The Knife Life (Minor Topics and Random Stuff Thread)

So do you guys consider lighters and fire steels in the same 'technology' category? I have both and find myself figuring well...if I bought this fancy 10k strike fire steel for $15 is it any 'cooler' or 'back to nature' than a disposable $1.29 lighter? I bought both to help me make fire...so unless I'm going wayyy old school and using a bow drill or something, maybe the Bic just makes more sense. :rolleyes:
 
I agree that the axis lock is the corner stone of their company, but just because a company does one thing well doesn't mean they should not continue to try new things. I'm not saying they've reissued the same knife for 10 years straight or anything, but when you have companies like spyderco who continue to push the envelope, so to speak, it makes them look kind of stagnent. I mean how many g10 handled folders with 154 cm steel and axis locks can you put out while demanding an (imo) above average price before your company inevitably folds? I for one would be more than happy to see their prices and qc change, or at least that would be a good start.
 
fetzer85 said:
So do you guys consider lighters and fire steels in the same 'technology' category? I have both and find myself figuring well...if I bought this fancy 10k strike fire steel for $15 is it any 'cooler' or 'back to nature' than a disposable $1.29 lighter? I bought both to help me make fire...so unless I'm going wayyy old school and using a bow drill or something, maybe the Bic just makes more sense. :rolleyes:
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Yup, I would be fine using the bic as well. I just like using the ferro rod more because it's fun:)

It's not really about the objects ability to "help make fire".

But with regards to effectiveness, sure I would rather have a bic on me in a survival situation (it's much easier to light stuff with it that a ferro rod), but a key chain ferro rod is always a good thing to have IMO, especially since i normally don't have a lighter on me but always have my keys;)

Even just having it as a backup can't hurt
 
SadSappySucker said:
I agree that the axis lock is the corner stone of their company, but just because a company does one thing well doesn't mean they should not continue to try new things. I'm not saying they've reissued the same knife for 10 years straight or anything, but when you have companies like spyderco who continue to push the envelope, so to speak, it makes them look kind of stagnent. I mean how many g10 handled folders with 154 cm steel and axis locks can you put out while demanding an (imo) above average price before your company inevitably folds? I for one would be more than happy to see their prices and qc change, or at least that would be a good start.
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How often has Chris reeve changed lock types in the last 30 years?;)

I think variety is good, but it can also lead to a company being stretched too thin with regards to what they're known for. A company can't be the best at everything, so going down the variety path will eventually lead to a company not having something they are well known for , and not being particularly good enough at anything they try to do.....

It seems to me that this is exactly what's happening right now with BM. They're trying to force new models into production to keep up with ZT and spyderco, but as a result their quality is slipping a little.

I say stick with the axis locks, focus on only a handful of models so that you can perfect their quality control, and bring down your prices, Benchmade. People will come:thumbup:

Oh yeah and bring back the ares! :D
 
Good point. I feel that with bm you are getting the worst of both worlds. CRK does keep their product line simple, but they also have top notch qc. They put quality over quantity. Spyderco is expanding which innevitably leads to duds(still no where near bm), but they are using their fortune to progress their catalog. They are keeping their designs fresh which leads to happy customers. Benchmade however is sticking to the same models for the most part, but are putting quantity over quantity. Eventualy people will get tired of the "but their cc is first rate" argument.
Okay, I get the feeling that were both saying the same thing at this point haha.
 
I'm tellin ya fellas this knife [761] is flawless! It's almost like an apology for all the off center knives I've bought from them before this. IT.SCREAMS.QUALITY like they have to be doing something more with this cause I find it hard to believe I wound up with a perfect specimen, ya know? Anyway, I'd like to see how other peeps feel about it once there are a few more out there.

