Is The 530 Strong?

J

jday2727

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Jul 8, 2015
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Can this be used as a last ditch self defence weapon? How about regular hard use? I'm trying to get back into Benchmade, and I think this might be the one.
 
Depends on your definition of "last ditch self defense weapon and hard use" Not really. It is a light weight knife. Could be used for self defense if that is all you had. Hard use, no. A lot of use yes. It will stand up to normal use, Cutting stuff. Last ditch get a fixed blade.
 
The 53x series are as well made as any of the other models. Probably the slimmest, easily the lightest, it's a great cutting tool in production for many years. Self defense? I'm not trained so can't comment on that.
 
The "Grivory" handles on the 530 are pretty tough for plastic. The knife has nested liners not full length so it is limited in strength.
However if you watch this video from BM at the end the break test the 530. For as slim and light it is, it is pretty tough.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9HrW_PDfN4

When it breaks it is the metal liner not the handle.
 
As long as a knife has enough grip or a handle where you wont slide up and cut yourself - ANY knife can be used for self defense, hell a pointy steak knife will do the trick. For normal use it's plenty strong enough, for lateral prying (if a person was dumb enough to pry with a folder) who knows. I honestly can't understand how or why anyone would ever pry with a decent folding knife, other than small staples or during the unpacking of goods that have light duty fasteners. If you want something a little stronger you can look into the 908 Stryker or 710, but it all depends on your taste :)
 
jday2727 said:
Can this be used as a last ditch self defence weapon?
Click to expand...

[video=youtube;BNsrK6P9QvI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNsrK6P9QvI[/video]

Next question...

jday2727 said:
How about regular hard use? I'm trying to get back into Benchmade, and I think this might be the one.
Click to expand...

That all depends on your definition of hard use.. If all you realistically need is a good EDC that will handle everyday cutting tasks.. Then a 530/531, will work wonderfully well. If you need your folder to chop through a redwood tree then this isn't the knife for you. As you can see in the video below, the 530/531 will be able to tackle your EDC tasks.

[video=youtube;v9HrW_PDfN4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9HrW_PDfN4[/video]

I would recommend the 531 over the 530.. The G10 on the 531 feels a lot stronger/heftier over the 530's Grivory, and add's some extra weight to the knife..Grivory also has this hollow (cheap) sound & feel that most people don't like.. I would recommend that you handle both, I'm sure you'll notice the difference I'm talking about. The 531 has better blade geometry for cutting due to the higher flats..

Straight from BKC's site:
Benchmade Knife Company said:
A rugged version of the 530 and while not as light because of the G10 handle scales this one is every bit as slim and much more rigid.
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Right now, you could either go for the regular production 531 with 154CM or the REI exclusive with S30V.

Here's a very good, objective, review of the 531, some food for thought ;)

[video=youtube;i6q3tPzG_IY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6q3tPzG_IY[/video]
 
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I have many versions as it's my favorite knife. 531 is more rugged for sure but I mix and match everyday. Usually the plain jane 154cm is what I carry, sv 30 is nice but i don't notice difference in every day use.
I do carry a Ritter full size grip if I expect heavy use...better in most every way but being a light weight, no bulge carry....I've tried about everything BM has and settled on these 2 for most everything.
530 is in my pocket 90% of the time.
 
I just ordered a 530, i really want the spearpoint blade
I wonder if i can order g-10 for this and my barrage....

__

eh nevermind, i got the green rei exclusive too... see if i can swap blades...
 
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530 Is excellent knife and pretty durable!531is even better,and both are strong enough for any normal cutting use!
 
I've been using my 531-1501 for nearly two weeks now. Since I use it, as intended, for cutting chores, it's been one of my better buys over this last year or two. :thumbup:
 
I love the design, but hate the thumb-studs. Worst Benchmade I have ever had in how difficult it is to get to the studs and open the knife. Don't get me wrong, its still okay, but bad compared to the rest of their models.
 
No prob with the studs at all on mine. I have the 530, well my son does! He fell in love with it the day it showed up......so he 'borrowed' it......for a year!
Time for a 531!
Joe


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
jstrange said:
I love the design, but hate the thumb-studs. Worst Benchmade I have ever had in how difficult it is to get to the studs and open the knife. Don't get me wrong, its still okay, but bad compared to the rest of their models.
Click to expand...

Have you tried just pulling back on the Axis bar? On the 530/531 the blade will kick open about 1/3 the way open.
 
In the small details of the 531x are the reworked Axis bars. The addition of texture on both left and right sides makes for a subtle difference, compared to the earlier 530 models. And then are the small but very efficient spacers, which both keep the weight down and make the knife easier to clean. ..and then there's the reworked blade with more belly and which is quite a slicer. I looked at the 940-2 with the new scales, but think the 531 was the better choice.
 
Sorry for the thumb-stud derail, but since others kept it going I will elaborate just a tad. The studs aren't terrible, just worse than other BM knives. Very small and they barely poke out past the scales. Again, not bad, just not as good as the rest. I had to be more deliberate with it is all.

Anyway, if you like the design just try one out, I am sure you will like it. If your worried about strength just get the G10 model.
 
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