Help Me Choose Between Three Knives

N

NewbieNick

Joined
Nov 14, 2017
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2
Hi everybody, I'm new here, as you can tell by my username.

I need help choosing between these three knives--Benchmade Megumi, Benchmade North Fork, and Mcusta MCU-121 Cocobolo handle.

My desires/requirements: Between 2.5 and 3 inch blade, one handed opening (I prefer a stud, and prefer axis over liner lock), last a lifetime with care, wood or wood composite handle, superior build quality, good looks. I plan on using the knife as an EDC for minor tasks.

If anyone is familiar with these blades and has opinions or suggestions (or is aware of another option that I'm missing) I'd love to hear them. Thanks in advance.
 
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Hi and welcome to Blade Forums. I only own the Mcusta from the three you're considering, but I'd like to offer my thoughts.

First, you should probably edit out the links to Amazon. They're not a supporting dealer at Blade Forums and linking to non-supporting is considered a no-no. Check out BladeHQ or KnifeCenter or any of the other supporting dealers if you want to post links. I'd also caution against buying knives at Amazon. You may do fine, or you may end up with an Amazon Marketplace vendor who sells you a fake knife. If you stick with reputable knife vendors, you can purchase with a high degree of confidence.

The Megumi is a beautiful gentleman's folder. I've considered picking one up many times. I think it's biggest limitation for EDC from my standpoint is lack of a clip and size. The Megumi is a very small knife with a slender handle. I know you mentioned "minor" tasks, but such a slight knife can become tedious if those tasks involve breaking down cardboard. The lack of handle size makes it more of a dress, occasional use knife than an EDC knife. But Damn, it's a looker, isn't it? Although S30V is a serviceable blade steel, it's a bit below expectations for the Megumi's price.

I've had a couple of Mcustas and own a Tactility with the Corian scales. Mcusta makes beautiful knives with so-so fit and finish. They are mostly configured only for tip down carry, which usually doesn't work for me. If you opt for the Mcusta, bear in mind that you're paying a big junk for Japanese production costs. If the Mcusta knives were manufactured in China, they probably cost half of what they currently cost. That being said, they make beautiful knives that just seem to be overpriced and under-finished. If you can accept that, the Tactility may be your best choice. If you go to BladeHQ or Knifecenter, you'll probably find some Tactility options with wood scales and thumbstuds.

Of the three that you've suggested, I think I prefer the North Fork the best. Benchmade will take some heat for their "out-the-door" QC, but I think they're typically better than Mcusta. The North Fork strikes me as the best EDC option of the three. The blade is more suited to multiple tasks and the handle probably will offer the best ergos. Benchmade service is probably the best in the industry and their stabilize wood scales seem to hold up well. The Axis Lock is the most user friendly lock in the knife world. If we gave all kids a knife with an Axis Lock, the fidget spinner industry would be out of business!

If you're open to a fourth option, perhaps consider the Benchmade 556-1 Mini Griptilian (or 555-1 if you prefer a opening hole). I know it doesn't get you the wood scales you're looking for, but it's a huge upgrade in blade steel and the ergos are better. You can search for aftermarket options for wood scales and add them to your knife further down the line or perhaps try dyeing the gray scales. Just a thought to consider. Good luck!
benchmade-mini-griptilian-556-1-cm-large.jpg
 
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I love the looks of most of Mcusta's blades, but have heard varying stories on their fit and finish. I suppose Benchmade is the same, but with them you can at least send it in to be repaired any time, anywhere. Their warranty is absolutely excellent.
 
The mini griptilian 556-1 is a good recommendation. Most user friendly of those being considered. Best steel. But not as strong in the man jewelry category.
 
I own a North Fork and a Tactility with what I believe are rosewood handles.

First, the North Fork - my specimen is a really good knife, but I would stop short of saying that it's great. A typical Benchmade, I think. Fit and finish are excellent (which is to be expected) but it's very pricey considering what you actually get to put in your hand. The axis lock on mine is a bit sticky, the action isn't wonderful, and the blade is slightly off center. I find the slight recurve to be a real pain to sharpen because the blade is so short - I sharpen freehand - and that the blade stock could be about 30% thinner. It is a relatively poor slicer with its medium-height flat grind and thick stock. Then again, Benchmade markets it as a hunting knife and I've never used it to skin anything (and it would probably be ideal for that). For me, it's a bit wide across the handle to be comfortable in a jeans pocket; it gets most of its pocket time when I'm hiking, competing with a Manix 2 LW.

The Mcusta Tactility - I wanted to love this knife. So, so badly. The finish from the factory though... poor. Mine has some really awful grind lines on the back side of the blade that someone forgot to polish out. One of the screws sticks out about 0.5mm from the contour of the scale, but only on one side of the screw (3D handles). Also, the screws appear to be some sort of bootleg version of Torx? Anyone else noticed that? Torx drives have the arms of the star tapered toward the ends but these stars have straight arms. I haven't taken it apart (because I don't want to damage the screws with a Torx bit) but can tell you that it runs on Teflon washers; I find this almost inexcusable at this price point. I think the clip is pretty goofy and uncomfortable in hand so when I carry it, it's clipless. With all that said, it's a gorgeous knife (from one side) that opens very smoothly (I've not really put the Teflon washers under any strain so read into that what you will). Not sure if the wood scales have been treated in any way - the wood on the North Fork is definitely going to last longer.
HFqIN2o.jpg


Of the 3, the North Fork matches your description of what you want the best. When I got mine, the other option I was considering was, in fact, the Megumi. Finances dictated that I would go for the North Fork. In comparison, the Tactility has at least a 3.5" blade, maybe even 3.75". It's a much bigger knife than either of the options from BM.

