Spyderco vs Benchmade?

Steven Andrews · Jun 25, 2010

A.P.F. · Jun 25, 2010

edamhcneb · Jun 25, 2010

BM for me, mostly because of the axis lock and the fact that most spyderco models pivot pin isn't adjustable or removable for takedown and cleaning. (that is most models, not all). Taking a BM apart does void the warranty however.

As for sharpness, I own several of each brand and both are hit and miss out of the box.

edamhcneb · Jun 25, 2010

Double Tap. Sorry

bh49 · Jun 25, 2010

Both companies make great knives.

SBaker34 said:
Desired bladelength is about 3-4 inches budget can be up to $200 for a unbelievable knife but preferable around $100 to have some spare cash. A strong lock is a must, as is a knife that can take some shock, I plan simply carry it around for self defense and just cases that a sharp knife would be useful. It would help for it to be razor sharp too. I don't plan to screw up trying to sharpen a $200 knife.

Probably Spyderco Superhawk would fit your bill. Great SD knife, if it fit your SD style (without SD skills any knife would be as useful almost as a tea spoon). Has SD rated lock, CF handle, VG10 blade steel. Originally was sold around $200. Now discontinued and can be found at discount prices around $115, which leave you enough cash to buy Sharpmaker (or Lansky, DMT) plus some inexpensive knife and learn how to sharpen. It is a good skill and much easier than you think. Just learn and practice.
Good luck

jlamb · Jun 25, 2010

Hands down-- spyderco or benchmade!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

richw · Jun 25, 2010

I don't own spydercos...

Here is what I own from benchmade that fits your desire:
Griptilian
Mini Grip
Mini Barrage
Kulgera

I would go with the mini grip if it were me. I just haven't needed a knife for self defense, so if I was carrying it just for that, I wouldn't carry a heavy knife for it. The mini grip has great tactile feel in my opinion, a slight false edge for stabbing, and an axis lock. Mine was very sharp. It can also be had for like $60-65....The mini barrage is about the same in terms of ability, with being a bit bulkier and less traction in the hand, but you get AO...The mini grip flies open anyway.

The kulgera looks nice and weights nothing. I am mixed about it.

Silverdagger · Jun 25, 2010

Have one Spyderco Native and two minigrips.

STR says Spyderco knows edge geometry. The minigrip sabre points are tough, but not good slicers.

They both build good knives. I think spyderco wins the edge geometry and new steel area.

If Benchmade falls off the planet and goes BK, I wouldn't care a bit. I can't say that about Syderco. I would care.

The owner of Spyderco seems like he cares about humanity and his customers. He posts on intenet boards, ask questions and answers them, of us, and takes peoples advice often times in bringing knives to the market. The owner of Benchmade would never do this.

I'll take Spydie, but admit BMade makes a good knife.

displacedtexan · Jun 25, 2010

goodeyesniper said:
Anyone who tells you either one or the other, is a liar. They both put out phenomenal knives, but it's pretty much personal preference who is "the best".

Exactly.

I don't like holes for opening, and I don't like the shape of Spyderco blades...

So even though I think Spyderco makes great knives, and I recommend them to people, I'll never own one.

J.Mattson · Jun 25, 2010

As said above both companies make good knives, trying to choose between them is going to come down to personal preference.

Josh K · Jun 25, 2010

PG5768 said:
Both companies make good folding knives. They both make some knives that come extremely sharp out of the box and some that aren't quite so sharp. Both make either all or some of their knives with thumb holes in the blade. The best way to find out which is better for you is try a couple different models from each company and see what you like.

In keeping with BF tradition, buy at least one of each knife that's recommended.

Then you'll know for sure.

+1. There are some Benchmade's I like and some Spyderco's I don't. Now I'm rocking a Sebenza groove. You'll end up with it all eventually.

mmarkh · Jun 25, 2010

SBaker34 said:
Desired bladelength is about 3-4 inches budget can be up to $200 for a unbelievable knife but preferable around $100 to have some spare cash. A strong lock is a must, as is a knife that can take some shock, I plan simply carry it around for self defense and just cases that a sharp knife would be useful. It would help for it to be razor sharp too. I don't plan to screw up trying to sharpen a $200 knife.

Both companies are excellent but if you are afraid of screwing up your knife Benchmade offers the Lifesharp program where all you do is send them the knife with return shipping costs and they will sharpen it for you. That said it's not that hard to sharpen a knife with a little practice.

brownshoe · Jun 25, 2010

Both companies make good knives. Benchmade stocks repair parts and has a more liberal warranty policy than Spyderco. Spyderco does not stock parts for non-US made knives that are not in production.

