New BM Presidio Question

J

Jake Bauer

Joined
Sep 19, 2007
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I just saw these on BM's website under their new products section. Apparently there is a new Presidio out there with the Axis lock, Noryl GTX handle, and 440C Stainless. Now I know that BM's 440C is quite substantial, but I always saw the Presidio as BM's "Tank". I suppose this new model is designed to lower the price and everything, but for the same MSRP as the Griptillians (In 154CM), why make it with 440C? I would think BM would keep it with 154CM for a tougher, hard use knife like the 520 Presidio's are. Just wondering.

http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=522
 
Myself, I figure they do it for cost. That is, using 154CM would probably bump up the price some small amount, like $5 or $10, whereas using 440C, they get to produce the knives at the same price as the Grips (the rest of the knife perhaps being marginally more expensive for full liners, etc.).

Also, the way I see it, the downgrade from 154CM to 440C is probably less of a downgrade than aircraft aluminum to Noryl GTX. Thus, if the handle is already going to be that much more "wimpy", why not make the blade a little more wimpy to match?

Personally, the steel on this makes no difference to me (and in some ways I'm glad that it's 440C). I definitely intend to buy the small version when it comes out.
 
elmora2 said:
Also, the way I see it, the downgrade from 154CM to 440C is probably less of a downgrade than aircraft aluminum to Noryl GTX. Thus, if the handle is already going to be that much more "wimpy", why not make the blade a little more wimpy to match?
Click to expand...

I take it you have never handled a GTX handle, Mr. "wimpy"... Perhaps you should choose words like .. lighter, durable.......... While it may feel cheaper... Im glad they got rid of the aluminum handles..

For the OP... I have had many of the original Grips in 440C... It is every bit as tough as the 154cm... Just a bit easier to sharpen... And never seemed to hold an edge as long.. But its nothing that should hold you back from buying a certain Model..
Its good stuff in my Book...
 
The new design appears to be an attempt to save weight, and 440C is an effort to put it in a different price bracket.
 
I'm looking forward to buying one of these. Benchmade's 440C has served me well and I love the Presidio's design. The only reason that my 520 doesn't get carried very often is due to its heavy weight.
A light(er)weight version will be welcomed by me!
 
i agree and disagree with steven, i am definitely looking forward to buying one and i also have a 520 and i love that it feels like a tank! the massive weight is great for me! i want one!
 
trimcut123 said:
... lighter, durable.......... While it may feel cheaper... Im glad they got rid of the aluminum handles.. its good stuff in my Book...
Click to expand...

I agree. I've had BM's 440C, along with some from other companies, and it's a fine steel for a folder. The mini-Grip I had in 440C is still going strong with a buddy of mine after it went with me for a while and even got dunked in the Atlantic a couple of times. No corrosion, no problems.

The GTX handles will also serve well. That stuff is double tough. This looks like it should be a strong, lightweight version of a very popular BM model.
 
Glad I have my originals but would like to try a new one---new knives are always good---right??

Street price on the new ones?
 
dalefuller said:
I agree. I've had BM's 440C, along with some from other companies, and it's a fine steel for a folder. The mini-Grip I had in 440C is still going strong with a buddy of mine after it went with me for a while and even got dunked in the Atlantic a couple of times. No corrosion, no problems.

The GTX handles will also serve well. That stuff is double tough. This looks like it should be a strong, lightweight version of a very popular BM model.
Click to expand...

I support this, even though i couldn´t bear the hollow ground blade.
 
Wow! I am really looking forward to the new Presidio Ultra. I like 440C, Noryl GTX, hollow grinds and Benchmade. What is not to like?
 
trimcut123 said:
I take it you have never handled a GTX handle, Mr. "wimpy"... Perhaps you should choose words like .. lighter, durable.......... While it may feel cheaper... Im glad they got rid of the aluminum handles..
Click to expand...

Heh... I use the word "wimpy" in a joking tone (and to match the impression by most that Noryl GTX is inherently inferior to aluminum, G10, etc.).

Although I'd probably never say "good riddance" to aluminum, I am glad to have the option on this knife. The Noryl GTX will definitely be more friendly to pockets than the normal aluminum handles. Additionally, you'll be able to beat the tar out of these new models without hardly a scratch showing (unlike the aluminum, which parades its battle scars with a seeming gleeful pride).
 
MSRP was like $100-$115, and so are the 551 Griptillians. So I'd say around $60-$70 through dealers.
 
From a sales standpoint I see it as making a lot of sense. I've had a lot of people instantly drawn to the Presidio but then repelled by the price (they aren't knife knuts like us!) and end up going with a Griptilian, which is more in their price range. The problem is that it was the Presidio that grabbed their attention but their budget dictated that they had to get something else. This less expensive version will help fix that.

Likewise, the 440C will make it easier for retailers to upsell customers to the original version.
 
Actually these models (522/527) and there auto counterparts have been around for some months now. They were clam packaged and available thru the Army/Airforce Exchange Services. What puzzles me is why the name Ultra Presidio? Being the less costly versions of the Presidios I would think they would be called the Under Presidio.:confused:
 
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