questions about various Benchmade models

[bdmicarta]

I have a few Benchmades from years ago that I used for EDC including a mini-AFCK, Leopard and a mini-Grip. I also carried an EDI Genesis II for awhile. I've had the itch to buy a new one so I've dug through the Benchmade website and picked out a few that are of interest, but it is hard to compare them just from internet photos.

I don't have any real strict requirements, but I'm leaning towards a blade around 3.5", and I was thinking that I would prefer tip-down carry. Most of my past EDC's have been tip-down except for the recent mini-Grip. Tip-down works best for me, especially with a longer blade, but I will have to retrain myself now since I'm used to the mini-Grip. I don't mind a liner lock but the Axis is easier for me to use, and I would like to get better steel than 154 if possible. I'm a bit picky about blade shape, I find that I use the point a lot so I want a fine point. I would also like a grip that is not slippery either due to its shape/material/texture. The ones that I've selected below run the gamut from aluminum to rough G10 to sculptured G10.

Models that I'm drawn to are the 520 Presidio, 710 McHenry-Williams, 746 mini-onslaught, 890 Torrent, 913 Stryker and 943 Osborne. (Others such as the 470 Emissary and 525 mini-Presidio are also of interest, I might have to buy one longer blade and one shorter blade.)

Why is the Presidio so much heavier? Are the scales just thicker?
Are the aluminum scales still slippery like the old Leopard model I have? Are the 710's G10 scales rough? Are the others with sculped G10 smooth or do they have enough texture for gripping?

How much difference would I detect in S30V or D2 steels vs. standard 154CM?



This photo shows almost all of my folders:

 

[dalefuller]

Nice picture. I haven't seen a CS Clipmate or a Air SOG in years. Used to have both of those. I still have the small CS Clipmate. It's my oldest folder and is still as sharp and solid as Day 1 back in the late 80's when I brought it home. The lockup has never varied at all in spite of quite a few years of everyday carry and warehouse work. I've got a medium Voyager too, but mine's a tanto. I keep it in one of the first aid kits. I had a couple of the SOG Stingrays but I sold them off.

As far as your questions, the 710 G10 is smoother than the typical Spyderco or Al Mar G10, but has seemed pretty easy to grip to me when I've held a 710. The 520/525 series do have fairly thick aluminium scales. That's probably where most of the weight comes from. S30V, D2, and 154CM are all excellent EDC folder steels IMAO. I like each of them and have knives in each steel. Wait... I tell a lie... I sold my last 154CM knife a few weeks ago. Not because of the steel, but just because I never carried the knife. I notice more of a difference in D2 than I do the other two you mentioned. S30V and 154CM don't show a lot of difference in my uses. I usually give 154CM a very fine edge, like VG10 or S35VN. S30V and D2 I like a bit "toothier". The one 912 I handled felt sort of like the 710 to me. I've never used either one enough to really know how well they handle... just played with them at various times to get a feel for them.

 

[foofie]

The presidios are heavy in part because of the thicker scales. But even the ultra-presidio - which is still heavier than a comparable mini-grip - is hefty because of the full length SS liners (as opposed to nested liners on the 943, grip/mini-grip). The knock on the presidio is that the scales are too sharp and shreds pant pockets.

for light usage (personally), I have found s30v and 154cm to hold an edge well enough. If you are interested in something better - consider M4? Like the Benchmade BM520BK-1101 at a popular online retailer? I have a gayle bradley, and love the M4 (lots of threads on M4 and hard use).

From your choices, consider the 943 - good weight, good grip/ergo, 3.4 inch blade - seems to fit your wish list, except tip down.

 

[ssblood]

The Rift is awesome. Tip up and a touch over 3.5" though. I'm really enjoying the one I recently bought. It's all I've carried when not at work.