- Joined
- Sep 30, 2004
- Messages
- 6,997
Hey, everyone. I just got a couple new Benchmades in the mail. A long-awaited 710 (my first Axis lock... I've wanted one of these for years) and a PIKA (10400S). Thanks to Mike at NewGraham Knives!!!
Obviously, I'm thrilled with the Axis lock. We all know it's great, and there is no comparison between these two knives... but the PIKA presents some new conclusions.
It's a solid knife. Closed, it's about the same size as the 710, but the blade's a bit shorter (3.5"). The steel is decent too, as Benchmade's 440C is nicely heat treated. Out of the box, the pivot was so tight that I opened it with two hands. After I loosened the screw just a tad, however, it's perfect. The handle feels great in my hand, and the opening hole is just fine (I was expecting not to like it as much as the Spyderco round hole). The lock is strong (it passed the spine-whack test equally on a par with my Spydies), and the handles feel decently solid. In short, I think that this is a well-made little knife (well, not too little), with a great price tag (got mine for $26 I think).
Overall, I think Benchmade did a great job with this knife. As much as I like Spyderco, this knife is a serious competitor. It will be my beater, since it was so inexpensive (and since I recently lost my Delica). It's lightweight, sturdy, and comfortable. An excellent entry into the "Spyderco market" by Benchmade.
Peace.
Obviously, I'm thrilled with the Axis lock. We all know it's great, and there is no comparison between these two knives... but the PIKA presents some new conclusions.
It's a solid knife. Closed, it's about the same size as the 710, but the blade's a bit shorter (3.5"). The steel is decent too, as Benchmade's 440C is nicely heat treated. Out of the box, the pivot was so tight that I opened it with two hands. After I loosened the screw just a tad, however, it's perfect. The handle feels great in my hand, and the opening hole is just fine (I was expecting not to like it as much as the Spyderco round hole). The lock is strong (it passed the spine-whack test equally on a par with my Spydies), and the handles feel decently solid. In short, I think that this is a well-made little knife (well, not too little), with a great price tag (got mine for $26 I think).
Overall, I think Benchmade did a great job with this knife. As much as I like Spyderco, this knife is a serious competitor. It will be my beater, since it was so inexpensive (and since I recently lost my Delica). It's lightweight, sturdy, and comfortable. An excellent entry into the "Spyderco market" by Benchmade.
Peace.