Its time for a new knife! Kershaw or Benchmade?

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Northerr

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So right now i have 200$m and i need to buy a knife around 4 inches (folding). i currently own http://www.buckknives.com/catalog/detail/406/260and a http://www.buckknives.com/catalog/detail/210/223. Neither of these holds an edge like i would expect it to, and the torsion bar in the Tempest is slowing down, it being a year old, despite it being stored open to spare the torsion bar any extra ware.

Right now my options are http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=10100
And
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=KS1597 Which one will last me longer, be more useful, and keep an edge better? Any other options? i want a unique knife as well as the best one i can get... even an awesome knife gets boring if its like all the others. Thanks in advance.

P.S. i can get the offset for 175$
 
I would look at either a mini manix or manix, these are great workhorse type knives. I really don't think either of your two choices are great. The clip on the off set is ugly and stands out, and the blade grind also seems gimiky. IMO. Anyways if Benchmade is your thing than I would look at their shirmishs, mini or the full size. All the knives I said will last a lifetime. They will both take a beating and they both use s30v for blade steel. Thats about the best knife steel out now, if you don't count ZDP. Let us know what you get either way.
 
You do realize that the Benchmade is a 5.20 inch blade, right?


I'd second so-lo's post.
 
Sounds like you need a heavy work knife. There is no tougher folder than one of the Manix knives. Regular or Mini, they're both solid as a rock. You can probably pick one up on ebay for around $100. I know you've got more than that to spend, but I just don't think you'll find a tougher production folder regardless of the price.
 
Ok.. so ive looked around.. and i wouldnt be able to live with the look of the manix. Right now what looks best to me is the kershaw spec bump, or the benchmade skirmish 630. I cant choose right now.. the spec bump has the assisted opening technology, which i love, but in my buck tempest it actually started to wear out.. and the blade is a wee bit shorter. In the skirmish, theres very little-no chance of it breaking.. but opening it is slow. Any arguements either way?
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=KS1596
http://www.agrussell.com/knives/pro...nchmade/benchmade_630_skirmish_blackwood.html
 
Assisted opening is just that, an assist device, doesn't need to be lightning fast to be good. The bigger the blade the slower it will be and feel, all other factors the same. However, the Bumps are "fast" enough. I find it very useful when wearing gloves b/c I can just press the flicker and out it goes. A little lube goes a long way making it smoother (faster) opening. If it ever breaks, Kershaw has your back.
 
I own the mini-Skirmish and like it Ok. Its a framlock design and very robust. If I had to do it again though, I would get the larger 630 model which you are considering. It fills the hand better and includes all the other attributes of the mini-Skirmish like the Titanium handles, S30 recurve blade, etc. No problem recommending this knife.

Having said the above, if you are going to be using the knife in a manner that requires strong gripping and twisting, another type handle than pure Ti may be preferred. The Hossum Retribution for example, with it's large G10 scales, provides a large, comfortable and secure grip.

But I do like the framelock design of the Skirmish. It's simple and very strong.
 
I did notice on the Benchmade that it was the "Red Class" - isn't that the lower quality ones - correct me if I'm mistaken.
 
Northerr said:
Ok.. so ive looked around.. and i wouldnt be able to live with the look of the manix. Right now what looks best to me is the kershaw spec bump, or the benchmade skirmish 630. I cant choose right now.. the spec bump has the assisted opening technology, which i love, but in my buck tempest it actually started to wear out.. and the blade is a wee bit shorter. In the skirmish, theres very little-no chance of it breaking.. but opening it is slow. Any arguements either way?
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=KS1596
http://www.agrussell.com/knives/pro...nchmade/benchmade_630_skirmish_blackwood.html
Click to expand...


I consider the Skirmish to be the best looking large size production folder.
 
The manix is going to be the toughest knife you can buy. As far as kershaw goes I would say go with the spec bump or any of the ZT's.
 
I love my rukus for a 4 inch folder, I would put aganst any knife in this cata gory for toughness
 
Get the large Skirmish.It's hard to go wrong with Benchmade.I am not a fan of A.O. knives.
 
For that price range, jump on the Manix... Or if you haven't looked at the D'Allara, I highly recommend it.. Those are my two choices.
I have the D'Allara and some will say its to big. But its five inches closed, the handle is not thick enough to be a problem like some have said, grip and ergonomics are superb to the point where its.. Its just awesome to hold. The VG-10 can take a razor edge and its action is smooth as silk, smoothest knife I own.. But some people have a problem unlocking them...

In any case, go out and hold some of them before you buy.
 
I'm a Rukus fan also and would happily reccommend it. The Kershaw Offset is coming out in G-10 handles this month and it looks like it will be a real nice folder, especially with the "Double-Pumper" assisted opening system.
 
That Offset sure looks unique.

If you can deal with a smaller blade, Kershaw's 1900 External Toggle is both unique and a great cutter. It rides deep in the pocket so you don't have to show it off to everyone. Its Toggle Lock is strong and reliable and allows the user to open and close the knife in a variety of styles (sort of like a butterfly knife that stunted its growth with childhood smoking) and you can lock the blade in the closed position and use its integral carabiner for additional carry modes. My only gripe about the knife is that if you flick it open and closed over 8,000 times in one weekend, the muscles and tendons of your flicking finger may need a rest. That's offset by the Toggle Lock letting you open and close the knife very silently. Quite a plus if you like flicking folders, but don't want to drive your family insane. Also has a built-in bottle opener in case you drive yourself insane and need a beer.
 
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