Josh K · Jun 25, 2010

brownshoe said:
Both companies make good knives. Benchmade stocks repair parts and has a more liberal warranty policy than Spyderco. Spyderco does not stock parts for non-US made knives that are not in production.

Actually I believe they don't stock parts for any non-US made knives, not simply the ones not in production.

brownshoe · Jun 25, 2010

Yes you're right. For US made knives, they have parts (naturally) when still in production, but not afterwards unless it is shared with another knife (e.g. screw, clip.)

Skimo · Jun 25, 2010

SBaker34 said:
Desired bladelength is about 3-4 inches budget can be up to $200 for a unbelievable knife but preferable around $100 to have some spare cash. A strong lock is a must, as is a knife that can take some shock, I plan simply carry it around for self defense and just cases that a sharp knife would be useful. It would help for it to be razor sharp too. I don't plan to screw up trying to sharpen a $200 knife.

Over time.... your knife will lose it's razor edge.

Seems like you need to research a bit, go to the prac/tac section, the Mx/tinkering/embellishment, the SPCO section and visit the BM forums.

Also in the Mx/tinkering/embellishment section there are people who will sharpen your knife for you if you don't know how.

Most locks won't ever encounter any real shock with normal use, if you plan on that happening a folder probably isn't the right blade for you.

Most locks CAN take some abuse, but just know that they are NOT designed for that.

I didn't read any one else's reply, so if I'm repeating anything, it bears repeating.

freq18hz · Jun 25, 2010

Bill86 said:
Benchmade, I don't want my handles man out of some sissy plastic

Seriously though they both make good knives and as a few people had the honesty to say it boils down to pure preference. Do you want a hole or a thumbstud? I'd say spyderco definitely offers cheaper knives, but I like the benchmade quality and service. You WONT regret ordering a knife from either of these companies though. I will say they both offer different steels but Benchmade also has the gold class knives which are closer to customs and have a much better fit and finish than anything spyderco puts out....BUT there is a FAT price tag on those. Benchmade also has assisted knives, NOT SURE spyderco does. Axis lock is awesome, but you can wave the spyderco's and some have the wave on it already.

I respect your opinion, but personally I think the quality of the Sage 2 is as good or better than anything benchmade makes, regardless of price.

To the OP: As said above both companies make great knives. It's really what you prefer. Personally I started with Benchmade, now I'm a spyderco fan. I've never had a dull Spyderco, they always come razor sharp. Benchmade not so much.

But benchmade does have Legendary customer service. Absolutely amazing customer support. Then again, I've never had to use Spyderco's customer service, so I can't attest to that.

FYI this topic is about as futile as the Mac vs. PC argument, digital vs. analog, beef vs. chicken.

My choices:

Mac, analog, beef, Spyderco.

-Freq

SBaker34 · Jun 25, 2010

It seems there is no clear answer so I will shop around for whatever suits my purpose the best. So far however I rather like the design of the BM 710.

mmarkh · Jun 25, 2010

SBaker34 said:
It seems there is no clear answer so I will shop around for whatever suits my purpose the best. So far however I rather like the design of the BM 710.

That is a very nice knife IMHO. You have to watch some of the opinions around here. Some people might have only one Benchmade and spout off how Spydercos come sharper.

You might have people with zero Spydercos and say Benchmade is better. Trust me when I say they are both good companies. Not every knife appeals to everyone so you may have to take a leap of faith and buy something without holding it. Go to youtube and search some of the knives to get more opinions. But that's all you will get on the internet is opinion.

singularity35 · Jun 25, 2010

SBaker34 said:
It seems there is no clear answer so I will shop around for whatever suits my purpose the best. So far however I rather like the design of the BM 710.

With your posted question, you will never get a consensus. Without owning a knife you will never know if it is what you want or need. As the saying goes "opinions are like belly buttons....". Your clear answer has been stated many times. If you refuse to accept that...well. Here it is one more time.

Clear Answer: Both companies make good knives. Just find one you like. Likely you won't go wrong.

Spyderco vs Benchmade?

Steven Andrews

A.P.F.

edamhcneb

edamhcneb

bh49

jlamb

richw

Silverdagger

displacedtexan

J.Mattson

Josh K

mmarkh

brownshoe

I support this site with my MIND

Josh K

brownshoe

I support this site with my MIND

Skimo

freq18hz

SBaker34

mmarkh

singularity35