Benchmades to stand in for Spyderco regulars?

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shelbysguns

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Feb 1, 2009
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I am an unabashed fan of Spyderco, and their useful simple designs that just plain work. However, I am interested in branching out to other popular brands, especially Benchmade :thumbup:! I'm looking for Benchmades that serve the same purpose as my trusty Spydies, so I can learn and grow more in knifenutness! In another recent post of mine I got advice on a Benchmade to serve as my EDC, replacing my SE Endura4, I decided on the rift, as soon as I can get it. Now I am humbly asking you knowledgeable persons on this amazing board, to recommend other Benchmades to put on my To-Buy list. I'm looking to fill three other main categories.

"Sheeple-Friendly"- This would replace my trusty SE Cricket. It would have to be in the 1" range, and have a pocket clip. Steel is not too terribly important. Any suggestions? I'm stumped as to this one, since IMHO nobody does little workhorse knives like Spyderco.

Comfort/SD Folder- This would replace my Military. It is the knife I would carry if I was worried about any trouble. It is also the knife I would carry when I am home alone and my paranoia gets to me! :D It should be a "tactical" folder, I know that word is a dirty word around here but it describes my needs almost perfectly. Not a true SD knife like a karambit, or a fighting bowie, but it just exudes confidence that you are prepared for whatever might come. I'm thinking 741 Onslaught? Any other ideas are always welcome!

Saltwater Folder- I'm thinking that Spyderco owns this area, but since you forumites know much more than I do, I thought I'd ask. It should be Endura/Delica Sized, I'm not too picky, the rust-resistance/light weight is the more important factor. It needs to have a real, useful pocket clip, and good jimping/traction. Again, I heartily welcome any suggestions!

I don't want to start a Spyderco/Benchmade War here, I'm simply interested in what I could carry instead of Spydercos. Thanks for all answers ahead of time!!!
 
For #1 check out the 310 Benchmite

#2 the Rukus would be pretty good but it is discontinued. They can still be found on the exchange occasionally. The Rift would probably work pretty good here too.

#3 If you don't like what was already suggested (which is actually the same handle shape of the Rift) there is the 551H20 Griptilian which is made for use around the water.
 
For #1 check out the 310 Benchmite
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Is this only available through the Harley-Davidson line? I thought that they discontinued the benchmite with the Red Line? Either way I can find them. I had already considered them, but do they have a pocket clip? I'll go look!
#2 the Rukus would be pretty good but it is discontinued. They can still be found on the exchange occasionally. The Rift would probably work pretty good here too.
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Funny that you said that I was just at a gun show and a guy was selling an auto-mini Rukus and a Manual Mini-Rukus. Are you referring to the full size Rukus? Aren't they getting hard to find?
#3 If you don't like what was already suggested (which is actually the same handle shape of the Rift) there is the 551H20 Griptilian which is made for use around the water.
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This warrants more research! Thanks again!
 
for #1
BM MINI-Grip
Monochrome--disco'd but still available on the forums and the 'net
Benchmite--disco'd but still available
Mini-Pika II--disco'd but still available

The most or all of the above can found at the site of the owner of these forums (One stop Knife Shop). These are all beyond your one inch rule, but BM doesn't make many smaller knives; unlike Spyderco.

for #2
BM Large Griptilian (I prefer the versions with thumbstuds, PE, black blades)
BM Rift
710 (pretty much ends the search for a 'comforts/SD' folder, IMHO)
Ruckus/ MINI Ruckus (does pop up on the forums periodically)


for #3
BM does make fixed blade knives for saltwater use, but no folders. Someone correct me if I am wrong. Again, Spyderco with their H1 series rules that category.

Hope this helps
 
For the small sheeple friendly blade check out the Aphid. Its got a real 440c blade and feels real good in the hand.
 
For Benchmade my knives are

Tactical - 912 Stryker

Sheeple friend - 615 Mini-rukus

Mix of both - 583 Warren-Benchmade axis assist
 
1. Aphid or Benchmite

2. 710 or Rukus, if you can find the latter. Maybe a BM51 if you're legally able to carry Balis.

3. One of those Grips in that highly rust resistant steel BM offers (although I don't think it's quite as rust proof as H1)
 
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