Recommendation? Decisions, decisions....Valet, Mini-Freek, or other?

Spats McGee

Spats McGee

Joined
Jun 6, 2019
Messages
388
I'll do my best to make a long story short. I'm not very good at that, so please bear with me. I've been thinking about a new "office knife" for EDC. Mind you, my idea of EDC may be very different from yours. I spend about 3 days a week in a suit, and when I go casual for work, it's khakis and a button-down. IOW, my knife is a glorified letter opener about 99% of the time. Still, I've only recently gone back to even carrying a pocket knife, and I want the slickest, sharpest letter opener in the office. My only Benchmade is a Sequel, but I like it. And what I really, really like about it is the Axis lock. Thumbholes are all well and good, but that fidgety flick is priceless. So I'm considering another Benchmade, assuming I can find one that fits my needs and budget. And I know that some of these are discontinued, but I don't mind looking on the secondary market, assuming I can find a reputable seller (pronounced "doesn't sell me a fake") I'd appreciate your input on the following, and if you want to throw out other models that I really should consider, I'm all ears.
1. Valet -- I'm pretty sure it's discontinued, but looks like it could be an almost perfect office knife for me. Just shy of 3" blade, sleek, in a steel I think I can sharpen. Pretty much ready to drop in the pocket and go as an office knife.
2. Mini-Freek -- May also be discontinued, but it was on my short list when I stumbled into a deal with that Sequel. Right at 3", a little flashier (to my eye) than the Valet, but felt good in my hand.
3. Osborne -- It's on The Long List, but may not make it to the Short List. I'm not in love with the blade shape.
4. Bugout or Mini-Bugout -- I handled one of these a few years ago, and it felt flimsy, like it flexed in my grip. I handled one a few weeks ago, and it didn't. Did BM make changes that stopped the flex? On this one, I'd probably wind up swapping the scales and dressing it up a bit.
5. Edited to add: some variety of Griptilian isn't out of the question, either!

Thanks in advance for any input y'all may have, denizens of BF!
 
Spats McGee said:
4. Bugout or Mini-Bugout -- I handled one of these a few years ago, and it felt flimsy, like it flexed in my grip. I handled one a few weeks ago, and it didn't. Did BM make changes that stopped the flex? On this one, I'd probably wind up swapping the scales and dressing it up a bit.
Click to expand...
I'd go with one of these two. There are factory Bugout options with G-10, CF, and aluminum scales, none of which will flex like the Grivory (or, I'd guess, the CF Elite).
 
Spats McGee said:
I'll do my best to make a long story short. I'm not very good at that, so please bear with me. I've been thinking about a new "office knife" for EDC. Mind you, my idea of EDC may be very different from yours. I spend about 3 days a week in a suit, and when I go casual for work, it's khakis and a button-down. IOW, my knife is a glorified letter opener about 99% of the time. Still, I've only recently gone back to even carrying a pocket knife, and I want the slickest, sharpest letter opener in the office. My only Benchmade is a Sequel, but I like it. And what I really, really like about it is the Axis lock. Thumbholes are all well and good, but that fidgety flick is priceless. So I'm considering another Benchmade, assuming I can find one that fits my needs and budget. And I know that some of these are discontinued, but I don't mind looking on the secondary market, assuming I can find a reputable seller (pronounced "doesn't sell me a fake") I'd appreciate your input on the following, and if you want to throw out other models that I really should consider, I'm all ears.
1. Valet -- I'm pretty sure it's discontinued, but looks like it could be an almost perfect office knife for me. Just shy of 3" blade, sleek, in a steel I think I can sharpen. Pretty much ready to drop in the pocket and go as an office knife.
2. Mini-Freek -- May also be discontinued, but it was on my short list when I stumbled into a deal with that Sequel. Right at 3", a little flashier (to my eye) than the Valet, but felt good in my hand.
3. Osborne -- It's on The Long List, but may not make it to the Short List. I'm not in love with the blade shape.
4. Bugout or Mini-Bugout -- I handled one of these a few years ago, and it felt flimsy, like it flexed in my grip. I handled one a few weeks ago, and it didn't. Did BM make changes that stopped the flex? On this one, I'd probably wind up swapping the scales and dressing it up a bit.
5. Edited to add: some variety of Griptilian isn't out of the question, either!

Thanks in advance for any input y'all may have, denizens of BF!
Click to expand...
I am in a situation very similar to yours and I own all the knives you mentioned. They are all good contenders, but here are a few personal takes:

- You are right, the Bugout(s) feels less “dressy” unless you go with CF or Titanium scales. You can either buy aftermarket ones or, preferably go for the 535-3 with S90V. Best Bugout in my opinion.

