BM 921 Switchback -- comments?

S

storyville

Joined
Aug 11, 1999
Messages
1,111
Hey all,

So my favorite folder for the past six months has been the BM 921 plain edge, S30V. (Thanks G2 for the suggestion!) Great main blade, very ergo and comfy in-hand, and smart overall design that nicely incorporates the Axis lock. I don't like tip-up carry, but that's the trade-off for the Axis. And the traction grooves ground into the liners, just behind the open blade, are pretty ineffective. But those are minor gripes; overall a definite thumbs up.

My Q, for other 921 users, is about that small 440C second blade. Do you use it? What for? It seemed nifty when I first got it and makes for a great selling point; but I've found no use for it that couldn't be done better by the main blade.

My own feeling is that the 921 would be more functional if the small blade were replaced by a marlin spike (its original design inspiration, perhaps?), or a quality awl a little bigger than the ones found on V'nox SAK's. A quality spike or awl could be made with a cheaper steel than 440C (toughness over edge holding), and generally should require lower production demands than a second blade, too. I'm surprised, given all the industry advances over the past 10 years especially, that no one has yet made a better awl than the ones on the V'nox SAK's.

Other 921 users -- what are your thoughts? Just curious.

Glen
 
I would have to agree. The 921 is an awesome knife, but the small blade doesn't serve much use.
 
I have 4 921's and carry one of them regularly. I've found the small blade to be good around sheeple. When you pull the knife out of your pocket and that tiny blade comes out, most don't even notice, as compared to flipping out the main blade. Also, I use the small blade for mundane tasks, like box cutting. You have good control and it's really easy to put the edge back on that straight, tiny blade.

I have to say, that Benchmade has really found a weakness in me with that 921. I've never owned more than one of the same knife until I found the 921.

my .02,
Dan
 
I think BM really got it right on the main blade/handle design here. I don't know if this was a prior Osbourne design adapted by BM, or if it was designed for BM outright; but either way it's come together as a very sturdy, robust, yet surprisingly light folder. Still, I wish the smaller blade were a marlin spike, awl, or maybe even a pair of small scissors (although the last would probably push the price up slightly more). It seems so flimsy that even box-cutting might beat it up in short time...

MXDan -- so do you use all four, or keep one or two in kits, etc.? Great knife definitely, but what led you to pick up four! :cool:

Glen
 
921 is a great gentlemens knife. The handle isn't secure enough for me to trust it for hard use. Smoothest Axis lock I've seen. Never used the secondary blade.
 
storyville, I carry a regular blue one and have a grey, red, and greend one in my diplay case. They're all limited edition models. I'v also heard they are coming out with more colors and have already seen a purple one floating around.

I do like the idea of scissors though. I carry a Leatherman S4 in my non-knife pocket for the scissors mostly. Having it on my EDC knife would be great!
 
Since I've never handled a 921, take the following with a grain of salt. What I normally use small secondary blades on a folder for is cutting thick cardboard. Stiff cardboard really drags on the side of a blade. The thinner and narrower your blade the easier it is to open heavy cartons. This is something that comes up often enough that I like having a little blade for the purpose. It is also nice to have a small blade as a splinter-picker.
 
I have a Green 921 and I do agree it's a very nice knife. I think it is a bit too narrow for my tastes. Narrow and long like a sliver. I like the shape of the 550 more. I like the axis lock better than the 550. I don't get why one opens so much smoother if they are the same system?

I don't like that the smaller blade uses a cheesy locking mechanism. I am unsure of the name (sorry). Does anyone have any suggestions for holsters?
 
Originally posted by Cargun
The handle isn't secure enough for me to trust it for hard use.
Click to expand...

Cargun,

I've stabbed my 921 through sheetmetal repeatedly. Not good for the blade (who thought S30V would chip?), but the handle kept itself in my hand the whole time.

Storyville,

Your idea of scissors would be perfect. They're my most used part of my SAK. I occasionally use the slipjoint blade to open boxes and cut strings, but usually the main blade gets the most use especially because its wider surface area is easier to clean when tape adhesive sticks to it (it's a bear to clean the smaller blade).

Sygyzy,

Gary Graley can make you a good 921 holster/sheath.

MXDan,

If the 921 Fan Club becomes larger than people saying "I'm a member of the 921 Fan Club", you should be its president.
 
MXDan is indeed Prez of the 921 Club :cool: I think your first duty in office is to contact BM about replacing the small blade with scissors... :)

Cargun -- I agree w/ Thombrogan -- the 921 handle is much more secure and ergo than most other folders.

I also second Thombrogan's tip to check with Gary Graley (aka G2) re: a leather holster. In fact, I've been thinking of it myself, since I really dislike tip-up carry. Gary's treated leather is very weather resistant, beautiful, and keeps its shape forever -- sort of like leather kydex. Mike Bartol (MT Mike) also makes very nice fitted leather; I haven't dealt with Lifter4Him but I've read nothing but the highest praise for his work, too. The 921 might pose some challenges with its unusual closed shape, but no doubt it can be done.

Glen
 
I've owned the 921 and sold it too fast, other things came up, but the short while I owned it, it had one of the sharpest blades ever to arrive at my door step! The secondary blade would get a flat spot in the middle if you let it snap shut on it's own, so I always lowered it into the handle, it took a fair edge but nothing like the main blade! wowszer that thing was sharp.

I found the smaller blade very handy for letter opening and muck type chores that the didn't need the reach of the main blade, also would scrape leather to roughen up the surface before applying the glue.

I'm in the market to get one now I think, the more I think of it I think I'll put a wanted to buy in the appropriate section ;)

As to sheaths, should work well, I'd remove the clip but it should retain nicely.

G2
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top