Best Benchmade Utility EDC Folder

OK, I have made my FINAL decision and I am going with the HK 14200.

One Last Question:
Is there any down side to going with the BK versus the stainless finish or is it just looks preference?

Thank you all for your input. It has been a great help.

MD
 
I would go with the stainless finish.

The black is just a coating and WILL eventually get scratched / wear off. On a stainless blade the black is only for looks and while it might look good while new, it will eventually look bad if you use your knife.

I say go with the plain blade. It is not a real polished blade and not shiny but more a satin / dull finish.

Just my $0.02

Ryan
 
I have a 14200 and it is simple a fantasticl knife. If you want the plain edge blade, I think it is only offered in the satin type of finish...
 
Benchmade's coatings scratch off extremely easily--simply cutting through a few boxes will leave noticeable streaks. In a couple months, your blade will look like it's been through a war. Definitely uncoated.
 
All of you guys ROCK! I am not in a place that I can not actually see these knives in peron before I purchase so your advice has been invaluable.

Thanks for the help.
 
I have a friend that will sell me a 710 M2 that is in pretty much mint condition for $200. this is a little steap but I kinda want one... :)

or I can get the 14200 for $109 plus shipping?

Thoughts?
 
I'd go with the 710 (D2) or the 14200. Honestly if I had to pick right now, I wouldn't know which one I'd get. Asfar as the M2 version of the 710, if it were my 1st serious blade, I'd tell me not to get it. I wouldn't appreciate the difference between the 2 steels when using them. I'd get it if I were to hold it for collection purposes, but I don't do that anyway. With the $200 you'd spend on the M2 710, you could probably get both the D2 710 & the 14200.
 
Another newbie here.

I've gotten a real bug for the AXIS lock lately, think I've gotten 4 in the last 4 months. That said, the 710 looks nice (haven't got one of THOSE yet ;)), but it will be good sized- great if that's what you want.

And a note on the HK's: I checked them out, and they did not seem to have the same fit/finish of the BM's made in Oregon City. From the BM site: "Some product offerings in the HK-Knives line are produced in our off-shores facility and our Oregon City facilty."

Whatever you get, it's likely you'll find that there will be another one (or six) that you think you will need, so don't sweat it too much. And as far as price, you shouldn't have to pay more than 70% of list if you look around.

Enjoy!
 
2hawk said:
Another newbie here.

.......
And a note on the HK's: I checked them out, and they did not seem to have the same fit/finish of the BM's made in Oregon City. From the BM site: "Some product offerings in the HK-Knives line are produced in our off-shores facility and our Oregon City facilty."

......Enjoy!
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THat's contrary to what I've (fondled - but not owned) and heard. In fact, that's the first negative review I've heard of BM's H&K line..... all other reviews laud them for quality of workmanship.

NOW, that's not to say you're not right. You could very easily have handled a dull star or three.... it's also not to say there aren;t a few others out there who might criticize the H&K line a little.... it's just that yours is the first I've heard.
 
Stretch, wouldn't surprise me if the ones I saw just were suffering from excessive use at the shop. I noticed blade play (side to side) that probably could've been easily rectified, but my suspicion was the help whiled away the slow periods playing with the display models. But, I admit to some bias when it comes to BM's made a few miles from me compared to the offshore mfr. YMMV ;)

And back on topic: I like the CM154, haven't used the S30V or the D2 enough to get a feel for it. No experience with M2. But all my BM knives take a great edge.
 
Another thing is I heard that all the H&K line were made in the U.S. I know the Red DNA can be made foreign, and the H&K line in the catalogue is all red lettering. I sent an email to Benchmade several months ago asking them but they never replied. Then I heard elsewhere that H&K were U.S. made. Either way, I'm very picky that way too.
 
StretchNM said:
Another thing is I heard that all the H&K line were made in the U.S. I know the Red DNA can be made foreign, and the H&K line in the catalogue is all red lettering. I sent an email to Benchmade several months ago asking them but they never replied. Then I heard elsewhere that H&K were U.S. made. Either way, I'm very picky that way too.
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I imagine that any of the HK models with the axis locks are made in the US, especially with that quality. Possibly the liner lock HK knives and a new one with an opening hole(HK Ally) are the ones made offshore.
 
I,v just bought the 14200 for an everyday EDC. Its not a small knife but it,s just the right size to deal with most jobs. The axis mechanism is smooth as silk and the overall "feel " is very good.
 
YOur all crazy, ive got tons of benchmade knives, And the best utility EDC folder is definatly the large griptillian. Ive got a 551 grip with 154cm steel. I prefer it over my 710,705 and mini ruckus. It is one of the cheaper axis locks but definatly the best bang for the buck. The others are more expensive . And only for the materials.
 
Sound like u are on the right track , The HK line is nice , the 710 , and 520 are good carries . The 806 is harder to find . The M2 710 is a bit higher maintanance , all the other ones are great cutters - M2 aint really nescessary .

Chris
 
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