OK, I need another knife

E

emwonk

Joined
Apr 30, 2004
Messages
21
I just got the bug with a recent purchase of an "exotic" Benchmade, which let's just say I won't be sending back to the factory for any warranty service. (Even though it looks like my knife is OK in Missouri if I use it strictly as a "curio or keepsake," which this knife certainly is.)

After BARELY using it, I already noticed a very faint scratch (nearly invisible) in that black coating on the blade. Plus, I've already messed up the edge with a cheap sharpener, even though it will still shave, barely. Based on that, I'm thinking of making this knife just one to look at, to preserve its pristine condition. (I wish I would have seen this forum before I bought the knife, because I would have gotten an old-fashioned metal blade.)

But now I have an appreciation for a really nice knife, and I now want one I can actually take out of the house and even cut things with without hurting the blade.

But I don't want to spend the same money I did for this Benchmade dresser queen. (Where do they get off making a $200 knife that is really well built but you can't use it without making it ugly?)

So what other knife could I get that has the same rock-solid quality feel of my Benchmade? But cheaper?

I kind of like the assisted open Krenshaw ($60 or so), but I'm not sure if that is really a good knife.

Any suggestions would be welcome.

Thanks
 
Welcome.

Just a couple of things. There's no way to use a knife and it stay NIB perfect condition. That being said, stay away from mirror polishes and and coatings as they will scratch sooner or later.

If you really like the knife in question, buy another to keep pristine and use this one as you would.

IMO, Spyderco and Benchmade have similar quality productions for less than $200.

Also you could look at the Buck Mayo if you want top quality materials, still under $200.
 
Get yourself a Benchmade 551 Griptilian or 556 Mini-Griptilian, and USE IT.:).
 
If what you need is an inexpensive heavy duty beater knife - can't go wrong with a Buck 110. You can even have it customized with fancy materials and cost less than your BM.

0.02 + grain of salt
 
i have managed to pick up a bunch of NIB or LNIB benchmades on the forums here for anywhere from 50-100 bucks (i saw someone selling a 940 for 75 the other day!). I just can't get into spyderco stuff - seems less user firendly in terms of taking it all apart and the overall build quality isnt as solid as BM in my opinion. that said - I love my calypso jr. and my new lum chinese folder. there are TONS of great solid users out there for between 50 and 100 and below 50 you just need to be more carfeul (i just picked up a CRKT m21 for real cheap on ebay that is a solid user.

good luck!
 
The Spyderco Military or Para-Military are 2 solid user knives. I've seen some pic's of the Benchmade Skirmish, that looks like a KNIFE! A user that looks good, but it is big.
Good luck, and let us know what you decide.



Blades
 
Are Kershaw assisted openers good knives? I noticed nobody mentioned that one, and I don't want to buy something that will fall apart.

BTW, for some reason a scratch on a steel blade doesn't annoy me like a scratch on a coated blade.

Getting another knife exactly like I have will be difficult unless I'm visiting a state where the dealer carries them over the counter.
 
Here's the skinny on Kershaw's Speed-Safe knives:

1 - they come open in your pocket if you bump against it, or your keys bump against it....etc.

2 - so, after that happens (to just about everybody) the knife gets put on "safety", thereby rendering the speed safe mechanism useless as a "quick opener".

3 - same holds true for clip carry.

4 - tired of #1 and #2, you either ditch the knife or invest in a pouch sheath, a belt sheath, etc.....something to keep it under control.


Have I said enough?
 
I have never had my Leek open accidentally in my pocket...and I ride a bike daily (lots of movement). That's with the lockbar tightened so it's permantely open. Tip-down carry. I cant' speak for other models or tip-up carry.

Benchmade's coatings were never thought of as durable. But word is that even after it's worn, it does its job and prevents tarnish, even on the M2 steel knives.

The Kershaw Speedsafe knives are fun, and I love the looks of my Rainbow Leek, but IMO, the whole line is somewhat unbalanced. Price vs. size vs. steel. A plain Leek is a good knife for the cost, but the 440A is soft IMO. The next models up don't have the flipper, and after slicing my thumb using the studs on my Leek, I'm not sure they're very safe. The next step up is a huge one to the Boa, Bump, or Whisper. But none of those really do anything for me (but that's my subjective opinion).

