Is Benchamde as good as it used to be?

[Cosmic Superchunk]

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not saying that the quality is gone from BM, just that it seems that most of their blade designs are old and possible outdated.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.

I don't think I've ever seen a hollow ground Benchmade knife and I don't think their designs are outdated at all. Heck, look at current models like the Skirmish, Resistor & Activator. You call those dated? Classic models like the AFCK and the 710 McHenry & Williams model are still superb knives and will continue to be so. Current models like the Presidio and the popular Griptilian series are well designed and functional knives that will continue to be around for some time as well. Also, the Elishewitz designed model 690 still continues to be one of the best looking linerlock folders in production.

Just because YOU don't find any particular Benchmade model appealing doesn't mean that they are no longer what they used to be. If you ask me, they've improved. I think that your taste in knives has probably changed a bit and you now favor Spyderco knives. There's nothing wrong with that either, I like Spyderco knives just as well as Benchmade. They're just 2 different knife manufacturers with different designs.

 

[cdf]

If anything they are better designed , their QC is much more consistant than Spyderco , that said I own and love both .

 

[Blop]

I don´t know who Benchamde is , but i can do what i want, every new knife i get is a Benchmade. I look at much knifes from oher companies, but none get the overall class of a BM.

I´ve asked around considering tip strength and found no BM there but much Spydercos and Victorinox. So, BM is not going towards ridiciolous thick blades (OK, maybe the Skirmish and the 420/220) in general but offers some strong folders and a couple of fixed blades, loved by those who own them. Not to forget their M2.

Construction, fit, finish, design, for me they are just loosing compared to some custom blades.

 

[Mitchell Knives]

I think that BM's quality has gone up over the last few years. Several years ago, I would have never considered buying a BM due to a the poor edges and other QC issues. Almost every BM I see now is perfect. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a BM knife. Spyderco is equal to or better than BM in my opinion. BM is a form knife company, while Spyderco is a function knife company.

 

[cjleal]

The Benchmades I have are of excellent quality with very good fit and finish. They easily surpass many of the other knives in my collection. My only complaint is that my 720 and 805 were not very sharp out of the box, a little time on the sharpmaker and this problem was easily fixed. For the price point I think you would be hard pressed to find a better knives.