Recommendations for a Benchmade?

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slimjimkarma

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Jul 19, 2017
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Howdy guys, I'm pretty new to the world of knives, however I have heard great things about benchmade knives and their customer service and was interested in picking one up for everyday use. Can anyone recommend a good, cheaper (I know these knives aren't cheap, but cheap in benchmade terms) model and where to get it? Thanks in advance!
 
For a cheaper EDC you can't go wrong with the Griptilian, large or small depending on your preference. After that i'd recommend the models 940, 943, 710, 810, 570 presidio 2, and Stryker, but those are more pricey...just figured i've give you a list of some good ones to look at later down the track. As for where to buy, im in Oz so my dealers will vary greatly from you US guys.
 
Mick_1KRR said:
For a cheaper EDC you can't go wrong with the Griptilian, large or small depending on your preference. After that i'd recommend the models 940, 943, 710, 810, 570 presidio 2, and Stryker, but those are more pricey...just figured i've give you a list of some good ones to look at later down the track. As for where to buy, im in Oz so my dealers will vary greatly from you US guys.
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+1

I personally decided to save up a little more and jump into Benchmade with the 940. That was quickly followed by the 710(SBKD2). But if you're looking for an entry level blade from Benchmade, the classic griptillian and/or the mini griptillian is an excellent place to start judging by the nonstop (mostly) positive chatter that you will hear around here. Another newer, and more budget conscious offering from Benchmade is their new "Freek" model.

Welcome to Bladeforums and to Benchmade knives!
 
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They can really give you a great deal on a benchmade knife! I have bought my last 3 knives from them and it has been great service! :)

Welcome to the community!!!
 
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The Griptilian is a good place to start. Benchmade's basic knife. I own a couple. They are not my favorite knives but I have one in my pocket most of the time I am not at work. That should tell you something.

You will find the small Griptilian will feel a little more "solid" because of the liners used and it's a little more pocket friendly. The large Grip. will fill your hand better but many people don't like them because of partial steel liners in the the handles. This was done to make the knife a little lighter in weight. It does not affect the quality of the knife in any way except weight.

I would recommend that you purchase a Griptilian (or something close) even if you decide to purchase another model like the 940, for example. You will enjoy the "quality" of the better models more if you go this route.

FWIW, At work I carry a Benchmade 531. It is super light weight at only 2.1 oz.! Check it out!

Also, Benchmade recently severed ties with HK Firearms of Germany. They made two models for HK that are worth owning. The 14715 and 14716. Same basic knife except for size. D2 blade steel, American made by Benchmade. Well worth the price. Lots of people feel that these two are a better buys than the Griptilians. Just Google "HK knives". Many (not all) other HK models were produced overseas and are not considered the same quality.

BTW, Benchmade's prices are about the same everywhere because of something called MAP pricing. Please try to buy from dealers that support this forum if possible.

Welcome to Blade Forums:)
 
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Pretty much what everyone said, griptilian. My preference for EDC goes to a mini-grip as it carries nicer but it certainly has handle better suited towards lighter use as it's too small to get a real good hammer grip for smashing through cardboard or carving wood. I'm especially fond of the modified sheepsfoot blade version for work as a good point isn't something I need or use very often, though I do pair the mini-grip with a smaller blade with a more effective tip and serrated blade.
 
Normally I would recommend a 940, then Griptilian (lower price). However, the Stryker line has been discontinued, which is unfortunate -but fortunate for somebody looking for a first Benchmade. They are priced near to Griptilians at some dealers, such as Knifeworks. Stryker!
 
jazub said:
Normally I would recommend a 940, then Griptilian (lower price). However, the Stryker line has been discontinued, which is unfortunate -but fortunate for somebody looking for a first Benchmade. They are priced near to Griptilians at some dealers, such as Knifeworks. Stryker!
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The 940/943 is a great knife and one of the most highly regarded options for EDC, but it's not the cheapest knife BM offers. Getting one used is the best way I've found to get one at a better price tag if you simply plan to use it and are willing to accept someone has used it before you. Same thing for a griptilian but you will see a lot more of those available since they're very common and have many different variations (handles, blade steels, blade geometry, etc.).
 
I started with a 940, got into many of their other models, and ended up with three Grips (although my favorites are the 520 and 590). IMO, Grips are not starter knives in the work sense, but starter knives in the 'pay $$$ to start a collection of man jewelry' sense. I would grab any of my Grips over many of my more expensive BM's for harder, dirtier tasks. I will suggest, that you first figure out what kind of cutting you need your knife for, how you plan on carrying it, what size will work relative to what you want it to do and how you plan on carrying it (width wise too), etc. In general, I would not hesitate to suggest a full size Grip for an all-around EDC knife (the mini Grip feels too small for me). However, the handle is bulkier than some alternatives (I actually prefer bulky handles for actual work).

One thing to consider... Grips have relatively steep blade grinds. Steep grinds might not be the best for slicey tasks i.e. slicing through cardboard or cutting fruit. They will still get the job done. Even my 940's are pretty steep/thick for their size.
 
Out of all the Benchmade knives that I have owned and currently own, the Mini Grip is easily my favorite for EDC and general use, you have your choice of a few different blade shapes and steels as well as handle colors. My next choice would be a 940, but that's a step up in price for sure.
 
jazub said:
Normally I would recommend a 940, then Griptilian (lower price). However, the Stryker line has been discontinued, which is unfortunate -but fortunate for somebody looking for a first Benchmade. They are priced near to Griptilians at some dealers, such as Knifeworks. Stryker!
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Yes. I should have mentioned the Stryker series to you. It uses the same basic handle as the Triage. Both are great knives. The fact it's been discontinued is a great loss to bladeheads everywhere.

