Spyderco versus Benchmade (in praise of the Paramilitary)

Took a few comparison shots. Some in hand too. I really like the Native 5 so I put that in there. The new Benchmade Crooked River is at the top for a size comparison to the 710. The 710 is a great knife and it carries really well. Love the PM2 when I go hiking. The 940 has a long blade for such a slim design and it's a truly great knife. I wear a medium to large glove.
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Grab one Wolfie!!!! I think KW still has some with M390 left! That's what mine is and it is a beast!!!! You won't regret it my friend!!!
Swimming pool tile???? LMAO!!!!
 
Hell of a line up right there Aus!!!!
LOVE that M4 710!!!! Just missed one on the Exchange couple weeks ago!!
Joe
 
palonej said:
Hell of a line up right there Aus!!!!
LOVE that M4 710!!!! Just missed one on the Exchange couple weeks ago!!
Joe
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Thanks! Oh yeah it's an awesome knife. Paid quite a bit for this one but totally worth it.
 
I've had some great Spydercos in the past, and will no doubt in the future, as well. In fact, a G-10 Manbug is on my list to get soon. However, I doubt I'll ever own a Paramilitary 2. I've never understood the love for the compression lock. It just feels awkward to me, especially compared to the Axis lock. Also, I may be wrong, but the PM2 handles resemble the Military's too much for my comfort. I did have a Military, briefly, and pretty much hated it.


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The PM2 has the best ergonomics of any knife I ve owned, including the big three mid techs discussed in these forums. Much better price than comparable Benchmades. Better edc than the Military for most of my uses.
 
mjpgolf1 said:
I love both Spyderco and Benchmade. I have 5 benchmades "2 Grips, 2 Mini Grips, and the new Foray" and I have 6 Spydercos "PM2, Delica 4, Dragonfly, Gayle Bradley II, Tenacious, and Persistance". I will say that for the money Spyderco wins every time. As much as I love my Griptilians I can't believe that you spend $100 and get a knife with a plastic handle. So I have to go and spend another $80-$100 on decent scales to make the knife what it should've been in the first place. So as far as I'm concerned Benchmade needs to either step it up on their current models and get the quality inline with the price or they need to offer these entry level knives at a more affordable price.

In comparison I put the Delica in the same boat as the mini grip and the endura inline with the full sized grip, but the delica and endura can be bought for $60 and the grips are at $100. That to me is just ridiculous. For just about the same money as a full size grip you can almost get a PM2 and in my opinion the Griptilian couldn't sniff the PM2s shorts in terms of quality.

Ok, my rant is over.
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That may have been a rant , but it is right on. Spyderco is known for many models that are bargains, but occasionally a new model doesn t follow that pattern. Benchmades are expensive. Facts are facts.
 
I can't figure out which one I prefer between a PM2 and a Griptilian. Both are excellent.
Roughly same price.
 
You HAD to know this was coming FMJ..........BOTH!!!


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This is the golden age for knife lovers. So many great blades out there. Para 2 is one of my favorites for sure. If I could only keep one knife my blue m390 Para 2 would probably get the nod though I would probably switch scales with my brown one.
Its nice to have options and while my collection is dominated by Spyderco's I do enjoy the Benchmade's, ZT's, Emerson's, and Kershaw's I have as well. I have plans to get more of each as funds allow.
 
whp said:
That may have been a rant , but it is right on. Spyderco is known for many models that are bargains, but occasionally a new model doesn t follow that pattern. Benchmades are expensive. Facts are facts.
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I don't know if Spydercos are so much of a bargain or just priced where they should be for a piece of sharp steel on the end of a handle, while benchmades are just plain out too much money for what you get. You literraly have to spend upwards of $200 in the Benchmade lineup to get a high quality knife. We've all been brainwashed for so long now that we think nothing of spending $100+ on a folding pocket knife. If you really stop and think about that it's crazy. I mean what really goes into producing a knife. People have been doing the same tasks with knives they bought at Walmart for $5 for decades and they have always managed to get the job done. I know I'm just as guilty as all of you as well as I have dozens of these expensive pieces of steel, but if you really stop and think about what we call a bargain it's crazy.
 
