best Benchmade blue or black class (or HK) large folder under $150?

scotchleaf

scotchleaf

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Hi: In your opinion, what is the best Benchmade blue or black class or HK large folder under $150?

For comparison, some of the knives I like are my Military and Kershaw tyrade g10.

Why?

Thanks!
 
If you're into big knives, the 710 is probably the best for you.

Maybe 740 for a more gentlemanly look, although that's not a axis lock.
 
First, I would handle, examine, and operate the knife to see how it feels and fits in your hand. Then consider the purposes or plans you have to use it. That should help to narrow your choices.

For my purposes, I like assisted opening knives and the two that fit my needs and hand are the BM Stryker 913 and Barrage 580. The Stryker offers a choice of blade type, (Tanto or Spearpoint), size of blade, and choice of edge and blade coating, G10 scales handle material and liner lock. The Barrage offers similar choices, Axis lock, faster assisted opening, a molded handle but a drop point blade. I ended up buying both.

Others I considered but rejected were the Presidio 522, Kulgera 930, Ares 732, Axis 805, and McHenry-Williams 710, either because of blade type, handle material, fit and feel, or were not assisted opening.

Hope that helps.
 
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strider41 said:
First, I would handle, examine, and operate the knife to see how it feels and fits in your hand. Then consider the purposes or plans you have to use it. That should help to narrow your choices.

For my purposes, I like assisted opening knives and the two that fit my needs and hand are the BM Stryker 913 and Barrage 580. The Stryker offers a choice of blade type, (Tanto or Spearpoint), size of blade, and choice of edge and blade coating, G10 scales handle material and Axis lock. The Barrage offers similar choices, liner lock, faster assisted opening, a molded handle but a drop point blade. I ended up buying both.

Others I considered but rejected were the Presidio 522, Kulgera 930, Ares 732, Axis 805, and McHenry-Williams 710, either because of blade type, handle material, fit and feel, or were not assisted opening.

Hope that helps.
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Just to make it clear for the OP the Barrage is an AXIS lock not a liner lock and is a very nice knife if you like assisted openers. I have the mini barrage and I like it. However with a price point of $150 I would consider something else myself. From the other knives you mentioned it sounds like you like more heavy duty folders. For a few more bucks you could pick yourself up the recently discontinued Rukus which is a very strong knife infact it is one of the few knives that I MIGHT even consider batoning with if I had the need to. Another is the Rift, its an excellent heavy duty folder but it feels very light in the hand and pretty slim with its machined g10 scales. The Presidio is another classic, machined aluminum scales and a nice drop point blade shape. If you dont find yourself needing such heavy duty knives I would go with what was mentioned: The 940, kulgera or dejavoo. If you have not tried an axis lock though make sure you get one with it. I agree with all the hype that it has aroused. All the small things add up and equal out to (so far) the best folding knife lock I have come across. Good luck in your search and let us know what you get. Ohhh I almost forgot... The Ritter griptilian is my favorite knife ever! (atleast this week :D)
 
hollow ground sheepsfoot griptilian. full size for 90 or so bucks on ebay is unbeatable IMO.
 
950 Rift followed by the 14205.

I might as well put that it my signature because I say it so much.
 
The best knife to come out of Benchmade in a long while would be the 14205, but it's a little on the small side compared to the Military (not quite 3.5").

I would have to say your best bet is to pony up for the 760 or 610. I guess the 710 technically fits in that category of knives but I don't personally like the handle or blade shape.
 
nevermind35 said:
Just to make it clear for the OP the Barrage is an AXIS lock not a liner lock and is a very nice knife if you like assisted openers. I have the mini barrage and I like it.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the catch. Must be dyslexic or I posted too late at night. I reversed the locking mechanisms on the Stryker and Barrage. Corrected my post.
 
Difficult question... I would narrow my choice to the 520, 710 and 950 Rift but since Benchmade has so many great knives under under $150, it's not easy to decide. I guess you should go to a shop and try by yourself. Anyway, you just can't go wrong with a Benchmade, just pick the one which suits you most.
 
I really like the 940 series. But since you're comparing with the Millie and Tyrade, I would say 710. The 940 is not small, but more of an EDC utility knife. 950 also may fit your need but I've not handled one and can't speak from personal experience.
 
scotchleaf said:
Hi: In your opinion, what is the best Benchmade blue or black class or HK large folder under $150?
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What makes a knife "best" is not the knife, or its features, or whether it is blue class, diamond class, plutonium class, or whatever, but how well designed it is for what the user intends to do with it, and when, where, and how he or she wants to use it. Always begin your search by analyzing how you will use the knife, then look for the one best suited to you. The user, not the tool, is the first consideration.

So, tell us how you plan to use this knife, and maybe we can give you a hand finding the one that is best for you.
 
Black Class 950 Rift. Sort of a Griptilian on steriods. Very secure G-10 grip, Axis lock, and a good thin edge for excellent cutting ability. it all adds up. I'm very happy with mine.
 
If I was gonna buy a new BM it would have to be a 940... It'd be super neato if they made a run w/ G10.
 
The DC'd 420 Snody Resistor. They are $99 closeout at Sparks. I don't know if there are any in stock now but it is in my opinion a good possibility.
 
The 950 Rift's a nice knife, however, my favorite BM is their 760 LFTi with M4 steel. If you look, you should be able to find one for around your price point. It's not an axis-lock, but I like a good solid frame-lock.

I forget their exact model #s, but the BM/HK 14200 series (14200, 14205, 14210, & even the 14250) are good solid knives, too, although I believe their blades (The larger ones) are around 3.5".
 
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