Can you all help me out with a sensitive question?

The Mastiff · Jan 12, 2011

I also think if Spyderco would contour their flat slab of g10 handles they would be much more comfortable.

They do. You just haven't held one. Pick up a G10 bushcrafter and try saying that again.

I'm not sure where people get the perception that because something is fancy looking it wont perform?

Nobody is claiming that. What is being said is that pure performance is first and foremost. If it looks good, then well and good. There are some Spyderco's that have first class materials for asthetics, but they wouldn't be there if it lowered performance in any way.

I don't really see any spyderco being a better cutting tool then a bm or the other way around. A knife cuts. In my opinion the design of the knife doesn't mean much except for looks wise.

There are some Spyderco regulars that prefer the fancy stuff and Sal accomodates them where he can. Mostly though the spyderco guy is there for performance, and ergonomics. If you think all knives cut the same you have a very limited experience with different knives, designs, manufacturers, steels, grinds etc.

In a business where taking a knife and raising the hardness by two points on the same steel, and giving it a flat grind can make almost unbelievable differences in performance I think you are really missing out on advancements. Some of us aren't satisfied with the same steels and knives without advancement over years and years. Some are, apparently. I'm just not one of them.

0071rutger · Jan 12, 2011

i think you cant really compare those brand they may have quality on the same line (well crkt is a bit lower...) but spyderco knives just handle way difrent than benchmade knives... <my opinion

Jeremy Barnard · Jan 12, 2011

The Mastiff said:
They do. You just haven't held one. Pick up a G10 bushcrafter and try saying that again.

Nobody is claiming that. What is being said is that pure performance is first and foremost. If it looks good, then well and good. There are some Spyderco's that have first class materials for asthetics, but they wouldn't be there if it lowered performance in any way.

I'm referring to all of Spydercos g10 flat slab folding knives, not the single fixed blade with g10 handles. I'm guessing you already knew that though.

No, not directly claiming that but saying things like: "As a generalization, Benchmade puts a slighter emphasis on design and form whereas Spyderco tends to build their knives around function and utility.", "Every curve on that knife is there for a functional reason.", "it is rare to see features on a knife that are not made specifically to affect the function of the knife as a tool.", "Spyderco is pure performance, not pretty at first sight but use one and the looks start to make sense".

Those sure do suggest that they are some how better at cutting things or that they are a better tool then a "fancy" benchmade or any other brand, which they are not. If they wanted pure performance they would remove the notches in so many designs that force you to grip the knife in a certain way. They would also contour all the flat slab g10 handles. They feel like a 2x4. Lastly, I would say to remove the thumb hole and use thumb studs. That's a knife I would buy. Ofcourse, then, it wouldn't be a spyderco, it would be a benchmade.

tricker · Jan 12, 2011

Spyderco uses flat g-10 in most folders; this makes them carry better in the pocket and gives them a slimmer profile

The edges of spyderco's knives are extremely ergonomically designed, and even with flat sides fit the hand better than any benchmade I’ve owned

My suggestion would be to forget CRKT(your fingers will thank you), and pick up a benchmade griptilian and a spyderco delica(the disputable flagships) from a reputable dealer and return the one you don’t like

I personally like the spyderco juice

The Mastiff · Jan 12, 2011

Those sure do suggest that they are some how better at cutting things or that they are a better tool then a "fancy" benchmade or any other brand, which they are not

I sure don't know of any Benchmades that can keep up with The Spyderco stretch, The Flat ground ZDP endura, the S90V millie etc. They part material like no Benchmade I've ever seen or used without modifications and sharpening as well. I've got my share of Benchmades too. In fact, I started out with Benchmades first.

For me, the Spyder hole works a lot better. Obviously Benchmade thinks it's pretty good too or they wouldn't have entered into an agreement with Spyderco to use it. That's just a matter of preference though. Lots of folks like thumbstuds better.

I just can't get over the higher cost for lower performance thing that you get with Benchmade. I've also gotten sick of the lack of finish quality in Benchmades. Nothing but hand picked ones for me now. That's not something I feel compelled to do with Spyderco's and Kershaws.

UpChUcK · Jan 12, 2011

IMHO, Spyderco and Benchmade along with Kershaw are top tier in large volume production knives when all things are considered. CRKT is a step or 2 down.

iacchus · Jan 12, 2011

Both Spyderco and Benchmade make models I do not like. Both Brands make knives I absolutely adore.
One thing I have noticed, it is easier to get the supersteel blades, and premium handles (CF & Ti) from Spyderco. Benchmade has them, but generally save that stuff for their Gold Class knives, and at that price point, you might as well buy mid-tech or custom.

Honestly, these days, I find quality on both brands to be equal. It really comes down to the designs you prefer.

My feeling is that Spyderco has tried harder to really listen to the consumer for the past 5 years or so than Benchmade has, and it shows in their offerings.

CRKT makes good disposable knives, for the truck or the boat or the tackle box. Decent for the price, I suppose.
CRKT makes good beater knives.

me2 · Jan 12, 2011

In some respects, Benchmade comes across as one of those companies that thinks they're doing you a favor by offering their products for you to buy and use. Spyderco and Kershaw definately have an advantage in listening to customers. I doubt you'll see a Mule-like run of knives from Benchmade.

