Is Benchmade worth it?

[dano]

Using the CLA model as an example....black g10 with 154cm lists for 270. Same knife with white G10 and Magnacut lists for 450. Magnacut is twice as expensive than 154 as a raw material. White G10 is a few bucks more than black. Does that justify a 180 dollar increase between models?

 

[Blue Serge]

I posted earlier that I was pleased with my Mini Bugout CF Elite

Well, I just purchased a regular sized Bugout Carbon Fiber. Unfortunately, it’s a different experience completely. The axis lock button is hard to press. Frequently, it sticks after opening and it‘s almost impossible to close the knife. Major disappointment.

 

[mrfields]

if you rub a #2 pencil along the blade tang where the axis bar rests when it’s locked open this should eliminate the lock stick. may take a few times applying it but you should be good to go until it wears in. unfortunately the ti lock bar sometimes galls with the steel blade tang.

 

[mitchnola]

Knew question for those familiar with automatic knives. How do you keep them from accidentally opening in your pocket? I would think they'd build in some sort of lock on the opening button/slider. Maybe some have one, maybe some don't. I have zero interest in a knife that could accidentally open in my jeans pocket.

Most benchmades have a safe on their autos, you should probably get one!

 

[mitchnola]

I think you're missing my point. I have zero brand loyalty. I just like to get the best knives for the money. I own Cold Steel, Ontario, Ka-Bar (not a fan), and a few others I can't think of right now. Admittedly, one drawback to Cold Steel, is that they screwed over former customers with a revised warranty, after they were sold to GSM Outdoors. Now Ontario screwed their customers over with no warranty after getting bought. I can see raving about Benchmade's warranty and customer service. Those are great things. But if they continue to be uncompetitive, they'll get bought, and the same thing will happen, as has happened to so many other brands. Also, while I'm willing to pay more for a knife with a full warranty. I'm not willing to pay over twice as much. That wouldn't make much fiscal sense. You say the Benchmade's QC problems are anecdotal, but there are literally 20+ Benchmade fans on this thread, and more on others like it, saying that they're pissed off about the bad QC. When Benchmade fans say the QC has taken as a nosedive, I tend to believe it. I'll keep looking around for an automatic knife, in a decent steel, that is priced well, and won't accidentally open in my pocket (not saying a Benchmade would, it's just a general concern).

20 benchmade fan boys and 1 cold steel fan boy!
Hahaha

Never seen someone so opinionated on benchmade that hasn’t ever owned one. How much can your opinion matter? Sounds like you’re just pissed cause you can’t afford one. Imo

 

[nosuchagency]

 

[ShaiHulud]

Would never get an automatic, even if California ever allowed them to become legal, which they won't

 

[Steely_Gunz]

Automatics are legal in the state of California so long as the blade is 2" or under. There are several models from several manufacturers that are marketed for that. I don't think BM has any though.

As for the automatics, most DA autos don't have a safety as the force needed to fire them is quite a bit. Think of it the same as carrying a DA revolver in a jacket pocket without a holster.

A lot of BM side openers do have a safety. I had a Claymore that I really liked, but I wanted to give it to my brother as a thank you gift. Very hard firing knife that needed the safety to be carried safely. I have an Adamas Auto that will nearly jump out of your hand if opens so hard. I actually cut my finger to the bone because I failed to use the safety and it opened slightly in my pocket. Totally my fault. The automatic knife version of Glock Leg.

In short, if they feel the need to put a safety on a knife...use it

 

[DDDYLN]

20 benchmade fan boys and 1 cold steel fan boy!
Hahaha

Never seen someone so opinionated on benchmade that hasn’t ever owned one. How much can your opinion matter? Sounds like you’re just pissed cause you can’t afford one. Imo

Oh, I can afford one. I just prefer to buy the best knives for the money. From everything I've seen, Benchmade is overpriced by a factor of 3-4. I also like larger folding knives, and they don't have very many. As for automatic knives, I'm not sure I want to purchase one. They became legal in my state, but I visit family in states where they aren't legal. I'd rather not get charged with a crime, due to forgetfulness.

