I am new to the forum and I searched the forum before making this post, so if I have missed a previous thread that covers the question, sorry 'bout that..
I just purchased some of the Benchmade Red Series (Discontinued by Benchmade) that are on sale (closeout) at Cabela's online site. I noticed that most of the sale knives are either Pika or Pika-II. I tried to figure out what the differences are between the two types, but no where on the Cabela's pages and not even on the Benchmade site are they differentiated. It occurs to me that it might be things like the shape of the thumb hole or a difference in materials in either the blade or the scales, but I can't find any clues. I called Cabela's and they don't know. I called Benchmade and the very nice lady initially said that 'Pika' referred to full-sized folders and "Pika-II' referred to the smaller, "Mini" versions of the same knives. Almost immediately, she retracted that and started noticing that they list a lot of Pika and Pika-II knives that are both full-sized and/or mini-sized. She put me on hold and came back and said I should just find the knife I like and buy it -- without regard to its 'name' or 'type.' That is one smart woman.
However, I am still curious if anyone can explain what differentiates 'Pika" and Pika-II' knives.
I am also curious about Spyderco using the same name (Pika) on some of their knives.
At the same time, I can't help but wonder why knife makers would choose to name a series of knives after a small, furry animal, with short legs and a short tail. Does anyone know of another item that might be the basis for using the term "Pika" to identify a line of knives.
Thanks in advance,
MDCalvert
I just purchased some of the Benchmade Red Series (Discontinued by Benchmade) that are on sale (closeout) at Cabela's online site. I noticed that most of the sale knives are either Pika or Pika-II. I tried to figure out what the differences are between the two types, but no where on the Cabela's pages and not even on the Benchmade site are they differentiated. It occurs to me that it might be things like the shape of the thumb hole or a difference in materials in either the blade or the scales, but I can't find any clues. I called Cabela's and they don't know. I called Benchmade and the very nice lady initially said that 'Pika' referred to full-sized folders and "Pika-II' referred to the smaller, "Mini" versions of the same knives. Almost immediately, she retracted that and started noticing that they list a lot of Pika and Pika-II knives that are both full-sized and/or mini-sized. She put me on hold and came back and said I should just find the knife I like and buy it -- without regard to its 'name' or 'type.' That is one smart woman.
However, I am still curious if anyone can explain what differentiates 'Pika" and Pika-II' knives.
I am also curious about Spyderco using the same name (Pika) on some of their knives.
At the same time, I can't help but wonder why knife makers would choose to name a series of knives after a small, furry animal, with short legs and a short tail. Does anyone know of another item that might be the basis for using the term "Pika" to identify a line of knives.
Thanks in advance,
MDCalvert
