I need advice from you good people.

A

Aphthartos

Joined
May 22, 2001
Messages
270
Ok, I've been hanging out for a few days here, and I'm really impressed with the experience and knowledge of the knife nuts here(and I'm proud to be a nut along with you all), far surpassing my knowledge and experience the vast majority of the time.

Here's what I need help with. I'm a fan of the BM style of knife, plain black handle, not "fancy" or "dressy" stuff, so I've got alot of knives that are good knives, but they're not really "fancy". So I'm in the mood to buy a dressy, or very high tech looking folder. The first that caught my eye was the new BM Elishewitz 690, which is in the price range I can afford right now. $100-170 is what I wanna spend. Second that caught my eye was the MT Lightfoot manual model which comes in at around $160-170 if I buy it from the right places
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It's not as "pretty" as the BM 690, but it's definitely cool looking(high tech) The last one that really got to me was the BM 940 and 942 which I can get for around 100 new.

So, anyway, I'm not so much looking for exact recommendations(although those are certainly welcome) as I am insight on each of these from the experience of those who actually know about them. Of course, the MT comes in at the high end; the BM 690 is alot better looking than the MT(unless you buy the more expensive MT) but in the middle; the 940/942 looks good, but is low-end(as it relates to the other two).

So, if anyone understands anything I've typed, then please enlighten me. Thanks
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Have the MT LCC, the version with Ti bolsters and carbonfiber scales, it is a great knife in my opinion. CF really adds a touch of class to a "grey turd" type of knife. But if you want something really flashy, but useful, get something like that: http://www.darrelralph.com/ddr/apogee/da-apogee-2.jpg (evil grin
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"Peace is not without conflict; it is the ability to cope with conflict" - Leo Giron
 
MT/LCC is cool and well made. Even though they pride themselves at offering value knives with good quality, CRK&T also has some fashionable appearing knives. Their 24K KISS, PECK are worth looking at, as well as the Tighe Tac. Even though it was not intended to be a "fancy" knife, my little M16-01F is almost too pretty to use.
 
I have both and you can't go wrong with either, but they are quite different.

The BM 690 is more of what might be called a "gentleman's" knife.(even though it might be a bit large) It is very nicely made and finished. It probably could be considered an "EDC" type knife.

The LCC is bigger and heavier, but with a level of fit and finish that many consider at the level of a custom knife. They were originally introduced at $150 MSRP and were a steal at that price. Even at the newer somewhat steeper price point, they are still a bargain. If I had to choose one now, it would be the LCC, but be sure to pick up a 690 later on.

Happy shopping
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[This message has been edited by knifenerd (edited 05-26-2001).]
 
I have owned the LCC and the 940. I must say I was not impressed with the 940. It seemed too delicate. Maybe just me. I liked the LCC very much, but be aware it is large and heavy. The 690 looks cool, but have not tried one yet. Good luck with your search and welcome to Bladeforums.

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Have you noticed that time flies like the wind, but fruit flies like bananas ?
 
The fit and finish on the LCC put it in a whole new area of knifedom! QC is a real bonus! Microtech know how to make good knives, everyone I have seen has been 100% perfect, can't say that about BM.

Go for the LCC.

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Wayne.
"To strive to seek to find and not to yield"
Tennyson
Ranger motto

A few useful details on UK laws and some nice reviews!
http://members.aol.com/knivesuk/
Certified steel snob!
 
I have owned the LCC and the BM 940. I was also not very impressed with the 940 so I sold it. The LCC has been my daily carry knife for about 4 or 5 months now I used it for everything and it held up very well. The blade is very useful, the handle is very comfortable, and the blade steel takes and holds a good edge. So my vote is for the LCC.
 
How about a BM 720. Not really on the "Dressy" side, but a good cross between a BM and a MT. Great aluminum handles and a cool blade. Get it with the BT coating for the ultimate "Stealth" look.
 
