Review: Benchmade Monochrome

BJE

BJE

Joined
Apr 12, 2006
Messages
3,079
I just traded a S&W folder, a Buck Diamondback, and a Buck Medium Bantam for a Benchmade PE satin finished Monochrome, and I am glad I did. The Monochrome is a fairly heavy knife, the F&F is what I have come to expect from Benchmade... excellent. The ergos are comfortable for me, and they are very good for stabbing. The blade takes a wicked edge and is designed very well, especially for slicing. It is very smooth to open and has a strong detent wich I trust with my leg to keep the blade closed, the framelock is flawless, the lock bar moves 50% of the way and gives me a feeling that it won't move any further, I feel very comfortable with this lock, I have spine whacked it vey hard and it won't budge, it feels stronger than my spyder lockbacks and a little stonger than my cqc-7, I think it is about as strong as you can get a framelock and it is easily the strongest framelock I have ever felt. The handles can get slippery when wet, but I think almost all SS handles do. The thumb studs are very large (reminds me of the mini-ambush) and are very comfortable to use, they also serve as the blade stop when the knife is open, but they can catch on the pocket. The pocket clip is different in that it is off center (purposely) wich is nice if you are right handed, it is also tip-down:D . I would feel confident in throwing this knife and it not failing or breaking. I have not had enough time to test edge retention, but I have heard it is between 440c and Vg-10. The lanyard hole is a little too small, but most are. I hope it won't rust as quickly as most SS handled knives do, but if it does, I won't be suprised or dissappointed (ok maybe just a little). I don't want to spend too much time on this knife (I get tired of typing and fixing spelling/typing errors), but if you have any questions let me know. Overall I think this knife is of excellent quality and value, it gives me another reason to love Benchmade.:thumbup: :D :thumbup:
 
The Monochrome is an excellent Red box knife. I've had mine for about a year and it's been my beater knife. The blade steel rocks and takes a real beating without having to be resharpened frequently. I've used it to test bench stones, edge profiles and edge finishes. It still surprises me and has managed to spend more EDC time than any of my more expensive knives.
 
Great review. I was just in a store this week and got to handle the Monochrome for the first time. I was really impressed with its quality. It felt very secure, I really like 440C. It's a little on the small side for my liking, but for its price, you can't complain.
 
The way the handle flares at the pivot has always irked me slightly, does it force your hand off of the blade (can you get a 4 finger grip)?
 
hardheart said:
The way the handle flares at the pivot has always irked me slightly, does it force your hand off of the blade (can you get a 4 finger grip)?
Click to expand...
Yes, I can get a 4 finger grip. It takes a little getting used to, but it is not a problem, the only real issue I have with ergos, is that the handle behind the flare is a little thin, I have a wide hand with short fingers, so it feels different, but it is still very comfortable to hold and it is better overall in all grip positions than most knives, like the Native which is only comfortable in one position.
 
I've had one for about a year and have a lot of confidence in its overall strength and cutting ability. My only complaint is that due to the slick handle material and the handle being a little short for me, it doesn't always open easily. Sometimes my hand slides back as I'm pushing on the thumbstud.

I don't know if anyone else has that trouble or not.

Raja
 
my monochrome kicks ass. only downside is ss handles. i prefer composite or wood. the handle is ported enough for grip, but i'm usually wet, so ss gets slippery. otherwise pisser knife, on my top 10
 
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