Checked out a Benchmade today...

K

kbog

Joined
Apr 11, 2004
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I looked at the Pika and mini-Pika at EMS today. I have read wonderful things about benchmade, but have never held one.

I think I was expecting more. They were less expensive than I had thought. After getting back to my computer, I found out that these knives are not in the same class as the Griptilian (I was hoping to see one at EMS) and some others with the AXIS lock.

Anyhow, they didn't feel too sturdy. The lockback locking mechanism was very nice, but primarily it was the handle that was a bit cheap feeling. It was VERY light though. Might make for a good hiking knife due to its low weight.

I also didn't care too much for the smoothness of opening it. It certainly could have been because I'm not used to a hole in the blade as a thumb push. My CRKT has a thumb stud that I am used too. With alittle practice it may have become less awkward.

Anyhow, I'm no expert in the field yet, but overall I would describe the knife as just good. Might make for a great beater due to its low cost and strong lock.

Any opinions? Being new to this, I wonder if my thoughts jive with those who are more "in the know".
 
You picked a poor knife to judge Benchmades by, I think. The Pika is one of their new "made outside the USA" knives and it definitely aimed at the lower end of the market. I have owned BM's for years and love their knives, but the Pika is a "bargain knife" and definitely not one to judge the entire brand by. Find a store that has some of their higher-end knives if you want to see what the fuss is about. :)
 
I think you are right. I'm not trying to pass judgement on Benchmade as a whole. Let me clear that up. Just saying these knives didn't move me.

I looked for a dealer nearby that has the better lines. Couldn't find one, but I didn't research it too much...
 
The benchmade Pika is one of their new low-end ones, they go online for around 20$. They are DEFINITELY not the knife to judge benchmade on. Pick up some of their higher-end pieces (710, 732, 806, 921, 94x, etc come to mind) and then say the same thing.
 
You haven't seen a Benchmade yet, as I don't think of any of the "Red Class" knives as true Benchmades! Wait 'till you get your mitts on a 710, 705, 805, etc. (G-10 scales, dual stainless liners, the Axis-lock), or even a Griptilian/Mini-Griptilian, to judge the QUALITY of Benchmades by.
 
I agree with what the others have said.
Benchmade is just like Spyderco in that they offer something for everyone.
They have low-cost knives and high-end knives.

If you handled a Spyderco Delica you might think "nice knife, but what's all the fuss about", then you handle a Carbon Fiber Police or a Chinook or a Lil'Temperance!

It's the same with Benchmade. The Pika is a nice knife, but get your hands around an 806 or 720 and you will probably come away with a better appreciation of Benchmade knives.

BTW, for the money, the Griptilians and Mini-Grips cannot be beat.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
I'm inwith the others on this. I've got an older 845 with ATS34 and it's a very good place to start with Benchmade. Very comparable to my Delica and a couple of Bucks of similar design.I'm hoping to get an AXIS lock someday.
 
I can't remember. I didn't use the clip when I tried it out. Sorry.

Benchmade doesn't seem to list it either...
 
yeah - i picked up a pika on ebay for 20 bucks and its kind of a POS. I consider about 100 to be the average BM price for new/forum sales etc. so definitely not the knife to judge them by. Even the grip (which is a great entry level knife) feels cheap in comparison to the 7XX 8XX and 9XX series knives.
 
How do the Pikas compare to Delicas and Enduras? It seems like the Spydercos will win (much better blade steel), but did anyone of you handle them both?

Shiden


Audentis Fortuna Iuvat
 
I can tell you hands down that the calypso jr. is 100% better - but it does cost twice as much. But almost all of my benchmades are 100% better than my calypso jr in fit and finish.
 
Shiden said:
How do the Pikas compare to Delicas and Enduras? It seems like the Spydercos will win (much better blade steel), but did anyone of you handle them both?

Shiden


Audentis Fortuna Iuvat
Click to expand...

The Pika and the Endura are close in quality IMO. I would choose the Endura over the Pike for blade steel. I had rather unfavorable Endura and Drangonfly experiences (reminded me of the Pika experience) when I shopped them a about 4 weeks ago. Today however, I handled an Endura and Dragonfly again and neither had the problems (mostly blade play) the first two I handled had. Same shop too!
 
kbog said:
The Pika and the Endura are close in quality IMO. I would choose the Endura over the Pike for blade steel.
Click to expand...

Pika = Böhler N 690 ?

Endura = VG10 ?

Both are fairly same alloy. So what about blade steel?

Guess, you are used to Spydercos VG10 and there are little to none experience with BM N690.

But that is subjektive experience.
 
IIRC N690 is comparable with 440C? So VG-10 must be better.

Shiden


Audentis Fortuna Iuvat
 
Blop said:
Pika = Böhler N 690 ?

Endura = VG10 ?

Both are fairly same alloy. So what about blade steel?

Guess, you are used to Spydercos VG10 and there are little to none experience with BM N690.

But that is subjektive experience.
Click to expand...


I am having a hard time understanding. I think you mean that the steels are rather similar in your opinion. That may be true, but I can find very little about BM steel and have read good things on the VG10. I should point out that I own neither and so a direct comaprison based on experience cannot come from me. :(

So for me, I would pick the Endura - for the blade steel.

I should again pont out, that neither knife was exceptional IMO. After handling the second Endura, I favored it over the first Endura and the Pika if I were to buy that type of knife.
 
Just because the steels look similar on paper, doesn't mean that they are similar in properties. Besides even on paper they are not all that similar: Just look at the chomium levels 17 vs. 15. Also VG-10 contains a decent amount of silicon which is not listed on the only webpage about the composition of N 690 .
 
I like N690 and VG10 a lot. To me, either steel is superb. 440C, as done by Benchmade, is also great. I like it better than their treatment of 154CM.

It may be more accurate to compare today's Pika to the Delica or Endura of 1990 as today's Delicas and Enduras have had over 10 years of constant refinement.
 
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