Quality for the money

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Thor.Odinsson

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Apr 9, 2017
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I hope I am not asking something already asked because I did a good bit of searching and could not find anything that would match my question.
I'm looking for a good (quality) assisted or auto knife and I seem to keep coming back to Kershaw and Benchmade. What I would like everyones or anyones opinion/advice on is this; is buying a Benchmade really worth the $150-$200 price difference worth it? Will I really notice the difference? I'm not a first responder, no longer active duty military and just want a quality knife made in the USA. I've learned through many years and mistakes that the extra quality means something. I hate buying something because it was a good deal but after having found that I was sorry I didn't spend a little more.
Thanks to all for your knowledge and advice.
 
When I decided to try out a couple autos I went with the Kershaw Launch series. I bought a couple of the smaller ones (I can’t recall the models off the top of my head), but they all were reliable and gave me no problems.
I gifted two of them to my buddies with carry permits, and kept the 12...IMO it has a coolness factor the others don’t. While it doesn’t get carried much, I do have a habit of playing around with it while watching tv. It’s been fired hundreds of times and is still going strong.
 
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“Buy once, cry once” IMO Benchmade is in a different class compared to Kershaw. Although, Kershaws are great knives, but if your already flirting with the idea of getting a Benchmade, you should probably go ahead and get one.
 
Thor.Odinsson said:
I'm looking for a good (quality) assisted or auto knife and I seem to keep coming back to Kershaw and Benchmade. What I would like everyones or anyones opinion/advice on is this; is buying a Benchmade really worth the $150-$200 price difference worth it? Will I really notice the difference?
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^ I personally think so.

I suggest that you also give Protech a look (a TR3), or an assisted opening knife in Kershaw's ZT line. Once you've narrowed the field & find something you do like, be patient, & try and find one being sold here on the exchange; there are some really great deals to be had here!
 
Don't neglect to look at First Edge folders. I've an assisted, a manual and an auto I keep on the boat when fishing(yes in NYS you're allowed to carry an auto when fishing). Anyways good blade steel and rock solid lock up. Just as a point of interest my assisted is faster than my auto. stay safe and keepem sharp
 
If you want an Auto I would look at Guardian Tactical, Protect, & Hogue also for an Auto are you wanting an out the front(OTF) or one that flips out the side? If you want or are willing to just settle for an assisted opening knife I would says Kershaw will do you just fine and we might could recommend some particular models. Kershaw does have USA made options but also has them made in China and Taiwan as well I believe. Between Kershaw & Benchmade I would say the only thing you gain from a BM is maybe higher end steel but the QC, CS, & warranty is no better and not worth the price difference to me.
 
If you want a auto get a kershaw launch.

Benchmade prices are comparable to kershaws ZT line, the 300series i believe are assisted openers.

Also the kershaw dividend is a slick knife, i believe there is some higher end versions with nice steels if thats what floats your boat.
 
I own a guardian tactical. No support from them when your knife needs love, multiple emails, messages on social media and no reply. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND GUARDIAN TACTICAL

Also came with fit and finish problems, and voids in the CF.
 
If you go auto, take a look at Protech.

I know early in the Kershaw Launch series there were some issues with the knives. I don't remember specifically what it was but you might want to research the particular Launch model you're looking at.

Edit: I'm backing away from the above statement. I tried to search here on BF about the Launch issues and it looks to me that it was sometimes user error or has since been corrected. My apologies.
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/kershaw-launch-6-thoughts.1454452/

As far as Assisted Open, Kershaw does a great job with their Speedsafe. I only have one Benchmade AO, the 581 Barrage. I don't think it's quite as snappy as a typical Speedsafe.
 
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manifesto said:
I own a guardian tactical. No support from them when your knife needs love, multiple emails, messages on social media and no reply. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND GUARDIAN TACTICAL

Also came with fit and finish problems, and voids in the CF.
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I don't own any auto knives but this is the first non positive thing I have seen about Guardian Tactical. I would love to know if more people have had issues then as right not you are the exception not the rule.
 
I have a ZT0350. Very solid knife and a great slicer. I deassisted mine, but I remember mine having a very snappy opening and a secure, strong lockup. Well made. I also have a BM581. I think you might like the ZT0350 better.
 
Auto, Microtech, Protech Or Boker
Assisted, the new ZT or Kershaw
Those are the best examples from the ones I have owned
 
My Benchmade Axis locks (Grippies, 710, Mini-Rukus) open as fast or faster than any assisted folder, and with less complication.
 
Get a Benchmade or a Protech.

My experience with the Kershaw Launch 2 was very disappointing.
1. Developed and unacceptable amount of horizontal blade play after < 6 months

2. Spring broke after < 6 months

3. I’m 90% sure the entire button lock mechanism is aluminum, because mine is wearing at an alarming rate.

4. I left it in a drawer and came back a few months later, the knife now gets seized in the closed position. Even if you completely loosen the pivot and hold down the button, it stays shut. I’ve taken it apart at LEAST 4 times to try and fix it but I can’t for the life of me find the problem. I have no clue how it happened either.

Maybe I just got a lemon, but I’ve had issues with other Kershaws before and this one was by far the worst.
 
Quiet said:
I would highly recommend giving Piranha Knives a look also. Also made in the US, and also quality auto and OTF knives!
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Adding my +1 to this. Reasonable prices and US made, good stuff. I really like the X, it's fantastic in use with (for me at least) great ergonomics and a super useful blade shape that's flat ground and not super-thick at the edge:

QNJIev2.jpg
 
evilgreg said:
Adding my +1 to this. Reasonable prices and US made, good stuff. I really like the X, it's fantastic in use with (for me at least) great ergonomics and a super useful blade shape that's flat ground and not super-thick at the edge:

QNJIev2.jpg
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Yes sir. And for OTFs, I'd definitely give Piranha a look if I wasn't wanting a Microtech. EITHER of those waaayyy before a Benchmade. I can't stand Benchmade's OTFs. They always look like "Baby's First OTF" to me with those giant handles and tiny blade.
 
I have 3 Launch knives. Pretty good for the $100, but 2 of them suffer a bit of lock bounce. They aren't bad, but I have found that I much prefer bumping up to the $250-300 mark and just getting a Microtech.

They cost quite a bit more than the Launch, but the performance has been a lot more reliable. Never been a fan of the BM OTF look.
 
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