Favorite benchmade EDC under 4 inches?

Artfully Martial

Artfully Martial

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Jun 8, 2005
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Preferably not incredibly expensive. Oh, and does anyone have experience with the switchback?

Just lining up some benchmades to try out.
 
My favorite is the Gravitator but the Griptilians are great users too.

oil
 
I just traded a 530 Osborne, wasn't my cup of tea, but maybe it would work for someone else. Currently have an Apparition, very nice knife!
 
Thanks for the input guys. A few new prefs to work with. Must have axis lock. Must be still being made.
Sorry guys. I think I'm going to buy a benchmade to compare with my new M16 and return one of them.
 
The switchback is a nice knife. It is very thin and light with a good blade shape. I've used the little blade around the sheeple or when when a large blade is just over kill like cleaning your fingernails. I'm not sure I'd want to use it for all day tasks however, the handle isn't as comfortable as other designs.

For a cheaper BM it's hard to beat the Griptillian series.
 
Either the 710HS (i want this knife, but I dont have it yet) or the 940, (or any 94x). It depends on whether you want a tank or a gentlemans knife.

The switchback is a nice knife, a bit larger in hight than the 94x knives, but still feels preetty good in hand. I have never carried it though, just played with it in stores).

For something less expensive:
530: A weak slicer. This thing will be awesome for slicing, but is very thin. The handle CAN flex though I have never heard of it breaking. Also, the thin tumb studs and axis studs can be hell on the hands.

Grips: These are nice knives. The feel a bit cheep, even compared to FRN, and when you flip them they have a plasticy sound. However, they are great knives for the price, and very ergonomic. They do, however, ride thick in the pocket because of the swolen handles.

I hope this helps.
 
not expensive? = Griptilian: great ergos, great slicer, slick opener - one of the best knives for money. My other favourite BM is Ares but also wonder how good Resistor is - I love its look... you may already return your M16 and patiently wait for your first BM :D
 
I'm not sure about THAT....I do love my M16, even if it lacks the fan boys here at bladeforums. If it stays as good as it appears it will, I might be the first. Of course, I'd REALLLLLLY like to have both. Anyone want to donate an axis-lock knife to a benchmade n00b? For lack of money for expensive benchmade knives, I may have to sell my prized Buck 560C, if I can dare part with it.
 
I love my BM 921 Switchback. I can use the small blade for dirty stuff and keep the main blade for heavy cutting or just peeling fruit. :p It's nice and thin like everyone has mentioned so it's real easy to carry.

A Griptilian is a nice cheaper choice. If you can deal with a smaller blade and don't like the "hollow/plastic" sound of the full size Grip, get the Mini Grip since it has full length liners.

So far, I'd rate my current small collection ...

1.) BM 921 Switchback
2.) BM 558 Doug Ritter Mini Grip
3.) BM 707S Sequel
4.) BM 705
 
BM710 in 154CM if you prefer a non-coated blade and M2 if you don't mind a black coated blade.
 
What the heck is D2 tool steel used in the 960 osbourne? I wish that dang knife weren't so expensive, because I think that'd be the perfect one. DARN!
 
I'm going to also say: BM Monochrome is a good slicer and the N690 blade steel is very good IMO. It is a SS handle knife. (don't know your opinion on metal handled knives) Walter
 
The Cabella's Benchmade Mini-Griptilian in D2 Steel with plain blade is my favorite and keeps a mean edge. I removed the clip and it fits neatly in any kind of pants; jeans to dress. I think it was around $ 60 and has the Axis Lock.
 
So you're a fan of the D2? I know absolutely nothing about it, so D2 fans and haters, share your wisdom. If not for this knife, just so I'll know in the future.

I've used both a 710 and a mini-griptillian and they both had beautiful blades and an incredible action. However, both of these are premium production knives, which, well, to be honest, simply felt and looked ..budget-esque. There are too many great (and well-educated) benchmade fans for me to believe they actually ARE of low quality. However, if I'm going to spend that much money, the knife will have to please me in every aspect including that undefineable "the feel" and of course, the aesthetics. I understand where benchmade was going with the griptillian and 710, however--put the money where it counts, quality lock and blade, over whether it pleases the eye, and I agree with that. I have knives that satisfy those requirements already, however, so I'm looking for something a little more.

This is what's guiding me more along the lines of the switchback and osbourne (I believe). I'll need to play with the switchback again to see if 3.5 is too long for my EDC (I operate in a fairly restrictive--and HIGHLY LIBERAL--environment).
 
D2: Semi Stainless, meaning unless you are a brute it will remain rust free. Great edge retention but can be a brittle. That being said, if you use it as a pocket knife and not a prybar or an axe it will perfrom superbly. Its a favourite of many but not as common as other steels.
 
Even if the handles are really ugly and look and feel cheap, I have to say the Griptilian handles are both practical and ergonomic, being inexpensive, lightweight, and grippy. Some like the D2 version, but I don't have any problem with and have found the 440C to perform very well. I consider the Griptilian to be a price range compromise: You get a great design, plenty of fit and finish, and all of the other Benchmade perks, but you sacrifice the G10/wood/steel "pretty" scales to keep some cash in your pocket. I don't know if you consider the $60's price range cheap or not, but I think it's a great value, and I highly reccomend the plain edge with opening hole. It's also ambidexrous.
 
Thanks for the much needed D2 info. Here's some more steel questions. What do you guys think about the S30V and 440C combination in the switchback?
 
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