Buck Mayo 172 TNT -OR- Benchmade 635 Mini-Skirmish

Lev

Lev

Joined
Nov 6, 2008
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I'm looking to use just for general EDC - nothing serious. I've held the 635 and love the feel. Though, not so easy to open one-handed. I like the design a little better than the TNT. But the TNT appears thinner and lighter, which make for a better EDC. I believe the materials and quality are quite similar (I believe, correct me if I'm wrong). And I have the chance to get either for about the same price (but I can't have them both)

It's really just about preference, but curious to see which you would choose and why. Thanks.

Lev
 
I have both the TNT and Mini Skirmish. As you said the TNT is much thinner and lighter. I myself carry and use the TNT more than the Skirmish. I do need to send the TNT back to Buck to see if they can fix the lockup. It seems that the lock bar needs bent in more, so that it applies more force to the lock surface on the blade. The knife has been well used and was used when I got it. $78 on ebay.:D After the holidays I will send it in and I am sure Buck will fix for free. Great customer service!

They are both great knives, get which ever one can find at the right price.
 
I would go for both, they are both great knives. I got rid of my second TNT, and sold my mini Skirmish to a buddy, he wanted it for his wife. I wish I had both, but I would have to go for the TNT. I have big paws, and the TNT, while smaller, was more easily manipulated by my bear paws. I really wish I would have kept my full size Skirmish, I think I've had a couple of those.
 
Had both, and if you want a knife that can do heavy chores get the BM. However if you want a super slicer get the Buck. The buck has a very thin grind so it cuts great but can't take as much abuse. Both are great knives, and would be a good choice.
 
As the Buck 172 and Benchmade 635 have both been discontinued for a year or more, perhaps curtain #3 has the answer:

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The Buck #347 Vantage Pro has a blade essentially the same size - and in S30V, too. It is currently available new - for a fraction of what folks get for either a TNT or mini-Skirmish. It can be flipper deployed - a definite one-hander. I have two regular BM 630 Skirmish's and a 635BK mini-Skirmish - super knives. The 172 TNT makes a great pocket knife for 'social' endeavors - a true 'Gent's knife'. For a great 'everyday' knife, the Vantage Pro is a keeper - and reasonably priced, too. Just a suggestion!

Merry Christmas!

Stainz
 
I have both the Skirmish and the TNT and I would have to agree with most that I like the TNT better. It seems to fit my hand more approprietely more so that the handle on the mini Skirmish.
 
I used to have a TNT, but unfortunately traded it for a mini-Skirmish. Not that the 635 was a bad knife, it just didn't fit my hands as well. The fit and finish on the TNT was a step higher, as well. Get the TNT, if you have one available to you.

I do like the idea of the new Buck Vantage w/ S30V. I may have to look into one as a repacement for my missed TNT.
 
TNT is on my short list ,I have a mini skirmish on the way

But I would also consider a Bradley Alias II . great edc size -easy to open with one hand ...I mean real easy -super fast .
 
I have both the TNT and the mini-Skirmish, I also have the large Skirmishes.
I like the Skirmish better then the TNT though, the TNT is relatively flat which makes unlocking a little difficult for my big hands.
I'm currently trying to sell/trade my TNT, the Skirmishes aren't going anywhere though.
 
Stainz said:
As the Buck 172 and Benchmade 635 have both been discontinued for a year or more, perhaps curtain #3 has the answer:

IMG_4128.jpg


The Buck #347 Vantage Pro has a blade essentially the same size - and in S30V, too. It is currently available new - for a fraction of what folks get for either a TNT or mini-Skirmish. It can be flipper deployed - a definite one-hander. I have two regular BM 630 Skirmish's and a 635BK mini-Skirmish - super knives. The 172 TNT makes a great pocket knife for 'social' endeavors - a true 'Gent's knife'. For a great 'everyday' knife, the Vantage Pro is a keeper - and reasonably priced, too. Just a suggestion!

Merry Christmas!

Stainz
Click to expand...

The Vantage is indeed a great choice, but don't forget the smaller model -- the 342 small Pro Vantage with S30V steel and G10 handle.

One caveat: I have medium sized hands and the hole opener works fine for me; for large hands, maybe not so well. Go with the larger model.

As for the blade, it's sharp!

The clip is deep pocket and is as good as you will find.

The numbers tell the story: 2 5/8 inch blade, weight 2.3 oz.

It's a little jewel of an EDC pocket knife.

Buck says it has worked hard to fix the earlier QC issues. Consider the entire Vantage line as affordable descendants of Buck's highly regarded and sadly discontinued Mayo line. At the price, these knives are not likely to disappoint.
 
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I have a TNT and my son has a 635. The TNT is much easier to carry daily - lighter and thinner. The TNT has a Bos heat treat. The TNT is easier to open (I just can't get used to the chamfered opening hole on the 635). And my son's 635 has a small chip in the blade where it hits one of the backspacers. I prefer the TNT. My son has a TNT, too, and it seems that he carries the 635 when camping and the TNT in town. The 635 is a more robust design, and packs a lot of blade for the handle size. The 635 will be more comfortable in the hand for extended cutting sessions.
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Thanks for all of the thoughts and suggestions. Personally, the 635, save for the chamfered hole, is one of the best designs I've come across. But for EDC, I think the TNT would be smoother and less daunting for the sheeple. Going to have to let my wife decide I think.

The Alias II was also being considered, but in most of threads favor was given to the TNT. But I haven't completely dismissed it. I can actually get it cheaper. Though I know that I will still want a TNT or 635 anyway. Oh well.

Still thinking...

Lev
 
And thanks for heads up on the Vantage Pro. Definitely something to consider:D
 
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