Resistor Opinions?

S

steelscout30

Joined
Aug 1, 2006
Messages
1,506
Does anybody out there have any opinions on the BM Resistor (the folder, BM420)? I've been thinking about getting one but I have reservations on the handle and was wondering what the general consensus was. I've been thinking about this or the full-sized Spyderco Calypso (fully serrated) or a Massad. Which one is the best? Thanks for the help.
 
I have one and really like it, but I was attracted to the styling and most either love or hate the style.

It's very well made, the handles are thick slabs of cast aluminum with a g10 over-mold for better grip. The G10 can probably be removed to slim the frame down a little , but I like it the way it is.

It's a little thick not the most ergonomic handle and probably good for someone with big hands. The Axis lock is great and the knife is very smooth to open.

The clip is a deep pocket type and can be switched for left or right handed users, but it's tip up only.
 
I didn't even know BM made a Resistor folder. If it's tailored after Snody's 220 Resistor, I would feel confident you couldn't go wrong with it. I know alot of people like their Spydercos, and I like the two I have, but I have to say..... they are not quite the knife Benchmade is. That's an opinion of course, not necessarily a fact.
 
JPD1998 said:
The clip is a deep pocket type and can be switched for left or right handed users, but it's tip up only.
Click to expand...

The clip is the only weakness of the design. While the handle is thick and beefy, the clip itself is thin & flimsy. It's not the standard well-made clips you find on most Benchmade folders. I got to handle a black combo-edge Resistor. Ended up buying a black combo-edge 551 Griptilian instead. Not because of the difference in price, but because the clip on the Resistor felt like it would easily snap off the first time it snagged on something.
 
its definitely a well made knife,& you should know that its not in the '07 benchmade catalog;it may be discontinued,so you might want to get one in the next 6 months or year before they get hard to find......
 
Monocrom said:
The clip is the only weakness of the design. While the handle is thick and beefy, the clip itself is thin & flimsy. It's not the standard well-made clips you find on most Benchmade folders. I got to handle a black combo-edge Resistor. Ended up buying a black combo-edge 551 Griptilian instead. Not because of the difference in price, but because the clip on the Resistor felt like it would easily snap off the first time it snagged on something.
Click to expand...

I hate when the butt of a knife is sticking out of my pocket, knives with a low ride clip don't show as much knife and I prefer that style, to me the clip is a plus.

I compared my Grip, 710, Ares and Stryker to the Resistor's clip and although it is a more delicate appearing clip, I can't conclude that it's weaker ( without purposely breaking it to test it). The Resistor's clip is an entirely different design from the others and looks like it was designed for that knife, while the others all have the basic BM clip.

IMO if stressed, the Grip's clip would probably break off at the handle. The clip is attached to the hard plastic handle with sunken brass sleeves , but the machine screws are not attached to a metal frame.... but who knows it's all theoretical....

The bottom line is , if you like the Resistor's styling then get one while you can.

BM4.jpg
 
Its a fine knife. A bit thick for my tastes but built very well. I eventually moved to the HK34/14200 over the 420 and found I liked it slightly better but then later moved down to the HK29/14210 which I found more to my liking personally than either of the larger models. They all have one thing in common though. Superb builds supported by the strongest lock known to man and they are all silky smooth to open and close.

STR
 
I have three BM Resistor and no complaints.
The handle is thick, rides low in the pocket and no problem with the clip.

If I had to make any flaws would be that it might be on the heavy side but I don't notice it in my pocket.
I have one as a EDC.
 
I prefer the 14205 over the Resistor. But fine knives they all be, arrrrrrrggg.
 
I felt that the clip was a little "underpowered" as no matter how much I tightened the clip screws the clip always seem to have some wiggle in it. It really made it's presence known when I opened the blade as the clip would flex in my hand and it just did not inspire a lot of confidence. Of course, with all that said, this is the very same clip on the Rukus 610, my favorite BM, and I have no issues with the clip as it applys to the Rukus. Maybe it is the way the handle in inlet for the clip. Don't get me wrong as I dearly love the idea of a foldover deep pocket clip. I just feel that this clip would benefit from a little thicker build to help shore up some of the flex.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top