I just can't make up my mind

C

Copper Crayon

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Nov 21, 2005
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152
I am going to buy a new knife (hopefully today) and I just can't make a decision.

I'm considering the following knives:

BM 940
BM 520
BM 732 Ares
BM 910
Al Mar SERE 2000
Spyderco ParaMilitary
Spyderco Mini-Manix


I'm not sure about the 910 but I have held one and liked it alot. I have heard the SERE 2000 is thick so I'm not sure there. How "huge" is the handle on the 520?

I kind of want the ParaMilitary but I'm really not sure about the lock. I've heard complaints about it not staying closed due to crappy detent. Any truth to this?

I was thinking Mini-Manix only because I also don't like how I cannot do tip up carry with the ParaMilitary.

This knife will be my new EDC. It will end up cutting pretty much everything and yet also be used for some camping, whittling, etc. I guess I don't really want a "wimpy" knife.

Any suggestions or comments? Other knives I should consider?
 
The 732 is my favorite of the bunch. I really like axis locks because of both ease of use and lock strength. You won't go wrong with any of the BM axis locks. Good Luck.
 
Well, this is just my 2 cent's worth...

The 940's handle is too slender and not "hand filling" enough for really tough work. And I'm not that thrilled with the blade-tip design.

The 520 is nice but I don't like the blade-to-handle ratio.
The blade is a little too short for this stout of a knife.
The handle is a bit abrasive too.

The 910 would be out of the question for myself because I dislike the tanto blade. But I do like the thumb-disk and the handle is very comfortable.
So if you like the tanto blade, then this is a very nice knife.

The 732 is also very nice, but I think the handle of the 910 is more comfortable.

I've never held a Sere2000, so I can offer no advice on this one.
They do seem to have a good reputation here on the forums though.

The Para-Military: No matter how many times I have tried, I just cannot warm up to the Compression-lock.
And I don't care for the handle-to-blade ratio.
I think that you would be better off with a Spyderco Military.

I have never held a Mini-Manix either.

I hope this is a little helpful.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
I vote the 520. The handle on the 520 is a little thicker than the 910. The knife is heavier, but is built much stronger than the 910. Plus it has the axis lock. If you really want a Tanto, the 523 is a 520 w/ Tanto blade. My wife got me one for Xmas and it is sweet. Of the benchmades you listed, I think the 520 has the best handle.
 
I have the 910 in M2. Very nice blade, although sharpening a tanto edge takes a bit of practice. I only wish I had gotten it without the partial serrations. With serrations, it almost gives the knife 3 edges (as I give the tip edge a courser edge, the belly a polished edge, and then the serrations). This knife was my first "high-end" production blade, and now I would prefer to have gotten the non-serrated version for the fuller belly.

Sturdy lockup (liner-lock), tip-down carry, very thin and discrete frame for pocket carry. M2 holds an edge like no other! :D
 
Have you considered Doug Ritter's RSK Mk1? This knife, often refered to as the Rittergrip, is a Benchmade Griptilian handle with a semi-cutomized S30V blade. Info is at http://www.equipped.org/rsk_mk1.htm .

Wonderful knife! I have both the full size and mini versions, carrying the mini-Rittergrip at work, but the full size version in the field.
 
Of your choices, I'd go with the Mini-Manix. A stout folder that can handle the little stuff and the big items that camping may demand. Definitely not a 'wimpy' knife.

The 732 is a strong second choice. I've carried mine for a few months and have yet to rotate it. I haven't do so simply because the knife is tough and fits my needs for EDC without a hitch. It may be better for whittlin' due to the longer, less broad blade in comparison to the Mini-Manix.

The Paramilitary makes a good thrid choice, a great EDC. The compression lock may take some getting used to. As far as the lock failing, I've had no problems with mine.

The 520 is excellent. However, the metal handles may be a problems for wet hands if doing a job with wet hands.

The 940 is a great small knife that seems to perform as if it's a bigger knife. As others said, it may not be the best choice for heavy duty, tough tasks.

The 910 is fine, but it has the liner lock (I not a fan of those). Still, a solid knife. But, it may fall short for heavy duty tasks.

The SERE is great, and a better liner lock. I got a SERE used and have flicked it open and closed and the liner still sets in the middle of the tang. Lock up is solid. The handle is slightly (2 millimeters?) thicker than the 520. (I compared mine together). The SERE is probably the only liner lock I trust and licke for heavy stuff. The only drawback may be the weight; it does have a bit of a heft.

Others that may fit the bill are:

the Ritter Grip,
regular Griptilian
Buck 110
Benchmade 710


Hope this helps.
 
Well I settled on a BM 520. Just ordered it.

I'm pretty pleased and will post back after I have it for a few days. :)
 
CONGRATS on the new knife!! I am looking forward to when you get it. I want to hear all about it!
 
Daaaaannnng. This thing is sweeeeet.

I'll have to put together a review of this after a week or so of carry time.

I love it. Can't put it down!!!!

Personally I think it's perfect and I love it. I have already put it in and out of my pocket many times and it's no worse on my pocket than a G10 Benchmade like the 880 or 905 (meaning G10 with somewhat coarse scales).
 
Grats on the Presidio :D

Enjoy cutting the hell outa a few things an get back to us on it, with a follow up.

WR
 
Walking Man said:
You know you should really consider getting yourself a Dietmar Kressler knife. ;)
Click to expand...

Hehehehehehehehehheh!! I LOVE the way you think brother!
 
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