RE: Two new Benchmades

Dexter Ewing

Dexter Ewing

Joined
Oct 3, 1998
Messages
4,670
Here are some pics of two of the new folders Benchmade is releasing for 2001.

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Model 770 Osborne Axis Lock. 2.8" 154CM blade, carbon fiber scales. The Axis mechanism has been scaled down in size. The machined notches on the studs, lock buttons, and pivot screw are nice touches. James Mattis always spoke about a shirt pocket knife. The 770 is light enough that it can be carried as such. Sure wish he was still around to see this gem!

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Clip side of the 770. Deep pocket carry thanks to the high mount clip.

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Model 690S Elishewitz. The first wood handled Benchmade folder. Of all of the Elishewitz designs that Benchmade has produced in the past, the 690 is the one that comes the closest to looking like one of Elishewitz's customs. Complete with carbon fiber bolsters, huge pivot screw, machined handle spacer tubes, and his trademark pocket clip style, its a very attractive piece. 154CM blade is about 3.3" long, flats are stonewashed with the bevels being satin finished. Titanium liners anodized for a flash of color. Handle material is Dyamondwood.

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Clip side of the 690S.

Both knives are currently in the Pre Proudction stage in which 1000 numbered pieces will be produced, then full blown production will commence. Fit and finish are excellent per Benchmade. Even the transition from bolster to handle scale on the 690S is very smooth. You can't tell by rubbing your finger over it. Authorized Benchmade dealers ("brick and mortar") should have some of these in now.

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Proud member of AKTI, NCCKG, NCKK, and SCAK

In memory of James K. Mattis

[This message has been edited by Dexter Ewing (edited 01-04-2001).]
 
Thanks, Dex. Great pics as always. You're certainly right about the 690 looking like something that would have come out of Allen's workshop. Very nice indeed. How did the lock-up feel to you?

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Semper Fi

-Bill
 
Dexter,

Thanks for the scoop on the new Benchmades. I like them! Glad your spying for Bladeforums.

Cheers,
Damon
 
Thanks for the photos,Dexter. The line between "custom" and "production" continues to get more blurry. We are all the beneficiarys of this trend.
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I've handled both of these pieces at a shop last week. Both are Very nice! For my personal preference though I am not too sure about the 770. They made the axis lock smaller then the original by about half, meaning the pin size. I like small knives the most but I have long hands and sometimes I have a problem operating studs and locks easily. That is my hassle with this one, I had a hard time getting a good grip on the axis pins. The handles havea lot of different angles to them but it doesn't feel too bad. The shape of the bleade looked extremely nice and useful for most tasks.

The 690 on the other hand is BEAUTIFUL!!! It is larger than my normal preferences but, who cares! It looks like a nice gents style folder except bigger, fills the hand nicely. It worked very smooth, no roughness and the lock had a very positive engagement, better than any other liner that I have dealt with. I have heard other people say that they don't care for the clip shape and style but I like it more than the standard clip shape, I usually pull them off, on this I would keep it on.

All in all both are very nice knives but the one that I need to convince my wife that I have to have is going to be the 690. She turned me down flat when we were looking at the preproduction model, maybe when they start regular production she will let up a little. HAH!!

Take care

Andy
 
Does the 770 have the steel module inside the scales, like the 940, the 720, and 722? It's impossible to tell from the pictures.

Nice scans, Dex. As usual, you come through for all us knife addicts.
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A dog at play has the mind of a wise martial arts master, a mind capable of perfect focus. - Marc Christophe

iktomi
 
Dexter,
Thanks for nice pictures! I really can't say which knife I like more. Is the 690 available with plain blade?
 
Rockspyder: the 770 has the Axis "module" inside. The liners (I guess you can call them that) are not as big, just big enough to give the lock strength. Since the handle is thick carbon fiber scales, this keeps the weight of the knife down. This maybe a bit unclear to you now but if you look insdie one, you'll see what I'm trying to say
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Sergiusz: Yes, the 690 is available in plain, but all of the Pre-Poduction models are partially serrated.

Thanks for the comments y'all!

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Proud member of AKTI, NCCKG, NCKK, and SCAK

In memory of James K. Mattis
 
Nice pics Dex! I was wondering if the 770 has kinda of a greenish tint to it like the picture or what?
 
Einlanzer - The scales are black carbon fiber. Somehow they didn't scan too well and I tried to compensate for it by messing with the color balance, which resulted in a slight green tint you see. I have to say that this type of carbon fiber (basketweave?) reflects light like crazy. Very eye catching!

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Proud member of AKTI, NCCKG, NCKK, and SCAK

In memory of James K. Mattis
 
Thanks for the sneak peak.
It gives us something else to save for.

Life is good
Greg

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Always do right....this will gratify some and astonish the rest.
 
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