Opinions of Ares?

T

tuhkis

Joined
Jul 20, 2000
Messages
324
Have you purchased BM Ares and are happy with it?
Did you have problems with the axis lock?
Was the blade sharp?
Have you tried sharpening it? Some say sharpening BM is pain in the a...
I like the coloured handle. It also rides low and isn't too big.
So I'd like to get one. I'd just like to hear honest opinions of it first.
Thanks.
 
I've owned two. The first one was satin finish, and the second was BT2 coated. The first one was not very sharp and I had to redo the edge completely with a Lansky at a new angle and that took a little bit of time with the extra coarse stone. A little bit longer than usual to resharpen.

The second one, struck the spacers repeatedly, and was not properly centered. I filed the spacer down myself and then fixed the centering somewhat myself. Only thing wrong now is a set of scratches on the axis bar caps that I put there accidentally during disassembly.

Overall, very good knives, but ask your dealer to check for quality control problems like the above mentioned.

------------------
Chang the Asian Janitorial Apparatus
 
I purchased my BM730 from Greg@ Skylandscutlery.com about a month ago.The knife is shaving-sharp out-of-the box,fit and finish is as good as my Spydies,and the grind lines are symmetrical.I'm not a big fan of Benchmade Knives,but I really love my Ares.
smile.gif
BTW,It's easy to sharpen with 204 Sharpmaker.I can't tell much difference between my 730 and Spyderco Wayne Goddard Lwt in edge-holding abiltity.

 
I like the BM Ares a lot. Fit and finish on mine are flawless, as near as I can tell. Really first rate. My only complaint about the knife is a design issue: I wish the false edge (swedge) didn't end so far back towards the handle; I'd like the spine to be a bit wider near the handle for me to place my thumb there more comfortably. Otherwise it's a great knife.

David Rock

------------------
AKTI Member # A000846
Stop when you get to bone.
 
Love my Ares, and it was pretty much perfect when I got it. Sharp out of the box, I dulled it using it, and resharpened it easily. Held the original edge, and the ones's I've put on it, very well. The 154CM is awesome, IMO.

It is one of my two favorite knives. The Spydie Wegner being the other... for right now, but its newness hasn't worn off yet. The newness of the 730 has, but it is still one of my 2 favorites.

------------------
iktomi
 
I am a very big fan of the Ares. It is the perfect size for all around utility, the blade profile is very versatile, and I like the looks of the milled handle and multi-color G-10. The Axis knives are very strong by design too. I've had two of them, and neither had any production flaws. Mine cut fine out of the box, but I reprofiled the edge to a finer angle and now it cuts like a demon. Sharpens the same as any knife with a good blade steel, i.e. one that will hold an edge.
 
I'll add another 'thumbs up' for the Ares! Custom looks and built tough. I wish I had 2!
Brent...
eek.gif


[This message has been edited by Classified00 (edited 10-27-2000).]
 
I don't have one - yet. But it is on my "knives to buy when I get more money" list. The Ares is a knife I would recommend. I do have two axis locks and I really like them.

------------------
Jason aka medusaoblongata
-----------------------
"I have often laughed at the weaklings who call themselves kind because they have no claws"

- Zarathustra
 
OUCH! Through the WASH??? Geez! I still think it's ugly, but if you can leave it in your laundrey and find it again in perfect condition, SOMETHING's gotta be right.
 
I recommend you handle one first. I have handled an Ares and it wasn't for me. That can be said about any knife, but Benchmade has had a QC problem in the past. Just ask Comrade Chang. I would just look one over and see if it is right for you before i bought one.
 
Thanks to all of you.
As I can count, eight positive and two negative aspects - I'm quite convinced.
Anyway, I'll hear all of you before making the final decision.
 
Its a classy, well designed folder and a perfect size for everyday carry. The handle is comfortable and a big plus is the axis lock. This and the 940 Osborne are next on my list.

But like somebody mentioned, get the dealer to open up the box and give it a general lookover before shipping it (blade centered and not rubbing on liners, lock fitting, clip tight). I've handled enough BMs to be concerned about their QC. The dealer can't do anything about the typical BM pisspoor factory edge though - but you can fix that yourself with a sharpmaker 204.

Red

------------------
"Praise not the day until evening has come;a sword until it is tried; ice until it has been crossed; beer until it has been drunk" - Viking proverb


[This message has been edited by redvenom (edited 10-28-2000).]
 
Mine has become one of my favorites. It wasn't extremely sharp out of the box, but a short while later with a Gatco and 203, it shaves hair quite nicely. QC on mine is great and the lock-up is very tight. To me, the knife feels very strong and solid. Get one. Dave
 
Mine is half serrated, and wasn't exactly dull, but not as sharp as I would have liked. I have gotten it to shaving, but still not too sharp considering all. Design-wise, I really like it, but I recommend handling one before buying.

------------------
AKTI Member #A000934
"Always just one knife short of perfection!"
 
My Ares is the most expensive knife I ever bought. Fortunately, it also happens to be my favourite.
smile.gif


I can't say it was razor sharp, but it was more than satisfactory. I bought mine from a dealer , so I had the opportunity of checking it out before I actually bought it.

LOVE the Axis lock , the handle shape and feel and the stylish two-tone G10 scales. I'm alos very impressed that this is another Allen Elishewitz design. I find myself more and more impressed with his designs and collaberations with Benchmade. Next I'd like a fixed blade Nimravus.

I've seen some people moan about BM on these forums, but I really like 'em
smile.gif
 
I've had my Ares since June. It is probably my favorite knife right now. (Until my next BM).
It IS a bit tough to sharpen, in my opinion. My Sharpmaker 203 just wont cut it (Pun intended). I HATE doing it, but the Lansky is about to be drug out of my shapening toolbox. Those that have experience, is the 204 better at getting that razor edge on BM's?
Back to Ares - fits perfect in my hand, & is extremely smooth. I'm thinking of buying another, & one for my brother.
 
If you use the 204, the reason why you can't sharpen it easily is because the angle is steeper than 20-degrees per bevel by a good deal. Take your Lansky, and put it down to the 20-degrees or less. Watch out though, the Lansky's angle markings are wrong! 25 degrees is more like 21 if your knife sticks out half an inch from the clamp and you got the two clamp pieces lined up parallel.
The 20 is more like 17. I personally would use the 20 hole, but I think you can get away with using the 25 hole (about 21 in actual measurement) if you want to spend a little more time on the 204 to get it down to 20.

------------------
Chang the Asian Janitorial Apparatus
 
I have the 730 KOTM and it was wonderful right from the box. A nice edge and a nicer design. I just liked the standard black g-10 handle
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top