I admit that I am a Benchmade guy over Spyderco

Yeah, this MXL will be my last ball lock....next spydie will be compression lock

I think that will be the smartest move you ever make. If you are someone that likes to play with their knives, IE flicking it open and closed a lot, then i guarantee you will love the compression lock just as much as the axis.
 
I think it really varies from person to person. I've heard so many go review on Spyderco. After getting my first Spyderco Manix 2 XL today, I was disappointed. Everything about it feels awkward? Somewhat uncomfortable....guess maybe it's just me. I mean, it looks nice, feels good but somehow I am unable to open blade smoothly. The ball lock so stiff....cannot close normally.

IDK....I think maybe it's every knife must be compatible with user. Or just my hands....

Give it time, it will grow on you. I was in the same position as you, and Spyderco is now one of my favorite brands. Very functional and well-made blades.
 
I would suggest trying a Gayle Bradley or a PM2. They are some of the most popular spydies for a reason. You already know how to open and close a liner lock effortlessly I'm sure, and once you get to know the compression lock, it will out shine the axis lock, in its own way, that is. I do love the axis lock, but its really hard to put down a comp lock some times, for me anyways. Good luck on your journey, and don't give up just yet.
Elliot

Agreed; both are great blades.
 
Spyderco and Benchmade are the worst companies to compare.

Both set industry standards for high-quality that come in at an incredibly high value. Each company offers superb warranty services, excellent designs, and lead the industry in terms of innovation and style.

If I had to identify major strengths and weakness, I'd point to the following:

(1) Benchmade's usually have much better action and are tougher than Spyderco knives due to thicker blade designs;

(2) Spydercos are usually better slicers due to flatter blade grinds;

(3) Spydercos usually have better ergonomics due to pronounced choils;

(4) Benchmade's primary lines and best models are made in the USA (several of Spyderco's best models are made in Taiwan);

(5) Spyderco is more innovative in designs.

At the end of the day, both companies are amazing, and we're fortunate to have access to both of their extensive and impressive inventories.

I think your comments are overly generalized. And the Spydies made in Taichung, Taiwan are among the best made and highest quality knives I own, the Sage 1 and Gayle Bradley, in particular. Stellar blades with beautiful fit and finish. This idea that anything made outside the U.S is of a lesser quality is beyond obsolete. I own and enjoy both brands and will continue to do so.
 
I would consider myself a Benchmade fan over Spydies but they are both great companies who are putting out great products.
My last purchase after buying 4 consecutive Benchmades was a Spyderco Manix 2 XL because it was a big folder and it was NOT a liner lock.
Now, Im just tired of liner locks, that's all. I wanted something different. I have lots of liner lock knives and not one has ever failed on me. I just buy what catches my eye or a knife that I think one of my kids will like to carry someday when they are old enough or on the weekends under supervision.
I have a great 10 yr old that likes to pick a ZT to carry when we go to the movies.....
My advice to anyone is buy what you like and don't get too caught up with opinions of others, for example: the ZT 0561. Do I love the knife? Yes. Was it overhyped? Yes. Is it worth what I paid for it? No. Would I buy it again? Yes.
John
 
My favorite knife I've ever owned was a Spyderco Endura. It was my first "real" knife. If Spyderco would make it in G-10 with better blade materials... man, that'd be something!

Other than that, I give the nod to Benchmade. Love'em.
 
I think your comments are overly generalized. And the Spydies made in Taichung, Taiwan are among the best made and highest quality knives I own, the Sage 1 and Gayle Bradley, in particular. Stellar blades with beautiful fit and finish. This idea that anything made outside the U.S is of a lesser quality is beyond obsolete. I own and enjoy both brands and will continue to do so.

You misunderstand the importance of U.S. made. The importance of U.S. made not is that U.S. products are magically of superior quality but rather purchasing U.S. products supports domestic jobs, stimulates economic growth, and encourages knife manufacturers to streamline production in the U.S. (which helps warrant future repairs and hasten the warranty service).

With that said, I agree. The Taichung Spydercos are amazing. The fit and finish on my Gayle Bradley is better than just about every other production foler I own.
 
Any knife company that's been around a while has a ton of different designs. Most aren't going to appeal to me based on what I'm looking for, but if I look around enough I can usually find at least one I like from most companies. Compared to a lot of people on here my collection is fairly small but I have 4 Spydercos, 3 Kershaws, a ZT, and no Benchmade as of yet. There are a few Benchmade designs that I like, but I decided to focus on using the knives I have for a while before I go buying any more. The more I use the Gayle Bradley and Sage 2 the more I like them. Most days a GEC or Queen traditional is all I need, but I still like carrying a Spyderco.
 
I like both companies. Techno and 755MPR are my favorites from each. Hoping to get the 300SN, and Centofante Memorial this year.
 
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