Hello Folks. First post here.
I finally decided that I would like a nice folding pocket knife. I've been using Walmart-cheapo-stuff for a long time but finally decided I'd like to become more discerning in my taste. The older I get, the more that good design and appearance are becoming just as important as functionality. I don't want just a knife, I want the WHOLE EXPERIENCE.
A friend of mine has been a member here for years and all I've heard about is how great this forum is. I took his advise and finally decided to join. After one evening reading Whine & Cheese. I am glad I did.
My friend pointed me toward Benchmade (in fact he said something to the effect that if I buy from anywhere else he is going to kick my ass). I wear suits in an office environment, so I am looking for something "gentleman" size. The knife I have now is about 3.6" long, .6" thick, and that size feels about right in my pocket.
So, while browsing the BM website, I instantly was drawn toward the 690. Here was almost exactly what I am looking for! A little larger than ideal maybe, but the styling had me. I love the wood scales and the shape of the blade. I am not so sure about the carbon fiber bolster and the blue liner. There is one on ebay and the blue liner is not apparent.
Anyway, I am sure you can see where this is going...They've discontinued it! Almost all the websites I've checked are out, and the ones that have them are selling them for almost $200, which is a little much for someone who just wants their first nice knife and doesn't plan to collect them.
So, I look toward your collective wisdom. Does anyone not like the carbon fiber bolster alongside the wood scales? Do all these have blue liners and does that distract from the classic-oaken library-cigar-smoking jacket look? And most importantly, does anyone think I'll be able to find one of these for less than $150?
As a backup I am looking at the BM 440. Its a little smaller and lighter, which would be a bit better. It is also a bit cheaper. The downside is that its more metal than wood. If I could find an all wood scaled handle at a reasonable price, that would be ideal. I am just not into the black handle industrial look. My ideal would be the A.G. Special Edition 690, but there is no way that $250 for a pocket knife is going to happen right now. Finally, I am just not taken with the overall shape of the 440 as I am with the 690.
Thanks for all your thoughts and advice.
I finally decided that I would like a nice folding pocket knife. I've been using Walmart-cheapo-stuff for a long time but finally decided I'd like to become more discerning in my taste. The older I get, the more that good design and appearance are becoming just as important as functionality. I don't want just a knife, I want the WHOLE EXPERIENCE.
A friend of mine has been a member here for years and all I've heard about is how great this forum is. I took his advise and finally decided to join. After one evening reading Whine & Cheese. I am glad I did.
My friend pointed me toward Benchmade (in fact he said something to the effect that if I buy from anywhere else he is going to kick my ass). I wear suits in an office environment, so I am looking for something "gentleman" size. The knife I have now is about 3.6" long, .6" thick, and that size feels about right in my pocket.
So, while browsing the BM website, I instantly was drawn toward the 690. Here was almost exactly what I am looking for! A little larger than ideal maybe, but the styling had me. I love the wood scales and the shape of the blade. I am not so sure about the carbon fiber bolster and the blue liner. There is one on ebay and the blue liner is not apparent.
Anyway, I am sure you can see where this is going...They've discontinued it! Almost all the websites I've checked are out, and the ones that have them are selling them for almost $200, which is a little much for someone who just wants their first nice knife and doesn't plan to collect them.
So, I look toward your collective wisdom. Does anyone not like the carbon fiber bolster alongside the wood scales? Do all these have blue liners and does that distract from the classic-oaken library-cigar-smoking jacket look? And most importantly, does anyone think I'll be able to find one of these for less than $150?
As a backup I am looking at the BM 440. Its a little smaller and lighter, which would be a bit better. It is also a bit cheaper. The downside is that its more metal than wood. If I could find an all wood scaled handle at a reasonable price, that would be ideal. I am just not into the black handle industrial look. My ideal would be the A.G. Special Edition 690, but there is no way that $250 for a pocket knife is going to happen right now. Finally, I am just not taken with the overall shape of the 440 as I am with the 690.
Thanks for all your thoughts and advice.
The anodized liners are pretty low key. I don't think they're going to be obvious or gaudy. Just a nice accent.
