Chinook II or Benchmade Mini-Skirmish.

Django606

Django606

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Jul 22, 2005
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Which do you guys think is a better knife.

Chinook II:

-S30V Blade..+
-Strong frame lock..+
-Nice blade design..+


Mini-Skirmish

-S30V Blade..+
-Lock? (Could you guys explain how the lock works)
-Cool design..+
-More expensive..possibly a better knife..-/+

Thanks.
 
Skirmish.

It is also a frame lock. 'Monolock' is Benchmades term for a framelock.

Better quality knife IMHO.
 
It is a personal preference for me, but I would choose the Benchmade Mini-Skirmish over the Chinook 2. I believe the Mini-Skirmish is a frame lock also.
 
I've owned/handled both, and prefer the Chinook II overall for general utility. The handle is very comfortable and versatile, providing a secure grip through the ergonomics and texturing of the G-10 scales, and the lock is very strong and reliable. Additionally, the opening hole is larger and unchamfered (the Mini-Skirmish can be hard to open due to the bevel around the hole). The lock on the 635 can be hard to manipulate if you don't have a secure grip on the knife. I like the fact that I don't have the lock under my index finger when (ab)using a knife, as well.

The 635 is smaller/thinner and easier to carry, and it also looks less threatening, I think. It's a nice knife with great fit and finish. I like the blade and design, but it's sort of hard to compare the two directly, they are very different knives.
 
Ermm, The mini skirmish is a framelock yes?? And I know the Chinook 2 is a midlock, a slight variation on the traditional lockback.
 
If you're asking how the framelock works then it's rather simple. Imagine a common linerlock, remove the scales, and make the liners about 2-3 times thicker, and you have a framelock.
 
Chinook II all the way!

One of the problems with a frame-lock (or a liner-lock too) is that it relies upon a small ball-detent to keep the blade closed in your pocket.

Not to mention that the Chinook II's G-10 scales will still look good after years of use, but the Skirmish's titanium handle will show every little scratch.

And the G-10 scales are not as cold or hot to the touch as the titanium.

Both are very strong and overbuilt.

Allen.
 
I can understand having a preference for the Benchmade, but I don't think it's fair to say its quality is higher. I don't know what you could even do to bump up the quality on the Chinook--fancier steel for the liners? I guess you could make it open more quickly, but that's not really a quality thing, and it's not what the 'Nook is all about.

It's a tough comparison to make, as they're not really similar knives.
 
Shmackey, can you put your thumb in the SpydieHole and flick your wrist to open it? Or do you have to open it like a thumb stud?
 
Django606 said:
Shmackey, can you put your thumb in the SpydieHole and flick your wrist to open it? Or do you have to open it like a thumb stud?
Click to expand...

you don't need to even touch the hole if you want to open Chinook II really fast...
 
Chinook II all the way. Not only is it a better knife, it's an "honest" knife. All dues paid, all royalties paid, and credit where credit is due. :o
 
lukaszki said:
you don't need to even touch the hole if you want to open Chinook II really fast...
Click to expand...

Please elaborate.. :eek:

I've decided that I'm definitely getting a Chinook II, btw.
 
You've made a good decision--the Chinook II is one of those rare knives that just gets everything right.

Allen.
 
I really like the Benchmade Mini Skirmich.Seems like a very well made folder.Smooth opening,locks solid,good looking.However I do'nt know why Benckmade chamfers or bevels the opening.When you already have a realtively small opening hole like the 635 beveling it makes it hard at times to open it.It may not be a problem on the regular Skirmish but it causes my thumb to slip off on the mini.This is the same reason I traded the older mini Afck-and I really liked that design.I wonder if I could un-bevel the hole with smooth diamond sharping rods or will it take to long?Also I have the black blade model.Will it look bad if its possible to do it?I think I read somewere back that someone took care of the problem with a dremal.
 
Django606 said:
Please elaborate.. :eek:

I've decided that I'm definitely getting a Chinook II, btw.
Click to expand...

When opening you just have to hold it in a way that allows to push back lock release for a moment (I do it with my index finger) and then the blade opens almost with gravity force alone. And when you do the lightest flick it opens like an auto. I'm closing it in the same way. Here's the link for a very short movie. Maybe this will help to convince you ;)
And its only the one method of the few availaible. Chinook is especially good for opening in the "new york flick" style (holding by the hole) or flicking with the tip up to open it in the reverse grab (edge out) - Keating's favourite for SD.
IMHO the Chinook II is a great knife and one of the best SD folder designs on the market. GET THE CHINOOK :)
 
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