Maybe made by one of the new chinese companies ?

Hickory n steel · Feb 2, 2017

I was looking through a certain knife catalog and ordering a couple marbles machetes, and I saw something on the benchmark page.
They actually have a supposed titanium framelock with a D2 blade for only 40$.
This kind of stuff isn't my thing, but it made me think that if they are what they're supposed to be then they may potentially be manufactured by one of those new companies like kizer.

I can't find a picture to link without breaking the rules, but The model is the bmk066 if you want to google it.

Danke42 · Feb 2, 2017

That sounds like a typo.

FlaMtnBkr · Feb 2, 2017

A quick Google search would show that it isn't a typo...

wensynch · Feb 3, 2017

I have a few of those BMK knives, which I have stored in the garage along with the rest of my disposable, I mean first response, collection. Not sure if the same factory is used still, but their stuff isn't too bad. Usually made from some mystery metal, but actually pretty good mystery metal. Enough to make one wonder what it is. Gets a good rough sharp not unlike D2, holds the edge remarkable long, and not so difficult to bring back to keen.

Construction was pretty good, not rough, and the knives tend to lean on the thicker side. Like Medford before Medford.

However, the 3 I've had all had really odd shapes that didn't fit in the hand, like at all. Completely unergonomic, requiring ones imagination. Like wtf who thought of this or who has hand like this?

BMK041:

IMG_20170202_223347.jpgThis microbe can literally be smaller than a virus. Many people think it is a virus or fungus that causes cancer, but it is actually a cell wall deficient highly pleomorphic bacteria.

That one looks Dozier inspired. Cheapo knife, but yeah, I wouldn't be surprised if it was actually pretty decent. One of those cheapos that becomes a favorite.

Stays Sharp · Feb 3, 2017

Benchmark lol

99cuts · Feb 3, 2017

FlaMtnBkr said:
A quick Google search would show that it isn't a typo...

nice design, i would take one with better materials

Hickory n steel · Feb 3, 2017

Stays Sharp said:
Benchmark lol

Benchmark actually came around before benchmade BTW.

trevitrace · Feb 3, 2017

Maybe it is and maybe they are. What's your point?

Stays Sharp · Feb 3, 2017

Hickory n steel said:
Benchmark actually came around before benchmade BTW.

Thanks for the history lesson that I already knew BTW.

Benchmark lol

Wait, what is the point though?

marcinek · Feb 3, 2017

Hickory n steel said:
Benchmark actually came around before benchmade BTW.

And Marble's came around before both of them. That doesn't mean Marble's has always sold quality knives.

As for the "titanium D2" knife for under $40? Seems dubious.

Hickory n steel · Feb 3, 2017

Stays Sharp said:
Thanks for the history lesson that I already knew BTW.

Benchmark lol

Wait, what is the point though?

I thought maybe you were thinking that they were trying to copy benchmade or something, since the name is similar.

115Italian · Feb 3, 2017

Geber makes a d2 fixed blade for cheap. Then your realize the model name is d2, not the blade steel.

dkb45 · Feb 3, 2017

99cuts said:
nice design, i would take one with better materials

It's already titanium and D2 for under $60. It doesn't really get better without a sizeable increase in price.

99cuts · Feb 3, 2017

dkb45 said:
It's already titanium and D2 for under $60. It doesn't really get better without a sizeable increase in price.

i read "titanium coated" handle. Is it really full ti? thx

99cuts · Feb 3, 2017

99cuts said:
i read "titanium coated" handle. Is it really full ti? thx

are there two versions? I saw one for ~$40 and another for ~$60.

The $40 version is
D2 steel blade. Thumb stud. Titanium coated handle. Lanyard hole. Pocket clip. 3-1/4" Clip point blade. Blade width: 13/16". Blade thickness: 1/8". 4-3/8" Closed. Made in China.

both are labeled as BMK 066.

Lapedog · Feb 3, 2017

Someone order this sucker, put a magnet to the scales and let us know. If this is a Ti D2 knife that's a hell of a steal. Provided the F&F is up to snuff.

joeldworkin307 · Feb 3, 2017

D2 is a tool steel and has been in use regularly since the 30's. A lot of WWII GIs used D2 blades. It isn't expensive stuff, and if a chinese company is making their own (since it isn't proprietary to any company) it would be extremely cost effective and of decent quality.

Hickory n steel · Feb 3, 2017

trevitrace said:
Maybe it is and maybe they are. What's your point?

My point was that this is a relatively inexpensive knife which is possibly made by one of the new Chinese companies that everyone seems to love, and I figured I should bring it to the attention of people who may be interested.

dkb45 · Feb 4, 2017

99cuts said:
are there two versions? I saw one for ~$40 and another for ~$60.

The $40 version is
D2 steel blade. Thumb stud. Titanium coated handle. Lanyard hole. Pocket clip. 3-1/4" Clip point blade. Blade width: 13/16". Blade thickness: 1/8". 4-3/8" Closed. Made in China.

both are labeled as BMK 066.

I looked at a few retailers, and I only saw titanium handles, not titanium coated, but even if it is coated at $40 that puts it in the same price range as Chinese Spydercos in 8Cr, and the nicer Chinese Kershaws also in 8Cr (and Link or Dividend in 420HC).

Hickory n steel · Feb 4, 2017

I just remembered something , when I got my benchmark backpacker about 7yrs ago they were being listed on sites as 1095 carbon steel for a very short time ( probably just a typo or translation issue from the mfg as it was corrected )
Based on this I'm thinking there is a chance that they're just coated. Within a month or two there will probably be a correction made if their not actually titanium.

Maybe this will turn out to be a real bargain for those interested.