Never heard of Benchmade until a couple of months ago...

I too feel the same way of stock 551 Griptilian handle. It has little "give" that reminds you of plastic handle. For this, I would recommend to try out REI LE Griptilian. It has G10 handle with barrel spacer. Needless to say it gives solid feel to it and blade steel is S30V to boot.

I would like to recommend to find out what is your most comfortable handle length as well. To me, any handle shorter than 4.5" is a bit uncomfortable to hold on. Of cause YMMV.

MFL
 
Just a short update: I can't stop playing with this knife, I want to use it more and more! Easily retrieved, deployed, used, and put away! The size is just right! I have a no charge deep pocket clip coming from Benchmade! I got a 1/4" T6 bit from Ace today to do the clip swap for under $2! I'm liking the Tanto blade, and think it will be just fine. I've always liked things that are different (I ride Moto Guzzi). Very satisfied! The only other Benchmade that attracts my eye is $700.00! Won't be getting another anytime soon.
John

(Well, maybe a fixed blade for hunting)
 
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I think the 15007 for field dressing and the 15001 for skinning would work best. I'd have to have a very good year to put 2 more Benchmades on the agenda for this year! For instance, 2 engaged daughters, one wedding in planning stages comes first.
John
 
Wow, yes three marriage aged daughters will be very expensive, but will also bring years of joy and priceless memories too.
 
Only 2 daughters, one has set a date, but it's already busy and expensive for us. We are blessed!
 
I've use my 810 for dressing and skinning deer and couldn't imagine a better knife for the job. Sure it gets a little gunked up but nothing an air gun and prompt cleaning won't remedy. I'm gonna give my 943 a try this year.
 
harris2 said:
Welcome to Bladeforums,

If you can't get use to the Tanto blade style Benchmade will replace it with a standard drop point blade for $25.00 and that price covers return shipping too.
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Is this true? I thought the BM rep was fairly unequivocal that they won't do that: 551 blades exchanged for 551 blades and 553 blades (tanto) exchanges for 553 blades, but never 553 exchanged for 551.
 
JP Chestnut said:
Is this true? I thought the BM rep was fairly unequivocal that they won't do that: 551 blades exchanged for 551 blades and 553 blades (tanto) exchanges for 553 blades, but never 553 exchanged for 551.
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Good catch, JP Chestnut,

You are correct. They will change a serrated to plain edge and vice versa, and satin to black and vice versa, but not Tanto to a modified drop point - switching blade styles between different model numbers is a no-go. I confirmed this with customer service. Hey John, it's good you are getting comfortable with the Tanto. :)
 
harris2 said:
Good catch, JP Chestnut,

Hey John, it's good you are getting comfortable with the Tanto. :)
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I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have used that option if it was available, so it's all good. Can you purchase a spare blade? I'd hate to switch and then regret it anyway.
John
 
Adk.IBO said:
I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have used that option if it was available, so it's all good. Can you purchase a spare blade? I'd hate to switch and then regret it anyway.
John
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Nope, they won't send you a spare blade even if you want to pay for it. If you send the knife to them for a blade "replacement" they will keep the original blade. I believe a Benchmade representative posted at one time it was a liability issue.
 
More good news! This Contego clip is awesome! Big improvement for me on my mini grip, and no charges!
John
 
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