Sibert Bushcraft differences?

LostViking

LostViking

Joined
Jan 1, 2009
Messages
3,427
Howdy Benchmade Folks,

I am about ready to finally grab a 162 Bushcraft. I see there is a new 162-1. They look very similar. Only differences I can see are the handles are a different color, and no liners, and kydex instead of leather.

I am leaning toward the original. Sort of like the blue with the red liners, and prefer leather to kydex.

Are the handles the same thickness since the 162-1 doesn't seem to have liners?

I have read so much about this knife. Rocky Mt BC did a lot to convince me it is a heck of a knife.

The handles definitely seem to be a polorizing factor. It seems very much a love hate thing. With much of the hate coming from folks who don't have one. I realize not every knife fits every hand.

I like the stainless aspect of rhe 162. Having to carry a tube of mineral oil is something I have always done, but would be happy to avoid.

Also, I would like to hear more about how these blades intergrate into everyday life. I have tried to be a scandi lover. I really have. For strictly wood working they work very well. On onions and peppers, not so much. So I was looking for feedback on the more general capabilities of this knife.

I have quized a couple members here privately. And they are almost rabid in their love of this knife. So I thought I would open it up a bit and ask here on the forum.

This would be my first Benchmade, I would like it to be a better than good experience.


Feedback welcome,
Thanks,
LV
 
Those are the only differences I know of as well. I wish I could get the 162-1 with the leather sheath, I have a serious unnatural dislike for that kydex sheath for some unknown reason.
 
rxavage said:
Those are the only differences I know of as well. I wish I could get the 162-1 with the leather sheath, I have a serious unnatural dislike for that kydex sheath for some unknown reason.
Click to expand...

Me too, not sure why. I am sort of a Luddite. Still prefer wooden snowshoes too.

I see the leather sheath can be ordered seperately. But obviously that would add to the cost. I thought about that myself.
 
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I have one of the originals and love it. It has proven to be a good design for camping and hunting. The handle shape has never bothered me. I know some people complain about the shape, but I do not carve for hours with it. It takes and holds a great edge. You will like whatever model you get.
 
Hi LV. The handle on the original is kind of a bluish-green. It is really nice with the red liners. I kind of wanted the coyote one at one point , but after I settled down and thought of it more, I think it's kind of an ugly color; more beige than a real coyote brown. The original looks a lot more bushcrafty to me.

After dealing with kydex for a while, I realised I don't like it as much as traditional leather , plus I custom make most of my own sheaths. This plus the fact I don't like the color of the 162-1 sealed that decision.

It's a bushknife first , but it'll do what you need to with camp food prep. It's not going to slice tomatoes 1/8" like a ginzu knife ; it's too thick for that. Will it cut your food for you? Sure it will. I've cut fish heads off, sliced cheese , buttered bread , then battoned with it , went back for a snack later and sliced salami. You get the idea.

Just grab an original for a good price as you can ( I think anything under $200 is good) and give it a go. I really think your going to like it a lot. :thumbup:

Pete :)
 
One of my camping buddies carries a 162 as his only woods knife. He has been very pleased with it. I have used it myself, and find the handle a bit blocky, but the knife takes, and holds, a wicked edge. It really 'bites' when carving or making feather sticks.
 
I love mine as well, I have the original. I'm also in the "not a fan of kydex" crowd, the leather sheath works, it's not the greatest, but I can't really complain about it either. I wrap everything I can that goes in my pack or in to the mountains with me with paracord, and the leather sheath is really easy to do that with, the kydex does seem like it wouldn't work as well for that. I've thought about rounding the handles myself, but I can't really say that the shape of them as they come from the factory is an issue, I don't remember ever feeling like I felt hot spots when using it, but knives like my Koyotes and Beckers make me wonder. I do wonder why BM doesn't suppy a ferro rod with the knife, I think most people would pay an extra $5 to get one with it. I highly reccomend the knife. Brad.
 
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