spyderco v.s benchmade

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newb87

Joined
Dec 30, 2009
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im looking for my first nice edc folder, and i am torn between several models. my two top choices are the spyderco sage, or the d2 griptilian from cabelas. also on my list if i choose to splurge are the spyderco paramilitary, the s30v ritter grip, or maybe the mini grip. even the spyderco bradley is on my list as a possible choice. i need some guidance. i love the axis lock on the benchmade, but the spyderco seems like it has more bang for the buck. also, how is the compression lock on the paramilitary, and is the walker liner lock different from other liner locks? any advice is greatly appreciated
 
Walker liner lock and liner lock generally mean the same thing. Walker liner lock specifies there is a ball detent on the liner, which helps keep the knife closed until you want it open.

The compression lock is one of the best locks on the market. It is incredibly strong, ambidextrous and very smooth and easy to operate. It also allows for a light-weight, easy to clean knife.

All the models you are looking at are good knives. I personally prefer the Spydercos for their opening hole, thinner handles which are more comfortable in the pocket, and as you say they're typically more bang for the buck. Typically I find Spydercos more comfortable to hold too, but the full sized griptilian fits my hand very well too.
 
Well, the Bradley is about 135.00.
So I'd spend another 20 and get the limited edition Ritter Grip in M4.
Great blade shape, Axis lock and M4 steel you can't beat it!
 
also i wonder how good of a steel do i really need for edc purposes as i dont see alot of heavy cutting tasks regularly, just am a hobbyist and enjoy a good knife
 
newb87 said:
im looking for my first nice edc folder, and i am torn between several models. my two top choices are the spyderco sage, or the d2 griptilian from cabelas. also on my list if i choose to splurge are the spyderco paramilitary, the s30v ritter grip, or maybe the mini grip. even the spyderco bradley is on my list as a possible choice. i need some guidance. i love the axis lock on the benchmade, but the spyderco seems like it has more bang for the buck. also, how is the compression lock on the paramilitary, and is the walker liner lock different from other liner locks? any advice is greatly appreciated
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sounds like a smackdown........

more bang for the buck?
 
newb87 said:
also i wonder how good of a steel do i really need for edc purposes as i dont see alot of heavy cutting tasks regularly, just am a hobbyist and enjoy a good knife
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Than either BRAND blade will serve you fine, no need to analyze anything more with the above statement as the scope of your worries.
 
if i was you i would get the paramilitary. i like the big handle. the ritter grip is nice but i find the AXIS lock gimmicky. sure it is cool but i like the compression lock better. in regard to the steel it sounds like it doesnt matter. i anything you could wait for the paramilitary 2.
 
I prefer Spyderco to Benchmade every time, i feel my dollars go further.
 
I would definitely go with a Spyderco, specifically a Paramilitary, but you can't really go wrong with any of them. I was in your shoes about a year ago with the same question. After buying (and reselling) lots and lots of knives, I am finally happy with the Spyderco Paramilitary. The Spydercos are easily the sharpest factory blades I've found. I like the Para because it has G10 handles, the compression lock, and a bit of belly to the edge. The Sage is hard to beat also. The carbon fiber is nice, but not quite as grippy as the G10. Either way you'd get a great knife.

The Benchmade Griptilian is nice, but I've found their D2 to be a bit toothy and rough straight from the factory. I have the 154CM version to be clear, but I've had other BM D2 knives. The FRN (Noryl GTX) handles are very tough, I know, but they just feel cheap. They also have a slight bit of give to them when squeezing the handle and can sometimes cause lateral blade play if there's enough flexibility in the FRN. The Para and Sage both feel rock solid.

I can't speak to the Ritters, but IMO the same problem of handle material applies. At that price point, my preference lies with G10 or carbon fiber. I haven't owned or handled one, but an educated guess tells me you can't go wrong with a Spyderco Bradley either.
 
The Para or the Manix 2 would be my top choices. Among Benchmades, I would buy the 520, although it is much more expensive.
 
The Walker liner lock is just giving respect to the maker that invented it. Just like Spyderco calls it a Reeve Integral Lock instead of a frame lock. I have never seen a liner lock that did not use a ball detent as that would just be dangerous.

