Blade to handle ratios

Random Dan

Random Dan

Joined
Jan 21, 2012
Messages
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I've heard a lot of complaints about the blade to handle ratios on some of BM's newer offerings (specifically the Volli and 300SN), so I thought I'd compile a list of the blade/handle ratios of some models to compare. They are ranked best blade/handle ratio to worst.

950 - 1:1.25
635 - 1:1.25
710 - 1:1.26
630 - 1:1.28
275 - 1:1.28
530 - 1:1.28
890 - 1:1.28
746 - 1:1.28
707 - 1:1.29
470 - 1:1.30
940 - 1:1.31
580 - 1:1.32
556 - 1:1.33
810 - 1:1.33
300SN- 1:1.34
551 - 1:1.34
915 - 1:1.34
Volli - 1:1.36
585 - 1:1.37
806 - 1:1.37
525 - 1:1.40
520 - 1:1.40
610 - 1:1.40
615 - 1:1.50

All specs are straight from Benchmade.com


What I glean from this is that when compared to the 585 Mini-Barrage, the Volli is slighlty longer, thinner, has a better blade/handle ratio, and has better materials :thumbup:
 
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I think the thickness of the handles makes the images deceiving. The real issue is the crazy thickness and width they went with on the voli and the 300 handles. In my opinion, the short knives should come with thinner handles. They look better, more proportionate and carry better. I don't understand all the bulk of the voli and the 300. That's not true, I undertand why the barrage and voli are thick, because of the assist mechanism, it has to be thicker. The 300 is just overly bulky for no reason though. It used to be a knife with a blade length like that meant a thin sleek knife like the 940, 960, 556, even the 950 with it's beefy look is surprisingly thin. Then there's the bigger knives, 710, 805, 806, still remarkably thin. All of which among the favorites of most benchmade fans.
 
Thanks for the chart, very interesting read. The 940, 950, 710 and 805/806 are must haves in anyone's BKC collection IMO. Of the new 2013 offerings, the one that holds the most interest (So far...) Is the Volli. I've seen the stock photos, and last night the YouTube review; so far the blade and handle shape have me wanting to read some honest reviews once they hit the marketplace...and as practice will wait until the First Production numbered versions fade into the unmarked blades.
 
Ok - somebody line them up and post a pic in the list order. :)

It does numerically express one dimension I look for. Since SHOT a few weeks ago, I've been doing a personal 950 vs Kershaw Thermite evaluation on strictly visual proportions, and the 950 is the winner for me. Short blades/long handles don't last long in my interest. I know handles have to be longer, but the ones that take advantage of styling and lines to minimize it stay in use. The awkward ones wind up in the bottom of the box - easiest way to see they need to be sold off.
 
tirod3 said:
Ok - somebody line them up and post a pic in the list order. :)

It does numerically express one dimension I look for. Since SHOT a few weeks ago, I've been doing a personal 950 vs Kershaw Thermite evaluation on strictly visual proportions, and the 950 is the winner for me. Short blades/long handles don't last long in my interest. I know handles have to be longer, but the ones that take advantage of styling and lines to minimize it stay in use. The awkward ones wind up in the bottom of the box - easiest way to see they need to be sold off.
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If I actually owned all of those, I'd be way to busy playing with them to take any pictures.
 
The only ones that I have from that list are the 890 - 1:1.28 and 581(580) - 1:1.32

I think the ratio is interesting but doesn't tell the whole story. There are frequent discussions about size and what size people like to carry. I can generally get by with a relatively small blade, but I want a larger handle than the small blade comes with. For carry, a small blade/small handle might be good. For actual use a small blade/big handle is probably better. If a person wants or needs a large blade then they might not want an even larger handle depending on their carry methods, but a larger handle might add to the function of the blade. I don't think I've seen any Benchmade that I thought had too much handle for the blade, not like the complaints I've seen for some other brands.
 
You left out the LFK, the only folder Benchmade produced that has a longer blade than handle. ;)
 
First off just wanna say great list I've bookmarked this for reference.

Not suprised to see the 950 at the top, first thing I noticed looking at this knife was the large blade considering its size when closed. It really seems like a great knife will be ordering one soon.

I also like the 525, even though it could use a 1/10" shaved off the handle length which would also help the ratio. Wanting to get this to replace my mini grip as my main edc knife.

The Volli handle is too chunky, and the blade too thin, I think it's what throws off the overall balance. Benchmade doesn't seem to be good at improving or making revisions to current models based on feedback, so I doubt it will ever be changed...they seem to randomly discontinue a product instead and come out with something different and the hit or miss cycle continues.

Edit: Not to go off on a rant but one example of Benchmade not being good about improving current designs is the 950 I mentioned. Its been out for some time, and the common feedback I hear on this knife (and I agree with) is that they should mill out the liners to cut some weight, and the sharp outside edges on the g10 handles could be taken back a hair to make it more comfortable in hand. It is a great knife that could be made even better, yet it remains unchanged.
 
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The Rift is pretty refreshing with its lack of jimping, the handle slabs could use a little work. One of my favorite designs.
 
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