Recommendation?: Replace BM 722SBT

Shaman

Shaman

Joined
Nov 14, 2004
Messages
407
Hi all,

I have a Benchmade 722SBT that I was given by my wife quite a while ago.
I love the Axis lock, and it is certainly well made.
I've used it to process Spring Turkey and a Deer, but the Tanto does not do much for me.
My particular knife as the serrations, but that is not a buying feature for me really.

I'll post the picture and specs below as a guide of what the BM is like.
Though their website says it is 154CM and I am pretty sure (check when I get home) that mine is ATS-34

Mine is just like the one on top here:
722.jpg

Specs for comparison:
Blade Length: 3.25"
Blade Material: ATS-34
Blade Hardness: 58-60
Blade Style: Tanto
Weight: 4.00oz.
Clip: Black, Reversible, Tip-Up
Lock Mechanism: AXIS
Overall Length: 7.62"
Closed Length: 4.37"

What would people recommend in the same sort/level of knife but with more a hunters/outdoors leaning instead of the tactical feel of the Tanto? Not limited to BM.
 
How about a standard BM Griptilian 551 (or 551S)
(or a BM Mini-Griptilian which is a little smaller version..)

551.jpg
551s.jpg


Designer: Mel Pardue
Blade Material: 154CM Stainless Steel 58-60HRC
Blade Length: 3.45"
Blade Thickness: 0.115"
Open Length: 8.07"
Closed Length: 4.62"
Weight: 3.25 oz.
Handle: Black Glass Fill Noryl GTX/Color Valox
Double Stainless steel liners
Reversible Steel carry-clip
Handle Thickness: 0.64"
Lock Mechanism: Axis Lock
Blade Style Opener: Ambidextrous Thumb Stud
Class: Blue
 
440hard said:
How about a standard BM Griptilian 551 (or 551S)
(or a BM Mini-Griptilian which is a little smaller version..)

551.jpg
551s.jpg


Designer: Mel Pardue
Click to expand...

Yea, I was looking at that version.
Do you know the handle material, my 722 has G10 and like it a lot.
The OD and Sand look good too.
Sand:
690065431_6702c98e04.jpg
 
Another one I like is the Cold Steel - Super strong and comfortable grip.
(copy from the "Cold Steel" thread..)

Recently was fortunate to pick up a Cold Steel "Ultimate Hunter" (Japan)
from a forumite at a very reasonable price, this is my first one. Impressive.
Compared it to a Benchmade 551S Griptilian.

Benchmade uses a checkered Noryl GTX for grip,
Cold Steel uses a checkered Thermorun for grip.
I have big hands and the CS has a more comfortable rubber-like grip for me
that tends not to slip. The BM has a more hard plastic feel. Both have dual
thumb studs, the BM has a smoother opening, the CS has a vault lockback.
It will be interesting to see how these match up in the field. The Benchmade
uses 154CM steel, the CS uses AUS8A.
I understand the CS Ultimate Hunter is now available in VG-1.

CS 61LPS
BM 551S

*Price (street) Same, around $70.00

*Blade length Same, approx. 3.5 inch.
CS 61LPS Blade 4.0mm/.1575" thick AUS8A
BM 551S Blade 2.92mm/.115" thick 154CM

Length CS 61LPS Open 8.5" Closed 5.0" Lockback
Length BM 551S Open 8.1" Closed 4.6" Axis Lock

CS 61LPS Weight 5.9 oz.
BM 551S Weight 3.25 oz.

CSBM.jpg
 
Okay, I hate to admit it and I'm ready to run:o, but that CS looks pretty good.....Thanks everyone ...you've been a great crowd....I'm outta here!
 
551 comes in D2 at Cabelas.
Going to a Store opening on Wed. so I'll check it out there if they have one in stock.
 
950 Rift. Take a look. A little large (to me)for everyday carry but it has a good blade for outdoor activities.
 
The Spyderco Manix is available again (for a short while I assume) from several online stores. G10 handles, S30V steel, full flat grind, solid lock, good ergonomics. IMHO there is no better general outdoors folder. I can't comment on the hunting aspect but I would not be surprised to find that the Manix performs well there too.

Another largish knife worth checking out is the Kershaw Junkyard Dog II. Awesome knife, very good value for the money.

