Ehh...can't decide

Warthog

Warthog

Joined
Oct 6, 2000
Messages
567
I've looked at over a dozen knives in deciding my next purchase. Finally I've narrowed it down to two knives:

BM722S Benchmade Pardue, tanto
Advantages: It's a Benchmade, axis lock, tip-up carry, light weight.
Disadvantages: IMO, "ordinary" looking tactical folder (not really unique), only 3 1/4" blade.

SP63GPS Spyderco Chinook, combo
Advantages: Very unique and cool looking, big blade (4"),
Disadvantages: Heavy (8oz), lockback (rather have a one hand closer like the Axis), tip down carry.

Of course the advantages/disadvantages are in my opinion. Both companies offer free sharpening at their factories and have stellar warranties.

I looked at many other Benchmade and Spyderco knives but I did not really want a liner lock simply because I don't like the way they operate, so that narrowed it down fast. Budget is in the $100-130 range, if you have any other suggestions. Anything I missed that would help me decide? Owners of the Chinook?

Warthog
 
Well I know the Chinook is a great knife and it is solid as hell but I realy can't comment on it's performance since I've only handled it a few times and not actually used it.

The 722 has become a nice addition to my EDC collection. The axis is great as most people will tell you and I find the tanto perfect for more abusive jobs. Some light prying etc...stuff that I wouldn't dare do with a spear/drop point blade.

I think for 'construction' type jobs the tanto is perfect.
 
Hello,

Horses for courses. I would think that the Benchmade wins every time as an EDC. It's much the more sophisticated piece, and much the easier of the pair to handle. Reliable too.

The linerlock despite it's many detractors, is a very efficient method of locking. Well made, and executed, it is the equal of any frame lock I've ever owned. Maybe controversial, but what is a frame lock, except essentially a linerlock without scales!!

The Chinook... Big bugger ain't she? Very capable blade, and enormously strong. As you say, good looking too if you like that sort of thing. Awkward to handle though because of it's size. Cost you a fortune as well in repairs to your pant's pockets. It is one beast that I think deserves to be carried in a sheath.

As far as a GOOD strong framelock is concerned, especially for the price, you don't have to look any further than John Grecos' Birds of Prey series. Those babies blades are .210 thick!! Weak they aren't!! They're half price now on his site, and within your budget. A real bargain.

Regards,

Doug
 
Can't discuss much on here about prices/sources, but I'm getting a Spyderco Lil Temperance (Drop point)(took 3 months on a waiting list), for $110 USD... email for details.

From your 2 options posted though, I'd say go with the BM. I was looking at the Pardue, but it was out of my price range when I was looking at it.

also consider that the chinook is going under a major revamp in the next year(I beleive sal said for late 2003)... 4 pos clip, shorter blade, lighter by 2oz(?)... and the millie is rumoured to be going to compression lock soon... and of course the para millie, spyderhawk, and SS Cricket coming out next year(hopefully).
 
I was trying to get away from wearing a sheath with either knife since carrying my current EDC, the SOG Tomcat II (8oz), in addition to my Wave already makes my pants nearly fall down when I'm pissing...one or the other, not both (not 2 heavy knives, anyway) on my belt at one time;). So the next knife would be clipped to my pocket...didn't think of that but am taking that into consideration with the Chinook.

Ok, lets see...I think I'll by the new Chinook and/or Military next year:D and the BM 722 now:D. If you can't decide, why not get both? By next year, I'll be ready for a new EDC...I'd say much sooner than next year but I only have 2 months left until 6 months of military training (basic, MP and airborne);)

The ability of the tanto to pry more so than other blade styles is quite appealing...this is something I've wanted to do for sometime.

What is a compression lock? What does it look like/how does it operate? Thanks for the great opinions posted here...very helpful. If anyone else has something they want to say, don't hesitate;)

Warthog
 
the compression lock operates much like the linerlock. However, for it to fial, the knife has to destroy itself.

There is the main lock, and an additional "finger" that slips b/w the stop pin and the tang. For the lock to fail, the finger has to be ripped out from it's spot. That mean either the pivot fails and rips itself out of the scales, or the stop pin rips itself out of the scales. Not too likely to fail.

You can see a good pic of it on the Spyderco home page. Click on Edge-ucation > Anatomy... it looks s like an inverted linerlock, but it's much stronger. Not sure if they posted the holding strength on the site or not.
 
I'd get whichever is different from your collection. That's probably the Chinook, right? Because if you're like a lot of people, including me, you probably have more tactical knives than you know what to do with.

At least with Spyderco they'll probably discontinue it before it's popularity dies and if it's a sought after knife you can resell it on EBAY for a premium.
 
Get the Chinook. It's strong-enough to cut the Benchmade in-half.:D.:eek:.
 
The chinook is a thick thick blade .15 the 722 is .12 not a huge difference. For myself the 722 seemed just a little to small I bought a sog night vision basically the same as the 722 only bigger. As for the chinook it is more my taste as far as size but the blade style would not be useful to me. if it has to be between the two BUY AMERICAN! :)
 
Full Tang Clan - Yeah, that's one of the big factors of why I'd get the Chinook. It's different than what anyone else has (that I personally know) and is wicked cool looking, IMO.

lol, I started this thread to decide and nearly convinced myself in my last post...now I'm back to 50/50 again:D:D

About the Chinook - the feature that always annoyed me on my SOG Tomcat lockback was the fact that it wasn't totally 110% solid lockup, IMO. When you put good pressure on the blade, it goes backwards ever so slightly, along with the piece of metal that creates the lockup. That small movement irratates me..NOT enough to not recommend the knife or anything...maybe I'm too anal? Is this how all lockbacks are? Sorry, I haven't handled many.

Am looking at the SOG X-Ray...definately an alternative to the BM 720...I like the blade style better, too.

Warthog
 
Go with a liner lock anyways. When they are made right, they are superb. Here is one that is made right: Al Mar SERE 2000.

When it is all said and done, this knife will go down as the finest full-production tactical folder ever made. And for $120, it ain't a bad deal.
 
I would recommend the Benchmade for several reasons:

1) The Chinook is just too heavy for an EDC. The point of an EDC is to have it with you at all times. Sooner or later the Chinook is going to be more than you'll enjoy carrying--especially combined with the Leatherman Wave, pocket change, keys, wallet, cell phone, ect...

2) Yeah, the Chinook is built like a tank and can probably hack through alot of material, but you already carry the Wave, and (if memory serves me correctly) it has a saw and metal file and a bunch of other tools--so hacking through material is'nt really a problem.

3) The Axis-lock!

Good luck,
Allen.
 
Told you you'd like that SOG and this comes from a benchmade guy! The XRay and Night Vision are NICE!:cool:
 
Another vote for the 722. It is one of my EDC's and I have absolutely no complaints about it. One of the big advantages to this knife is that it is a true V-grind tanto blade.
 
Originally posted by Warthog
When you put good pressure on the blade, it goes backwards ever so slightly, along with the piece of metal that creates the lockup. That small movement irratates me..NOT enough to not recommend the knife or anything...maybe I'm too anal? Is this how all lockbacks are? Sorry, I haven't handled many.
Click to expand...

naw dood that's just wack. a lockback shouldn't move like that unless its a POS or if its been damaged. None of my Spyderco LB's have that problem. I never really cared much for LB's until i started picking up Spydies... now i dont mind them. I never noticed that on my Sogwinder...
 
Another vote for the Chinook.

The blade shape has many uses and the shear strength of the knife puts it into a class almost by itself.

Not to mention it's made from one of the best steels on the market

Get one.
 
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