Opinions on the HK Conspiracy?

[jeffsenpai]

Anyone here have an HK Conspiracy (folder version)? I understand its Benchmade foreign production. Is it a good value for the price point? I was looking into a Vex but they are not as available currently.

 

[Squashfan]

I know of a store with the tanto Vex in stock. Look in your visitor messages.

 

[jkarp_53]

Just my opine; On the current line of HK branded, mostly Chinese-made knives, they aren't worth the time or money. If you guys want a cheaper knife of better quality there are alternatives to these Benchmade offerings. Sadly, the best of the HK knives, now out of production, are/were the 14205 and 14210...still excellent and worth seeking...and I think the USA-made Nitrous Blitz, an excellent knife, is still in the catalog as well. Sadly again, the Scorch and whatever the name of the other ones are...that were made (and named differently) by the long gone Lone Wolf company and were amazing near-custom knives. Their likenesses are in the HK catalog, and look the same, but they're definitely not the same class...and among the very worst and by far the cheapest is the linerless 'Soldat' model. Embarassing really.

That said, and prefaced by my 'IMO' statement above, I would go with ANY of the Griptilians, any day of the week instead. The plain old 556 and 551 are great knives, and even look similar to the HK models, but are worlds different.

 

[pbcg]

I think the HK & HD lines (formerly the Red Class) are some of the most underrated knives out there. I have a particular affection for the HK Ascender and have been using one for years. Have given several as gifts also with good feedback so far. In general I think it's fair to say they have good F&F, made from quality materials and sport good ergo's. The HK Monochrome is another stand out. For a small 3" 440C blade it's a stout tough little knife that will hold up and well worth the price

The only down side obviously is they use "lessor" steels but that's what makes them part of the budget line. For what they are and what they cost I think you get quite a lot for the money. On par if not better then similar "Budget" knives offered by other top manufactures.

I have the Conspiracy and can say if you want a heavy duty thick blade with G10 and Ti Monolock it won't disappoint. Good F&F with smooth rock solid lockup. I can't speak to prolonged use because I haven't put it threw its paces yet like the others but I would definitely say it's a quality knife.

In the end get what you like. keep in mind though that if you want better quality you will have to pay for it. Having said that though, I've been very satisfied with the Red Class and HK knives I've used and owned over the years.

Best of luck.

 

[NG VI]

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