Recommendation? Dipping toe into Benchmade

I think the new Mini Presidio II would make a great introduction. It is a simple manual one-hand opener with axis lock and medium sized.
 
From the current Benchmade line-up, my recommendation would be a full-size Griptilian in something other than the stock Noryl scales. 550-1 or 551-1 both come in 20CV steel. My wife has the 550-1--the sheepfoot blade with the Spydie hole--and it's her favorite knife. I have the 551-1702--the Knifeworks exclusive with M390 and Micarta scales--and it's become one of my go-to knives. As a matter of fact it's in my pocket as I write.

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Think I am leaning toward the sheepsfoot grip or minigrip based on the responses. Just need to decide on steel, but think I might stick to the low end, then if I like it, pick up a more exotic grip or a 940. Thanks for the advice so far!
 
Deinos said:
Think I am leaning toward the sheepsfoot grip or minigrip based on the responses. Just need to decide on steel, but think I might stick to the low end, then if I like it, pick up a more exotic grip or a 940. Thanks for the advice so far!
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Nothing wrong with 154CM. I've got quite a few BMKs in that steel. My only reservation about a Grip in 154CM is you'd be relegated to the stock Noryl scales, which I find very uncomfortable. I have 6 Griptilians, all but the 551-1702 came with Noryl scales, and all those now have aftermarket scales.
 
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Ended up grabbing a gently used 20cv mini grip from the exchange today. Figure it is a nice upgrade from a standard grip, and if I like BM and the axis overall, can always pick up a 940. If I like it, but find it is really similar to current carries, can trade/sell for a 940. If I think it is terrible, they seem to move quickly on the exchange :D

Thanks for all of the advice!
 
Deinos said:
Been working on the knife collection, and I have decided that I finally need to try a Benchmade. Not looking to fill a specific niche, just general edc tasks (e.g. opening envelopes, packages, cardboard, general daily cutting) and getting a feel for the brand.

My folding collection leans HEAVILY in the spyderco direction (PM2, Manix 2, Delica, some Salts, DFII, GB1, etc.).

Not looking to go more than $175-ish (new or secondary market) and not interested in assisted opening (so, barrage is out).

So, what is the best first? 940? (mini)griptillian (154cm or 20cv)? Stryker? others?
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My opinion,fwiw, mini griptillan plain edge ,un coated is mighty hard to beat value for the money
 
Getting older said:
My opinion,fwiw, mini griptillan plain edge ,un coated is mighty hard to beat value for the money
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Yeah, I almost picked up a 555HG with blue handles... but I just couldn't bring myself to pay around $100 for it... ended up paying barely more than that off the exchange for a helluva upgrade. Stud instead of spydiehole, but I figure I can always trade for a sheepsfoot if I like the style but the bladeshape and stud bother me.
 
I love the studs on Benchmade knives. I've got a full size Grip, a 940 Osborne and a North Fork. The North Fork is my EDC, the Grip is carried when I'm working on the farm on weekends, and the 940 gets mixed into the EDC rotation when the mood strikes me.

The mini-Grip will be my next purchase . . . just because I want one. But I can't see anything moving the North Fork out of EDC status.
 
I carry my 940-2 more than my bugout. I have 4 griptilians laying around the barn/house/vehicles. I use them all, and truthfully you can’t go wrong with any of them.

Personally, If I could only have one. I’d keep my 940-2.
 
I'd recommend the full size or mini griptilian in 154CM, black sheepsfoot blade in either the plastic handles or g10 variant. Since you do have spydercos, the sheepsfood blade does have a spydy hole that compliment the sheepsfoot blade very well.
 
My first foray into somewhat expensive knives was a Griptillian H2O or whatever it's called. It's real good, would wholeheartedly recommend
 
I think you made a great choice and will love your new knife.

I have two of that model and 6 Mini Grips total.
 
jumpstat said:
I'd recommend the full size or mini griptilian in 154CM, black sheepsfoot blade in either the plastic handles or g10 variant. Since you do have spydercos, the sheepsfood blade does have a spydy hole that compliment the sheepsfoot blade very well.
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Yeah, the sheepsfoot blade is hard to beat. Personally, I feel it's the best blade style of normal production. Only the Ritter Grip can beat it.
 
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