BM Vex, one of the most underrated?

S

Slowstarter

Joined
Mar 21, 2006
Messages
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I own several Bencmades, 710, 707, Nitrous Strykers, Griptilians etc... but one of my favourites is the old (made in China) Vex. They say it got crap steel, they say it´s ugly and because it´s made in China it´s just a piece of Red Box-junk. But after 6 years of use this one turned up to be one of my most used Benchmades. It´s perfect size, overbuilt in any way and the blade takes some scary sharp edge. I just love the thick liners, the absolutely no play in any direction and the solid handle grip. It just screams workhorse! If it was made in the USA it would be a classic up with the 710, afck and Rukus. Would love to see a new verison with titanium liners and S30V steel, what a hit!

Vex.jpg


BM+VEX.jpg
 
I'm with you on the Vex. It's a great knife and very underrated. It's a tough, well made all around good knife. I agree it would be nice if they would bring it back except this time in D2 or 154CM or even S30v like you said...Still a great knife though.

I have the Tanto version with the thumb stud. Great little knife, I have big hands and it fits nicely like a much larger knife would.
 
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The Vex was a surprise from the start; rounded spine, decent recurve, thick liners and G-10 scales and an edge easy to touchup...with a coating that didn't show signs of wear easily unlike more costly knives?? Never mind the China marking, this was and is equal to many knives if not better by price alone.
 
jkarp_53 said:
The Vex was a surprise from the start; rounded spine, decent recurve, thick liners and G-10 scales and an edge easy to touchup...with a coating that didn't show signs of wear easily unlike more costly knives?? Never mind the China marking, this was and is equal to many knives if not better by price alone.
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:thumbup:

The bp titanium coating on the blade, clip and liners takes it to another level as far as quality. And as mentioned the thick liners & solid construction too. For a "Budget" or Red Class knife they really did go all out. Minus the steel as stated, but to tell you the truth these "lessor" steels when properly heat treated hold their own. No, not quite up there with 440C but not that far away either.
 
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The vex makes for a good lookin' tanto :cool::thumbup:

I never got any of the red class knives, they were phasing them out right about the time I was really getting into knives and I was pretty infatuated with the black class knives. Too bad; it looks like I missed out on some good ones :)
 
jbob24 said:
The vex makes for a good lookin' tanto :cool::thumbup:

I never got any of the red class knives, they were phasing them out right about the time I was really getting into knives and I was pretty infatuated with the black class knives. Too bad; it looks like I missed out on some good ones :)
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Sent you an e-mail. Hope it's useful.
 
Well, this thread made me go and order one off the 'bay! I had thought about it a few times and always liked the lines of this knife. Should be here Saturday!
 
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Ordered one, I normally don't care much for the tanto types, especially seeing how gorgeous that recurved drop point with the hole up there looks!

Quick question, I have been infatuated with the Nagara I ordered a while back, it's just exactly what I want in one specific, very heavily carried knife. I especially love the functionality of the detent, it allows me to open the knife very quickly, solidly, and without moving my wrist at all. My thumb basically shoots the blade out, are other Benchmade liner locks like this? I know the Axis works as a detent on those knives, but it isn't nearly as positive as the one on that Nagara.

So what do I have to look forward to guys? I'm excited to get something in G10 that's in the same size range as that other knife, and the price is easy to work with too!
 
I had one but I did not like it. The only thing that was against it for me was that the liners looked like they were made from the same stock. I know, it is really nothing, but it did spoil it. Sort of the size of the handle looked wrong.... If the blade were thicker or the liners thinner, either way - and the knife would be still with me!
 
Got it today and it's leaving a positive 1st impression. Like the feel of the scales, rounded spine is a nice touch, good size for me and I like the shape of handle, like the jimping on the liner lock and the overall feel is pretty rugged. I think it's a good looking knife! :thumbup: Mine says Taiwan, not China....:confused:

Here it is with my Ritter Grip and Para 2. I'm going to carry it for a week or two and see what I think.

IMG_3655-1_zpsca30107a.jpg
 
Oh dang...burned on the 'bay? How could that be? :eek:;)

That ain't right...off to leave feedback!

Add: Forgot to say thanks for the heads up Ampitbull! :thumbup:
 
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AmPitBull said:
rpn, I'm sorry to say you have a fake. The blade grinds are a dead give away.
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Most of the ones that I've seen on the "bay" lately have been fake. I have to admit though, I kind of like the tanto model with the opening hole instead of the stud. :D

Tom
 
It looks like a fake from the picture. We discontinued that model with the red class but as with doing business overseas the product can magically appear again. I have included a internal photo that we have on file for archive. Note the much higher grind lines that continue into the thumb hole.
10750BP.jpg
 
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