Only One Benchmade

michaelm466

michaelm466

Joined
Mar 5, 2009
Messages
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So far my only folders are Spydercos and Victorinox, (No Kershaw's until the Speedform comes out). I want to try a Benchmade though, so my question is, if you could only have one benchmade folder, that's in production now what would it be? What folder best represents Benchmade. I know I want to try the Axis Lock, so far I'm most considering a Rift, a 940 (maybe one in D2), or a 710, in that order. What steel does benchmade do best? D2, 154cm, or S30V?
 
I think the Griptillian is the most iconic Benchmade. I have one in 440C which had held up great over the past 3 years of EDC but have been looking to get the Ritter models that come in S30V.
 
Yup, I'll second an S30V Ritter Grip. A great knife that just keeps on keeping on.
 
For a smaller EDC blade, the 943 is my favorite. I own a few Grips and Mini-Grips and they're fine but if you're looking to own just one BM, you may want to look at a slightly higher price point.
 
have to agree with those above for a first Benchmade, although the 940 and 710 are great too.
 
The Griptilian is a great folder. But to represent Benchmade (build production knives on custom grade) you should look for something different.

The 710 comes to mind for it is the first to feature the Axis lock and the oldest in their line.

The 520 is another candidate for sure.

The 14205 is the third one.

The 707 Sequel is on the smaller side a (i only have handle the former 705) surely a great edc, to cut and to pay with.

So does the 14210, i really enjoyed the last two years.
 
I prefer the Rift. Carries very well and the size is just about perfect.
 
Benchmade Mini-Grip 556

Perfect EDC for me.

I think Benchmade does 154 cm really well. Sharpens easily and holds a great edge.
 
Below are two current production Benchmades I like - new in '09 - the 760BK LTi and the venerable 710 in D2. The 760 is a Ti framelock with a thick M4 blade - that actually is heavier than the SS/G10 handled AXIS locked 710 with it's thinner D2 steel blade. Both are keepers - very well built.

IMG_3873.jpg


My suggestion? Get the 710! My 760 is nice, but that 710 gets a lot of EDC duties, having, gasp, all but replaced my Buck 110s as big folders for EDC.

Stainz
 
The only BM's I've ever wanted were the Skirmish and the Lum 760, and on the 760 I was TOTALLY turned off by the complete lack of ambidexterity. Make a full-convex, axis locking 760 (in CF) and it would be my dream BM.

Then again, give it a hole and a back lock, and I'd be even happier.
 
I've had several 710s and a couple of Rifts, and both models are great. The Rift is my current favorite.

However, if I was in your shoes, I'd look at the M4 Ritter Grip. It's a limited offering, so it would be now at the regular price, or later at an inflated price on the secondary market. I've got one on order myself. M4 has become my favorite cutlery steel.

http://www.aeromedix.com/product-ex...oduct_id/1409/nm/Doug_Ritter_M4_RSK_Mk1_Knife
 
For EDC, I vote for the 943. I just love mine.

For hard use carry, work, I vote for the 520. Mine is a tank, and just feels good/dependable in the hand.
 
Based on the advise of a lot of folks here, my first benchmade was a Griptilian. That knife is great, light, fits nice in the pocket, and the axis lock is awesome. Since then I bought a Mini Rukus, which is also great, but a little to big (IMO) for EDC, so I find myself going back to the Griptilian.

BTW if you like Spyderco knives, I would get the 550 series Griptilian with the thumb hole instead of the 551 with the thumb stud.
 
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