Help Me Pick a Benchmade

B

Bill Nice

Joined
Oct 28, 2007
Messages
2
So until now I've been using Spydercos like the Dragonfly and I like them but I'd now like to try a Benchmade. I want a utility knife that keeps an edge for a long time, but also something that can be used in self-defence if it comes to it. It must have an AXIS lock - if I wanted a linerlock I'd get a SERE :p

I'll say right off that I don't like thumbstuds, at which point I'm sure everyone will tell me to get a Griptillian but I don't want one. They're ugly in my opinion and I don't like the blade shapes of the ones with holes, and I figure a $120 knife has got to be better than a $60 one.

Since I don't intend to use the thumbstud, it should flick open and closed really well. Also, I use my knives more to play with them than I do to actually work, so it's got to be fun! And look good!

I'd like it to have a blade length of at least 3", no more than $150, preferably a lot less. It should have a very secure grip and a plaid edge, satin finish blade. Not part serrated or black finished. It should not have a tanto blade.

Prime candidates right now are the 710D2, 520, 943 and 14205.

There aren't any AXIS knives with assisted opening are there? Oh, and I don't suppose Spyderco's D'Allara is anything like an AXIS is it? I've seen them opened and shut, and it looks the same sort of mechanism, but I've never seen them flicked...

One other thing: anyone else find it a bit uncomfortable using a regular folding knife after using one with a finger choil? Feels like it's going to swing shut on me all the time :|
 
I love my BM520 but you will have to slacken the pivot if you want to 'flick' it open with out using the thumbstuds. Other than that I think it meets most of your criteria.
 
Another vote for the 520. Second would be the 710. Just give some time getting used to the thumbstuds.

Good luck,
Bill
 
If you wanted to go a little on the smaller-blade side, the Sequel BM707 is a great knife.:thumbup:
 
I've had my 710 as my EDC ever since it came out in D2. best all round folder I've ever had.
 
610/615 Rukuses or the 940 or 960 Osbornes. That's too bad about the Griptilian...sorry to hear it suffer such an ill-fate (2 for $120) :D
 
Presidio, VERY solid knife with excellent blade shape and grind plus
the handles have grooves coming in to meet in the middle
of the handle that help provide a serious grip on the knife.

Check out their website image of course this shows a partial serration
but you can get it with plain edged blade too

Presidio image

and check out their Spec page here

Solid knife with a very useful blade shape.
G2
 
You want it to be fun and more for play, yet functional.....BM42 Balisong all the way if they're legal where you live. Until I found my 610 Rukus, I couldn't put it down.
 
I'm about to pick up a BM525 myself, so from your list I'd go with the 520.

And I know what you mean about the finger choil. I used a knife with one for the longest time, and when I started using other knives it was a bit of an adjustment.
 
Another vote for the 710 in D2. All around incredible knife. I own three of 'em, you know just in case one ever gets lost:D I know it has thumbstuds, but who needs studs when you can flick the 710 open in a heartbeat? AND, all of my 710s have been flickable without ever loosening up the pivot. Go ahead and buy one, you know you wanna;)

Cheers
 
I'm a huge Spyderco fan and there is one Benchmade that has managed to sneak into my EDC rotation... the Benchmade 530. Slender and lightweight (1.2oz, I think), it is what many Spyderco's are not (elegant and tacti-cool) and is a real joy to play with. The handle lets you put your finger really close to the blade, probably closer than most Benchmades, and while not sculpted ergonomically like Spydercos it is fairly comfortable to use. I use the thumbstud but it is not hard to pinch the AXIS and pop open the knife with a wrist flick. Once the pivot loosens up a bit it can be easily wrist-flicked open without pulling on the lock too. IMHO the 530 is an excellent light-use knife.

I have tried the 710 and found it to be not to my liking (love the blade shape, not so hot about the handle) and the Grips feel "oddly balanced" when compared to my Endura or Military. But the 530 just fits the bill... for me, at least.
 
Get whatever you think looks handsome. All Axis knives are easily flickable, and with that lock you won't even use the thumbstuds.

I'd pick the 943 by looks alone.
 
Sounds to me like you need a SOG Tomcat III :D

If it has to be BM I would go for the 710... it's at the top of my BM list. Very elegant design at a good price.

Mark
 
I have experience only with the 710 D2, but I am very very pleased with it. It was bigger than I thought it was going to be when I ordered it, but it somehow seems easier to carry than my previous, smaller EDC.
 
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