Red Class Benchmades

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Knight939

Joined
Feb 14, 2003
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Anyone out there try any of the new benchmade knives from their red class? I know the knives are supposed to be the economy line from benchmade and right now that's all I can afford. I noticed a lot of the knives in the series are made using N690 steel. On another thread I saw not that long ago it looked like the steel would be a pretty good blade steel with a composition similar to 440C and VG10. Anyone out there actually have some experience with that steel? Right now I'm looking for a reliable work/field knife that will hold a decent edge, be fairly easy to sharpen and not cost me more than 60$ Right now I'm looking at the 10300 or maybe the Ambush. If anyone has the Ambush I'm also interested in what you think of the rolling lock. Any info would be appreciated, thanks a lot.
 
For 60.00 i think you could get a benchmade griptilian. The griptilian is an awesome knife. I used to be very into benchmade a few years ago when they were all made in u.s.a ...
 
I agree that if you have $60 to spend get a Griptilian.

My son just bought a Mini-Ambush and it seems to be a well-made knife, and the lock seems secure. On the other hand, the Grip with Axis lock is not that much more and is within your range. So, get a Grip!
 
I can't speak for the regular Ambush but I have the mini Ambush and find the rolling lock to be a little tough to open. It's not smooth like the Axis at all. Fit and finish are good.
 
A guy here at the office got a 10300 monochrome, and it seems like a well made knife, solid, good blade grind. The action was a little stiff at first, but I think it has loosened up a little. I don't think he has used it enough to need to sharpen it.

If 3" will do it for you, I think you could get a mini griptilian for about $60, which would be another good choice. I think it is actually a stronger knife than the full size griptilian, due to larger liners. I have one, and it is part of my rotation. It is slightly smaller than the monochrome, but lighter and with better handle ergonomics, and the smooth axis lock.

As for the steel, if the heat treat is good you probably couldn't tell the difference between 440C and N690 unless you do a carefully controlled cutting experiment.
 
I picked up a full size Ambush just after they came out, and it's top notch!

Tough as nails and built like a tank. It takes a little more force to open it as oppsed to my mini-grip', but you get used to it quick.
 
i got the 10400 pika about two months ago for less than 25$ shipped and i love the thing. it's been clipped to my pocket since the day i got it and i'm very impressed with the steel, once i reprofiled it to the proper angle i needed. everyone i show the knife to is shocked that it was so cheap, it has a good feel to it and a very solid click when the blade locks into place.
 
Thanks guys for the info and the tips. I actually have a griptilian already and like it so much I bought one for my brother when he became a police officer. I'm mainly interested in the ambush and the 10300 because I haven't bought any new knives recently and I've been wondering about how good a steel is N690. I know the ambush is AUS 8 but I don't have any knife with the rolling lock. It's getting tougher and tougher to convince my wife why I periodically need to buy a new knife, guess she just doesn't understand me. Right now I'm on a pretty tight budget and those knives looked like good deals. I'll probably make a decision soon, and write up a review once I've had a chance to put whatever knife I pick up though its paces.
 
I just mentioned in another thread about the Rant Bowie. The one I bought as a gift was in 440c and has an excellent edge and good fit and finish.No complaints at all.
 
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