If your local dealer has the Triage in stock, try it for fit and feel. The Stryker has a different blade and no strap cutter.

I love the style but it never really fit my hand. I need a medium Stryker.
 
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Welcome!!
A mini or full size Grip will get you started.
Then a 940 or 943. After those 2 look for a good paying second job!!!
Good luck and let us know what you decide! You'll be thrilled with whichever you choose!
Joe
 
slimjimkarma said:
Howdy guys, I'm pretty new to the world of knives, however I have heard great things about benchmade knives and their customer service and was interested in picking one up for everyday use. Can anyone recommend a good, cheaper (I know these knives aren't cheap, but cheap in benchmade terms) model and where to get it? Thanks in advance!
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get ready to use the customer service because benchmade are known for poor fit and finish. great knives otherwise and if you have an issue they will eventually fix it. just word of warning. its better to goto the store to make sure you get a good one. else order from DLT trading a vendor here and request them to inspect it for you.

I'd recommend if your going to get a benchmade to get a 940 version that you find appealing or that would go hand on hand with the tasks you do for edc. (they have different blade profiles).

the only one I really like is the 940-1 which is CarbonFiber and s90v.
 
OP, don't get run off by the "poor fit and finish" OR broken-Omega-spring hobgoblins. I avoided Benchmade for literal years because of internet chatter like that -and the first time I actually pulled the trigger and received a 940 in the mail, I nearly slapped myself for having missed out for so long. Now I've purchased over 30 from dealers and the only warranty work I have used was Benchmade's awesome blade replacement service after I snapped the tip off a blade using it as a screwdriver to ratchet down a screw on an irrigation system (like a dummy).

Unless you have OCD or really bad luck, you should be stoked on your first Benchmade. If the chatter already has you looking under the bed for the boogeyman, request a blade-centering check from any legitimate dealer and they will gladly make the inspection before shipping. After all, it is a production pocket knife, not a $10,000 Swiss watch. o_O

-And enjoy your new blade!
 
jazub said:
OP, don't get run off by the "poor fit and finish" OR broken-Omega-spring hobgoblins. I avoided Benchmade for literal years because of internet chatter like that -and the first time I actually pulled the trigger and received a 940 in the mail, I nearly slapped myself for having missed out for so long. Now I've purchased over 30 from dealers and the only warranty work I have used was Benchmade's awesome blade replacement service after I snapped the tip off a blade using it as a screwdriver to ratchet down a screw on an irrigation system (like a dummy).

Unless you have OCD or really bad luck, you should be stoked on your first Benchmade. If the chatter already has you looking under the bed for the boogeyman, request a blade-centering check from any legitimate dealer and they will gladly make the inspection before shipping. After all, it is a production pocket knife, not a $10,000 Swiss watch. o_O

-And enjoy your new blade!
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well, tbo it angers me when you get a $200+ knife with fit and finish issues when very few other manufactures have such common issues. but to each his own. just wanted to warn him about it since he doesnt know. i also gave him options to make sure he got a good one.
 
Mo2 said:
get ready to use the customer service because benchmade are known for poor fit and finish....
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Yes, you are normally better picking out your knife in person, if possible. This holds true with every brand.

However, Benchmade has customer service second to none. Top notch. If there is a problem, and "if" is the key word here, they will take good care of you. I can't picture Benchmade shipping out anything unsafe or with serious issues. Most of the complaints I've heard of are about sharpening. Keep in mind, you will have to sharpen the knife at some point. Not a big deal really. Personally, I've had more annoying problems with the Spyderco's that I owned. There is nothing like a good Axis Lock knife and you should experience one yourself.

Don't forget, this forum is full of knife nuts that can be very anal (like me) about all sorts of things. Especially their blades.

BTW, to the best of my knowledge, Mo2 is not anal. :)
 
Since we're on the topic of BM's customer service and why that adds value to the knife:

1) It works. You call, they help. Not always the case.

2) Lifesharp/ (BM spa treatment), they help service your knife for you if you don't have the time or ability to do so. I know I had some hesitations putting a $100+ knife to the sharpening stone for the first time.

3) If you break a blade you can buy a replacement for a very fair, dare I say cheap, price. This means you can use and abuse the knife (to some degree) without worrying about completely ending you're knife's life. It give you the sense that you buy the knife, use it as hard as you want, and repair it as needed and hand it off to your kids or whatever. It reminds me of when cars were better made to be fixed, you repaired the car vs replaced the whole thing or large components of it (though I understand why this is now the case).

I've heard about numerous brands that get a bad rap for QC issues that are often highly regarded, BM is just one of them. Compared to some brands similar brands (spyderco), yes, BM has consistency issues with their F&F but they make up for it on their willingness to correct it and the service package behind it. Yes there is some risk that you won't get a good knife as fast as you like but even if you have to return the knife, you'll eventually get one that is great. My 2 cents.
 
I started off with a mini Grip, the Doug Ritter version from Knifeworks. It's still in one of my all time favorite knives. A great slicer, light weight and almost it disappears in your pocket until needed. Then I discovered the 940 series. Have not carried anything else since then. So, as much as I like my mini grip, my advice would be choose a 94X version that appeals to you. The pricier models use a more premium steel and are lighter weight, but they are all fantastic.
 
I prefer a larger EDC, such as the Adamas folder. I switch off between the combo edge with sand scales and the fine edge with black scales. They open fast, can be used for most any task, and suit my large hands.

I use the Benchmade sharpening service on all my brand knives, of which I have too many, and have even replaced the blade of my sand Adamas folder. I'm convinced the knives come back with a better edge than that they ship with from the factory, and I couldn't be happier with their service.
 
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