I think I made a big mistake buying a Bechmade Bedlam

[Bushido185]

After buying a Bedlam I find it difficult to buy any other tactical folders. Most within my budget feel like cheap junk in comparison. I didn't consider this when I purchased the Bedlam as it was my first high end folder, but now rather than buying numerous knives throughout the year I'm lucky if I find one that deserves a place in my collection. The other tactical folders I own are collecting dust and feel no love anymore. Granted most are sub-$100 knives, I use to get a lot of enjoyment out of them. Now, those knives sit neglected. I'm hoping there is a cure for this dilemma that doesn't require buying only $200+ knives from now on.

 

[Ulf Krogstad]

I will have my first Bedlam in my hands later tonight. Will report back with impressions. I really haven't heard of anyone having complaints about one so pretty excited.

 

[Bushido185]

I will have my first Bedlam in my hands later tonight. Will report back with impressions. I really haven't heard of anyone having complaints about one so pretty excited.

Yes, please do. I have the 8600 auto and have yet to find its equal.

 

[glak]

You may want to purchase a Contego,a great compliment to your Bedlam.Another tank driver is the Adamas.
glak

 

[craytab]

Yes, the Contego feels just as good to me. Like them both.

 

[cutchu]

I have been wanting to get one. But I am drawn to the non serrated black blade, which they do not offer in manual. I do not have anything against autos, I just do not own any so I have no experience with them.

That is a great looking knife though.

 

[Bushido185]

Yes, the Contego feels just as good to me. Like them both.

Do you find the grip texture on the Contego too aggressive? I've never handled one but have heard that some folks file down the grip to make it more comfortable. The Adamas looks promising and could be in my future.

BTW I have the Preon 1 in blue... cool little light.

 

[craytab]

Do you find the grip texture on the Contego too aggressive? I've never handled one but have heard that some folks file down the grip to make it more comfortable. The Adamas looks promising and could be in my future.

BTW I have the Preon 1 in blue... cool little light.

I don't but I know some do. Sanding them down is for sure a workable option. I have done that with other knifes and it can be quite effective. The exclusive 810 from knifeworks has less aggressive texturing and M390. Have you held the Adamas? I found the handle disproportionately thick compared to the length of the blade. Some love it though.

 

[rule9]

looks like a Persian

 

[jhawk66901]

A local gun shop has a Bedlam auto with black blade I eye every time I go in there. It just feels so great in the hand and the action is quite smooth. It deploys with less kick than my Volli. There are so many other knives I'm wanting to get right now that I just keep putting this one off. But, I know that I will probably get it, especially if they do their usual 20% off on Black Friday. Either way, I am sure I will end up getting it soon enough.

 

[gwgang]

I had no experience with Benchmade auto. How does it unlock to close the blade, compare to other side opening autos?

 

[Bushido185]

I've only held the Adamas once at a local fun shop and it did seem a bit large for the blade it comes with. I get the same feeling with the 300 I have but it works well for heavier tasks but is almost to much for edc.

The Bedlam 8600 opens and closes via the Axis lock. I have read also that some prefer the non-auto 860 version because of how smoothly they open, the auto is necessarily needed. Then there is the whole legality thing.

 

[jhawk66901]

I had no experience with Benchmade auto. How does it unlock to close the blade, compare to other side opening autos?

You pull back on the Axis and just fold the blade like you would any manual or assisted Axis. Now unlike a manual, there is no pulling back on the Axis mechanism and just flicking it shut. It requires a fair (though not burdensome) amount of pressure to close the blade. Contrary to what you might think despite the size of the blade, the auto Bedlam is very smooth. One of the few I would rather have the auto version over the manual.

 

[benchwarmer380]

The Bedlam I had was probably the best example of a Benchmade I've seen.

It's one of the few knives I would consider getting again. If there was a mini I probably wouldn't carry anything else.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

Love my Bedlam but it was a gift from the girlfriend, so I've semi-retired it for sentimental reasons. Actually, I've replaced it with an Adamas and, if you've got big mitts, I highly recommend as the handle is excellent.