New Skirmish. Different than older ones?

[DRider]

I got my first Skirmish right when they were introduced. A sort of smooth, light blue handle color with the "rainbow" of anodized dots. Very solid build, but I wasn't happy with the sharpness of the tip (or lack thereof), nor the angle geometry of the blade itself. And the handle never felt quite right in my hand. It eventually joined its many brothers in the knife collection, rather than the pocket.

I was at my local gun shop today, and they had a Skirmish with a black blade, and a gray handle with silver dots and a sort of rough texture. It felt really different in my hands. It was weird - its the exact same handle as before but that slightly different texture makes a huge difference. And the tip was much sharper. And it seemed to have better blade geometry - "wicked sharp."

So, being completely addicted to new knives, I claimed "early birthday present" (I have an understanding wife) and bought it.

Side by side, the handles are identical. But the new one feels much better. And the blade's the same too... except sharper, better shape in the tip.

I have to think this is just a different person doing the final shape and sharpen on the blade at the factory. And personal taste on the handle treatment. Am I right? Or is there any actual differences between the first generation and this new black blade/gray handle skirmish?

 

[cutter17]

I think the grey handle/silver dots/black blade was a limited edition run. Not sure, but I think so. Nope, I was wrong as it looks like it is a standard issue 2008 model as New Graham has one with no mention of it being a special edition. Looks great btw! Good snag.:thumbup:

 

[Slatts]

You may have just gotten one that wasn't so sharp. I've always seen very good sharpness out of the box on most Skirmishes. Even if they're not sharp out of the box, my mini skirm is the one of the most wickedly sharp edges off my Sharpmaker followed by some stropping. Benchmade seems to do a very good job on the S30V heat treatment.

 

[So-Lo]

Benchmade seems to do a very good job on the S30V heat treatment.

I don't really like BM all that much, but I think they have the best heat treatment on S30 V in the industry. Even better than Spyderco, Strider, Reeves. But hay what do I know?

I do know, My Mini Skirmish will get wicked sharp and hold it longer than all the "others" IMO.