So…what’s a benchmade anyway?

Security1 said:
So, I’m fairly new to my new knife obsession and have acquired a few new Bucks and some custom knives. Seen references to the spyderco and benchmade knives so I started browsing through the many selections online….have a benchmade bug out 535 blue on order lol
Click to expand...
Haha nice, you'll like it, its a great gateway knife.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DMG
Ti scales, and S90V steel: what more could you ask for?
 
I prefer Spyderco by a lot, you can have the same "action" as an axis lock with a comp lock or a caged ball-bearing lock, in my opinion. They're more fun with more steels, customizable as well. I do not like those springs, something about it. Ierno, maybe I'd feel differently if I had a Benchmade, take me with a grain of salt. I just got an axis lock yesterday and was like "Oh, so it feels like using the back of a comp-lock". As for aesthetics, they just look completely pedestrian to me... I do not know why. The 940 and Adamas seem kind of cool. That is about it. I feel as though Spyderco has more variety, more steel... Nothing bad to say about Benchmade, just a lot more good to say about Spyderco.

When I think I want to grab a Bugout, I will grab a RAT2, or a small comp-locked Spyderco. That's my Bugout.
 
My first practical Benchmade was the Griptilion, a knife I still use a lot today, but the knife that really turned me onto Benchmade was the Crooked River.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DMG
Hashishiin said:
I prefer Spyderco by a lot, you can have the same "action" as an axis lock with a comp lock or a caged ball-bearing lock, in my opinion. They're more fun with more steels, customizable as well. I do not like those springs, something about it. Ierno, maybe I'd feel differently if I had a Benchmade, take me with a grain of salt. I just got an axis lock yesterday and was like "Oh, so it feels like using the back of a comp-lock". As for aesthetics, they just look completely pedestrian to me... I do not know why. The 940 and Adamas seem kind of cool. That is about it. I feel as though Spyderco has more variety, more steel... Nothing bad to say about Benchmade, just a lot more good to say about Spyderco.

When I think I want to grab a Bugout, I will grab a RAT2, or a small comp-locked Spyderco. That's my Bugout.
Click to expand...

I'm in the same boat, and I've got other issues with BM. Spyderco is a decent company and they make some cool stuff. Their RockJumper was my carry knife today and I later used a Z-Cut in the kitchen.

Hogue is another great alternative to BM. The RSK and Mini RSK offer a similar form factor with arguably better value. The Deka seems to be the main competitor to the Bugout but I haven't tried it yet. I plan to pick one up when the MagnaCut model drops.

S Security1 , it's worth checking out the daily carry thread if you haven't already. (EDC XVIII Which knife or knives are you carrying today?) People post some great pics over there and you can see what members here are carrying on a daily basis. Definitely look into Spyderco and Hogue. Also check out WE and their budget brand, Civivi. They have all sorts of fun designs and offer incredible value. Kizer is another company worth exploring.
 
This one won’t get many likes on Zuckerborks Instabook, but it’s a damn fine knife

iTUNDje.jpg
 
OP, Benchmade makes great knives. I've recently come back to them after what you could call a long hiatus, and have fallen for the brand and their knives all over again. Some folks in this thread are mentioning Spyderco (and rightly so, because they're a great company), but don't let the talk of steels fool you. Benchmade has models that come with blades in: M390, S90v, Cruwear, 3V, 20cv, and on and on. If there's a specific steel you prefer, BM probably has a knife in it, although it may be like Spyderco with their PM2s, in that it's a special run model you'll have to track down. Spyderco does have more steels overall, but if you're just starting out collecting, it's not a bad idea to have knives in the tried-and-true main market steels first. Not every knife needs Superblue, for example. Also, the AXIS lock is the ultimate fidgit lock, and with a little practice, you're able to get to where you can pull the knife out of your pocket, pull the bar back with a fingertip, swinging the knife freely open, use the knife, then depress the lockbar again, swing it closed, and back into your pocket in a smooth motion. Pretty sweet. I personally am not a fan of the compression lock, because you can pinch the "meat" of a fingertip if you aren't paying attention. I've certainly had enough PM2s at this point to know.

Benchmade's designs are a bit more industrial and rugged, whereas Spyderco's are a bit more refined, and both companies, if you want their premium products, be prepared to pay out.

My current BM favorites are the current Adamas (pick a size, pick a color, pick manual or auto, and you're off to the races) and the Freek. I have several more, but these work for me right now. Also, the Bugout...ooof, they make that knife in endless variations, with a bunch of different steels, handle colors and materials, spread out over two sizes, the regular and the Mini. Also, most of the big retailers seem to have their own exclusive models of the Bugout, so happy hunting!!
 
awjones said:
This one won’t get many likes on Zuckerborks Instabook, but it’s a damn fine knife

iTUNDje.jpg
Click to expand...
I really want a fullsize Presidio II in that bronze color with a fullsize blade in 20cv without teeth. I don't know if they make that particular knife, though. Like these a lot.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top