I'm interested in getting a benchmade, but they cost a little too much coin for me right now. Can anybody name some of the overseas models so I an search for them and anybody who has some please leave a small review for them. I feel that benchmade is missing a huge gap in the market considering they have no value folders such as spyderco and I think people are receptive to overseas folders as long as the quality is good.....once again just look at spydercos example.
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Discontinued Foreign Benchmades
- Thread starter matt_b89
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Benchmade tried overseas with the Red class. It was a flop, IMO.
There are a certain number of people who actually do want a brand of knife only made in America.
Look at Gerber, for example, and look at what happened to them after they went offshore.
You can find HK knives that are sort of like Benchmades at a more reasonable price point.
But I for one hope they never bring the Red class back. It totally devalues the brand.
There are a certain number of people who actually do want a brand of knife only made in America.
Look at Gerber, for example, and look at what happened to them after they went offshore.
You can find HK knives that are sort of like Benchmades at a more reasonable price point.
But I for one hope they never bring the Red class back. It totally devalues the brand.
glocker199
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Many of the Red Class knives are still available in the HK and HD lines. My personal favorite is the Nagara which is still available. It's a shame Benchmade didn't carry the Vex over into the HD or HK line. It was a very good knife for $30-35.
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Benchmade used to have their Red line. This was their 'economy" or "value" line. The same knives are now the HK and HD line.
One of my favorites knives is the HK Ascender. Currently discontinued but still available for under $40.
Best of luck!
LOL, I was tryping while above was posted. Guess we were saying the same thing at the same time....
One of my favorites knives is the HK Ascender. Currently discontinued but still available for under $40.
Best of luck!
LOL, I was tryping while above was posted. Guess we were saying the same thing at the same time....
do any of their current value folders have any niceish features? I'm assuming none ever were axis equipped or have blade material like 154cm and such? I see other companies putting blades out like that for 60 to 80...I just don't get why benchmades are so much, but then again im new to this and I guess it's like my guitar hobby kind of. Gibson guitars are ridiculously overpriced, but are really an investment if you hang onto them and take care of them.
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To be perfectly honest, regardless of brand. If you pay $50 or less for a knife there is only so much you are going to get. You have to keep your expectations realistic.
With that in mind some brands have some very good offering's in that price range and it varies considerably. But there is the occasional standout.
As far as overall quality the Benchmade and Spyderco budget folders offer great value. Made with quality materials and decent steels.
Don't get too caught up on the steels. Most steels used by the better brands are properly heat treated to optimize performance and will perform very closely to "Better" more expensive steels.
You will also find other knives from other brands like Cold Steel's Voyager series, The Ontario Rat-1, Ka-Bar Mules, and some others that offer quite a bit for a budget knife.
Like I said. You are only going to get so much for an under $50 knife but of the ones mentioned you can't go wrong. I personally loved the BM Red Line and HK series and have been recommending them for years. I've never been disappointed with them. They do their job and do it well.
If you are willing to pay a bit more you can often find Benchamde knives here on the exchange in your price range. I've seen the Grips go for as little as $65. But you have to keep an eye out.
If you really want better quality then I suggest you save a bit longer and get a better knife. But of the ones mention you will get a lot for your money even if they don't use 154CM or have an AXIS lock.
Take you time and look around.
Best of luck!
With that in mind some brands have some very good offering's in that price range and it varies considerably. But there is the occasional standout.
As far as overall quality the Benchmade and Spyderco budget folders offer great value. Made with quality materials and decent steels.
Don't get too caught up on the steels. Most steels used by the better brands are properly heat treated to optimize performance and will perform very closely to "Better" more expensive steels.
You will also find other knives from other brands like Cold Steel's Voyager series, The Ontario Rat-1, Ka-Bar Mules, and some others that offer quite a bit for a budget knife.
Like I said. You are only going to get so much for an under $50 knife but of the ones mentioned you can't go wrong. I personally loved the BM Red Line and HK series and have been recommending them for years. I've never been disappointed with them. They do their job and do it well.
If you are willing to pay a bit more you can often find Benchamde knives here on the exchange in your price range. I've seen the Grips go for as little as $65. But you have to keep an eye out.
If you really want better quality then I suggest you save a bit longer and get a better knife. But of the ones mention you will get a lot for your money even if they don't use 154CM or have an AXIS lock.
Take you time and look around.
Best of luck!
Last edited:
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The only Red Class Benchmade model I've been interested in is the titanium Pika 2. Solid lock-up, no blade play, good fit & finish, excellent grinds. I bought the Mini for around $30 and the large for around $35. I think they were definitely worth it... :thumbup:
You may find a couple online vendors blowing out their old Red Class stock at reduced prices. Good luck, OP!
You may find a couple online vendors blowing out their old Red Class stock at reduced prices. Good luck, OP!
I had a Benchmade Ambush, it had alluminum scales that were kind of crappy ( hollow on the inside ) but otherwise it was pretty decent. Had a "rolling axis lock", but eventually the springs broke and I sent it in for warranty to benchmade, they gave me a store credit since it was discontinued. Thumbs up to them, I used it to purchase a Benchmade Kulgera ( blue class ) and it really demonstrated the quality Benchmade is known for.
So, I would say if you happen upon one and it's a good price go for it because they're okay knives, but they're not really representative of what you will get with the rest of the BM line.
So, I would say if you happen upon one and it's a good price go for it because they're okay knives, but they're not really representative of what you will get with the rest of the BM line.
glocker199
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You can buy the Mini Griptilian with Axis lock and 154CM blade for $70.
whats the cheapest anyone has found the full size grips for? I would really love to build my own with all black hardware and blade with the white grips, but at double the price im not so sure its worth it. are there any sprint run BM in those white grips? also im curious how much those wilkins griptilian grips are. if you haven't seen them, they're welll worth a look. they are BEAUTIFUL! love the pale green and translucent white.