Buying my first Benchmade (maybe)

C

Cold Kill

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I am looking to buy my first Benchmade knife, the HK mini Pika II. I am looking at a low end one because I guage the worth of a company by their low-end knives. The high end knives from basically everybody will be top-notch, it's the low end that really shows their true colors. Does anybody else have this knife? Is it worth about $30?
 
i would look to the low end of their axis lock knives. i am sure the pika is a great knife but i really like the axis lock compared to a lockback. if you get it let us know how the small mammal preforms.
 
Thanks a million for the review. I was on the fence, but I am no longer. I am getting my first Benchmade. The real catch for me was the steel performing slightly better than AUS-8. I think that AUS-8 is a superb steel, and performing better just makes it all the sweeter of a deal.
 
I'm afraid that if I like the Pika, I may start looking at slightly higher end BM's (about $50). And from there it will just grow, like it has with every other thing I have taken up (headphones, electronics).
 
i am sure it will go up. i asked pt92 or a barreta 92? the guy that said i will get both was right.
 
I actually know one line of BM's I won't touch with a 10 foot pole. Any of their knives over $50 with the cheapo plastic handles. For that price, I won't even look at a knife without Kraton or metal handles.
 
I am a huge Benchmade fan...been collecting since '96...but I've noticed a real drop in overall quality assurance in the past 2 years. Mis-aligned blades, pivot screws that back out after 3 or 4 opening, loosening the blade, & other issues. and all of this on the HIGH end $150USD+ models. Maybe they're just too busy expanding with the Lone Wolf acquisition, but I almost feel like writing Mr. DeAsis a personal letter of concern.
 
All I know is that their high end knives need to have something more firm and solid feeling than the thermoplastic that you can find on cheap knives (like my $12 Blackjack folder).
 
I think the cheaper knives and Griptilians are the only ones that use FRN for the handles. However, I have no problem with FRN and would take it over most metals except maybe titanium. I would definitely take it over aluminum and stainless steel. There is nothing more lifeless than a cold hard piece of aluminum in my hand.
 
The Red Box line, like the Pika, were imports - made for BM, while the Blue and Black Box lines are made by BM. They no longer offer the Red Box line, so expect healthy discounts on remaining stock. As to QC, I have found their latest fare to be better than the earliest BM's I bought - they wouldn't cut butter without external heat! Every one since has come sharp and perfect. BM has been great re replacement clip screws, etc - and I have never had to send one back - I finally bought a Spyderco Sharpmaker!

Stainz
 
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