Knife design?

G

Gideons

Gold Member
Joined
Dec 9, 2015
Messages
1,512
I love the weight of the Benchmade knives, the speed of the action, strength of the lock etc. But, has anybody else kinda kinda thought the design of the knives are smallish? Like, it seems they are thin profile (height of the blade), small finger choil etcm, short blades? Basically, I would love if the knives were more the size of a CS Recon 1, ZT 0550 (that size of knife). Basically, a 5ish ounce knife that has a spear point/tanto blade G10 handles, deep carry, 4 inch blade that isn't super thin and of course axis lock. What do you think would be the best knife design for a benchmade?

-Gideon

PS: Imagine if Benchmade had the emerson wave feature?
 
Number one, I was attracted to Benchmade specifically because they offer a selection of knives that are easier to carry. I like the narrow profiles and thinness of the grips while being combined with traditional full steel liners in most cases to make the knives strong enough. I like how Benchmade offers mini models of some of their full size knives that makes the already easy to pocket knives even more pocketable. (I also like how Benchmade doesn't force a feature like assisted opening onto their customers in every single model.) Almost every other cutlery maker these days has gone overboard on the bigass heavy duty folders that are great for chopping trees but a PITA to carry around all day. Granted, some of these are great knives. The ZT 0550 and 0200 and many of the Spyderco models are truly outstanding. Cold Steel has some great designs but they're all larger than I want to carry. Those ZTs are too big and heavy and too many of those great Spyderco's are wider in profile than I like in my pocket. Benchmade makes some bigass knives too but I'm glad they don't dominate the catalog.

Number two, I'm an admirer or Ernest Emerson's knives, especially the iconic CQC7. I own a few of them and I like their quirkiness, simplicity, strength, size and ergonomics. But I detest the Wave feature as an opening method. All is not lost, however. The Wave responds nicely to a Dremel and you can be left with a wonderful thumb ramp that doesn't catch on your clothing and rip your pocket seams when you just want to slice an apple.
 
I'm glad BM doesn't focus on huge folders... There are enough choices of big heavy folders from other companies, for those that feel like they need a folder that is the size of a large fixed blade knife.

The size of some folders, especially some of cold steels offerings are just absurd IMHO. I know we all like different things though, and it is great that we have so many choices available.
I think BM keeps their offerings on the practical side of things.
They do have larger offerings like the Adamas though for those that like a larger, heavy duty knife...

As always, YMMV
 
338375 said:
I'm glad BM doesn't focus on huge folders... There are enough choices of big heavy folders from other companies, for those that feel like they need a folder that is the size of a large fixed blade knife.

The size of some folders, especially some of cold steels offerings are just absurd IMHO. I know we all like different things though, and it is great that we have so many choices available.
I think BM keeps their offerings on the practical side of things.
They do have larger offerings like the Adamas though for those that like a larger, heavy duty knife...

As always, YMMV
Click to expand...

They have a black series. That is a military/tactical series meaning heavy duty knives are suppose to be in that class. To both of you, you guys are talking about the blue class (EDC), but I am talking about their black class of knives. I agree, CS has some huge knives that are kinda absurd. But, I said CS Recon 1 which is a 4 inch blade, not those 5 and a half inch blades (XL serious).
 
Not at all. I actually prefer knives with less than 3.5 inch blades. I really wish they'd make a smaller 710 (I don't count the 707 Sequel, as the blade isn't quite the same, and I don't like aluminum handles). I also agree with 338375 that Cold Steel's mega folders are kind of ridiculous for the average user. I've bought a couple for the novelty, but always end up selling them. I want something that I can easily conceal and that won't drag my pocket down too much.
 
Black class means "professional". It includes items such as the Triage, 9 CB Hook, some Minis, autos, etc., as well as big knives like the Adamas and Contego.

Benchmade doesn't make a lot of different designs. It does make enough designs to cover the field and appeal to a large number of people.
 
If you look at the Black Class even though it is a "professional" prodct liner they are not necessarily built out of superior materials. In fact there is a lot of 440C and 154cm in the line up. There are a lot more higher end knives in BM's Blue Line.
 
Benchmade's Blue Class has its heritage in the original "blue box" that Pacific Cutlery shipped their knives in. Today it has come to represent a finer selection of materials, a higher level of finish and/or polish, and designs that might be a bit more delicate (strong knives, but not as robust). Black Class knives have a more utilitarian materials selection and aesthetic design.

Yes, Blue Class/Black Class is marketing nomenclature. For example:

Contego vs. Crooked River
$215 MSRP vs. $210 MSRP
Black Class vs. Blue Class

Both knives use the same platform, are close in on-paper specs, both will have about equal utility/usability... all for nearly the same price. Blue vs. Black is just how they want to market the knife.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top