I recently purchased two knives that I HAVE to fill you in on!!! 
They are limited production runs by Benchmade offered exclusively through the Cutlery Shoppe. The first is the Skirmish and the second is the Osborne 960. I bought them both and I'd like to tell you my thoughts. Both knives are identical to the original models offered by Benchmade in terms of size, blade length, weight, pocket clip configuration, and edge geometry, so my review will focus on the main differences from the originals. Both versions are numbered and I got matching number 3 for both knives.
I took beautiful photos of the knives but am not able to post them, I assume due to my membership status...
I'm very sorry. I'll do my best to describe the knives. Go to the Benchmade site (benchmade.com) to see the originals.
The SKIRMISH...
The limited run Skirmish is numbered up to 250. Again I got #3. This model of the Skirmish is identical to the original in all but one regard which for me was the kicker..... Instead of having the decorative circles in the lame rainbow colors (not my style), the circles are each a shiny silver and look beautiful against the grey titanium. In my opinion, this model is MUCH more beautiful than the original (your mileage may vary). I think the rainbow colors are too prissy especially for a knife of this size. That is the only difference between the exclusive and the original, and it's PERFECT!! Definately an improvement. Price I paid - $200.
The Osborne 960...
The exclusive 960 is numbered up to 200. I requested #3 to match my pretty Skirmish!!! There are several differences from the original.
- Original RED aluminum is replaced with BLACK aluminum. Improvement!
- Original BLACK G-10 inserts replaced with "mother-of-pearl-looking" carbon fiber inserts. The two colors look VERY pretty, classy, and dressy together. Just from the looks I'd have expected this knife to cost twice what it did. VAST IMPROVEMENT!
- Original blade material is D-2 replaced with S30V. Comparing these blade steels is probably a matter of personal preference. I haven't used S30V yet so I can't offer any opinion here. Many of you have likely already formed your own opinion of it.
- Backspacers are ANODIZED PURPLE, I belive the original is BLUE. This is a subtle change and to me the purple looks great with the other colors on the exclusive, but I'd prefer plain black.
I paid $200 for this knife too.
Here's the bottom line... If you're considering buying either of these knives or already own one of the originals and love it, check out these babys from the Cutlery Shoppe. (Cutleryshoppe.com). They are great buys especially for limited runs. I consider both improvements over the originals. If you want to buy both knives act quickly (and ask very nicely) and you might get matching numbers like I did!!!
Again sorry for the lack of pictures.
Stay Sharp!!
They are limited production runs by Benchmade offered exclusively through the Cutlery Shoppe. The first is the Skirmish and the second is the Osborne 960. I bought them both and I'd like to tell you my thoughts. Both knives are identical to the original models offered by Benchmade in terms of size, blade length, weight, pocket clip configuration, and edge geometry, so my review will focus on the main differences from the originals. Both versions are numbered and I got matching number 3 for both knives.
I took beautiful photos of the knives but am not able to post them, I assume due to my membership status...
I'm very sorry. I'll do my best to describe the knives. Go to the Benchmade site (benchmade.com) to see the originals.The SKIRMISH...
The limited run Skirmish is numbered up to 250. Again I got #3. This model of the Skirmish is identical to the original in all but one regard which for me was the kicker..... Instead of having the decorative circles in the lame rainbow colors (not my style), the circles are each a shiny silver and look beautiful against the grey titanium. In my opinion, this model is MUCH more beautiful than the original (your mileage may vary). I think the rainbow colors are too prissy especially for a knife of this size. That is the only difference between the exclusive and the original, and it's PERFECT!! Definately an improvement. Price I paid - $200.
The Osborne 960...
The exclusive 960 is numbered up to 200. I requested #3 to match my pretty Skirmish!!!
There are several differences from the original.- Original RED aluminum is replaced with BLACK aluminum. Improvement!
- Original BLACK G-10 inserts replaced with "mother-of-pearl-looking" carbon fiber inserts. The two colors look VERY pretty, classy, and dressy together. Just from the looks I'd have expected this knife to cost twice what it did. VAST IMPROVEMENT!
- Original blade material is D-2 replaced with S30V. Comparing these blade steels is probably a matter of personal preference. I haven't used S30V yet so I can't offer any opinion here. Many of you have likely already formed your own opinion of it.
- Backspacers are ANODIZED PURPLE, I belive the original is BLUE. This is a subtle change and to me the purple looks great with the other colors on the exclusive, but I'd prefer plain black.
I paid $200 for this knife too.
Here's the bottom line... If you're considering buying either of these knives or already own one of the originals and love it, check out these babys from the Cutlery Shoppe. (Cutleryshoppe.com). They are great buys especially for limited runs. I consider both improvements over the originals. If you want to buy both knives act quickly (and ask very nicely) and you might get matching numbers like I did!!!
Again sorry for the lack of pictures.
Stay Sharp!!