I would also like to know what is "gimmicky" about the AXIS lock? It is a great piece of engineering. It is strong, ambidextrous, will adjust for wear, both locks the knife open and holds the blade closed with the same spring pressure, and it keeps your fingers out of the blade path. I would say it just plain works with no gimmicks about it.

Spyderco may have some cheaper knives that provide a great value for what you get and Benchmade doesn't really have a counterpart to. But once you get to the $100 price point Benchmade is going to give you the same great steel with outstanding heat treat, the same great materials, and the same great build quality that Spydero gives you. Don't let that thought sway you as they both make great knives.

It always helps to know what you are going to use the knife for, how much you are looking to spend, and what size knife you like to carry or are limited to by law.

For Spyderco I would look at the stretch 2 (zdp steel if you can pull it), caly 3, or Manix 2.

Benchmade check out the 950, 14205, 710, and griptilian series.
 
All the knives are good but I don't recommend the D2 ritter grip... BM's D2 is a bitch to sharpen, I would go with a diff. steel
 
FlaMtnBkr said:
The Walker liner lock is just giving respect to the maker that invented it. Just like Spyderco calls it a Reeve Integral Lock instead of a frame lock. I have never seen a liner lock that did not use a ball detent as that would just be dangerous.

I would also like to know what is "gimmicky" about the AXIS lock? It is a great piece of engineering. It is strong, ambidextrous, will adjust for wear, both locks the knife open and holds the blade closed with the same spring pressure, and it keeps your fingers out of the blade path. I would say it just plain works with no gimmicks about it.

Spyderco may have some cheaper knives that provide a great value for what you get and Benchmade doesn't really have a counterpart to. But once you get to the $100 price point Benchmade is going to give you the same great steel with outstanding heat treat, the same great materials, and the same great build quality that Spydero gives you. Don't let that thought sway you as they both make great knives.

It always helps to know what you are going to use the knife for, how much you are looking to spend, and what size knife you like to carry or are limited to by law.

For Spyderco I would look at the stretch 2 (zdp steel if you can pull it), caly 3, or Manix 2.

Benchmade check out the 950, 14205, 710, and griptilian series.
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i think it works well but i also think it is gimmicky. gimmicky in the sense that honestly that lock is probably kept them afloat. although they have some better designs this year. in my own experience the axis lock has failed and now broke. i bet BM will fix it but it doesnt really matter. i dont like the thin omega springs that make it work. if you want the AXIS lock affect of being able to quickly open and close the knife one handed i would opt for a spyderco compression lock or caged ball bearing lock they use either the liner or a big spring which i doubt will break anytime soon. that is just my experience. if you like knives and are trying to get a first "good" knife i would say to try the AXIS lock and draw your own opinion. also spydercos will come sharper out of the box.
 
There are several things that in my opinion make the Sage 1 a superior EDC to the Grip or mini-grip.

1) S30V premium steel vs 154CM
2) Carbon fiber scales vs. Noryl GTX
3) The wire clip allows for more discreet carry
4) Full flat grind on the Sage

On the other hand, if you are a lefty like me, the Axis lock is more lefty friendly. However, although the Sage is made for righties, I have no issues with one-handed open and close with my left.

The full-size Griptilian has a size advantage over the Sage, if you want a blade over 3 inches.



And finally, I like the slimness of the Sage’s handle. Although wider (Blade width) than the grippy, the Sage is slim, by almost 1/8th of an inch.

Overall, I just think the Sage, which is selling now for 70-80 bucks, putting it in the same price range, makes it a better buy than the Grip.
 
i don't find the d2 hard to sharpen at all. I have 5 benchmade's with d2 and as long as you keep them sharp, when they are getting a little dull give them a few swipes on the diamond hone and they are just as sharp as ever.
 
gundude73 said:
i think it works well but i also think it is gimmicky. gimmicky in the sense that honestly that lock is probably kept them afloat. although they have some better designs this year. in my own experience the axis lock has failed and now broke. i bet BM will fix it but it doesnt really matter. i dont like the thin omega springs that make it work. if you want the AXIS lock affect of being able to quickly open and close the knife one handed i would opt for a spyderco compression lock or caged ball bearing lock they use either the liner or a big spring which i doubt will break anytime soon. that is just my experience. if you like knives and are trying to get a first "good" knife i would say to try the AXIS lock and draw your own opinion. also spydercos will come sharper out of the box.
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I don't think the AXIS lock has kept Benchmade afloat. It would be interesting to know the annual sales figures and number of employees each company has but I'm pretty sure Benchmade is quite a bit bigger than Spyderco. One lock type didn't get them to that position. I like both companies and except for some Kershaws they make up most of my collection. I still don't think "gimmicky" is the right word you are looking for. A gimmick is something that is supposed to work but doesn't or not very well. The lock works great and calling it gimmicky just doesn't seem suiting for one of the best designed knife locks around.

