First Impressions: Benchmade 813 TSEK

[Mongrel]

Hey all, just thought I would share this with the forums:

Just received my Benchmade 813 from New Graham Pharmacy. WOW! I am impressed.

I bought it because of the blade shape, and the rather low-cost for a G-10 scaled model.

I was apprehensive about the thumb stud however. My EDC has been the 812 AFCK with a combo edge. I must say that I am pleasantly surprised by how smooth the operation with the thumb stud actually is. I have had no difficulty at all in accessing the blade (right handed anyway).

The blade shape is just as, if not slightly more so, practical as the AFCK's, and I am finding the plain edge to be a welcome change.

Only negatives I have discovered in the last two days of carrying it:

The indexing ridges on the spine are alot more pronounced than on the AFCK. They have quite a bit of 'rise' (which I like btw) to them. Also the more agressive pattern can make reaching into the pocket quite an experience. I'll have callous on the back of my hand in no time, so this won't be a lingering problem-heheh.

The other 'minute' issue is one shared by my other AFCK liner-locks. The serrations on the liner lock itself tend to be quite sharp. Now I'm no wimp (I've been in Maint\construction my whole life)and I have some decent callous on my thumb, but those suckers bite pretty good!
The lock-up is extremely positive though and there is no play at all.

The new style clip seems a bit 'light' in color, and seems to have less spring then the ones on my AFCK's. This has been mentioned before here I believe.

NOTE: I consider these to be 'minor' subjective observations.

Anyway-fit and finish are excellent (actually my best looking BM yet)-as usual for a Benchmade. Blade is 'hair popping' sharp-also standard for an out of the box Benchmade. It is just as smooth opening\closing as my other Benchmades also. The G-10 looks great-good definition and very clean, offering a secure purchase\grip.

All in all I am VERY satisfied with this model. Seems like an AFCK at the price of an Ascent. I am recommending this model to everyone I know.

Thanks to Benchmade for another great practical EDC model!

Now if they would only offer the Mini-TSEK with the AXIS Lock!!!

Mongrel

 

[BOK]

I considered getting a TSEK myself but I could never really get used to that damn thumbstud. I think I've gotten too accustomed to the round thumbhole on my AFCK. I think I'd like the TSEK more if it had a thumb disc on it actually.

Great design, great blade shape...just don't like that stud...gives the blade a cheaper less 'distinguished' look IMHO...

 

[Danbo]

One of my dealer friends had a closeout on the mini version of the TSEK, and I bought 6 of them. My thinking was that I would keep a couple for myself to carry and use and give a couple away as gifts to relatives and friends. I started carrying one and was very impressed. Seemed to be sharper than the usual Benchmades I had owned before, as well as thinner ground. Similar experience as listed above; opened slick and locked up properly. The GIN1 steel also resharpened a little easier than the usual ATS34 too. Great knife!

I did end up giving 2 away as gifts to relatives, and the rest were grabbed up by friends; even mine. Now, I dont even have one left.