 

[ShaiHulud]

Oh, I can afford one. I just prefer to buy the best knives for the money. From everything I've seen, Benchmade is overpriced by a factor of 3-4. I also like larger folding knives, and they don't have very many. As for automatic knives, I'm not sure I want to purchase one. They became legal in my state, but I visit family in states where they aren't legal. I'd rather not get charged with a crime, due to forgetfulness.

Have you seen their Narrows knife? 522 for titanium and m390

 

[DDDYLN]

The blade length is 3.44_in. It also appears to be an automatic. I can buy Cold Steel 4 Max Elite in S35VN for $300. I wouldn't buy one, because I don't see the need for a folding knife that's as big and strong as a fixed blade. S35VN vs Bohler M390, is a toss up IMO. Both are considered super steels, and will likely be replaced by Magnacut in the next few years (which will then be replaced by something better). It all depends on what you want. If you want a smaller automatic or flipper-type folding knife (some sort of assisted opening), I could see buying a Benchmade. Those types of knives aren't my thing. I already have an inexpensive 4" blade flipper that's very light. It's not the best steel, but not the worst either. For the rare occasions when I might need it (wearing a suit or dress pants), it should suffice. There's a difference between buying what you need and collecting. I'll admit I may own a few too many fixed blades. I did stop purchasing more, though.

 

[Sibyrnes]

The blade length is 3.44_in. It also appears to be an automatic. I can buy Cold Steel 4 Max Elite in S35VN for $300. I wouldn't buy one, because I don't see the need for a folding knife that's as big and strong as a fixed blade. S35VN vs Bohler M390, is a toss up IMO. Both are considered super steels, and will likely be replaced by Magnacut in the next few years (which will then be replaced by something better). It all depends on what you want. If you want a smaller automatic or flipper-type folding knife (some sort of assisted opening), I could see buying a Benchmade. Those types of knives aren't my thing. I already have an inexpensive 4" blade flipper that's very light. It's not the best steel, but not the worst either. For the rare occasions when I might need it (wearing a suit or dress pants), it should suffice. There's a difference between buying what you need and collecting. I'll admit I may own a few too many fixed blades. I did stop purchasing more, though.

The Benchmade Narrows is not an automatic - it is not an assisted opener.

You do realize that this is a knife forum and people here know a lot about knives, right? l know arrogant ignorance is all the rage nowadays but if you are going to come to a forum like this and criticize one of the best known knife brands in the world, you need to do your homework and you need to know what you are talking about. So far you have demonstrated neither!

 

[mitchnola]

The Benchmade Narrows is not an automatic - it is not an assisted opener.

You do realize that this is a knife forum and people here know a lot about knives, right? l know arrogant ignorance is all the rage nowadays but if you are going to come to a forum like this and criticize one of the best known knife brands in the world, you need to do your homework and you need to know what you are talking about. So far you have demonstrated neither!

I concur, that’s a brick wall only a cold steel can penetrate

 

[DDDYLN]

The Benchmade Narrows is not an automatic - it is not an assisted opener.

You do realize that this is a knife forum and people here know a lot about knives, right? l know arrogant ignorance is all the rage nowadays but if you are going to come to a forum like this and criticize one of the best known knife brands in the world, you need to do your homework and you need to know what you are talking about. So far you have demonstrated neither!

Dude, I'm a spacecraft engineer with a master's in ME from Stanford. I've been researching and buying knives for about 8 years now. I'm not a knife maker, but I could be if I wanted to. I know all about different steels, blade geometries, and blade purposes. But, as a man who did the thermal design of the Delta-V engines that got NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter to the moon without exploding, I think I know what I'm talking about with respect to tools. We have a saying in engineering: "better is the enemy of good enough". Is a CPM-3V Bowie knife than a 1085 carbon steel Bowie knife, both with good heat treats - yes. Is it worth $450 when the carbon steel version is $100, and you have to oil both of them - probably not.