- The Mini Freek, and it is one of my favorite knives, needs a deep carry pocket clip. It is easily obtainable though. And, it is a bit more “flashier” as you said. Also, not as easy for the usual office non-knife people if you care about that. I have no idea why. Just a personal observation and I personally don’t care much.

A couple of suggestions:

- ZT 0450CF (also need a better pocket clip)
- ZT 0707

And on a lower budget, but an amazing knife, the Boker Kawaiken Air. For around $100, it is an amazing “dressy” knife. Also, son an even lower budget, the Petrified Fish 949X in CF is phenomenal.

Finally, if you are newer or, coming back, to this “hobby,” whichever knife you end up with m, you will enjoy it, but trust me, in a shorter time you will end up with several if not all of the above, and more 😁. We’ve all been there.

Good luck!
 
I’d go with one of the M4 Bugout exclusives in G10 or the 940-1. I never really cared for the freeks and the mini Bugout is too small. The valet? Meh.
 
Spats McGee said:
I'll do my best to make a long story short. I'm not very good at that, so please bear with me. I've been thinking about a new "office knife" for EDC. Mind you, my idea of EDC may be very different from yours. I spend about 3 days a week in a suit, and when I go casual for work, it's khakis and a button-down. IOW, my knife is a glorified letter opener about 99% of the time. Still, I've only recently gone back to even carrying a pocket knife, and I want the slickest, sharpest letter opener in the office. My only Benchmade is a Sequel, but I like it. And what I really, really like about it is the Axis lock. Thumbholes are all well and good, but that fidgety flick is priceless. So I'm considering another Benchmade, assuming I can find one that fits my needs and budget. And I know that some of these are discontinued, but I don't mind looking on the secondary market, assuming I can find a reputable seller (pronounced "doesn't sell me a fake") I'd appreciate your input on the following, and if you want to throw out other models that I really should consider, I'm all ears.
1. Valet -- I'm pretty sure it's discontinued, but looks like it could be an almost perfect office knife for me. Just shy of 3" blade, sleek, in a steel I think I can sharpen. Pretty much ready to drop in the pocket and go as an office knife.
2. Mini-Freek -- May also be discontinued, but it was on my short list when I stumbled into a deal with that Sequel. Right at 3", a little flashier (to my eye) than the Valet, but felt good in my hand.
3. Osborne -- It's on The Long List, but may not make it to the Short List. I'm not in love with the blade shape.
4. Bugout or Mini-Bugout -- I handled one of these a few years ago, and it felt flimsy, like it flexed in my grip. I handled one a few weeks ago, and it didn't. Did BM make changes that stopped the flex? On this one, I'd probably wind up swapping the scales and dressing it up a bit.
5. Edited to add: some variety of Griptilian isn't out of the question, either!

Thanks in advance for any input y'all may have, denizens of BF!
Click to expand...
One more thing, if you like the Valet, and you can find it, try the Gold Class Valet. It is beautiful.
 
I had a Valet for a short while, and, while it was nice, it was just too small for me. I found the thumbstuds too difficult to access, nor could I Axis flip it easily because the whole package was just so compact. Ended up moving it on.

The Bugout will provide you a very flat profile, useful blade shape, and all the modifiability anyone could ask for, with probably the hugest amount of aftermarket options available, if that’s what you’re looking for.

That said, of your options, I prefer the 940 platform. It’s a classic, and popular for a reason. Very slim and pocketable, yet not too small IMO. If you don’t like the reverse tanto blade shape, you could hunt around a little for a 943 with the clip point.
 
Bugout 535-3. Amazing little knife and not flimsy at all with the CF grips like the plastic grips are. Great little office knife, wish I still wore a suit because it’s what would ride in my pocket. I just got one two weeks ago after wanting one for a while but I’m sending it down the road because I need a harder use knife like the Adamas for my uses so picking up a mini Adamas instead.
 
Spats McGee said:
I'll do my best to make a long story short. I'm not very good at that, so please bear with me. I've been thinking about a new "office knife" for EDC. Mind you, my idea of EDC may be very different from yours. I spend about 3 days a week in a suit, and when I go casual for work, it's khakis and a button-down. IOW, my knife is a glorified letter opener about 99% of the time. Still, I've only recently gone back to even carrying a pocket knife, and I want the slickest, sharpest letter opener in the office. My only Benchmade is a Sequel, but I like it. And what I really, really like about it is the Axis lock. Thumbholes are all well and good, but that fidgety flick is priceless. So I'm considering another Benchmade, assuming I can find one that fits my needs and budget. And I know that some of these are discontinued, but I don't mind looking on the secondary market, assuming I can find a reputable seller (pronounced "doesn't sell me a fake") I'd appreciate your input on the following, and if you want to throw out other models that I really should consider, I'm all ears.
1. Valet -- I'm pretty sure it's discontinued, but looks like it could be an almost perfect office knife for me. Just shy of 3" blade, sleek, in a steel I think I can sharpen. Pretty much ready to drop in the pocket and go as an office knife.
2. Mini-Freek -- May also be discontinued, but it was on my short list when I stumbled into a deal with that Sequel. Right at 3", a little flashier (to my eye) than the Valet, but felt good in my hand.
3. Osborne -- It's on The Long List, but may not make it to the Short List. I'm not in love with the blade shape.
4. Bugout or Mini-Bugout -- I handled one of these a few years ago, and it felt flimsy, like it flexed in my grip. I handled one a few weeks ago, and it didn't. Did BM make changes that stopped the flex? On this one, I'd probably wind up swapping the scales and dressing it up a bit.
5. Edited to add: some variety of Griptilian isn't out of the question, either!

