You will see a lot of difference between the 2 knives. Benchmades typically in my opinion are made to provide a style and to have the looks to match that style. The handles are typically of a certain style, often sculpted in some way or another, rounded edges, etc.. The blades have a lot of different lines, curves and swedges. Some blades are spear point, some are modified tanto, real tanto, etc.
Spydercos, and I'm talking about the popular ones that are discussed a lot here like the Sage, PM2 and Mil, seem to me to be designed to the same overall style and mostly are designed for functionality more than visual style. My PM2 at first seems big- between the length of the handle, the width of the handle, and the width of the blade to incorporate the hole it is a larger knife overall than my Benchmades with similar blade length. But the PM2 feels good in your hand, there are different hand placement options depending on the type of cutting you are doing. The blade has the point that I like, the action is smooth, it is easy to open. The lock takes a bit of getting used to but my lock works smoothly and easily. The blade has a thinness and taper that are supposed to make it good for slicing but overall it is thick enough that it doesn't seem to be fragile. I cannot detect any problems or flaws with the construction of my PM2. I have bought quite a few Benchmades and I have never had a problem with them but I have read complaints from other buyers. I don't recall reading many complaints by Spyderco buyers.