I think that the 690 is more of a dress knife because it is smaller. The BM 940 is slightly larger than the 690 but could be considered a dress knife depending on where you go. I don't think a true dress knife should be large and the Microtech LCC is a large knife IMHO. If you want something smaller, the BM 770 is a very sturdy and nice looking carbon fiber axis lock. Spyderco also has several nice knives that are dressy: The Lum Chinese, Viele, shell inlay Natives, and the shell inlay Vesuvius (I got mine for $58.50!)
 
So it's come down to this:

940/942 = cheap, delicate feeling. Maybe this is because of the aluminum handles? I know that all knives I've handled with aluminum handles feel cheap and delicate, but aren't necessarily. Feedback from others on this one would be helpful.

690 = Good. Almost everyone says this, of course you do have to deal with BM QC, as general said. General, it seems to me BM knows how to make good knives just like anyone, it's just this ephemeral amnesia they experience...
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MT LCC = The first choice, best of the three. Downside is it's heavy. To me the size of a knife is no problem, I like knowing when it's in my pocket, I like the feeling of it in my hand, and the fact that I'm 6'5" with a large build makes most large knives look normal by contrast when on my person. So you've got me leaning toward the MT LCC. I must admit I already was, though.
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USAFSP: thanks for the help, but the 720 seems to me like an excellent utility folder, great knife, but not exactly in the range of things I'm considering at this moment.

Judge: I LIKE "grey turd" knives
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I've also looked at the apogee and like it A LOT. However, although I can't find the price on the website I can recall from formerly having seen estimates that it's way out of my current price range in any form(maybe I'm wrong, if I am, tell me).

Knifenerd: "If I had to choose one now, it would be the LCC, but be sure to pick up a 690 later on." Now that's my kinda thinkin!]

Anthony: The size of the microtech doesn't detract from what I call a "dress" knife. Also I very much DO NOT like the look of the 770, I can't tell you exactly why, it just deflects my eye from it, and since, as I've said, I'm looking for a "dressy" knife, the look of the 770 is a big downside. The axis lock would be the only thing I'd like about it. I've considered the Spyderco Viele for a couple years now but haven't picked it up. I probably will, but not now. The Lum Chinese is an odd looking thing. I can't tell if I like it or not. I might like it if I handled one, I'll have to drop by some of the local stores I know carry Spyderco. The native with shell inlays is a great looking knife, but a little smaller than what I'm looking for. The Vesuvius--now THERE is a nice knife for a real good price. I have a birthday coming up in a month and that's right in the price range for a gift(gotta work on the friends and family!)
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You guys are great help. Thanks everyone for the input. If anyone has more, I'd really like to read it.
 
How funny. The 940/942 is neither cheap nor delicate. It's a heavy-duty knife in a PC package. The aluminum handles and Axis lock makes for a knife that is rock solid, ambidextrous, easy to carry, on and on.
The fit and finish on the 940s that I have examined and owned have been equal to the MTs I've checked out, and better than any other BMs, IMO.
The Axis lock is also far superior to the liner locks of the other two knives mentioned.
That said, I really like the LCC, but didn't buy one 'cause I've already got several knives that size that are as good or better.
The 690 just doesn't do anything for me. Don't like the bolsters, the clip, the feel-nothing wrong with the knife, just doesn't match my preferences or my hand.
Of the bunch, I'd take the 942, personally, but if you prefer the LCC, check out the for sale forums. See them go for around $100-120 NIB pretty frequently.
These are all good knives, and I think you should get the one that "does it" for you, not worry about what the rest of us think-you're gonna be the one carrying it, after all.

btw, a "base" Medium Apogee starts at $445.
It is well worth the money, IMO, and I really think that saving up and buying a custom or Sebenza is the way to go. All the money spent on "normal" knives will seem wasted, then.
 
I own all three knives. I think people have been unfair to the BM 940, which is a strong and capable knife. It is slimmer and lighter than the others, but that isn't always a bad thing, particularly for a "dress knife". Despite that the 940 feels good in my (medium-sized) hand and the blade is not a lightweight!

I have to admit that while I love the way the BM 690 looks I have never really been that fond of carrying it. Maybe it's just the wrong shape for my hand. My wife is crazy about it and borrows it pretty regularly.

