New User Here looking for recomendation, coming up empty handed :(

D

dfn_doe

Joined
Jul 27, 2005
Messages
23
I'm looking for a new knife for my full time carry. I've decided on a few things it MUST have and I'm having an impossibly hard time finding something which gfits the bill. So here goes...

1. Folder with Axis lock (or other equivalent locking mech, NOT line lock or back lock)
2. 3.4" to 4" blade length
3. Composite handles (G10 or similar non-slip)
4. Tanto Blade (not serated or "combo-edge")
5. HARD steel blade construction (M2 or 154cm preffered at least 60RH, must keep an edge...)
6. Less than $160 shipped to my door

I've been looking at Benchmade since they seem to be (IMHO) the best stuff out there right now but have found that all the knives I've seen by them seem to fill all but one of my requirements I.E. not available with M2 steel(griptilian), linelock only(910hs), no tanto available(710MHW)...

It looks like the griptilian is the closest of the bunch, but I'd really prefer something a little higher in the product line... Anybody got a suggestion?
 
The 440c on the grip is good stuff. As for the tanto, expecially on the grip, it will not be too usefu (imho). It is a very thick grind, and without a point, many tasks are not so easy. Whenever I think quality tanto I consider the stryker. You might want to get over your axis fetish for a bit too. While axis is a great lock, the lock doesnt make the knife and I would take better features like cutting cabability over the axis lock. There are a number of great locks available.

Even if you have a dislike for liner locks, you should look into lock backs and compression locks. They might not be as much fun, but they will perform well (however spyderco doesnt make a tanto, but if you decide against a tanto, or for future purposes, dont rule these locks out, they are great for one handed operation and function well, if not as smoothy as the axis. Just dont become too picky steel or lock wise that you miss something good.

When I select a knife, my first priority is overal design. That would be cutting ability, and ergonomics. My second priority is deciding whether the steel is "good enough". For the BM grips, I feel that 440c is "good enough". For a more expensive knife, I might not. Also on the second priority tier is one handed operation. My third priority would be how smooth the lock is and more snobish steel decisions (ie 154cm vs M2 vs s30v vs vg10 etc).
 
Zerileous said:
The 440c on the grip is good stuff. As for the tanto, expecially on the grip, it will not be too usefu (imho). It is a very thick grind, and without a point, many tasks are not so easy. Whenever I think quality tanto I consider the stryker. You might want to get over your axis fetish for a bit too. While axis is a great lock, the lock doesnt make the knife and I would take better features like cutting cabability over the axis lock. There are a number of great locks available.

Even if you have a dislike for liner locks, you should look into lock backs and compression locks. They might not be as much fun, but they will perform well (however spyderco doesnt make a tanto, but if you decide against a tanto, or for future purposes, dont rule these locks out, they are great for one handed operation and function well, if not as smoothy as the axis. Just dont become too picky steel or lock wise that you miss something good.

When I select a knife, my first priority is overal design. That would be cutting ability, and ergonomics. My second priority is deciding whether the steel is "good enough". For the BM grips, I feel that 440c is "good enough" for a more expensive knife, I might not. Also on the second priority tier is one handed operation. My third priority would be how smooth the lock is and more snobish steel decisions (ie 154cm vs M2 vs s30v vs vg10 etc).
Click to expand...


Well I've owned a few linelockers and Tanto bladed knives and found the tanto blade design to be suitable for nearly every task I've needed a knife for as well as being a much stronger overall design (never bent or chipped a tip even after 15' throws at 3/4" ply etc...) The linelock is an okay design in my experience, but in a defense situation I'd be afraid of accidental disengagment, also The side loading of the lock mech on the blade seems to wear the pivot more quickly and get grit stuck in it alot... As for the steel pickiness, I really hate sharpening and figure if I'm gonna spend the money I might as well get EVERYTHING I want instead of MOST of what I want :) Thanks for the input though!
 
Also, this is called the Gaucho. It is one of Benchmade's NRA knives. A bit more normal than the HK models.
bm12800p.jpg

But still, I would say take a good look at the SOG X-Ray Vision
xray_lg.jpg

Hope this helps.
-KC
 
Knifeclerk said:
Also, this is called the Gaucho. It is one of Benchmade's NRA knives. A bit more normal than the HK models.
-KC
Click to expand...

That Gaucho looks F*cking sweet, interesting blade design with the tanto style point but the recurved(?) belly. Found one on froogle for 116.00 bucks, cheap enough for me to overlook the machined aluminum handle :)
 
dfn_doe said:
That Gaucho looks F*cking sweet, interesting blade design with the tanto style point but the recurved(?) belly. Found one on froogle for 116.00 bucks, cheap enough for me to overlook the machined aluminum handle :)
Click to expand...
Hey, I like those handles! But I would definately rather have G10...
 
Not sure why you would need it to have a tanto shaped blade, it doesn't add anything. Get a 710HS. :cool:
 
Lil Timmy said:
Not sure why you would need a tanto, it doesn't add anything. Get a 710HS.
Click to expand...
Dude, some people just like tantos. You wouldn't suggest a clip point to someone who wanted a spearpoint, would you?
Maybe he's a cop. Maybe he's a martial arts enthusiest/practitioner. Maybe he thinks tantos look cool. It doesn't matter.
 
Timmy, people buy them because they like them. Thats all the reason they need. Lets not get into the 'need' mentality, this hobby is mental enough :)
 
I have owned a few Tanto style blades and I really like the additional heft towards the point. Also, traditionally Tanto blades are only ground on one side which means they take less time to sharpen (even though some of the knives I've seen today are tanto shaped, but not single ground) But mostly it's just personal preference. Plus they tend to look pretty intimidating, like some sort of modern day wazakashi which in the right situation could be the psychological advantage needed in order to not have to actually use the knife :)

At the end of the day though it's just what I want, which is what the knife needs to be for me to buy it :)
 
Just chiming in on the Gaucho. I got one of those some time ago and, a few minutes after I bought it, it went right into my pocket for EDC. It stayed there for about 3 months. The grooved aluminum handles are grippy, but IMHO, I woundn't use it with gloves. The curved belly makes it, again IMHO, more serviceable as an EDC as opposed to the standard American tantos. Mine sharpens and strops easily to a fine, polished wickedly sharp edge. Hope this helps.
 
If you like the looks of the NRA Gaucho, but not the grooved handles, what about the Osbourne 940/942? It's a "reverse" tanto. Similar in shape to the Gaucho, but without the recurve, and w/out the grooved handle. I guess anodized aluminum isn't "composite material", but it certainly is non-slip, in my experience.

Have you used Benchmade's product wizard? Include blade length 3-4", blade style tanto, and lock type axis.. and you'll get 9 results.

http://www.benchmade.com/products/knife_wizard.aspx
 
I agree with Lazarus Long, the Benchmade 722 is an excellent tanto.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
I really like the Benchmade HK34 Snody Designed axis lock. I think that one comes in at least two blade configurations, one being the Tanto you are looking for. With the bolster design giving the appeal of a gentlemans folder that is a great looking generally 'accepted' knife that many will ooh and ahh over. Pricey though.

I can tell you that it is pretty close to the same shape at the thumb stud area as the BM Snody designed 420 Resistor I have. These can make a great Waved knife for smooth quick deployment of the blade. I did my 420 that way and it's great. (see my homepage for pics if interested)
 
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