Edit: From the way everyone talks around here you would think Benchmade is on the edge of bankruptcy. It is my understanding that they are making knives at maximum capacity and in the process of expanding. You don't get to that position by putting out substandard, over priced, or gimmicky products. Yeah they have done some silly things that have ticked me off but they are still a good company.

I played with a compression lock and maybe I just didn't handle it long enough but it did not have the same ease of opening and closing that the AXIS has. I also have the caged BB lock on my S90V manix 2 that I carry just about every day and it is not as easy to use as the AXIS lock. That coil spring is hard to overcome. I'm also not worried about the omega springs breaking. I had one break and 10 minutes with a pair of pliers and some wire and I had new ones made that have been going strong ever since.

And you also say Spydercos WILL be sharper. Come on now, they are both final sharpened by hand. It depends on the worker and what kind of day he is having. I have had really sharp knives from both companies and have also had one or two dull ones from both. Saying that like it is absolute fact is just misleading.
 
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OP, you can't go wrong with any of your choices. Personally, I love Spyderco. Not only do I have a preference for their knives, but their company seems to be very top notch. The Sage and Para are both knives I am very interested in, Benchmade doesn't really interest me at all, but they make very fine knives. Do you have much experience with either brand??

Keyman said:
Well, the Bradley is about 135.00.
So I'd spend another 20 and get the limited edition Ritter Grip in M4.
Great blade shape, Axis lock and M4 steel you can't beat it!
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Wait, isn't the Bradley in m4 as well??? Also with a great blade shape, and a great, but different than the Axis, lock... I'd think at that point, it's just a matter of personal preference. As a Spydie fan, I'd obviously opt for the slightly cheaper, if your prices are correct, Bradley.

I really like the Bradley, but I'm holding out for the Ti/m4 Military that I'm on the list for :D
 
FlaMtnBkr said:
I don't think the AXIS lock has kept Benchmade afloat. It would be interesting to know the annual sales figures and number of employees each company has but I'm pretty sure Benchmade is quite a bit bigger than Spyderco. One lock type didn't get them to that position. I like both companies and except for some Kershaws they make up most of my collection. I still don't think "gimmicky" is the right word you are looking for. A gimmick is something that is supposed to work but doesn't or not very well. The lock works great and calling it gimmicky just doesn't seem suiting for one of the best designed knife locks around.

I played with a compression lock and maybe I just didn't handle it long enough but it did not have the same ease of opening and closing that the AXIS has. I also have the caged BB lock on my S90V manix 2 that I carry just about every day and it is not as easy to use as the AXIS lock. That coil spring is hard to overcome. I'm also not worried about the omega springs breaking. I had one break and 10 minutes with a pair of pliers and some wire and I had new ones made that have been going strong ever since.

And you also say Spydercos WILL be sharper. Come on now, they are both final sharpened by hand. It depends on the worker and what kind of day he is having. I have had really sharp knives from both companies and have also had one or two dull ones from both. Saying that like it is absolute fact is just misleading.
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well i am going by MY experience. i will say that the compression lock takes some getting used to. but once you do it is on par with the AXIS. from my experience both of my benchmades came rather dull (530 and 913). the 530 was good for like a year than the omega spring broke. the 913 on the other hand came offcentered, hard to open, and dull. and both of my spydercos (ladybug and Paramilitary) came extremely sharp. and they have yet to let me down. i am just saying my experience. now some of my extended family has benchmades and they really like them. so i could have had two lemons :confused:. and if that is the case i have bad luck.
 
I like both brands but my favourite folder is definitely a Benchmade HK14205. I like Benchmade designs more than Spyderco but Jerry Hossom's designs for Spyderco are very cool. I also think the AXIS lock is one of the best locks ever designed and the Benchmade HK14205 came razor sharp.
 
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