Thanks in advance for any input y'all may have, denizens of BF!
Click to expand...
Have a look at the Benchmade 531 Pardue, which has G10 scales. It preceded the Bugout and in my view, was actually a better Bugout. Nice and slim, great for office carry. It's sadly discontinued but still available on the secondary market. Better still if you can find the 531-1901 version in S90V steel and red G10 scales :

BM531-1901_512x512.jpg
 
Said it before the 533BK-2 Mini Bugout with CF-Elite is my favorite small EDC for 2021. Weird that I love it as gloves are 2XL. but it works every time, no bobbling. CF-Elite is stiffer then the Storm trooper plastic scales it came with, really enthusiastic about this one. For me, Valet was difficult to deploy and run axis lock, even after a tune up. 940 is perfection in any flavor.
If you can find a Shoki 480 button lock with Wine wood scales, it would go well with the suit-
:cool:
 
if you want something that’ll look nice in an office setting take a look at the 698 foray. comes in 20cv and is honestly a workhorse in a pretty package, i use mine breaking down boxes all day long
 
The slickest, sharpest, coolest letter opener in the office or a black-tie event would be a Benchmade Fact. Also available as an OTS auto.
www.benchmade.com

Quality & Durable 417 Fact® EDC Tactical Knife | Benchmade

Minimalistic and will be there when you need it, shop the 417 Fact® Spear-Point S30V AXIS® Folder Knife. Featuring a manual-opening blade and a 6061-T6 Billet Aluminum handle.
www.benchmade.com www.benchmade.com
 
Thank you all for the suggestions. I'm not sure my decision got any easier, because y'all made some good suggestions that I hadn't thought of, but I new that was a risk!
 
Spats McGee said:
I'll do my best to make a long story short. I'm not very good at that, so please bear with me. I've been thinking about a new "office knife" for EDC. Mind you, my idea of EDC may be very different from yours. I spend about 3 days a week in a suit, and when I go casual for work, it's khakis and a button-down. IOW, my knife is a glorified letter opener about 99% of the time. Still, I've only recently gone back to even carrying a pocket knife, and I want the slickest, sharpest letter opener in the office. My only Benchmade is a Sequel, but I like it. And what I really, really like about it is the Axis lock. Thumbholes are all well and good, but that fidgety flick is priceless. So I'm considering another Benchmade, assuming I can find one that fits my needs and budget. And I know that some of these are discontinued, but I don't mind looking on the secondary market, assuming I can find a reputable seller (pronounced "doesn't sell me a fake") I'd appreciate your input on the following, and if you want to throw out other models that I really should consider, I'm all ears.
1. Valet -- I'm pretty sure it's discontinued, but looks like it could be an almost perfect office knife for me. Just shy of 3" blade, sleek, in a steel I think I can sharpen. Pretty much ready to drop in the pocket and go as an office knife.
2. Mini-Freek -- May also be discontinued, but it was on my short list when I stumbled into a deal with that Sequel. Right at 3", a little flashier (to my eye) than the Valet, but felt good in my hand.
3. Osborne -- It's on The Long List, but may not make it to the Short List. I'm not in love with the blade shape.
4. Bugout or Mini-Bugout -- I handled one of these a few years ago, and it felt flimsy, like it flexed in my grip. I handled one a few weeks ago, and it didn't. Did BM make changes that stopped the flex? On this one, I'd probably wind up swapping the scales and dressing it up a bit.
5. Edited to add: some variety of Griptilian isn't out of the question, either!

Thanks in advance for any input y'all may have, denizens of BF!
Click to expand...
I would suggest a mini reflex II auto. Once you go automatic, it's hard to go back.
 
I've looked at all of these, and they're all good suggestions. With that said, I think my first choice (at this point, subject to change, et cetera, et cetera, ad infinitum, ad nauseum), is a Valet. I do have some concerns about my ability to sharpen M390, but given the hard use to which I so often put my office knives :rolleyes: , I expect the edge to last a while once sharpened.
 
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