Help me pick my first benchmade.

I own a 950 rift and am voting for the 950 rift.

If I'm going to carry more than just my super tinker that's the knife I pick. I like the handle, I like the blade shape, I like the steel, I like the size and how it carries/handles at that size, it's not a small knife but doesn't feel bulky. I also appreciate the two tone and how awesome it looks. A knife that big is the kind of thing NKP may react poorly to but I've never had that happen with this knife, everyone just says it looks nice. My all black para 2? A WMD.

I've never owned a 300 flipper but after handling one I think they are needlessly stubby and bulky. I think the rift got length/thickness perfect. I'm also not a fan of the flippers handle, I think the contours on the rifts handle are done better. Get the rift.
 
The rift is great. Another few amazing options or

Benchmade 51
Benchmade 62
Benchmade 860
Benchmade 940
Griptillian
 
The flipper is one of those big, small knives. Kind of reminds me of a bodybuilding midget. Beefy, but short. If you have large hands you'll wind up selling it. Rift is a good all-rounder.
 
Thanks for the replys so fast guys!
I see so far the rift has it. I'll give it more attention before I choose tonight or tomorrow.
I don't really like the idea of the griptilian as plastic on anything but a kitchen knife really irritates me; which stinks because I really want to like them.
I do have small hand. I wear a small mens glove so the flipper would probably fit for me. Seriously I have strong hands but they're small like paws, LOL. It's funny, I was thinking as I read the reviews and watched the videos for the flipper that it was sad that it would probably be a perfect fit. Reminds me of my Ranger Falcon. Awsome little fixed blade pry-bar / skinner. The sad part is if it fits my hand so perfectly it wont fit anyone elses.
 
The thing about the flipper is that Benchmade came really late to the party. Spyderco and Kai/ZT are light years ahead in regards to smoothness and quickness for a flipper (especially ZT). The 300 can't compare to a Spydie Domino or a ZT 0801. Granted they are both a bit more expensive. But, honestly (and this is coming from a BM fan) if a flipper is what your looking for. You can do better than the 300.
 
The 300 was cool, but it needs to go on a diet. Short OAL, ridiculous handle thickness. Short and fat. Fit and filled the hand great, though, and while the flipper was not a perfect idea (no real detent makes it hard to flip) it would open just fine with a slight wrist flick.

The Rift is not as comfortable in hand and I think is a bit bigger. Thinner handles, though.
 
If you like griptilian, REI has a it's special ed with G10 handle.
I owns a domino but to me Sage 1 should be a great cost effective contender.
 
I'm rather fond of these but to answer your question IMO the Rift is the better knife.

 
I sold my Rift because it did not feel good in my hand. Also I like jimping and the Rift has none. My two favorite Benchmades are the 710 and the Contego. I would chose one of those.
 
dkb45 said:
The 300 was cool, but it needs to go on a diet. Short OAL, ridiculous handle thickness. Short and fat. Fit and filled the hand great, though, and while the flipper was not a perfect idea (no real detent makes it hard to flip) it would open just fine with a slight wrist flick.

The Rift is not as comfortable in hand and I think is a bit bigger. Thinner handles, though.
Click to expand...

The 300-1 is the blue/black G 10 scaled version. This version doesn't have the blocky scales. They are much more rounded and thinner.
 
I am not a flipper fan. I defer to those who are.

The Sage 1 is the most ergonomic knife that my small hands have ever held.

I also second the BM 710 and I highly recommend the the BM AFCK.

Mike H.
 
I bought a Rift and disliked pretty much everything about it. Didn't suit my hand, lateral and vertical blade play, it nearly turned me off Benchmade for life. Recently I stumbled across a good deal on a Griptillian and while I take the point about the plastic handles, once you get past that it really is just a fantastic knife and would be my choice.
 
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