Benchmite vs Chive

KFLEISIG

KFLEISIG

Joined
Dec 27, 2004
Messages
233
I'm looking for an office friendly knife and the Benchmite and the Chive seem to be the finalists. Which would you chose? Any better suggestions in the same size and price range (~$30)?
 
I've had a Chive for years, EDC's it a couple of them. The only problem was the assisted opening, if I didn't do that discreetly it startled the sheeple. It's a good knife, just keep up with the sharpening as it isn't the toughest steel.
 
the boker subcoms is in that price range, though not as 'elegant' looking as the two you mentioned. between the two you mentioned, it really is a hard call. they're so cheap, you know you're going to end up getting both. but i give a slight nod to the chive, as it has a cool gadget factor and a great design, despite being inferior steel.
 
the two hand opening on the benchmite is more sheeple friendly, and I like its blade steel better(aus8 vs. 440A?)
 
s.c. has the right idea. Just get both.

You know you're going to end up getting both anyway :D
 
Get the Lava instead, it has better steel VG-10 and is small like the other two. It has no AO, but is smooth and has a great feel in the hand.
 
The new etched VG-10 Dragonfly from Spyderco could be a contender as well. I love mine :D
 
I like the Chive's pointier blade profile. It's a frame lock. It has cool gadget factor. It CAN be opened discreetly.

The Benchmite has better steel, can be opened with one hand (with practice) and has a cool lock.

Okay, this looks pretty even. I still choose the Benchmite. I've owned 2 Chives, but gave them both up. The Benchmite is here to stay. Personal preference...

Daniel
 
I have both.
Stopped carrying the chive, even if the AO is fun to play with on such small blade!

The benchmite has a lot of blade for its size.
It had a better steel, and better profile; so it holds its sharpness longer.
The blade curve is not so pointy.
But no clip.
I have a small lanyard clipped to my belt.
Open one handed? Teach me how!
 
Thanks for the input guys. I like the lava alot, but it costs about three times as much. I'm going with the black Benchmite BM10610BP, $26.95 + S&H at New Graham. Why is it so hard to find a small knife with a good blade steel?
 
A. G. Russell sells 2 small blades for right around $20-25: the Ultimate Pen Knife (2" closed), and the 2.5"-closed bigger brother. Both have VG-10 steel, and Titanium handles. The smaller is a slipjoint, while the larger has a back lock. Excellent quality, in materials and workmanship, with all the work being done in Japan.

As for how to open the Benchmite II with one hand, it takes some force with a quick wrist flick. Hold the lock down with your thumb, with your index finger on the back side. Flip the blade down and up in a very quick movement. It takes a bit of practice, but I figured it out the first day. Timing is everything, to achieve lock-up. I can even close it this way, as well.

Daniel
 
The automatic benchmite opens with one finger and has a pointy 154CM blade ;) It's outside the $30 though, just saw you put that limit.
The regular one isn't bad either, but it's a pain to open one handed, especially if you got big hands.
 
flava said:
The automatic benchmite opens with one finger and has a pointy 154CM blade ;) It's outside the $30 though, just saw you put that limit.
The regular one isn't bad either, but it's a pain to open one handed, especially if you got big hands.
Click to expand...

The auto would be fun, but not exactly legal, and definitely not sheeple friendly. What I would like is the blue class Benchmite, but I think it is discontinued.
 
Seen the Blade Tech mouse ?? The Mouse 2 in 440C should be in your range or for $62.00 G10 in S30V blade is a great buy !!I own both !
 
Well, the Benchmite came today, and I can't say that I am all that impressed with it. I was expecting it to be bigger based on the impression I got from the pictures, and it just doesn't have a very quality feel to it. For what I paid I can't complain too much though. There is nothing wrong with it really, it just doesn't feel good. I will consider this a lesson learned, and only buy Black or Blue class Benchmades in the future. If I had it to do over again, I would get the Chive.
 
I would have gone with the Chive but you do have to worry about the AO. Benchmade does make good knives, but they are in the upper classes in the US made knives. You might be able to return the Benchmite through BM or the retailer, and buy a Chive, but you might end up liking the benchmite,
 
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