Let's Talk About Benchmade Knives

I'd recommend the 943 or 940. I considered many other Benchmades, but they each have little problems that annoy me. For one, I don't like assisted openers because the mechanism can break and it really doesn't open the knife any easier for me. That's not too bad with Kershaw since they'll send you a bunch of spare torsion bars for free, but when BM's AOs break you have to send them in. The Contego looks amazing, but the G-10 is way to rough and the ergonomics aren't very good. The Lum Ti frame lock is also pretty impressive, but the thumb stud is too shallow and the detent is too weak.

The 940 series has the problem of the anodization scratching off if you're not gentle with them, but I've been careful with mine. Ultimately, no knife is perfect, but out of their catalog the 943 is my favorite. But you'll have to decide for yourself which shortcomings bother you the least.
 
Bigfatts said:
Honestly I would look at the Bone Collector. Handled one today and I just fell in love. Only reason I didn't come home with it because I couldn't decide between wood and micarta. I'll admit it's a knife I never gave a second look to but after handling it I'm impressed.
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Agreed, Sir. I carry the mini's and love them. Takes a heck of a folder to beat out a small Seb for pocket time.
 
The scales on the 580 barrage feels very cheap. I made wooden scales for mine because I couldn't stand the original scales.

The 581 has G10 scales and aluminum bolster. It also has a m390 blade.

A 15020 bone collector with wooden scales is a very good option.

I don't have a 810, but I do want one.
 
I would say the 940 is the best edc from your list. My personal favorite benchmade is a 710 in a super steel. I have the m4, m2hs and m390 versions. I also placed an order for the new m4 710 from knife works. If you choose to get a d2 version I recommend a black blade finish to avoid Stains and rust. It is a little large but the 710 is one of the best edc's out there.
 
I have a Mini-Barrage 585 (black blade, serrated) and a 755 MPR. Both are great, but the Mini-Barrage is one of my best knives period, for all round cutting boxes, envelopes, using the serration to cut open those pesky plastic clamshell packages. Can't recommend it enough.

Oh, I also own a Small Sebenza, a 3" Hinderer XM-18, 3 William Henry's, among others. I rotate them as EDC, but for those tough plastic clams, I go to the serrated 585. (not a scratch, but a hair on the blade. Don't ask :))

BM585.jpg
 
I would save my money and get a small Sebenza or Mnandi. BM makes quality knives and their customer service is the best in the industry but IMO they have the ugliest handles in the industry as well.
 
From your list I have a 940 and it is a great knife. It is very slim and the Axis lock is hard to beat for smooth operation.
 
Currently have a fullsize orange Ritter Griptillian; full size Griptillian with combo blade and a full size Dejavoo; all vey nice knives.
 
940 is my favorite benchmade. I don't like all the really big knives that are popular right now. I just don't have a need for that much knife and that much bulge in my pocket. With the 940 you get a serious amount of blade length on a knife that is awesomely thin, streamline and light and rock solid. It's an absolutely great design.
 
940 is a great design and disappears in your pocket. I think the blade shape of the 943 would suit me better.
The Ritter designs/Grips don't do it for me, the Osborne and M/W ones do.
My personal favorite BM is the 581 Barrage. The Spyderco Gayle Bradley is my work knife (I'm a blue collar grunt), the 581 is my after work knife just because I want to keep it looking nice.
Of all the knives you mentioned I'd go with the WH B12 if money wasn't an issue and you're not going to abuse your knife. Why not?
CRK knives are beautifully made and probably worth it but the blade steel choice and temper is a deal breaker for me.

2 cents
 
I love my 950 and 710 and I really want an 810, the Contigo. I have heard the 810's handle is pretty aggressive but you can sand the sharp areas for great results.
 
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