- Joined
- Aug 8, 1999
- Messages
- 5,094
I picked up a BM 530 at a local Gun & Knife Show. I have carried it for a few days and these are my observations. It came out the box very sharp. I have mainly used it to open bags of rock salt for my driveway and it has sliced through them like hot butter. The knife has a dagger grind, but the overall blade and edge is extremely thin so its cutting power is akin to that of a full flat ground knife. I think most people will find that the 530 is a great little slicer with a keen point. Those two characteristics make this a fine utility knife.
The area where I have heard the most concern about the 530 is regarding its very light build. This knife really has to be held to understand just how thin and light it is. Simply saying that it's 1.9oz. does not really convey its slightness. Compared to any other axis locker with the possible exception of the 770 series, this knife feels like a toy. I can very easily see how someone could feel that this knife seems cheap or insubstantial. The reality is that this knife has a zero blade play lockup either vertically or horizontally. The axis lock on the 530 is as smooth and quick as any other I have used.
Finally, this knife carries very well because of its light weight. This thing is as light as a William Henry that is less than half its size! The clip is pretty low profile, allowing about 1/8" of an inch to show. The clip is tip up and reversible. This knife would also fit well at the bottom of the pocket also. As for looks, this knife has some interesting patterns that make it a pretty attractive knife. It could work as a low-end gents knife if a carrier were so inclined.
The only shortcoming I see for the 530 is that it is 3.25" instead of 3" or 2.9" like the old BM 350. This limits the jurisdictions where it can be carried. That said, it is not a bulky or large knife, and if a person is low profile and avoids trouble, the 530 could probably be carried without drawing attention even when it is opened for use. I liken it to the 940 or 921 which are slightly longer but also thinly built and give an impression of being smaller than they really are.
I recommend getting a 530. I have always loved dagger/boot knife style folders, and this one is really functional as a tool. Those who like a heavier knife or who don't like FRN, should definitely handle one before purchasing.
The area where I have heard the most concern about the 530 is regarding its very light build. This knife really has to be held to understand just how thin and light it is. Simply saying that it's 1.9oz. does not really convey its slightness. Compared to any other axis locker with the possible exception of the 770 series, this knife feels like a toy. I can very easily see how someone could feel that this knife seems cheap or insubstantial. The reality is that this knife has a zero blade play lockup either vertically or horizontally. The axis lock on the 530 is as smooth and quick as any other I have used.
Finally, this knife carries very well because of its light weight. This thing is as light as a William Henry that is less than half its size! The clip is pretty low profile, allowing about 1/8" of an inch to show. The clip is tip up and reversible. This knife would also fit well at the bottom of the pocket also. As for looks, this knife has some interesting patterns that make it a pretty attractive knife. It could work as a low-end gents knife if a carrier were so inclined.
The only shortcoming I see for the 530 is that it is 3.25" instead of 3" or 2.9" like the old BM 350. This limits the jurisdictions where it can be carried. That said, it is not a bulky or large knife, and if a person is low profile and avoids trouble, the 530 could probably be carried without drawing attention even when it is opened for use. I liken it to the 940 or 921 which are slightly longer but also thinly built and give an impression of being smaller than they really are.
I recommend getting a 530. I have always loved dagger/boot knife style folders, and this one is really functional as a tool. Those who like a heavier knife or who don't like FRN, should definitely handle one before purchasing.