Get a Griptillian or a Delica.
 
pendentive said:
2 - so, after that happens (to just about everybody) the knife gets put on "safety", thereby rendering the speed safe mechanism useless as a "quick opener".
Click to expand...

I spent a few days playing with my Chive after I got it and eventually got to where I could unlock it with one finger and open it via the flipper with my index finger in one fairly smooth move. My hands aren't huge but my fingers are kinda long, so it took some practicing on that dinky little knife, but it's possible. Possibly easier on the larger models with more to hold onto.
 
pendentive said:
Here's the skinny on Kershaw's Speed-Safe knives:

1 - they come open in your pocket if you bump against it, or your keys bump against it....etc.

2 - so, after that happens (to just about everybody) the knife gets put on "safety", thereby rendering the speed safe mechanism useless as a "quick opener".

3 - same holds true for clip carry.

4 - tired of #1 and #2, you either ditch the knife or invest in a pouch sheath, a belt sheath, etc.....something to keep it under control.


Have I said enough?
Click to expand...

I respectfully disagree. I carry my Leek tip up and have for over 13 months now off and on. I have long since removed the safety clasp from my Leek because I could never get the knife to open. Not once have I cut myself due to the knife opening in my pocket or while being drawn. It's definitely not a "hair trigger" but in my experience has been a safe and carefully designed mechanism.

That being said, my own father hates the Leek, so it's not for everyone I suppose. I personally use my Leek as a "gentleman's" folder for those occassions when I have to balance my need for quick one handed opening with social norms. It doesn't scream "combat monster". Just don't let any of the "normies" see you open it hehe.

But may I reccommend to you sir the humble Spyderco Endura or Delica? Very affordable and all around excellent products. My own Endura is a beloved and beaten companion which I have abused time and again and it shows the resilience of a knife 10 times its price.
 
As a personal preference I never buy black-coated knives... looks cool when new but when you scratch it badly it really looks horrible. I dont mind scratches on bare steel finishes as much. There are also blades that come with a 'stonewash' finish which is basically a uniform scratch pattern which hides scratches pretty well, although one of my knife friends hates it and says it looks like the stuff used to make galvanized metal trashcans.

Andrew Lim
 
That BM Apparition looks like a winner to me! Gotta love the overall design AND the kudu horn styled grips. :cool: :cool: :cool: :D
 
Another vote for the BM Griptilian. My son has the 556 and he lets me use it a lot. A very impressive knife for the money: good steel, smooth, easily faster than any assisted opener, and totally solid. Plus, with the sort of cheesy plastic handles ;) , you won't be afraid to put it to heavy use. After handling it a fair amount, I can only say that it's on my list of knives to get for myself (and I'm generally a Spydie guy).
 
You can pick up an Emerson Hardwear on e-bay for around $30.00. I have been using one since Christmas as an everyday "beater". The ergos are, IMHO, better than Spyderco and the serrations are very aggressive. They are made in the same plant as Spydies, use AUS8 steel, take a wicked edge and are easy to resharpen on my 204. I figure, at that price, if I break it, I'll just buy another. They have a very strong lock-back as well.
 
emwonk said:
Any suggestions would be welcome.
Click to expand...

Well... Here is my suggestion:

Don't buy another knife.

You need to just relax and use the one you bought. No knife will ever stay pristine after use. Benchmade makes a great knife for the money, and while they certainly aren't my favorite tactical company, you are doing them a great injustice.

I challenge you to just use the thing. Use it, and don't look back! Get over that "NIB" sickness that affects alot of new knife knuts and you will be fine. ;)

As for your sharpening, buy a Spyderco Sharpmaker and fix the edge.
-Kevin
 
The part about not buying another knife is smart advice. After all, I have the beautiful pristine Benchmade -- and a couple of cheap knives that I can use whenever I need to cut something.

My cutting needs are more than met.

But the scary truth is I find I really love a well-made knife for some strange reason. And now I want another one. The other scary part is there are a lot of nice knives for under $200. I hope one more -- OK maybe two -- will do.

And yes, the Lansky is going back in favor of a Sharpmaker. I hope it really makes it sharp.
 
Morgoth412 said:
Well... Here is my suggestion:

Don't buy another knife.

-Kevin
Click to expand...

:eek: :eek: :eek:

Who are you, and what have you done with the knife knut who owns this account? :p
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top