderco, but it has a good design, good fit and finish and a price less than either the Vex ot the Snipe. I guess I have trouble with the idea that so little thought seemed to have gone into the design of these knives by such a constantly praised company.
Click to expand...

Did you buy these sight-unseen?

I'd suggest getting a better handle on your own preferences and honing your ability to visually recognize a design you like, since fit-and-finish apparently isn't an issue.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top