Looking my first Benchmade

thejamppa

thejamppa

Joined
Aug 20, 2009
Messages
2,907
Hello everyone!

My favourite native retailer announced me that they start importing Benchmade's this summer. Now Benchmade's have been too expensive for me to order from the states and the few one's you get nativelly are outragous prices.

Anyway, what would be good first Benchmade for Spyderco Caly-series lover. I love Caly 3, Urban, UKPK. I also like FFG but its not necessary. I am looking around 3" blade length, no more than 3.25" length. And no automatic nor assist opening. I don't like those.

My budget is upto $250 USD's, prefirabely lower thank you.

I am ready for suggestions. Thank you in advance.
 
For that money, I would skip over the Grips and go to the 940/943 series. It should fit your needs quite well.
 
dsmegst said:
For that money, I would skip over the Grips and go to the 940/943 series. It should fit your needs quite well.
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I agree with dsmegst. The 940 line seems to be the best knife in the Benchmade line up. Good steel, not automatic, but thee length of the blade is slightly longer than your prefered length which is 3.4" inches. Still you can't go wrong with this knife. I am getting one around this summer too:thumbup:
 
Yes the 940/943 are great knives, I have a 943 on the way and it will be my 3rd one. Also check out the 950 Rift another great BM choice.
 
Alright few knives captured my attention:
942/943 Osborne's 3.4"
960 Osborne with 3.12" (though this might go over my budget)
745 Mini Dejavoo. 3.23" This looks most like Caly series knife and I dig the opening hole. too bad no axis lock.
615 mini Ruckus.
Mini grips don't look bad.
530 series also looks quite nice.

So far I am leaning 940-series, 615 and 745.
 
If you're buying a Benchmade folder, I recommend that choose one with the Axis Lock.

The 943 is a great choice.
 
Alot people seem to go for 943, I should look that. I could do worse with my choice. However I want something which says Benchmade and is classical benchamde design. So far 943 fits the bill and has the axis lock. Though bit long side blade (I've used to carry 3" folders) the 3.4" size is not impassible as my limit for first one is 3,5". Any bigger than that hardly qualifies urban edc.

Thanks for suggestions.
 
+1 on the Mini Dejavoo. One of my favorite knives. Its an excellent slicer, fast deploying, and has great looks. Cant go wrong with that one.
 
The 740 Dejavoo is the closest Benchmade knife you'll find to the design style of the Caly 3, although for all new people coming to Benchmade I always recommend the 580 Barrage. The AXIS-assist is an excellent little lock, and it kicks nice when you open it. It's also rock solid.
 
Another vote for the 943.

It opens and closes super-smooth, and I have yet to handle a knife that is as smooth as it is. The thin profile of the blade makes it an excellent slicer, especially as it approaches the tip as it has a very gradual distal taper. Though it is over your limit, it doesn't "seem" like a longer knife. The slimness of the handle makes it feel like a much smaller knife than it is.
 
Been carrying a 943 as my EDC for a number of years and I can say without a doubt that it is my favorite Benchmade ever. It's a slim carry in the pocket and the blade is just right for everyday tasks. The action on mine is super smooth and the AXIS is rock solid

You won't be disappointed with the 943
 
Wait, the 940's have terrible jimping...can't think of too many reasons why you'd need jimping for light use tasks but Im the sort of person who needs a good handle on the knife.

The 940's are also really narrow and elongated...I like a form fitting handle -- Sebenza or Alias style!
 
Slowstarter said:
BIG KNIFE= 710 D2, a masterpiece!
SMALL KNIFE= 707 Sequel, the elegant little brother to 710.
JUICY PICTURE HERE
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+100 on the 710:D...it really is a masterpiece. i never liked Bm's until i got the 710 just recently...amazing f&f, great steel, axis lock...=awesome. the 940 also looks like a beautiful knife and the kulgera looks great too...but my suggestion is still the 710.
 
+1 on 745 mini dejavoo!! great s30v blade titanium liner lock and beautiful contoured g10!! you wont be disapointed with one of these!!
 
While Benchmade's quality is fine, I find most of their products to be too flashy (gimmicky) for my taste, and priced high versus Spyderco.

Benchmade also makes the function-before-form industrial/military H&K line, and I like those just fine. I've got an H&K 14210 (2.95"), but the 14205 (3.4") is great too. Both of them have Axis locks. The 14210 is heavily built (thick steel liners and G10 scales) versus many Spyderco products, which is kind of its charm.

I've also got their excellent Nagara, which is a sleek gentleman's knife and about 3" too. It was recently rebranded and is now sold as a Harley Davidson/Benchmade.

If I ever get around to buying another Benchmade, it would probably be one of the more subdued products like a Griptillian or Presidio.
 
GenericJohn said:
but the 14205 (3.4") is great too.
Click to expand...

+1. If you like "tank" knives, this one is outstanding. The Snody-designed blade is also very pleasing to the eye. It's the bottom one in the pic.

P1010316.jpg
 
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