My only gripe about my LCC was that the original clip, one of the ones with stylish cutouts in it, caught on something and bent double after a few weeks. Fortunately, I had already asked for one of the newer ones, without the cutouts, and it had already arrived by then. That one seems indestructable.

Aside from the clip the LCC has been wonderful. It is large and heavy, but it feels good in the hand, looks classy, and cuts it really cuts. I use the LCC as my "dress tactical".
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Bottom line, I don't think you will be unhappy with any of these knives.

--Bob Q
 
Owen: that was my guess. I've never known Benchmade to make a knife that was actually cheap or delicate(except the problems that sometimes sneak past QC). My guess, as I said was that the aluminum handles made it feel that way. I know when I go from a BM or anything with thick G-10 handles or whatnot, to say, a Spyderco with stainless steel handles the Spyderco feels cheap and delicate, even though it's obviously not.

The reason I asked for other's opinions is there is no place anywhere near where I live that actually sells the full line of BMs and NO place I know of that sells ANY kind of Microtech, so I can't handle any, or at least not all, of the knives I want to buy. All three of them "do it for me" the problem is choosing between them! I would buy all three at the same time if I could, but I can't.

I generally save between 50 and 125 dollars a month toward my knife hobby, so as not to go overboard and get myself in trouble money-wise. If my new job works out I'll have enough extra money I can invest in some customs. I see two problems with that, though. First, It kills me to get a scratch on my $50 Kershaw, I can't imagine what I'll do when a $450 custom gets a scratch on it. I realize that most people aren't bothered by scratches, but that's simply not my outlook, as I've expressed on the BM forum. Second, I'm not sure I can stand the wait while it's made! I go up the wall waiting three days for normal UPS shipping on production knives I buy! Usually I invest the extra money for 2nd day or next-day shipping. Of course, that's a common problem, as I understand it, I'm sure most true knife nuts share that one.
 
For the price of a MT LCC, you are nipping at the heels of William Henry knife. Those are some knife dress knives
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FWIW, Benchmade QC sucks. If you buy one, get it from a dealer who will inspect it before shipping it to you. Pay a little more for good dealer service, and I do mean a little more. Bargain basement bandits may be fine for someone who doesn't mind shipping it back to factory but, peace of mind and a no hassle knife transaction have value too
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Stay Sharp,
Sid
 
BM don't seem to have any QC, the ELU is the QC. If its not right, then you send it back to Angie, who will make it just like it AUGHT to have left the factory. There is no doubt she does a very very good job, however, it is not funny, it is not right, its policy...
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Pay 2-3 people a wage and make sure the blades leave in tip top condition. If Spyderco can make better knives for less and CRKT can make knives for a heck of a lot less (and more of them to boot) and still keep the fit and finish tip top, why can't BM? I would hardly can BM knives cheap... would you?

I own knives by well over 20 makers, the ONLY makers who I have serious doubts about buying from are, BM and Emerson. The ONLY real problems I had (which needed more than a slight ajustment or wearing in) were in BM knives.

I would be mindful of the SERE 2000 as well, but that is more down to what others have said than my own experience, same with the Emerson Commander. I was all up for getting one of those after asking on the forum and then I was bombarded with negative e-mails about faults and problems with the Commander. It seemed a lot of people did not want to post it openly and start a flame war, the majority of complaints were about the apparently thinner liner/ lock and the lock disengaging / blade off center. Thus I bought more Spyderco's. Which I don't regret for a second
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Just my 2c which will no doubt get all the BM fans jumping up and down like a bear sitting on an ants nest...

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Wayne.
"To strive to seek to find and not to yield"
Tennyson
Ranger motto

A few useful details on UK laws and some nice reviews!
http://members.aol.com/knivesuk/
Certified steel snob!
 
I've owned the LCC and still own the 940, as noted above the LCC is heavy but other than that it is very solid!

Now you and I have a lot in common, height wise, your 6'5" and I'm 5'6", erie eh? If I were as big as you, the 940 would seem too slim in my hands and the LCC would seem about right! Sounds like you have it already figured out.
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G2

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"The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions!"
Take the time to read your Bible Now, don't be left behind...
 
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