Can somebody ID this Benchmade?

[pistonhonda]

I purchased this knife back around 1999. I carried it for a few months until I got a job that did not allow knives. I threw away the box during one of my many moves and I can't seem to find any info on this knife. I checked the discontinued knives on Benchmade's website and it looks like a Pika but there are some differences. Any info would be appreciated.

 

[jkarp_53]

That's an older circa '98 820 Ascent. Nice knife!

 

[pistonhonda]

Thanks! I didn't think somebody would answer that fast! :thumbup:

 

[Rhyno37]

I'd have to disagree. Looks like a Benchmade Pika. Here is a picture for reference, only difference is the black blade:

 

[d_clark]

I'd have to disagree. Looks like a Benchmade Pika. Here is a picture for reference, only difference is the black blade:

View attachment 352294

I would have to say it is an older Ascent. Here is why

ATS-34 blade. plus the older Bali-Song Butterfly logo.

The Pika, was the Red class version of the Ascent. When the Red class was introduced, the line was made in China, with a lower grade steel.

The 2002,2003 Catalogs lists the Ascent-II series, with 154CM steel. The thumb-stud versions, the 821/831, had 440C blades.
The 2002,2003 catalogs do not list the Pika at all.

The 2005 catalog, is missing the Ascent, and now has the Pika as a Red class knife with a 440c blade.

 

[jkarp_53]

It's absolutely not a Pika. The Ascents like the one in the photo had superior ATS-34 steel and the overall fit and finish was top notch. Also, to point out a couple of tell-tales, look for the old school clip and then for the 'Bali-Song' script inside the butterfly. The old steel blades had/have a special patina that was not duplicated on anything made in China.

 

[Rhyno37]

The picture I found must have been mislabeled as a pika then.

 

[The Mastiff]

It was an Ascent. A great knife that was not very expensive, and definitely pre dated the Pika. Those were very nice performers with the ATS 34. They came pretty sharp too. I used to sell them at gunshows and they were some of the best sellers at that price point which was, IIRC, about equal to the Endura/Delica line. Somewhere near there. I believe the Grips hold around the same slot now.

Joe