Is Benchmade worth it?

[aintcross7]

I don't think the Native 5 has liners, certainly there's cost savings there that probably drives the price increase. Though I'd make the claim that the Bugout for example doesn't have a real liner either, it's certainly not large enough to aid in handle stiffness anyway. Basically just the frame for the axis lock and one pin point for the front of the handle slabs. The Manix 2 lightweight is similar in that is has a metal "liner", more of a front spacer really that's machined and pinned to the handle to allow for the ball/cage lock to function. So I'm sure some of the cost savings in the Spyderco lightweight models is as you said less parts to machine/manufacturer in the lack of full liners that G10 models have.


192.168.1.1

 

[whp]

I'm one of those that just quietly stopped buying them. I dont complain about it, and hey, if BM's sales are good, then obviously they aren't pricing too high. The invisible hand, and all that.

They just seem to no longer be worth it to me.

My preferred knife years ago was the Griptilian. I also got a 710, a mini Rukus, and a AFCK. Fine knives.

Then I discovered Spyderco. Spyderco was a much better bargain for the price, and I moved from Griptilians to Enduras.Added a Military, a PM2, a Manix2, and a Stretch. Then Spyderco changed its pricing policies and lost some of it value pricing.

I discovered Cold Steel and again found great value for the prices. Started using a Lawman, Recon1, and Ultimate Hunter.

I don t fuss about rising prices (much). I just find alternatives. I realize as I get more experienced (older), that a simple well made knife with a decent steel, and hopefully a good treatment, a decent blade grind, and good fit and finish doesnt have to be that expensive to satisfy my needs.

With recent inflation, I have less to spend on knives now. And with my current collection, I have no real need to ever buy another knife. So my wife keeps telling me. And she s right, as usual.

 

[ToddM]

mispost disreguard

 

[sharp_edge]

My preferred knife years ago was the Griptilian. I also got a 710, a mini Rukus, and a AFCK. Fine knives.

Then I discovered Spyderco. Spyderco was a much better bargain for the price, and I moved from Griptilians to Enduras.Added a Military, a PM2, a Manix2, and a Stretch. Then Spyderco changed its pricing policies and lost some of it value pricing.

I discovered Cold Steel and again found great value for the prices. Started using a Lawman, Recon1, and Ultimate Hunter.

I don t fuss about rising prices (much). I just find alternatives. I realize as I get more experienced (older), that a simple well made knife with a decent steel, and hopefully a good treatment, a decent blade grind, and good fit and finish doesnt have to be that expensive to satisfy my needs.

With recent inflation, I have less to spend on knives now. And with my current collection, I have no real need to ever buy another knife. So my wife keeps telling me. And she s right, as usual.

You stopped in the middle of your knife story. I was expecting you to continue that Cold Steel was then sold to another company which raised prices significantly and basically killed all their warranty.

What would be your next alternative?

 

[whp]

You stopped in the middle of your knife story. I was expecting you to continue that Cold Steel was then sold to another company which raised prices significantly and basically killed all their warranty.

What would be your next alternative?

It does seem like I stopped before the end of the story.

I agree that the new Cold Steel owners have raised the prices and haven t come out with any new models of interest to me. I m losing interest in that company, though the current models I have are my favorite users. I ll continue to watch the company.

My last several purchases have been Kizer and Civivi. Very well made knives and good value for the money. Not as sturdy as the triad lock, but what knives are? I m starting to think that around $100 give or take is the most I m going to spend on knives in the future. The appeal of top grade knife steels is decreasing for me.

 

[goldie]

Their latest pricing has gone much higher,270 is around the price for some of their models now that is real steep,some Spydercos are in the mid 200s as well; i am definitly losing interest in spending 2-300 and up every time i want a knife ; with what i have at this point only something real different or unique or ill just be happy with what i have...

 

[ranek]

I like them for the g10 and the griptilian line they put out. there were others for the thicker steel stock, but we would have to talk about the specific knife in that's new in 2020's.

 

[GreenOwl]

I want another griptilian, carried one for years and it worked well. I think it’s extremely over priced now and can’t bring myself to consider it.

 

[DMG]

I want another griptilian, carried one for years and it worked well. I think it’s extremely over priced now and can’t bring myself to consider it.

There are always good deals on the exchange here. I have recently seen Bugouts for $100 and Griptillians priced similarly. If it is a knife you are going to use, it especially makes sense to consider a used one.

 

[GreenOwl]

There are always good deals on the exchange here. I have recently seen Bugouts for $100 and Griptillians priced similarly. If it is a knife you are going to use, it especially makes sense to consider a used one.

Good point. I should probably watch for one. Thanks.

 

[bubafett317]

Benchmade is a fantastic brand and they put out a fantastic product. I currently own about 8 of them and have sold of 2 or 3. With that said, however, the recent price increases have pushed me away. I just can’t justify spending the extra $$$ on them right now. Maybe because I already own some or maybe because I prefer spending that $$$ with a different brand, not sure, but for now no thanks.

