Crooked River vs. Bedlam 8600 as a large EDC

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14Z3R

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Mar 7, 2016
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Ive been looking around for a good edc latley, and while I really wanted an OTF, they are illegal for Concealed carry in VA. However, I was eyeing two larger EDC blades from Benchmade. I really have narrowed it down between these too. Where the downside would be with both of them (marginally more so the Bedlam) is the reactions from the public. Lets be honest, there will rarley be a time I use a knife in a highly populated or even public area, but is such a situation happens I dont want the cops called on me beacuse I have a "scary knife". Anyways, while I like the Bedlam more in my heart but I think the extra length might be a little troublesome. More so than the heft, however, I dont want to look like a crimanal so I mightfeel safer going with the Crooked River. Am I overreacting? I would love to hear your opinions. While I am open to reccomendations I want a 4-4.5 inch folder wich is a very limited market so please keep that in mind. (of course 3.9 or 4.6 is not a big deal). Thanks guys!
 
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I'd just by what I like. It's all about perception. If you look like hood it doesn't matter.
 
I have both and don't carry either. If I was going to carry one it would be the Crooked River. It's just a more useful general design. Have you handled them? Both are very large.
 
I have handled them, only for a short time however. I am lucky enough to have a friend with a nice collection. They are both large, but I like bigger knives for the role of an EDC blade. I tend to wear loose/cargo clothes anyways. Many thanks for your imput! @sosa and @photoman12001
 
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I bought both of them without seeing them in person and was surprised by the size of both when I got them. I picked up the Bedlam because it just looks cool. I can't see a real practical use for it in an EDC role. If you start whipping that out for EDC use I think you're going to draw unwanted attention. It's also very large when it's closed and the curved handle makes it seem even bigger. Also, the pocket clip is pretty flimsy given the size of the knife in my opinion. The Crooked River is big but I don't think it has a mean look to it. It's comfortable to handle and the blade shape is pretty utilitarian. I think it's a good choice if you want a knife that big for EDC. Both of them are too big for my tastes in that role. My primary EDC knives for pocket carry are a ZT 0900 and Benchmade Mini Bone Collector 15030. If I want a larger folder I reach for a ZT 0550 or Spyderco Gayle Bradley 1 but those would typically go in a bag, sometimes a pocket.

I'll post some comparison photos in a few minutes in case anyone is interested.
 
Yeah it's not too big unless you think it is. For me Anything under 4" seems like a child's knife.
 
I snapped a few comparison photos of the Bedlam and Crooked River along with a Buck 110 for comparison.
After messing with these two side by side this evening, for me the Crooked River is the no-brainer choice for EDC if those are the only two options.

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Notice how large the Bedlam is compared to the Crooked River when closed. It is significant.

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I don't care much for the Bedlam's pocket clip. It feels flimsy.

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While I was at it I also snapped a few of them next to the knives I carry the most: ZT 0900 & Benchmade Bone Collector in the first two, ZT 0550 & Spyderco Gayle Bradley 1 in the second two.

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Some weight comparisons (ounces):
  • Bedlam: 7-1/4
  • Crooked River: 5-1/4
  • Buck 110: 7-3/8
  • ZT 0900: 4-3/8
  • Benchmade 15030: 3-5/8
  • ZT 0550: 6
  • Spyderco Gayle Bradley 1: 5-1/8


As a side note, I strongly encourage folks to try a Gayle Bradley 1 if you can get your hands on one. That is one of the the nicest folders I have. The M4 blade takes and holds a crazy sharp edge. It has a great fit/finish. Its lockup is among the most solid of any of my folders (probably the most solid), with no blade movement at all. Even my Sebenza 25 has a bit of play. It opens soooo smoothly too. You can snag them second hand for about $120 in great condition if you keep an eye out. It's a heck of a lot of knife for that money.

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Nice comparison photoman, and great collection. The pics help alot


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Thanks so much for the comparison! I would have to trade out pocket clips on the Bedlam for sure. There's a guy on Esty who has a custom one (just a quick google search). Anyways, I agree that the Crooked river has better EDC qualities, so I am leaning towards it. However, that Bedlam looks so damn cool. :D . The pictures were extreemly helpfull and will aid me a lot in my choice. The only thing keeping me form buying a Buck is the backlock. I really just hate the feel of those. Anyways, Much Appreciated!
 
The Benchmade Bone Collector 15050 is a really nice lock back if you can find one. I got this one and one for my father-in-law LNIB for well under $100 each. It's more solid than my 110.

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That has a really nice look to it with the wood. However, I really don't like back locks. gorgeous knife though!
 
I think I will end up going with the Crooked River as long as I can get a good price on the Marketplace. Special thanks to you photoman12001, you were extreemly helpfull!
 
Well I traded some good knives for both versions of the Bedlam, satin and black serrated. I just really like the blade shape. I don't really carry them as I don't want the swat team called out on me. I just use them around the house. I have found it slices meat crazy good. My BenchMade Stryker M4 gets EDC carry duty most of the time when I decide to reach for a Benchmade. I usually rotate between the top knife brands which I have.
 
Looks like a good deal indeed. I'm alittle late though. Plus, the wood handle is what makes me love the knife so much. I'm going to try to find one with the wooden handle if possible.

@AusLox that is a beautiful knife!
 
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