 

[DDDYLN]

Dude, I'm a spacecraft engineer with a master's in ME from Stanford. I've been researching and buying knives for about 8 years now. I'm not a knife maker, but I could be if I wanted to. I know all about different steels, blade geometries, and blade purposes. But, as a man who did the thermal design of the Delta-V engines that got NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter to the moon without exploding, I think I know what I'm talking about with respect to tools. We have a saying in engineering: "better is the enemy of good enough". Is a CPM-3V Bowie knife than a 1085 carbon steel Bowie knife, both with good heat treats - yes. Is it worth $450 when the carbon steel version is $100, and you have to oil both of them - probably not.

Will there be a lot of people who buy the version that's 5 times as expensive, but only 1.2 times as good, of course. That's the buyer's decision. And yes, I did come on here, partially to point out that people buy knives they don't need or use, for prices they know are inflated. Some men like expensive watches that are no better than a Timex. Some people buy a Mercedes G-Class instead of a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. I'm not one of those people. I prefer to spend my money on things that are more important to me.

 

[DMG]

Dude, I'm a spacecraft engineer with a master's in ME from Stanford. I've been researching and buying knives for about 8 years now. I'm not a knife maker, but I could be if I wanted to. I know all about different steels, blade geometries, and blade purposes. But, as a man who did the thermal design of the Delta-V engines that got NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter to the moon without exploding, I think I know what I'm talking about with respect to tools. We have a saying in engineering: "better is the enemy of good enough". Is a CPM-3V Bowie knife than a 1085 carbon steel Bowie knife, both with good heat treats - yes. Is it worth $450 when the carbon steel version is $100, and you have to oil both of them - probably not.

I see the problem. You have a relatively high end, narrow lane like most good engineers. But you are so arrogant you don’t recognize how narrow that lane is.


And you are quoting yourself.


Also, the heat treat of the 3V fixed blade can make it nearly stainless. I never oil my Carothers. It is worth it in every way.

 

[DDDYLN]

"Narrow Lane". If you mean I don't buy things I don't need, the answer is yes. I have my hobbies like everyone else, and I probably spend too much money on them. To me, knives are utilitarian. I like learning about all the different aspects of steels and blade types. That doesn't mean I'm going to pay 5 times the price for a knife that's 1.2 times as good.

 

[DMG]

"Narrow Lane". If you mean I don't buy things I don't need, the answer is yes. I have my hobbies like everyone else, and I probably spend too much money on them. To me, knives are utilitarian. I like learning about all the different aspects of steels and blade types. That doesn't mean I'm going to pay 5 times the price for a knife that's 1.2 times as good.

Narrow lane means that you have a very narrow field of expertise. Yet (like many engineers), you think you know everything.

 

[353]

Narrow lane means that you have a very narrow field of expertise. Yet (like many engineers), you think you know everything.

Doesnt need to be a rocket scientist to get that one.

 

[DDDYLN]

Actually, intelligent people are typically smart enough to know that they can't possibly know everything. I believe it's called the Dunning-Krueger effect. The less intelligent a person is, the more they value themselves in the workplace, because they're not smart enough to realize they don't know everything. I certainly wouldn't give anyone medical advice, because I'm a mechanical engineer! You do realize spacecraft engineering often involves using very high end metals, for high strength to weight ratio. Making knives is certainly different. But, when we design a spacecraft, we have to choose which manufacturers we trust to make simple 6061-T6 aluminum, because not all manufacturers heat treat then the same. It's the same type of research that one does in the knife research world. As an example, I recently stumbled upon an individual knife maker who heat treats CPM-3V blades differently, and they're much stronger and tougher (and probably harder to sharpen). He calls it Delta-3V. Even though I don't need one, I might buy one of his knives when he makes a new batch. Such a knife would actually be worth $500.