Best Benchmade Utility EDC Folder

M

mdalby

Joined
Jan 4, 2007
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18
I am a rookie that is looking for some advice. I have done some browsing on this site and there are a lot of people that like the Griptilian.

I have been thinking about one of the following Benchmade folders:

1- 520BK Pardue, droppoint axis mechanism.
2- 806BK - AFCK axis
3- 710BK McHenry & Williams

I am not sure if I should go with a combo blade or not. I want to have a knife that will endure a lot and I don't want to have to count on sending back to the manufacturer for a resharpening.

I think I want a drop point blade, axis mechanism.

HELP!

Thanks in advance.
 
Dun have the rest, but the 710 is a big knife... more than enough for your ED chores.. see if you can land one of the rare ones with M2 steel...
 
The gravitator seems like a great choice. Pretty cheap (100 dollars) pretty good steel (154cm) some of the grippiest scales Benchmade makes (which isn't really that impressive when you think about it, but hey, they're pretty) and a much beefier than average titanium liner lock. The wharncliffe blade is really easy to sharpen. Anyway, it's just a good beater all around. Oh, and I consider the ergonomics to be the best in Benchmade's lineup (again, not that impressive really, but the ergonomics of this knife really are pretty nice).

I wrote an overview of the knife which should cover everything you need to know about it, plus a ton of photos, in the reviews section if you want to check it out.
 
There is not much said about the benchmade HK lineup so I will speak up about them. I think the folders are two of the best things going for benchmade.

The 14200 and the smaller 14210. 154CM steel, axis lock and nice blade shape. Check them out.
 
mdalby said:
I have been thinking about one of the following Benchmade folders:

1- 520BK Pardue, droppoint axis mechanism.
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Great choice but a little on the heavy side as some say. I have carried one over two years and it performed everything well. I choosed for a more comfort grip over comfort carry, even though it carried nicely.
2- 806BK - AFCK axis
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Discontinoued :thumbdn:
3- 710BK McHenry & Williams
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Has a great following. Pointier blade than the 520 but lighter and flatter,so more comfort to carry. The G10 will stand up longer without scratches than the aluminium, even though the aluminium scales of the 520 are tough.

I am not sure if I should go with a combo blade or not.
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Plain edge, no doubt!
I want to have a knife that will endure a lot and I don't want to have to count on sending back to the manufacturer for a resharpening.
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The 154CM blades are nice to resharpen. A ceramic rod for usual maintance and a few stones if real work has to be done.

I think I want a drop point blade, axis mechanism.
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At least, every Benchmade is so nice you should take one and never look on others.:D
 
I don't have a 520 but I do have a 525 PE that I'm quite attached to as a weekend (non-warehouse or woods) EDC. It's a great knife. I don't carry it more often because of the aluminium handle (it's tough, but when ya ding it... it's there for life). I've been EDCing a mini-Grip in 154CM steel for the last couple of weeks and I have two S30V Ritter Grips (one mini and one full-sized) that go to the woods with me.

I have absolute confidence in BM's Axis lock and their 154CM steel has been a good performer for me that's easy to touch up.
 
I you can carry it, the 710 would be my choice. I love mine, but around here to carry it would be inviting problems. Steven
 
The 520 is good but, IMHO, a tad heavy for EDC.

The 806 is great but disc'd and pricey (from $150 to $200) to get now.

The 710 is a tank of a knife, useful and comfortable in differing temperatures, easy to care for, and readily available at prices ranging from 100 to 130 (those are new prices, used, you may get one from 85 to 100).
 
Hi,
I agree with a previous poster. The HK series is a remarkable knife. I think my HK 14200SBT is about the best all around EDC I own, whether it's a $50 CRKT or a $1000 Gunhammer.
Just my opinion.
John
 
OK, I am now thinking about the 14200 and the 14210.

Is the 14200 a little too big for a EDC? I am leaning toward the 14200.

Have you guys done any modications to your knives like coatings on the blade etc?
 
rukus or minirukus the mini might be more of whst your looking for I have them both and absolutely love them both
 
My vote: 710BK NO serrations

#2: BM H&KSnody 14200 NO serrations (Check out J.Jacksons's post titled "Surprised" in this forum)

No matter what, you'll have to resharpen it eventually. Whether you do it yourself or send it to Benchmade for their "Lifesharp" service. Remember, they WILL NOT sharpen the serrations if you get them.
 
I'm not smart enough about steels to make a qualified response. That doesn't mean I haven't used them and read about them. Everybody likes that D-2 tool steel. I have a RAT-3 on order and I'll soon get my first "D2" knife.

The 154CM is a well-respected stainless. I have a BM-Emerson 975S with ATS-34 steel which is essentially the same as 154CM, except the ATS-34 is made in Japan. I like it and I would not hesitate to get any knife I liked with 154CM steel.

I would bet that most of the experts in here ( I aint one of them) would say you couldn;t go wrong with either steel... one is about as good as the other.
 
I really have a good time with D2 and am on my fourth D2 folder (all from Benchmade). It holds an edge extremely well, has absolutely no chipping for me so far (my only steel to accomplish this, actually--well, at least used over a long term--although AUS8 seems very *resistant*--tends to roll--and I have to use S30V pretty hard to get it to chip out). I've only had one 154CM knife and only for a few weeks. I've used it pretty extensively, and although it didn't ship sharp, it has resisted chipping--but this is simply too short a time to tell for me.

Of course, if you work in marine conditions often, D2 will probably be an unfavorable choice--or so it seems based on the stats. Weirdly enough, my D2 knives (3 of which are uncoated) resist rust very well--I've never had the slightest spec (and I have had very minor rust on my VG10, S30V and AUS6 and various cheap carbon steels).

That said, the D2 blade on the 710 comes coated (I believe), so cosmetic rust (edge rust will be more common and more harmful, but also be unaffected by the coating unfortunately) won't really be an issue. Of course, I hate Benchmade coatings (I find the scratch off reallllly easily).

So what I'm getting at is they're both good steels. My preference is for D2, but you should be happy with either.
 
I like the 710 as well, but prefer a smaller blade/knife for EDC. Have you looked at any of the Griptilian series? I consider my plain edge large S30V Ritter to be nearly ideal for daily use. Fits in both watch pocket and a large BM sheath.

Joe
 
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