With that said, whenever I've compared my Spydercos to my Benchmades, the Benchmade knives cut better. Meaning that they cut with less effort. This is a relatively limited comparison between my 2 different Delicas, generation 3 and 4, and my TSEK and Griptillian. Also, based on my own testing, the Griptillian holds a very sharp edge for longer. The tests I use reflect the way I use my knives, so you could easily get different results.

Ballenxj · Jan 13, 2011

OK, This seems to have come down to a Benchmade vs Spyderco thing here. As I've mentioned before, I have the BM #740 DeJaVoo that uses S30V steel, is razor sharp, and seems to maintain it's edge quite well.
So, Which Spyderco knife would you Spydy Guys" say is the most comparable to my BM? Just curious, and if it's feasible, I might even check it out.

-Bruce

THG · Jan 13, 2011

Ballenxj said:
OK, This seems to have come down to a Benchmade vs Spyderco thing here. As I've mentioned before, I have the BM #740 DeJaVoo that uses S30V steel, is razor sharp, and seems to maintain it's edge quite well.
So, Which Spyderco knife would you Spydy Guys" say is the most comparable to my BM? Just curious, and if it's feasible, I might even check it out.
-Bruce

Probably the Lum Chinese folder. It was designed by the same guy and has a relatively similar blade shape. There's also the Barong folder which was discontinued.

cziv · Jan 13, 2011

I have one thing to add and I'll shut up again.

I took delivery on my second Spyderco in 2 weeks and as always the blade is off centered (steel liners on this one, so no Military G-10 tweaks), scratches in G-10 - these two are habitual offenses in all of my Spydies from Militarys to Police 3's, to Resilience, Tenacious, Persistance and so on.

The only dang Spyderco I ever got that was in perfect condition was a Street Beat. Fixed, so no centering issues and Micarta handle so no dinged up g-10.

I'm done with them and sticking to Benchmade. I was going to buy a Para 2 but I'm quits with Spyderco. I don't think it's too much to ask to get a nice example of the folder at over $100 for a pocket knife.

YMMV

jill jackson · Jan 13, 2011

I've sold Spydercos on eBay, before and had the buyers complain to me the knife wasn't NIB, because of little marks on the blade and imperfections in the G-10. When the knife was absolutely as it came from the factory. So, yes they can come with an imperfection, but so can anything else and I have got ones that were perfect before. I don't think Spydercos are intended to be collected nearly as much as they are to be used. But, they still have an enormous collector following.

JNewell · Jan 13, 2011

cziv said:
I have one thing to add and I'll shut up again.

I took delivery on my second Spyderco in 2 weeks and as always the blade is off centered (steel liners on this one, so no Military G-10 tweaks), scratches in G-10 - these two are habitual offenses in all of my Spydies from Militarys to Police 3's, to Resilience, Tenacious, Persistance and so on.

The only dang Spyderco I ever got that was in perfect condition was a Street Beat. Fixed, so no centering issues and Micarta handle so no dinged up g-10.

I'm done with them and sticking to Benchmade. I was going to buy a Para 2 but I'm quits with Spyderco. I don't think it's too much to ask to get a nice example of the folder at over $100 for a pocket knife.

YMMV

I've been buying Benchmade knives for a dozen years, and over the years my experience hasn't been any better with Benchmade. I've gotten a lot of badly off-center blades, and even two that were actually warped (which BM replaced for free, but still...

)

Ballenxj · Jan 13, 2011

THG said:
Probably the Lum Chinese folder. It was designed by the same guy and has a relatively similar blade shape. There's also the Barong folder which was discontinued.

I looked the Chinese folder up, and it's blade "does" bear a strong resemblance to that of the DeJaVoo's. Not sold on the over all look, but then again looks are secondary to function. Might be worth a closer look, thanks.
Have not seen this Barong you speak of, but haven't looked for it yet either.
So, what's this I'm hearing about factory blems in the Spyderco's? Benchmades too?

I haven't seen this yet in either, but most of my shopping for my Benchmades has been done through a "Brick & Mortar" dealer so far. Maybe these blems are shipping out the back door and being sold as seconds, so they wind up on ebay?
I don't necessarily mind character marks on my user knives, but if I buy them new, "I" want to be the character that puts them there. ESPECIALLY for what they cost. I guess there is a lot to be said for actually being able to handle the knife before laying your hard earned money down. I got to inspect both my Benchmade's before buying.

-Bruce

jeff_c · Jan 13, 2011

devinsdad said:
I'm sorry if I'm a skeptic...but you've here since June of 2009 with 620 posts...and you haven't seen the price of 3 of the most popular brands of knives in the last 15 years.....really?

Thanks for the input.

No sorry, I dont obsess over knives. Most of my posts have been on one forum here and that has been the ESEE forum. I know a bit more about fixed blades, but I am just now getting into folders.

Im sorry I dont sit around with catalogs from the 3 most popular brands and compare them into the wee hours of the morning. I bought my last Spyderco about 15 years ago. So a lot has changed since I have even looked at these brands. My experience with Benchmade is almost nil.

So skeptical or not makes no difference to me. If you dont have a positive comment then im not really interested. Plus, I posted this on the Spyderco forum (they seem a bit more friendly there). Somehow my post got moved here. No idea why.