buck hilo vs. monochrome

S

shooterpunk

Joined
Mar 22, 2005
Messages
521
hey guys, im in the market for a cheaper EDC, but i still want a decent knife. i like both the buck hilo(or cutback) and the benchmade monochrome. could you guys maybe point out the pluses to both or which you believe to of better quality. thanks a lot guys, love this forum!!!
 
I have handled both and it comes down to personal preference. It's like comparing a Tarus and Ruger revolver in .38 special. In my opnion they even feel the same. Either way they are both good low priced users, or save up and buy a Buck Mayo TNT (same grip but much higher quality)
 
Darn near the same knife, buy I will say the Buck HILO has more thickness in the handle to hang on to.
 
The Cutback is on the table in front of me. It is so smooth, opening (once past the detent) and coating texture (dull grey metal finish). It is my go to carry. Small and efficient. I know it won't open in my pocket or close on my hand. The frame lock is elegant. The clip is the same finish as the remainder of the knife, except for the 1/16" razor sharp edge, which gives it a sophisticated appearance. Well worth the WM bargain price. The Chinese 440C edge is holding up well to daily chores of package opening, etc.

I can vouch for it.

Best,

oregon
 
I own a Monochrome and I think it is a great knife for the money. A couple of months ago a friend saw my Monochrome and asked me to get one for him and one for his father. I have handled the Hilo in a local store and I think it's good knife but not as beefy in the lock area as the Monochrome. The part of the frame that locks the blade was a lot thinner then in my Buck/Mayo TNT which has similar dimensions. If I remember correctly, the blade on Hilo is ground thinner then the Monochrome so it may be better at some cutting tasks. The N690 steel in the Monochrome should be comparable to 440c in Hilo. The handle shape on both knives is fairly different so you might wish to handle both in person to see what suits you best.
 
thanks for all the info guys, there isnt anywhere aroun me that has the monochrome, but my walmart has the cutback but are currently out so i havent handled any of them
 
I haven't handled the Buck, but I have used the 10300 Monochrome pretty extensively - light to medium work:

...and I have zero reservations for the Monochrome. I have carried it daily since the day I got it. The finish is unbelieveably good for the price. It's a quality product and great value. Cheap is not the word I would associate with it if I hadn't seen it being sold for the prices it is. Clean design and flat but highly functional handle are personal preferences, and the 10300 really delivers.
 
I bought the Cutback a few weeks ago. It is a fine knife. It takes a razor edge and holds it well. I really like the framelock. If it gets cold and you stick in your waistband you will dance a little till it warms up.:eek: :D
 
I have a couple Monochromes and the Hilo and Cutback. The Benchmade seems to be a little more secure in the lock area, and seems to have better fit/finish. The dull, blasted finish on the Buck is pretty cool though it does scuff fairly quickly. The Buck gives more purchase due to the significantly longer handle.

Personally, I carry the Monochrome more often.
 
I agree with Way-O. I also EDC the Monochrome. Great steel for the buck. Tough lock. Feels good in the hand. Can handle anything you toss at it without a flinch.

Can you order on-line if not available locally? Might consider it ... and you'll probably save a buck too. Another excellent choice is the Spyderco Native from Walmart (yea I know, not one of my favorites either). Worth 3x the price at $40 bucks ... check it out!;)
 
I just bought the Hilo & think it's sweet, light weight,super sharp edge,nice texture to the handle,colour matches my hair,slim..in a word "nice."
 
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