Sal Glesser said:
Hi Tom,

Welcome to our forum.

sal
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Thanks!

I just took delivery on a Manix-1 today. I have never had a knife that fit into my hand like it was made for it the way that one does. My compliments (well, pass them on to Eric).

And for the rest of you -- we really ought to move a lot of this over to the benchmade forum, but ..... I was handling a 484 and a 940 (both -1 versions, not that it matters). The 484 was the first stud knife where my thumb can find the stud easily on the first try.
The 940 -- a whole different matter, the stud is tucked in much too close to the handle. Remember I have carried a 940 for years, so you would think I would be used to it. Maybe it is a sensible compromise to make the knife slim for everyday carry.
If you are just going to open the knife to cut the tape on a box or cut up an apple, there is no need to fuss about more "combat oriented" aspects of the knife I suppose. The 484 is too short for my taste, but a nice knife.

The bottom line -- I like knives built for the hand.
 
AusLoX said:
Took a few comparison shots.
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Nice line of knives -- and nice photos. I was just trying to shoot some pictures, and well -- maybe it is getting late. I'll try again tomorrow, too much reflection off the blade. I'll have to take a look at the 710 -- maybe next months paycheck.
 
Tucson_Tom said:
Thanks!

I just took delivery on a Manix-1 today. I have never had a knife that fit into my hand like it was made for it the way that one does. My compliments (well, pass them on to Eric).

And for the rest of you -- we really ought to move a lot of this over to the benchmade forum, but ..... I was handling a 484 and a 940 (both -1 versions, not that it matters). The 484 was the first stud knife where my thumb can find the stud easily on the first try.
The 940 -- a whole different matter, the stud is tucked in much too close to the handle. Remember I have carried a 940 for years, so you would think I would be used to it. Maybe it is a sensible compromise to make the knife slim for everyday carry.
If you are just going to open the knife to cut the tape on a box or cut up an apple, there is no need to fuss about more "combat oriented" aspects of the knife I suppose. The 484 is too short for my taste, but a nice knife.

The bottom line -- I like knives built for the hand.
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But remember we all have different hands
 
ktmbigfan said:
The 710 has one glaring problem I can't be alone on. The thumb stud is to close to the handle. Otherwise the knife it excellent Benchmade doesn't
Tug on my wallet as much as Spyderco or some other brands do.
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https://vimeo.com/162894379

Little late, but this is how I open my 710 with the tip f my thumb and never had a problem!
Sweet knife ain't it???
Joe
 
Tucson_Tom said:
Yes!!

I never intended it to be a "confrontational" comparison. I just found myself over the past week contrasting and comparing the two (based on the knives I have) and drawing conclusions. I think the comment that "Spyderco knives are made for the hand, not the eye", if I paraphrase it correctly, does hit the mark. I also think that what you say about getting more for your money with Spyderco is generally true.

Ignoring my misplaced AFCK, my Benchmade roundup includes the 930, 940, 746 (mini-onslaught), and the griptillian with hole. The 940 is widely admired, but has never been a big winner with me. It's great virtue is that it is tiny and feather light. The 940-1 is beautiful, but it is a "gentleman's knive". Not that there is anything wrong with that, but you pay for the looks. I don't think there is any comparison between the 940 and the PM2 -- they are totally different knives. the 940 is slim, light, almost delicate -- the PM2 is rough and tough and big. Both are great knives in their own way.

Both companies have great knives and a great reputation. Benchmade has a really superb reputation for customer service (not that I have ever needed it). Benchmade offers many things that have no comparison in the Spyderco line. Both companies offer things that don't interest me at all.

The Benchmade 710 looks nice. No hole though. Decent price. D2 steel. I have learned that I really need to hold a knife to "know".
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The 746 is probably the Benchmade that I was most surprised by, it's a phenomenal knife.
 
I have far more Spyderco knives than I do Benchmades. They simply connect with me more however I will say that the 940-1 is EDC perfection. I carry it more than any other knife in the collection
 
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