First auto benchmade

I really like my Mini-Infidel. First, I like the smaller size as I find it more pocketable (YMMV). But it is a classic design. Double edged, OTF, double action, D2 tool steel, and a deep pocket carry-clip. Gorgeous design. If you want something a bit bigger, take a look at the full sized Infidel. All of the features of the mini in a larger package.

But they make several - all of which are nice. I also own the Mini-Presidio and the 7505-132 and like them as well. But if I had to only have one auto (of those I already own including other brands) it would be the Infidel.

JMO, of course. Half the fun is deciding which best suits your needs and wants.
 
Depends on the use...

I owned a Mini-Infidel and fell out of love with the double-edged blade. My favorite is the 3550 because of the small amount of pocket real estate it takes up. A lot of the Benchmade autos such as the AFO II are aluminum bricks in the pocket, so I would definitely handle the knives before you buy.

The real question is Axis-Auto, or push-button auto ;)
 
I have a full-size Infidel and a Mini Reflex 2550, both are really nice knives. The Infidel was a grail knife for me, finally got one earlier this year.

Can recommend both, depends on what size of a knife you want, really. My friends all are very impressed by/love the OTF.
 
I only have one, and it is a 3550. It's a neat knife. The only thing for me is, I have big hands, so when I pickup the knife to open the blade, I find I have to move my hand around a little, so I can open it and hold it without having to worry about dropping it. Perhaps that would get easier if I actually carried it more often.
Once it is open, it fits my big hand very nicely, and as already mentioned, it carries good in the pocket...

I have been thinking about getting a 9051 though. Not because I need a knife that is bigger, I just think it would be easier for me to open.
 
I really like the 3550, been carrying one for a long time, what I like is the thin profile of the blade and handle.

It's not just a sticker (spear point blade) I wouldn't call it a hard use blade and I wouldn't beat on it like the autos out there that are tanks, but it's not huge and heavy so it makes a great EDC knife.
 
I've owned a 2550, 3550, 3500, 5000, AFOII. The little Pardue (3550) was my favorite. Nothing wrong with any of them, I just like the smaller size and the fact that it looks like the older manual 350.
 
Auto Stryker. Tough and sharp, can't ask for too much more. ;) Or AFO if you're into bigger knives. I never cared for the Infidel series but I know they have a lot of fans :)

I can't say why, but I've always been a fan of the aluminum handled autos coming from benchmade.
 
I haven't tried them all, but here's what I own and I'll point out my general likes/dislikes.

1000 Spike - Cool looking, easy to carry, not a very useful shape.
2000 Reflex (discontinued) - Large, lightweight, excellent utility blade shape, prone to blade play.
2550 Mini Reflex - This is Benchmade's best-ever EDC auto. I EDC'd a 1998 first run for many years and it still functions like new even though it looks well-used. Great handle ergonomics and blade shape/grind.
2750 Adamas - Toughest auto I've ever seen/used. I don't know how you could break it. It's only enemy is rust on the springs and D2 blade. Unfortunately, it's really heavy. The blade is also thick and the grind is steep so it's not suited for some cutting tasks.
3100 Benchmite (discontinued) - Tiny and ultra thin. Attach it to your keychain and forget about it. You'll always have a knife with you.
3150 Impel - Looks nice. Too big for keychain, too small to be a decent user. I presume it's a great seller in California due to the <2" blade length.
3300 Infidel - Looks cool. Not very useful. Bulky to carry. The 3310 would be a better choice as a user, but only if you really need effortless one-handed open and close.
3350 Mini Infidel - Looks cool. Not very useful.
5000 Presidio - Tough and surprisingly light, but mediocre handle ergonomics. The sharp corners all over the handle scales will wear the material in your pocket and also the anodizing wears off quickly with use and makes it look beat up.
6150 Mini Rukus (discontinued) - Benchmade's most ergonomic auto and probably their best ever all-around auto. Closest you can get now is the HK MP5, but I've never tried one.
9000 AFO (discontinued) - It's a 9050 without the safety. Wife carries a purple one camping and hiking.
9050 AFO (discontinued) - Good at everything, but not outstanding at anything. I carried one of these camping/hiking/fishing for years. I bought an Adamas to take on this duty, but switched back to the AFO. I carry in the sheath as I feel it's too big for pocket carry.
9051 AFO II - Better than the 9050 in every way except the extra weight and the bulky molle sheath.
9130 Stryker (discontinued) - This is a really good user. It's also an excellent EDC if you want something bigger than the 2550.
9350 Mini-Stryker (discontinued) - Great knife as it's just a smaller version of the 9130, but the 2550 is a better choice.
 
Personally I would go with the Mini-Reflex 2550 mainly due to it's size. If you want a larger knife I recommend the Benchmade Armed Forces 9050 or 9051. All three are knives that others are judged by.
 
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"Depends on the use...

I owned a Mini-Infidel and fell out of love with the double-edged blade. My favorite is the 3550 because of the small amount of pocket real estate it takes up. A lot of the Benchmade autos such as the AFO II are aluminum bricks in the pocket, so I would definitely handle the knives before you buy.

The real question is Axis-Auto, or push-button auto"-Cypress


True, and if you're already well used to a manual axis then you're in for a learning curve with an auto-axis. I can't count the times I almost dropped my 6150 after I had closed it due to it flipping back open.
 
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I prefer the AXIS lock models, and have always found the Mini Presidio family to be an awesome auto that is suited to carry and heavier usage. While all of Benchmade's models are built to a very high standard of quality, the traditional button lock does not have the operational excellence and ease of operation of AXIS, which I think is so nice that almost all of my BMs are AXIS models. Additionally, I think AXIS is a lock that is very good at withstanding dirt buildup, easy to detail strip, very strong, and easy to clean, all of which are major reasons I am a fan.
 
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