Need advice on a decision between 2 Benchmades

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stcold90

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Jul 26, 2011
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Hello everyone, my first post.
I'm looking for some advice from the guys who would know. I'm planning on purchasing one of two Benchmade knives I've got my eyes on & can't make up my mind. I own plenty of CRKT and Cold Steel and S&W pieces, now I'm looking for a higher-end folder that will last for the next 20 years.

I've narrowed it down to the AFO and Presidio AXIS models, both have drop point combo subdued blades, and I can get either one new for less than $140, so price isn't a consideration. I plan on using this knife as my EDC but keep my Cold Steel Voyager close by for any dirty work. The Benchmade will not be used to chop cinder blocks in half or anything like that. Normal, routine cutting jobs, nothing worse than rope or leather, ideally. So, durability isn't a big issue and they both have the same blade material anyway.

My only concern is the automatic-related parts in the AFO. Will they last for what I estimate to be around 5,000+ openings and closings over the next 20 years? This shouldn't be a problem with the Presidio, since it's manual of course, but I really like the AFO. I'm just worried about it failing in a bad situation or hostile environment, then I'd have to manually open it anyway until I could ship it off to be fixed. My cost is going to about $40 more for the AFO, again not an issue but I'm BIG on reliability. I believe in buying a quality piece of gear ONCE, not the same crap over and over when it breaks.

I'm totally confident in my Cold Steel knives, just want something a little nicer, you know?
Do any of you guys have an opinion either way? Anyone had the AFO fail them? Or should I just buy both? Neither?
Thanks gentlemen for your input. I look forward to learning alot here.
 
I don't know much about either of these knives. I have not held either. So take my advice with a grain of salt.
But considering that one is an auto and one is not, I would think that the auto would wear out before the manual would.
 
Both of them will need their springs replaced eventually. Axis lock Omega springs are just as prone to wearing out as auto springs. But Benchmade will replace them.
 
Go with a manual AXIS. Just as fast to open as an auto, and much faster to close (just a flick of the wrist). Plus, if something breaks, you don't have to go with the legal hassles of shipping an auto across state lines and back.
 
I own a Benchmade Presidio an have found it to be a valuable tool and companion. I have been carrying it with me everyday since the day I bought it in 2008, my Presidio is a manual lock and at the time I paid $180 for it and I believe to be worth every penny. Now to be fair this knife isn't for everyone, it is large and will fill a normal pocket, and to be fair the only negative things I can really say about the knife is that the grip ridges get a little annoying when pulling it out of the pocket, since they stick out so far but the grip in excellent. Other than that the Benchmade has never failed me and with occasional care like oiling the blade and cleaning the dust from inside of the folder this knife I am sure will last a very long time. I gotta admit auto locking knives are fun to play with and look awesome in movies but I personally believe manual locking knives are the ones to last. Hoped this helped and Welcome to the Forum stcold90.
 
Wow, I didn't expect so many replies so fast, Thanks guys. Looks like the first 8 are unanimous for the Presidio & that must count for alot. Thanks again, fellas!
 
Another thing you might want to consider is the legality of an auto. Maybe they are legal where you are now. What if you want to travel with it or move? Also laws change. The way things seems to be going, most evil devil devices like a convient opening knife might not be legal 10 or 20 years down the road.
 
Planterz said:
Go with a manual AXIS. Just as fast to open as an auto, and much faster to close (just a flick of the wrist). Plus, if something breaks, you don't have to go with the legal hassles of shipping an auto across state lines and back.
Click to expand...

Planterz nailed it.
 
Presidio is where it's at. Plus there's on on the exchange right now (plain edge, satin blade).

And since no one else mentioned it... This will not be your only Benchmade for the next 20 years: you will have more.
 
What they said!

I much prefer manual Axis Locks to assisted or auto knives. Ease and simplicity of closing is an important consideration.
 
Ive got the Presidio. Its a good large knife that feels extremely solid. You cant go wrong with it. I have no experience with the AFO, but it looks real nice too.
 
You should go, with the Presidio.
I've got 2 and they're a great knife.
I've had no problems of any kind with any of my Benchmade knives, Presidio's included.
At this time there is a Limited Edition Presidio available: It's a Presidio with M4 blade steel - only 200 made.

And since no one else mentioned it... This will not be your only Benchmade for the next 20 years: you will have more.
Click to expand...
No Doubt!
 
I own a Presidio Ultra and man its smooth. I'd reach to say any BM model with an axis lock is a win.
I own that one, a BM Rift( axis),BM Barrage(axis), BM Grip(axis), and newly acquired BM Triage(axis).
All of which perform as good as the day I got them regardless of the abuse i subject them to. And if they ever get grim I hit 'em with compressed air, oil and good as new. The ambidextrous function on these axis locks satisfies left/right handed folks and is solid , strong and just plain awesome. Can't go wrong with an axis lock.
 
Tsujigiri said:
Both of them will need their springs replaced eventually. Axis lock Omega springs are just as prone to wearing out as auto springs. But Benchmade will replace them.
Click to expand...

I've never replaced a single Omega spring on any Benchmade AXIS lock folder and some I've had for years.
 
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