 

[GreenOwl]

I have a bug out with black blade that I thought would be the one for me. With titanium aftermarket scales. I think now I would trade it for a stock griptilian. Not sure if that’s my nostalgia or what. Or if it’s the thickness

 

[Apophis]

I was close to buying one in the past. I know people carrying theirs for years...

But, when I was thinking about getting one, some people also told me about omega springs breaking all the time - while others claimed they are using their knives for years and their springs never broke, or it took several years for springs to break.

Next thing is - the feel. Few Benchmades I held in my hands (Bugout, Griptilian and mini Griptilian) felt cheap. I know they aren't cheap, but they feel cheap.

Then the price for the materials - some brands offer Magnacut for the same price or even less than Benchmade asks for S30V. While S30V isn't bad steel - it's still not worth that kind of money.

As far as threads about their lock failing - that's only Adamas. I've seen videos of their other models getting batonned without issues, which is crazy for a folder. So I'd say they are tough - unless you're buying Adamas...

They are fidgety, designs are good, reliability seems to be hit and miss (looking at you omega springs), most models are really tough, and it seems to be really overpriced for the materials you're getting... the only premium about it seems to be the price, materials and the feel just aren't there.

I really wanted one but could never justify it for the prices they put for what they offer. Don't get me wrong - they are good, they just aren't that good to cost that much.


So question is - is it worth it to you?

I have two Benchmade knives - a Snody fixed blade hunting knife and a 3” folder stamped Heckler & Koch that a friend got for free with a pistol. I’d post an image of the folder, but it’s on its way in to have the handle screws replaced after at least 10 years of hard use as everything from a box cutter to range related cutting duties. I sharpen it weekly and a few passes over a 1000 grit stone and it’s razor sharp again. These two knives are in heavy use along with a Buck 110 from the 80s and I love them. Highly recommend Benchmade and they have a bumper to bumper lifetime warranty. Good luck with your decision!

 

[Apophis]

I like; and will continue to buy them.
They offer me an easy way to an ambidextrous locking system.
View attachment 2116868

Awesome collection!

 

[rustyspike]

Several years ago I bought the Grip with the cheaper scales. Returned it for the G10 also better steel. Very nice.

They are worth it. But you need to get the better models.

Rich K.

 

[tomsch]

I became a little obsessed with the BHQ 940 M4 exclusive with the jade G10. They are still in stock and a decent price so I bought one. Was not a fan of the jade G10 so a swapped to Flytainium Ti scales. Decided I needed another one that I swapped to Rockscale Design Ti scales, matching back spacer, and black hardware. They have become my most carried knives lately and of course I probably invested too much $$ on top of the 940 starting price but in the end they are both great EDCs.

Were they worth the money? I would say yes given the upgrade to M4 steel and an excellent starting point for mods.

 

[DDDYLN]

Yes they are worth it. A Benchmade will last a lifetime. I have some that are 20+ years old. Same with Spyderco, Cold Steel and other great knifemakers.

I have a picture in my head of the people that complain about Benchmade prices, instead of quietly not buying one. They wear $5 velcro shoes and try to haggle at Walmart.

And yet, Cold Steel makes superior knives for 1/4 the price. If Benchmade moved to a more 2A friendly Midwestern state, with a lower cost of living, and better taxes, they'd be able to produced knives for a reasonable price. As long as they're in Oregon, I'll never buy from them. I also haven't forgotten how they helped the police to destroy confiscated firearms.

 

[ShaiHulud]

I've heard the fixed adamas is one painful knife to use, too many hot spots. I'd like to see them add more fixed blade options and in non stainless. Maybe I personally think they're getting overpriced (see Narrows)
The folding knives I bought from the past all had blade play except presidio. So ultimately the company is now mostly a pass for me.

 

[DMG]

And yet, Cold Steel makes superior knives for 1/4 the price. If Benchmade moved to a more 2A friendly Midwestern state, with a lower cost of living, and better taxes, they'd be able to produced knives for a reasonable price. As long as they're in Oregon, I'll never buy from them. I also haven't forgotten how they helped the police to destroy confiscated firearms.

I have and have had many Cold Steel knives. They are not superior. Not even close.

You are right, they need to get out of that liberal hellhole.

 

[Smaug]

You should find one you REALLY like and buy it.

The thing about Omega springs breaking is way overblown. I’ve flipped mine HUNDREDS of times and no breakage. I’d one does break at some point, I’ll just have them fix it.

They use good steels for the blades and the Axis lock is always smooth. Nice flippy action and there are several ways to open them.

They are all US-made, which is worth something. Their warranty and after-sale service are also excellent.

If you felt that the Griptilians and Bugouts felt cheap, maybe it’s just plastic handles that you don’t like? you should look at some models with other handle materials. The 940 in aluminum or G10 are nice. (But not slicey, due to the thick blade stock and grind)

I have a higher-end Griptilian in G10, a basic Mini Grip in FRN and a Bugout in G10. None feel cheap to me.

The fact that others started copying their Axis Lock the moment the patent expired speaks volumes.

Their autos and balisongs are not worth it, but their regular models and assisted models are. They could be printing money if they weren’t so greedy on autos and balis. Everyone wants a Benchmade balisong, but not enough to get raped for it.

My next knife will be a Mini Barrage, I think.