First BM, Looking For An Inexpensive Axis Lock

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A_Blade_Afficionado

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Jan 20, 2009
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I've never owned a BM but I handled one at Cabelas today and I'm hooked to the axis lock. I like the Mini Grip, but it's a tad small. I like the full size Grip but it's a tad big for what I want right now. I've seen the BM527 and it seems like a slightly bigger handled Mini Grip with a blade meant to slice like no other. It seems like the perfect compromise for me but I'd like some input.
Anyways, I'm looking at the 527, possibly the full size Grip, any other inexpensive axis locks to look at? I'm hoping for under $50 shipped (I plan on buying a user from the forums) so keep that in mind. If that's not enough then tell me. I'm new to BM so I'm not up to par on their value.
 
I thought that the mini grip would be on the small side too but after I got it and used it for a couple of days I found it worked quite well for me. While it doesn't fill the hand it sits nicely in it, but everyone has different hand sizes. I would say I have an average hand size, not big not small right in the middle. I wear a large sized glove if that helps
 
The new Benchmade Bone Collector folders are pretty close to the Grips in price. The small one (15030) has about the same length blade, little taller, but the handle fits the hand much better, its both thicker and a little longer, so my pinkie finger actually fits on it. The G10 scales on it are awesome, very grippy and comfy. It comes with a D2 blade as well, so high quality all around. All in all, I think its an awesome value, especially for an Axis Lock. :thumbup:

'Bout the only complaint you could really have is that it ways a good .6 ounces or so more than the mini-grip, but I think that just makes it feel tough, not unwieldy. Plus they look great, especially the two tone green/black scales, make it look like alligator hide or something.

Seen a few up for trade, so you might be able to get one there. If not, look for an online store with a discount coupon, can get a new one for about $85 at the right places. Anything under $100 for a Benchmade Axis Lock is a pretty good deal.

The 530 is pretty damn good too. Its super light, and has the longest blade of the ones mentioned so far. Its lock is slightly more of a pain to use imo, but its still pretty good. It does feel somewhat flimsy because of how superlight and thin it is, but I am pretty sure its tough enough for most tasks. Would be another great choice.
 
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I don't really think you can find a BM axis for under $50, unless you get lucky here in the exchange or on ebay. But I know where your coming from because I feel the same as you do about the griptilian handles and how they just aren't the right size for me. I am in the process of getting custom scales for mine though and will modify the length of them. Anyway, try the 530, 527, HK 14210, HD 13150-1, and maybe the mini bone collector
 
Okay. I found a used 527 for $40 shipped, it's a user but I plan on using it so no issues there.
Can anybody comment on the 527? A guy on YouTube said the action doesn't feels as smooth as on a Grip or Mini Grip and said that because the thumbstud location makes it feels "less smooth" if you get what I mean.
Anybody here have experience with both that can chime in?
 
I prefer the 556 Mini Grip to the 527 Mini Presidio Ultra. I'm not so keen on the hollow ground blade of the 527 and I also find that the 556 thumbs open easier, as the studs are a little further out from the body when the knife is closed.

The 527 fills the hand more though..
 
I found a D2 Grip (the Cabelas model that got me into the axis lock) for $63 shipped, it's used, but if I'm going to EDC it it will get used anyways, so that's what I'll probably end up buying assuming the wallet agrees. Thanks for the input, I haven't been this excited about a knife in awhile. The axis lock really sold me on it.
I was going to buy a 527 but the lines of the Grip plus D2 steel warrants the extra $23 IMO.
Thanks for the input everybody.
 
Plain old 551 Grip would be a good start. Simple and a good entry-level Benchmade...!
 
I don't think there's such a thing as an ideal grind. However, some grinds are more suited for particular tasks more then others. It all depends on how you plan to use your knife.
If you want a pry bar hollow grind is not for you.
 
I don;t use my knives as pry bars..for my 527 ultra lite..i am looking for a edc...moderate cutting chores...self defense....I thought the whole idea of BM black class was to put the knife through its paces...
 
If you're looking for self defense I'd get a Quark123^2 tactical and have the strobe set. 230 lumens of strobe will give you a safe means of escape. By the time their eyes quit burning you'll be two blocks away on a full run. IMO it's more effective than whipping out your knife.
 
I think the 555HG and 550Hg is one of the best hollow grinds there are. Very thin yet I have used my 550HG hard without any problems. Many do not like hollow grinds, but IMO it is still a very good all purpose grind and I like it.
 
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