Opinions on BM ambush or alternatives.

H

Herome

Joined
Dec 15, 2008
Messages
6
My first post. I've been lurking here for a while.

I was searching ebay for a new knife. Nothing too fancy. No offense meant but I just can't see myself paying more than 100$ for a knife 'cause I'd be to afraid to lose it somewhere.

I need a folder that can take some abuse since I'm going to use it rather than putting it on a shelf. And I tend to use my knife for all kinds of chores that probably need other tools. (I know, blasphemy..)

Several sellers have a Benchmade Ambush for sale. Looks sturdy. Aluminium handles, rolling lock. Seems like a good buy. The vex seemed nice too, but I've read quite a few negative posts about it here.

Could some of you please give me some opinions or alternatives?
 
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i dont have any experience with either of those knives but the spyderco tenacious is a great entry level knife, decent steel, easy to sharpen, solid lock up, and it can take a beating! plus if you break or lose it its easy to replace and easy on the wallet as well! it can be found all over the internet for around $30-$35. also the benchmade griptilian/mini griptilian are excellent knives in the $60 range if your looking to spend a little more
 
Hey man, welcome to BF.

None of us will take any offense. While there are a lot of us that pay significantly more than $100 for knives on a regular basis, we also tend to know a thing or two about quality, high-value knives for well under $100.

I will personally make two fairly common suggestions.

Take a look at any one of the BM Grip/Mini Grip models. I have two myself, and if you're going to be using the knife for other "chores," (not that I recommend it), you're going to want a strong lock. Locks don't get much stronger than the Axis. If you search around the net a Grip can be had for well under $100.

If you're looking for an even more inexpensive solution, I'd also recommend the Spyderco Tenacious. It has a great blade shape, G-10 scales, a beefy liner lock, and is only about $30-$35.

Keep us posted.
 
I had an Ambush, BIG knife and solidly built.

I traded it though, I just never develop a liking fo the locking system. I found it hard to open.
 
derrickd803 said:
i dont have any experience with either of those knives but the spyderco tenacious is a great entry level knife, decent steel, easy to sharpen, solid lock up, and it can take a beating! plus if you break or lose it its easy to replace and easy on the wallet as well! it can be found all over the internet for around $30-$35. also the benchmade griptilian/mini griptilian are excellent knives in the $60 range if your looking to spend a little more
Click to expand...

Ha! Just as I was finishing my response you posted that. Very eloquent, my friend. :thumbup:
 
Great knife. I've had mine for a few years now. Unfortunately, it's locked away in storage while I'm working out of country. It's been interesting having only a few knives with me and seeing which of the many I have back home that I am missing. I do miss that Ambush. It's big, the blade steel holds an edge well (AUS8 steel, while not the top of the range is still good enough for most needs). The blade shape is very practical - straight edge until it sweeps up to the semi-clip point. Personally I find the 'leaf' shapes of many knives a little awkward to use - Spyderco Manix, Strider AR, Kersahw Cyclone. The handle is aluminum - can be cold on the bare hand in cold weather - also never chipped or wore away like some coatings can. Clip is small but effective - the knife never rode up in the pocket while sitting. This may also be due to the weight of the knife in the pocket. You know it's there but it's not overly heavy. Some may say that the lock (Pardue Rollock) is not as strong as the Axis lock as it only supports part of the blade, but I've never had any problems and I'm sure the lock is strong enough. Overall the knife balances nicely and the ergos are good to ensure that it is easy to open and close safely and smoothly (for me anyway).
 
That's usefull advice.

I like the benchmade bladeshape more than spydercos. I use a spyderco native as EDC. Handled a few delica's. But for heavy cutting I would like a knife that feels a bit more beefy. Don't have a lot more experience with spyderco though. Tenacious looks strong enough.

Always thought griptilians had an all plastic handle without liners and therefore couldn't be very strong. Guess I was wrong. The axis lock is really tough.

Thanks for the advice
 
Decided to get me a grip.
Seems that about everyone on the board that got one of those was quite pleased with it.
 
Nice man, thanks for letting us know. Tell us what you think after a couple days. As far as well made, solid, easy to use knives, they're hard to beat.
 
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