Is Benchamde as good as it used to be?

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kgriggs8

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I used to think that Benchmade was top of the line for mid-priced production knives but now I don't think so at all.

I just got a couple of Spydercos (Calypso and Calypso Jr. in Micarta and PE) and from what I have seen, they are fantastic knives. I have not seen anything from BM that even comes close to matching the design and level of function of these two knives. The flat ground blade, the triangular shpaed blade, the materials, it all just makes sense. I don't even know of a flat ground blade that BM makes.

I am not saying that the quality is gone from BM, just that it seems that most of their blade designs are old and possible outdated. Maybe I just like flat ground blades too much but when I see a hollow ground blade on a knife that is supposed to cut things.
 
Yes, Benchmade IS as good as it used to be.
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"I just got a couple of Spydercos (Calypso and Calypso Jr. in Micarta and PE) and from what I have seen, they are fantastic knives. I have not seen anything from BM that even comes close to matching the design and level of function of these two knives."

You must NOT be looking at Benchmades, then...ALL of MY Benchmades are EXCELLENT, and beat the pants off of all others in their price-range...In-fact, I traded/sold ALL of my Spydercos for Benchmades, and I'm totally pleased with that decision.
 
:confused: All my Benchmades have sabre grinds. None are hollow ground.

As for quality, I recently purchased a pair of 705-401s. These knives exude nothing but the highest quality and they are among the toughest, most useful 3" blades around.
 
It seems you have either not looked at BM for a few years now, or you are looking at a totally different company.

There are some great designs with excellent materials.
 
Benchmade is my favorite knife company. This is after handling and owning knives from several other companies. Honestly, I don't see any of your complaints being accurate.
 
What you are seeing is a totally different design aesthetic from both companies. They're both top notch design and materials, just different ideas behind their creation.
 
BM has better materials fit and finish hands down. I have found myself thinning out the collection of every non BM I own...
 
If anything, BM has even improved their QC and design and the different collaborations with top knife makers.
 
Sure they are. BM still maintains the same high level of quality that they always have.
Matt
 
My vote pro-BM.
I love their knives, and find the quality greater than the prices they fetch.
The finish and fit on mine, especially the 705-401 is top notch.
 
I think it's mostly a style difference. The quality is superb in both BM and Spyderco.

That said, spyderco has some inexpensive gems that you can't afford to miss out on.

Native FRN S30V or VG10 (can be had less than 60.00)
Kiwi SS in VG10 (can be had less than 50.00)
Calypso Jr. in FRN VG10 (can be had less than 50.00)

There are others, but cheap (but still decent) handle material (FRN usually) and top steel can give you a great knife at a better price.

Below $60.00 I would go with Spydie everytime.

You better get MANY Benchmades and Spydies!
 
Yeah, I think that they are as good if not better that they ever have been. I'm a CRK kind of guy but the only other production knife I would buy is Benchmade.
 
Benchmade is still excellent. In all candor, I really did not like the Spyderco's I have purchased, and only kept an Endura that I use in the kitchen. That was until I bought a Military in S30V. Now I am carrying it a lot, just as much as my Benchmades.
 
I think BM is better these days. Except for the coating on the clips. Its chips instead of fades like the older models.
 
I dont know how Benchmade used to be, but the quality of today's products is exceptional. Their fit and finnish is as good as it gets for a production knife, the Axis locking system is innovative and extremely effective and their overall designs are conservative yet proven.
There seems to be a Benchmade OR Spyderco mentality, I like and use both.
 
Stockman said:
There seems to be a Benchmade OR Spyderco mentality, I like and use both.
Click to expand...

I think most of us like both. It depends on what mood you are in at the moment. If you want more traditional lines - take your Benchmade, if you want something different yet just as functional you go with Spyderco.
 
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