My recommendation: save your pennies and go to the exchange here and buy a small Sebenza with whatever gorgeous wood inlay you can find. It'll cost you more than twice as much as either of the above options (and I'm not trying to rip off the Sebenza value debate scab) but having owned one of those as well, I will say that in my opinion it is certainly more than twice the knife.
 
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G Golden Goal I seem to recall reading that the tapering was either adopted early on and made part of the standard or never officially standardized to specify. I of course can find no reference at this time so I can't really confirm but I would expect that to have no impact on the fit of a Torx driver and would only add minimal risk of stripping out the screw while the driver remains relatively safe assuming it is not a bargain bin Torx driver. I would suggest if you haven't and have any plans to take apart knives or small electronics you invest in a quality Torx driver/bit set I personally have and use a Wiha set.

N NewbieNick do you have any budget constraints and/or other wishes to add to your ideal knife or more detail about the tasks it will be used for or when and how you plan/intend to carry?
 
P PirateSeulb I'd like to stay under $200. I'd hope to use for it anything from slicing an apple to cutting bait to whittling sticks to last-ditch self defense. I'd probably deep carry it, and not every day but when I think I would need it or want it on me. Another thing: The durability of the blade and locking mechanism is important, but also the durability of the finish on the handle. So I guess I'm saying I'd like the knife to age well. I've never owned a Benchmade, but it sounds like their customer service provides great peace of mind in that regard.
 
The Megumi is awesome... but my goodness that Delica with the pakkawood and laminated blade is cool.
 
Benchmade 556-1 is a fantastic option, given your specs and uses for the knife (minus the wooden scales, of course).

Comes in an awesome super steel, blade sized right where you want it, durable handle scales in g10, deep carry clip, blue liners for a bit of color, nice blue standoffs allowing for flow through design, not too heavy in weight, takes up little pocket real estate, awesome axis lock (and fidget factor, LOL), etc.

Good luck in your search!
 
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Personally, I like 2 3/4" - 3 1/4" bladed knives for general utility, too. However, many of the knives in that class tend to have thin handles which becomes a chore for breaking down the occasional file cabinet size box, Styrofoam box, garden hose, etc.

Although I tend to favor Benchmade, after trying many different offerings I ended up finding the Buck 112 to be a very capable 3" bladed knife with a very comfortable handle. I prefer it to many of my 3 1/2+" knives for many tasks.

It looks great in wood, but you will find many varieties through dealer exclusives (e.g. Copper and Clad or SK Blades), such as Micarta, G10, or different wood handles with 5160, 154 CM, D2, 420 HC, and S30V steels.

I have the finger grooved version with clip point (420HC), and a Micarta version with an S30V drop point blade. They open one handed smoothly after a day or two of break in via the now-called "Spydie drop" method, and they fill that "more traditional" hole I had in my EDC rotation.

However, it is heavier than most knives in its size range, and might feel a little cramped for those with large hands (I wear large gloves and like the size). Additionally, I usually carry it next to a minimalist wallet in my back pocket or in the sheath... the weight and girth might make it feel strange for front pocket carry, and it does not have a pocket clip.
 
I have a North Fork. It was my gateway knife into $100+ folders. It's a beautiful knife, but not my favorite EDC. The handle is comfortable in hand, but thick in the pocket. The thumb studs are wide enough to catch on the pocket edge coming out and going into the pocket. I've bought a few Benchmades since. None are as pretty as the North Fork. But they all seem to get carried more often.

How about a Shinola/Benchmade Valet? Kinda small, but designed as an EDC. I'm gonna keep an eye on this thread, as I'd like a modern EDC folder with wood scales, too.
 
Welcome. All three of those knives are amazing. And honestly it doesn't really matter which one you choose. If your anything like me, and every other damn person here, you will eventually end up with all three. Yeah! Hope that helps a bit
 
Of the 3 you listed, the Megumi is a nice looker, but no pocket clip.
Personally I would go with the North Fork for the same reasons others mentioned. Of Mcusta's, the MC-1 is a better fit to stay in that 3" range:
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Mcusta-MC1-Knife-Seki--5588
And that would then be a toss-up (for me), between the MC-1 and N.F., as I've had positive experiences with both brands. I do like the look of that delica too, and I'm not usually big on Spyderco designs.

Another option to consider that would be easier on the pocket for edc, (although a liner lock);
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/EN...olding-2-78-plain-d2-blade-curly-birch-handle
Slightly thinner in the handle and stock, slightly lighter, w/ a slighter longer handle, and a nice deep pocket clip.

Lastly, If you don't mind assisted opening, and want to save up a few $'s for something more high end, then a nice entry level option is
https://www.bladehq.com/item--SOG-Twitch-II-Wood-Assisted-Opening--15202
It's from their made in Japan line, typically better quality, and at $60, aus8 is a good entry level steel. It's easy to sharpen to a wicked edge. And this one particularly is a lockback with a safety slide to ensure it stays locked open, or, to lock closed to help ensure you don't have a misfire with the a/o in your pocket. A somewhat rational fear many folks have with a/o's.
Buy something in that range, bit the other $100+ aside, and start saving towards something like;
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Benchmade-Mini-Griptilian-Limited--76185
 
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