Recommend an EDC Benchmade please

I have a 940BK in 154cm and 943SBK in S30v, and love both. Same handles, different blades. I have other BM's, none are as smooth as these.
I have a 525 coming after looking at one at a dealer's: the 520 was too large for my hand. Three good knives for your line of work.

Joe K.
 
I just have to say it, especially since the 3.4" limit is not set in stone, and that is to go with what is my favorite edc BM, the 4.3" Rukus! Slim in hand and stout in blade. Forgive me as it is my favorite.:D
 
(1) The Mini Skirmish and Skirmish are both very very well built. The titanium handle and framelock (or Benchmade calls it monolock) is one of the strongest, if not the strongest, lock available (it's like liner lock on steroids). To top it off, it's a knife that is pleasant to look at.

(2) The Doug Ritter's RSK (Ritter Survival Knife) is also well built with it's Axis locking mechanism and its wide-chord drop point blade. It's only available in Aeromedix.

(3) If you prefer something extremely lightweight, the 530 model is ideal. The knife weighs in at 1.88oz with 3" blade. Just note that this knife has a rather thin blade.
 
aarong50 said:
Anyone who has used the 520 does the coating on the handle wear easily?
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Eventually the coatings will wear.....

I try to avoid cast aluminum alloy for that very reason, but in my case it's probably OCD.

I prefer steel or titanium liners with g10 or another synthetic as a grip. So I'd recommend the 710 ( even though the blade is longer than 3.5" ) and the Stryker ( right size but it's a liner lock). The Stryker is a perfect carry knife...

Another good one is the HK Tactical Folder by Benchmade , it's aluminum but it has a synthetic overmold. I own the other two , but most people rave about the HK.
 
Another vote for the 710 .... plain edge, D2 specifically. Even if it were the most expensive BM folder, it would be my pick. Only downside (depending on how you feel about these things) is the blade length, which exceeds legal limit in many jurisdictions.
 
aarong50 said:
I will deffinately let you know. So many choices its really hard to come to a decision. But I am sure whatever it is that i choose I will like. Has anyone used or seen the 520? It was chosen as one of the NRA's best in class. Just kinda curious about it.
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I have carried it over more than one and a half year and i am completely satisfied with it. The flagship in the Benchmade line. :thumbup:

Yes, there are knives with thicker blades, which might take more abuse,

yes, there are knives with thinner blades for finer cuts,

but the 520 sits right inbetween with full cutting power at a strong useful blade and a great comfort handle.

The coating has weared only where i have touched the benchstones while resharpening. I don´t wear keys in the same pocket where the knife is in.

Some mention the weight but i never found it that heavy. But if weight is an issue, than only one of the Griptilians, standard, maybe two, so you never hold back to use the heck out of it. (some ppl. tend to save the more expensive knife even though it is build much stronger:D )

520 or Griptilians.
 
Well I bought the 520 plain blade from bladehq for $112.50 just crossing my fingers since I really debated over this. It came down to the 520, 732, and that HK I posted about. :)
 
Good choice, really :thumbup:

The 732 is one from the Ares series, right? I have always heard good things about them except that the blade runs to its thickness soon so the cutting power is dropped a bit.

Just handled the HK a bit can´t really say something about it.
 
That looks like a really nice piece. My Mini-Griptilian will be here Monday, can't wait.
 
Well my 520 came in only 3 days from purchase to arrival. For starters let me say that the handle is extremely grippy much more than i was expecting out of alumnium. The thing came razor sharp, and is quality through and through. This is my first nice knife (aside from my Leatherman Charge) and I am extremely happy. I liked how they include a cotton pouch in the box and the instructions which explains the free sharpening for life. However now that I have purchased such a nice knife I think I will be looking into a sharpmaker. I dont want to be without this thing for even a day! :) Thanks everyone and I look forward to my next purchase - I can tell this is gonna be an expensive hobby.
 
aarong50 said:
Well my 520 came in only 3 days from purchase to arrival. For starters let me say that the handle is extremely grippy much more than i was expecting out of alumnium. The thing came razor sharp, and is quality through and through. This is my first nice knife (aside from my Leatherman Charge) and I am extremely happy. I liked how they include a cotton pouch in the box and the instructions which explains the free sharpening for life. However now that I have purchased such a nice knife I think I will be looking into a sharpmaker. I dont want to be without this thing for even a day! :) Thanks everyone and I look forward to my next purchase - I can tell this is gonna be an expensive hobby.
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Good Luck with your new knife...
Yes it does get expensive and it seems certain brands are more addicitve than others.
Benchmade is one of the more addictive brands...
 
orthogonal1 said:
just haven't experienced 710 freshness.
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sooooo fresh........

Good choice, though, aarong50. the 520 is a great knife. I had one and traded it... and I've regretted it ever since. It's a super-tough tool that will stand up to whatever you throw at it. Some time, when I get around to it, I'll get another.
 
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