I want my first Benchmade

K

KB3UBW

Joined
Sep 11, 2011
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206
It's been a couple months since I got a new knife, and that was my ZT 350 back in like February. So I decided that this knife should be a Benchmade, with the axis lock of course, but there are just to many options, so I've decide to ask your opinion on which Benchmade I should get. My requirements are pretty simple, all I want is axis lock and around $100
Thanks for all of your help.
 
I've had my eye on an Adamas for a long time. Never handled one personally though, so my opinion is only based on other reviews.

Also, might be a bit above the $100 mark.
 
All of the Benchmade Griptilians are under $100, but I don't like the hollow handle. I sold my large grip shortly after buying it.

So for a little more I'd recommend a Bone Collector. It's a very solid knife and the blade is D2, I love mine.
 
All you're going to find for $100 with an axis lock is the presidio ultra and the griptilians. For a few bucks more I HIGHLY recommend the Ritter Grip over the standard grip models. However, my opinion on benchmade is that they really don't start to shine until you get into the $150-200 range. Bump up your price range a bit and all of a sudden there are a TON of great knives. Pick one you like the looks of. Some of my personal favorites are the 730 Ares, 950 Rift, 707 Sequel, and the 746 Mini Onslaught. My absolute favorite though is my Ritter mini in m4 with custom cuscadi cf micarta scales. The 710 is a classic, the 810 has great blade steel. The bone collectors are g10 or walnut sheep's foot presidios with d2 and an opening hole. Tons of people love the 940/943. Like I said, you have Tons of great options, but they all typically go for a bit more than your price range.
 
Under $100 a Grip would probably be your main choice. There are several different versions to choose from (handle color, thumbstud/hole, blades, etc). Personally I dont like them. If you could go a little above $100 it opens up your choices considerably. The Rift is probably my favorite Benchmade and is what I am carrying today actually. Then there is the 710 in D2 steel that is a fantastic knife, as well as the Adamas, Contego, and Bone Collectors. If you look around you can find most of these for around $130.

Some pics of my Rift and 710:
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Here's another vote for the Bone Collectors. I have a few of the small, which can be had for under $100 shipped if you shop around.

Prof.
 
Seems like the 580 Barrage is right up your alley. If that is too large, they make a mini version. Arguabley the best Benchmade for EDC in my opinion. But I also think all Benchmades are the best Benchmade for EDC so...
 
I also have a ZT0350 and am looking for a Benchmade axis lock for around $100. I've pretty much decided on the 746 Mini-Onslaught, from looking at pictures I didn't like it very much but when I had the opportunity to handle it I fell in love with it. The 3D machined G10 scales combined with the handle shape make it super ergonomic and most importantly it has a Spydie-hole :D Can be had for ~$150
 
KevinOubre said:
Seems like the 580 Barrage is right up your alley. If that is too large, they make a mini version. Arguabley the best Benchmade for EDC in my opinion. But I also think all Benchmades are the best Benchmade for EDC so...
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Mini Barrage is my vote.
 
While it's not my favorite benchmade, handle scales feel cheap (you can buy custom ones), more than one of my friends have said that the Mini Grip is their favorite of my knives. Keep in mind I have a sebenza, strider, ZTs, Spyderco's and more, but it seems like the combination of the friendly powder blue color and its relatively smaller size makes people love it.
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I have 2 in your price range, and love them both, 550 and 15020:

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Well for one, I fondled a griptilan in store and didn't like the feel of the handles. Also a no go for the barrage, I don't want another assisted, as right now all of my knives are assisted.
 
KB3UBW said:
Well for one, I fondled a griptilan in store and didn't like the feel of the handles. Also a no go for the barrage, I don't want another assisted, as right now all of my knives are assisted.
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Well then, sorry bud, you're out of luck for $100. You'll have to either buy used or step up your price range a bit. That said, despite the cheap feel of the griptilian's handle, the material is quite strong and durable.
 
You might want to check out a Benchmade 707 (Sequel). It roughly fits your budget (mine was around $112 on Amazon). It's a great little edc knife with a 3" blade, 3.8" closed. It is kind of a mini-griptillian but with a VASTLY upmarket handle, consisting of polished aluminum scales with G-10 inserts over steel liners. It is MUCH thinner than a mini-Grip and feels more solid and substantial. It is very thin and slides right into a pocket so you barely even notice it's there until you want to use it. The blade and Axis lock is exactly the same as a mini-Grip. It's just a solid, upscale knife that is well worth the reasonable cost.
 
Definitley buy the Adamas... and then tell me what you think. It looks like tank!
 
mkjellgren said:
Well then, sorry bud, you're out of luck for $100. You'll have to either buy used or step up your price range a bit. That said, despite the cheap feel of the griptilian's handle, the material is quite strong and durable.
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He could still get a 746, 707, or 525, all of which can be had for under $115, which IMHO is still in the ~$100 price range.
 
I'm thinking I might go with the 525, does anybody have one to compare to say the griptilain?
 
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