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Is the Benchmade Ambush a good value at less than $50?

D

dakotared

Joined
Dec 17, 2005
Messages
63
Had a chance to handle a Benchmade Ambush that was priced at under $50. It is from the RED line but seems to be a strong and quality knife for EDC and the low price is such that it might qualify for very hard use where the result could be a damaged knife. Does anyone have experience with this knife?
 
I borrowed one from a buddy for a while. He liked his a lot, and wanted it back even though I loaned him a Spyderco Delica in return. The steel seems harder than usual, but I dont recall any chips on the plain edge. The serrations were a little rough, but after all they are ground at about half the angle of the plain edge section. AUS-8 is known for taking a very sharp edge, and this has been my experience with it as well. Since this seems a little harder than normal, it took an exceptionally sharp edge and seemed to hold it for a while, certainly the time I had it on loan. The blade is ground thin just behind the edge, so it cuts quite well. Since it was a loaner, I didnt test it really hard. I cant comment on ease of sharpening, since I sharpened it on a belt sander. It sharpened just as quick there as any other knife I've tried. The thin edge means that less metal will need to be removed to sharpen it, so it should sharpen pretty quickly, and without the excessive burr formation found on some softer steels. The blade has a lot of belly, more than I like, and thats basically my only gripe, but one thats fixed easily enough with a 120 grit belt, and a light touch. The rolling lock works fine, although I didnt give it any spine whacks or rough treatement. It hold the blade closed securely, in case you've ever been bitten by an open tip up liner lock in you pocket. In fact it held the blade so securely that normal, smooth arcing motion thumb opening was nearly impossible. I would push on the stud, and it would pop open, often locking right away. If it didnt lock, a quick flick would take care of it. There was no problem with it swinging closed on my fingers if it didnt lock either, the rolling lock prevents that. I used the large one, but if I were to buy one, I think I would go with a plain edge Mini-Ambush. The large one is a handful, even though is got an aluminum handle and isnt heavy.
 
I would highly recommend against the Ambush, small or large. It is my opinion that they have a dangerous design flaw. The in-draw spring has a stress riser that causes it to crack, allowing the blade to fall open with nothing to hold it in. This has happened on two Mini-Ambushes in a row within weeks of new. The first one failed without me noticing and I punctured my side while withdrawing it from my pocket.
 
The large ambush is a big knife with a small clip. on my brothers ambush there is a lot of tension on the blade when it is closed, and it doesn't open as easily as an axis lock. it is also more difficult to open by inertia. the aluminum handles are coated with black, which scratches and chips off easily. the knife sits heavily in the pocket, but I found it good for coat pocket carry.
that said, the blade takes a razor edge, the serrations are excellent on the CE models, and benchmade's aus-8 has remained relatively stain free after use around salt water. it is a good workhorse of a knife.

pete
 
I have both the Mini-Ambush and the Mini-Pika. My personal preference is for the Mini-Ambush more for the hand fit. For me, and I have med small hands, I found that the Mini-Pika didn't fit my hand that well. The lock is no Axis Lock:) on the Mini-Ambush, but it was definitely easier to open than the Mini-Pika. Despite the difference in blade shapes, they are both excellent value for the dollar. Both of mine were very sharp out of the box. In many instances, I actually prefer the blade shape of the Mini-Pika. Not immediately on my list, but still there, would be to take a run at the full sized versions to see what they are like. For the moment, I'm in Spydie space, and getting ready to take a run at a couple Brusletto fixed blades (scandi style) that came available up here:D

- gord
 
I'm amazed at the value of my Mini-Ambush. Okay, Chinese production.
But the blade shape is great, the handle is a nice handful, the action and lock a delight. Great design from Mel Pardue and BM.
Haven't given it hard beatings, though.
 
As with all of my Red Class Benchmades, my Mini Ambush has proven to be an excellent knife and a very good value. I find the blade shape to be very useful, and the AUS8 steel came shaving sharp and seems to hold an edge well. For those accustomed to the AXIS lock, the Rolling Lock with InDraft may seem a bit "stiff" due to the strong detent, but the lockup is extremely solid and the action is smooth. The scales are nicely textured and the overall fit and finish is every bit as good as my other Benchmades. I would certainly recommend one of these knives to anyone considering one. :thumbup:
 
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