The battle for my keyring....

M

MacTech

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Jan 7, 2006
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I have 3 keyring knives vying for space on my keyring, the contenders are;

Buck Metro; Pros- unique oval shape, integrated bottle opener, opening triangle thumbhole, one handed opening
Cons; 420J2 steel, 1" blade length, linerlock

Spyderco Jester; Pros- SpyderEdge, dual finger choils, one handed opening, Spyderhole, durable FRN handle, Photon II Microlight
Cons; AUS-6 steel, can accidentaly open in pocket (has happened twice so far, no cuts or blood yet)

Benchmade Benchmite II; Pros, razor sharp plain edge, Levitator lock locks the blade closed as well as open, *no* chance of accidental opening in pocket, AUS-8 steel, all metal construction
Cons; Levitator lock prevents one-handed opening

the Buck Metro is automatically disqualified due to crappy bladesteel and substandard blade length

the Jester loses points for less than optimal bladesteel and the risk of accidental openings in the pocket, which has happened twice so far, luckilly neither time resulted in a cut, however, the SpyderHole does have a major advantage for one handed opening....

the Benchmite II has better steel and feels more solid, due to it's all metal construction, the Levitator lock allieviates the problem of accidental opening, but also prevents one-handed opening, a point against it....

so, the contenders come down to the Jester and the Benchmite II, will the convenience of one handed opening of the Jester outweigh the better bladesteel and all metal construction of the Benchmite....

which would be the better keyring knife?
 
I had a Benchmite for a while.

I loved it.

I miss it. :(

No experience with the other two knives.
 
The jester being accidently opened in the pocket, automatically disqualify it in my eyes. You dont want to have to worry about cutting your fingers every time you reach for your keys.
 
Brian6244 said:
I had a Benchmite for a while.

I loved it.

I miss it. :(

No experience with the other two knives.
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For the record, I'm referring to the original Benchmite. I just noticed it's dicontinued. I'm not so sure how I feel about what they replaced it with.
 
Unfortunately, that one is discontinued as well, I would like to find one of those myself :(
 
I'd just like to add that I have a Benchmite II and it's not hard to open one handed. It takes a little practice, but you just have to hold the lock in and do a good flick. It's actually fun and easy with a day's practice. Not all of them might be so easy, so play with some in a store or ask the guys at NGK, but yes, you can definitely one hand open the benchmite
 
MacTech said:
the Buck Metro is automatically disqualified due to crappy bladesteel and substandard blade length
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What are you going to use this little knife for that blade length and steel are going to matter? 420j2 will do a fine job of opening boxes, the mail, etc. And I seriously doubt the liner lock on a one inch blade would fail and cause catastrophic damage... and if it does, you were probably doing something you shouldn't have been doing with a knife that small.

If you want a really good keychain knife, look for a Victorinox Classic in Alox.
 
I carry a Classic myself. I got the blue with an inlaid Shield of David.

If you want to think outside the box for a real working keychain knife, get a small Douk-Douk, or the spearpoint version, L'Ecureuil (the squirrel). Dangerously sharp carbon steel blade, metal handle, strong bail. It will not open without a deliberate effort on your part. No lock to fail. It doesn't look much like anything else you carry. :)
 
where to obtain a douk-douk or L'Ecureuil ?

I've heard of the douk-douk's, but not aware of who makes them ?
 
Esav Benyamin said:
I carry a Classic myself. I got the blue with an inlaid Shield of David.
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I'd be interested to see that one! that sounds like a great looking knife.


I'd go with the benchmite. I have a couple of the originals and I love them.

pete
 
I own both of the knife.

I like Benchmite II better though. It feels more secure and solid in the hand. The knife can be use as an EDC without any major problem. However, for the key chain, it might be a bit too heavy. I like the blade and their edge holding, this little knife is not bad at all. And it has the cool factor from a lot of non-knife users as well. This knife is my EDC now.

For Jester, it is much lighter. And it is usable as the key chain knife. The steel is not my cup of tea. I like its size and weight, because I think this is their good point. Benchmite II is catering for something more serious work.

Anyway, Spyderco Starling and Spyderco Finch is coming out though. Both of them are very cheap at about $15 and has a good steel. According to Cliff Stamp review work on the steel (Spyderco Pelican, Meadowlark, Cara Cara), he like this steel a lot and it might even comparable to ATS-34.

So I might buy either one of these new spydercos. I think it might make a better keychain knife than Benchmite II. However, it still does not resolve the open accidentally problem though.
 
I don't think liner lock is a real disadvantage for a small knife like this. I wold chose the Buck Metro because of the caplifter and the useful bladeshape, but that's just me. Of course those tiny blades can't replace a real folder. BTW I carry a Leatherman Micra and a Swisstech on my keyring, and I'm totally satisfied with them.
 
I have a tiny Opinel on my keychain, it replaced the SAK classic about 6 months ago. Personsally I don't worry about blade steel on such a light duty knife. I only use the things to remove splinters and occasionally pick my teeth.:D
 
yobbos1 said:
I only use the things to remove splinters ...
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I never pick splinters with anything less capable than my 9" filet knife ... it fits pretty well on my keyring but keeps banging into my knee!
 
the al mar osprey has been my Perfect keyring knife. i went through a police necklace and jester before finding it. small, SHARP, secure lock, and very pretty. has not let me down at all. it's an awesome wee beastie!
 
I never pick splinters with anything less capable than my 9" filet knife ... it fits pretty well on my keyring but keeps banging into my knee!
Today 09:18 AM


Geez! What kinda splinters are you getting? Are we talking actual lumber here?
 
No, just in case. Actually, I use a good tweezer -- and I try not to cry too loudly. :p
 
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