The BM Mini Ambush has arrived!

Jazzman

Jazzman

Joined
Jan 11, 2001
Messages
2,750
After hearing from Cosmic Superchunk that the Monochrome had arrived, I quickly rushed to my fave B&M store. To my delight, now only did he have the Monochrome, but also the Mini Ambush (had just recieved the box as I walked in). Here's my review:
-Blade- This Benchmade features a roughly 2.9" drop point blade of AUS-8. The blade grinds are nice, even, crisp and extremely sharp! I don't know if I've ever held a NIB BM this sharp before! Dual thumb studs are also a nice touch and are large enough to open the blade even with gloves on.
-Handle- The Ambush series seem to follow along the lines of the Griptillians in that they are very large and fill the hand well. Although the Mini Ambush is zytel as opposed to the large version (aluminum), there is no flex and the knife feels just as substantial.
-Lock- The rolling lock brings back memories of REKAT but this time, it's much smoother. No blade play in any direction. Very solid.
-Overall- I payed about 40 bucks for mine and I'm sure that it will get some pocket time. Will it replace my Mini Grip? Only time will tell.
Matt
 
Pretty much! Very comparable to the Mini Grip except the handle seems a bit thicker.
Matt
 
I would LOVE to hear your comparison of the mini-ambush to the mini-grip, after you've had a chance to put the ambush through its paces. I really really like the m-a's design but want to hear more about its pros & cons from some other users before I spring for it. The mini-grip is super-smooth but somehow it didn't grow on me like I thought it would. The m-a's handle seems a little more substantial. Also, how would you compare it to a spydie zytel such as the delica or calypso jr.? If you have experience with those knives. thanks!

http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.asp?model=10210
 
How smooth is it to open? I have heard reports that it is pretty stiff.
 
Well, here's the deal. After about a hundred or so cycles of opening and closing, the indraft detent is still pretty stiff. Once you overcome the first maybe 20* of the opening, the blade swings open very smoothly. Closing it feels the exact same way in that there is some resistance to overcome, then inertia created by the indraft "pulls" the blade shut. I liken it to how an assisted opening folder feels. I can still flick open the blade, but with a bit more effort than my Mini Griptillian.

When compared to the Delica and Mini Grip, I will have to say that the MA is pretty similar as far as quality is concerned. The main difference is how much more substantial the MA feels, even moreso than the Mini Grip (which is incredible in it's own right)! The Mini Ambush's handle is a little bit more than 13mm in thickness (as opposed to the Mini Grip roughly 11mm, and the Delica 9mm. A negative thing about the MA is that the lanyard hole is too damn small for any paracord!!! :(

When open, all three are comfortable to a medium sized hand, but IMO, the mini Grip is the least so of the three. I like the full sized guard, but not as much as the smaller guard of the MA. The 555 seems to make my hand move more towards the butt of the knife, but my thumb still lies on top of the blade making a sort of an awkward sabre grip. I guess that it all comes down to preference, but I like to choke up on my knife handles, guard or not. The 10210 allows for this, as does the Delica. However, because of the thinness of the handle, the Delica sometimes rolls in my palm.

Lastly, I want to compare blade shapes. Of the three, I think that the MA fits my needs the most. I like the semi-skinner of the Delica, but the needle point tip is fairly fragile. The Mini Grip is great for camping or when you need a nice stout blade but I like a thick pointy tip, not one as blunt as the sheepsfoot (I know that there is also a MDP version ;) . The MA has a nice thick modified bowie style blade that has enough belly to slice but a nice sharp tip due to a half ground swedge. I also would like to compare cutting performance, but I haven't been able to really test the 10210 yet but I will try to follow up in the future. I would speculate that the flat ground Delica in VG-10 will take the cake but there's only one way to find out :D
Thanks!
Matt
 
When I first got my full sized Ambush, the opening action was a bit stiff at first. All the other models I've checked out are the same. What I did was remove the pivot screw, apply some blue Loctite to the threads and tightened the screw enough to eliminate any wobble and let it set for a while. After carrying the knife for a while as my EDC, it's been opened/closed over a thousand times and the action has become a bit smoother, but the lockup is still tight with no wobble in any direction. Like Jazzman stated, you'll have to get used to the tension of the Indraft system as you cycle the blade out.
 
Ive got the large ambush, i removed the blade & mirror polished the contact area where the lock rubs on the back of the blade. it opens a lot better, with just a little bit of hang up when the blade 1st appears during opening.if the lock area was polished as well it may make it even smoother. .....
 
Actually after more and more cyclings, the MA is getting progressively smoother. It may just be a matter of breaking in the mechanism. Good idea though.
Matt
 
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