If you have not handled the Noryl handle of the Griptilian so far, please be sure to do so before you buy one. The Grip is a superb knife (blade, lock, fit and finish etc) but to me the handle has ruined it all. Every time I touched it it felt puffy, hollow and cheap. I ended up giving the knife away and decided to stay clear from Noryl in the future. YMMV of course.
 
kukoka said:
..The Grip is a superb knife (blade, lock, fit and finish etc) but to me the handle has ruined it all. Every time I touched it it felt puffy, hollow and cheap. I ended up giving the knife away and decided to stay clear from Noryl in the future. YMMV of course.
Click to expand...

Yes, that BM Grip Noryl handle breaks my heart. Feels like cheap hard plastic.

If you have never handled the CS Thermorun handle you owe yourself
a try. Unbelievable comfort, could carry it all day long..

I've never handled anything like it. I wonder if anyone here has a little longer experience with handling/using the CS Ultimate Hunter with the Thermorun handles?
 
Shaman said:
Not too bad, though about an inch longer.
Hmm...
Click to expand...

The difference in closed lenght is a little less that 3/4 inch. The blade is a little longer but not so much that it is difficult to use.

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=BM615

From Knife Center (above)
Description
BM615: Benchmade Blackwood Mini RUKUS Folder 3.4"

One-Hand Ambidextrous Function
Profiled Handle Shape for Solid Grip
High Bevel S30V Premium Steel Blade
Reversible Deep Pocket Steel Carry-Clip

Blade Length: 3.40"
Blade Thickness: 0.121"
Blade Material: S30V Premium Steel
Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC
Blade Style: Utility Drop-Point; Ambidextrous Thumb-Stud
Weight: 5.90oz.
Clip: Black, Deep Pocket, Tip-Up
Lock Mechanism: AXIS
Overall Length: 8.50"
Closed Length: 5.10"

From your post on the BM722
Specs for comparison:
Blade Length: 3.25"
Blade Material: ATS-34
Blade Hardness: 58-60
Blade Style: Tanto
Weight: 4.00oz.
Clip: Black, Reversible, Tip-Up
Lock Mechanism: AXIS
Overall Length: 7.62"
Closed Length: 4.37"
 
steveg30 said:
950 rift
Click to expand...

The Rift looks nice, just a bit more expensive.
And I don't think my wife will pony up this year.
Fuel oil will be around $750 more than last year.
I need to sneak the replacement in under the radar. ;)
 
The Griptilian sounds like it is just what you are looking for.

Or, what about a used BM 721? It's virtually the same size as the BM 722. I have no idea what they go for used.

Not a very good pic.
 
Rich357 said:
I don't know if Doug Ritter is still making his version of the Griptilian. I think they were around $100.

http://www.equipped.org/rsk_mk1.htm
Click to expand...

Ahhh crap.
Still selling them
Stone washed S30V.

Not tried to sharpen S30V yet, but it is the 'magic' steel right? and only $15 more than D2 from Cabelas. Choices Choices.
I've touched up D2, 400s, and Mystery Steel, but not S30V. Sharpmaster work on S30V ok? So far all I've done is leather strap my S30V.

BM 720 is a match of course. Can not find a near new for sale.
New are up around $150 from what I have seen.
I think I would look at the Ritter now before the 720s.
 
Last edited:
Shaman said:
Ahhh crap.
Still selling them
Stone washed S30V.

Not tried to sharpen S30V yet, but it is the 'magic' steel right? and only $15 more than D2 from Cabelas. Choices Choices.
I've touched up D2, 400s, and Mystery Steel, but not S30V. Sharpmaster work on S30V ok? So far all I've done is leather strap my S30V.

BM 720 is a match of course. Can not find a near new for sale.
New are up around $150 from what I have seen.
I think I would look at the Ritter now before the 720s.
Click to expand...

I have a number of S30V knives and the Syderco Sharpmaker works just fine. It's not hard to sharpen at all. But it definitely has excellent edge holding. My two favorites are D2 and S30V right now.

On the subject, what about a Lone Wolf T2? I've often thought it might be an excellent hunting knife.

T2.jpg
 
Cabelas did not have ANY of the options suggested out.
They had not gotten their BM shipment in and their Kershaws were midline.

Good excuse for a trip later this month or early next.
I'll call a week before and ask them to get in the ones I want to handle.
They said if it is on the website they will bring any item in on request.
 
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