Learned a few things @ Cabelas tonight...

fetzer85

fetzer85

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Oct 17, 2012
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The wife is out of town this week so I decided to take the kids to Cabelas. They like the animals, I like the knives...it's a win-win. :thumbup: Anyways its the first time I've been to a retail store that carries higher end knives (like Benchmade, Spyderco, etc.) since I've become overly interested in knives. I got to handle a few different knives and wanted to briefly share some things I picked up on...

1) The Spyderco Military is a BIG knife! I know I know, all the specs like length width depth are available online but this particular one got me. I'm glad I got to hold it b/c it became obviously clear that although the knife is awesomely large, it's a little too big for me to EDC. There was a time when I bought knives because of their 'awesomeness' factor however with my tightened up budget I now have to ask myself if I would EDC it. If the answer is no then I have to pass. (it makes the PM2 look like a toddler in diapers :D)

2) The Benchmade 810 Contego in CPM-M4 is also wicked nice. The G10 scales are really aggressive (I'm talking piranha biting your hand) but I'm sure that could be smoothed out some. This one was smaller than the Military however it was borderline on whether or not I would EDC it. Definitely a tempting scenario to try out. Ultimately these 2 points lead me to my third point...

3) The Benchmade 940...*speechless*
I'm telling you what...this knife must've ran away from me when it was younger b/c it felt right at home in my hand. :) It's been on my 'maybe' list for awhile now but after tonight I think it's on my 'I need it NOW' list. Buttery smooth, such a good fit in my average sized hand, very sleek yet a great size blade. There's no question now - I'll have one soon...

Well that's it, just wanted to share my experience handling a few blades with my daughters telling me they're bored...that I already have enough knives...that they're hungry...and have to go to the bathroom. It was a good night!
 
Seeing knives in person is always better! You sure did pick three desirable ones to look at too. (I know I want em all!) :D
 
I always like to handle a knife before I buy it. If it is a knife I have never owned or handled I am willing to pay extra (full retail) for that option. It definitely can change your mind about a knife or put one on your radar that you had never considered
 
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De Plano said:
I always like to handle a knife before I buy it. If it is a knife I have never owned or handled I am willing to pay extra (full retail) for that option. It definitely can change your mind about a knife or put one on your radar that you had never considered
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You are 100% right I just found a store in Georgia the only one in my state that has a good inventory of knifes. I went in there today and got to see a lot of knifes I had only seen online. I left with a knife I never thought I would buy a ZT801!
And the guy working there was one of us!
Much better than sending my money out of state!
 
Another thing to learn from Cabelas: low prices are not their strong point. But there is the underwater tunnel with the fish.
 
jimh0220 said:
Another thing to learn from Cabelas: low prices are not their strong point. But there is the underwater tunnel with the fish.
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Haha, yes no doubt. They wanted $170-something for the 940 when 'you know who' has it for $120-something. I don't have enough funds to act like $50 doesn't matter to me.
 
the funny thing is, the military is only "bigger" in handle length, and maybe a hair in spine to edge height.

the contego is over an ounce heavier, thicker, same blade length.

I'd wager that bm is much heavier and less edc friendly than the military, but everyone looks at it in different ways. but personally thickness and weight are both what makes pocket carry a pain for me, leaving the military the clear victor for ease of carry.

there's a big difference between holding a knife for a minute, and throwing it in your pocket and using it for a week or two. that's normally the point where people become military converts. ;)
 
Agreed goodeye, the military is definitely slender. I think that 4" blade length, in general, is just beyond my EDC comfort zone. Hell of a knife regardless.
 
I do the same thing with guns. Go to Cabelas or Gander to check them out, then I go and order them from my LGS.
 
That's pretty much the reason i go to the gun show here in Tampa when it comes around. Handle some knives, maybe buy one if the price is right.
 
Clanton said:
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You are 100% right I just found a store in Georgia the only one in my state that has a good inventory of knifes.
Click to expand...

Care to share the location? Not aware of it myself, would like to go take a lookie see. Of course without the wife in tow. Would have to buy her a new purse if I bought a new knife! :eek:

Blessings,

Omar
 
OHALLUM said:
Care to share the location? Not aware of it myself, would like to go take a lookie see. Of course without the wife in tow. Would have to buy her a new purse if I bought a new knife! :eek:

Blessings,

Omar
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I'm a lucky guy; my wife collects Coach purses, so she doesn't mind my knife habit, (and she actually has a nice little knife collection of her own going, with my help, of course)! She suggested that we take a drive to the Dundee, Michigan Cabellas sometime soon (it's a couple of hour's drive from our house).
 
My Cabela's had zero Spyderco a month ago. I know one clerk rolled his eyes and told me they had too many warranty problems with them. Last night, a black Mili, Dragonfly FRN, and a Tenacious....all three at MSRP! Every other knife they carry has SOME sort of discount.
 
jimh0220 said:
Another thing to learn from Cabelas: low prices are not their strong point. But there is the underwater tunnel with the fish.
Click to expand...

I work right across the street from one. I walk through maybe once per week to see knives/guns during lunch. The knife counter guys know me by now, cause I always handle a few blades then walk out (and shop on-line). Somehow I do feel a little guilty about that though, cause the knife guys are cool, but retail prices - ouch. Their selection is moderately interesting: Benchmades, Case traditionals, Kershaws, CRKTs, SOGs, KaBars. Leathermans. No Spydies though (well, maybe 1 or 2). They even started carrying a few Beckers.

Also a shame how the gun counter has been decimated here in the PRK.

Slightly off topic, rumor has it that a Bass Pro is coming to Bridgeport, CT too. Visited one out of state and I think they have a good knife selection.
 
I did not know higher end knives were spydercos and benchmades O_O I was kind of expecting you to say Cabs had some new items that were top shelf... glad you had a good time with the kids though :)
 
fetzer85 said:
The wife is out of town this week so I decided to take the kids to Cabelas. They like the animals, I like the knives...it's a win-win. :thumbup:
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Haha I love this. We have a Bass Pro Shop down here and this is exactly what I do on the weekends. My daughter has to take a picture with the stuffed bear every time we walk in. And I mean HAS TO!

Anyways, I'm glad you had a good time. I love checking knives out in person and then I'll go looking for better deals online. These retailers charge up the wazoo!
 
Clanton said:
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You are 100% right I just found a store in Georgia the only one in my state that has a good inventory of knifes. I went in there today and got to see a lot of knifes I had only seen online. I left with a knife I never thought I would buy a ZT801!
And the guy working there was one of us!
Much better than sending my money out of state!
Click to expand...

Where is that store? I want to keep my cash in state also!
 
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