I've got bic lighters on deck as well it was just a system I wanted to try out, also I would think a fire steel would last longer than a few Bic's would, right? I'm asking, because I'm really not sure. The Bic is an AMAZING tool, but it's source of fuel is finite. So it would be nice to have a long term system on deck. Why? I dunno lol I'm thinking for the bug out bag ultimately
 
Krissig12 said:
bring down your prices, Benchmade. People will come:thumbup:
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There ya go. THAT is the problem my friend. It's not putting out different lock styles, or slipping QC (I personally have not seen this. At all. Their QC seems to be pretty consistent, and for every lock type.) Their problem is that their prices are astronomically high. Ridiculously high on some of their products. I used to be a full fledged Benchmade fanboy... But until they stop charging an arm, a leg, and two d!cks for their knives, sorry, I'm no longer a fan.

You do have a point about their axis lock. Since nobody else has it, and they do it well, and it's what they're known for, why not capitalize on it? I think they might be better served if they focused on it as a cornerstone as well.
 
fetzer85 said:
So do you guys consider lighters and fire steels in the same 'technology' category? I have both and find myself figuring well...if I bought this fancy 10k strike fire steel for $15 is it any 'cooler' or 'back to nature' than a disposable $1.29 lighter? I bought both to help me make fire...so unless I'm going wayyy old school and using a bow drill or something, maybe the Bic just makes more sense. :rolleyes:
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I carry a firesteel and a Brunton Helios storm lighter.

I use the firesteel because it's fun and to stay in practice. I'll never be without the Helios though....lights in 80 mph wind, 2200-degree + jetted flame, and, with its air mixture control, lights at high altitude. The bics and standard lighters won't light above certain altitudes reached in mountain backpacking. The wind resistance is a more important feature than one might think...especially at altitude. Bics and similar can be impossible at relatively minor wind speeds---you might as well be attempting a match.

I've found a Zippo to be a good in-betweener now and then as it will light in substantial wind. It also will provide a lighter fluid soaked chunk of cellulose from its guts for fire starting if things get totally dire. It too can be iffy at altitude though.

I've had the Brunton lighter since they came out. I'm on my second one...wore the first one out over years and it was replaced free with a new one a few years ago. When this one goes I'll get another free one. Can't beat that warranty. I did like the old one better as it was gasketed. I suspect they eliminated the gasket due to descent lock wherein if closed at high altitude and brought to sea level without periodic venting it was probably impossible to open again. Still a jewel of a survival lighter though.

In this day and age with pocket fire so readily available, while it's fun to play minimalist I don't believe it wise to go into an extended period in the wild without a dependable lighter---even if the goal is never to use it.
 
AntDog said:
There ya go. THAT is the problem my friend. It's not putting out different lock styles, or slipping QC (I personally have not seen this. At all. Their QC seems to be pretty consistent, and for every lock type.) Their problem is that their prices are astronomically high. Ridiculously high on some of their products. I used to be a full fledged Benchmade fanboy... But until they stop charging an arm, a leg, and two d!cks for their knives, sorry, I'm no longer a fan.

You do have a point about their axis lock. Since nobody else has it, and they do it well, and it's what they're known for, why not capitalize on it? I think they might be better served if they focused on it as a cornerstone as well.
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Meh, I've seen some QC issues lately. Lots of off center blades and side to side play. Maybe they aren't super bad yet, but for the prices they're charging, they should becoming to you flawless
 
Krissig12 said:
Meh, I've seen some QC issues lately. Lots of off center blades and side to side play. Maybe they aren't super bad yet, but for the prices they're charging, they should becoming to you flawless
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Carried Benchmade exclusively for several years. Eventually I decided they charge too much for mid grade quality, and terrible 154CM blades. I still like the company a lot, as people, and their popular knives are generally good but not price justified imo.
 
All this talk about benchmade reminds me, I'll pick a winner tomorrow for the mini grip.
On a side note: is it just me or does anyone else think of bowel movement whenever they read bm? Haha
 
SadSappySucker said:
All this talk about benchmade reminds me, I'll pick a winner tomorrow for the mini grip.
On a side note: is it just me or does anyone else think of bowel movement whenever they read bm? Haha
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YES! I'm glad I'm not the only one that saw that
 
Krissig12 said:
Meh, I've seen some QC issues lately. Lots of off center blades and side to side play. Maybe they aren't super bad yet, but for the prices they're charging, they should becoming to you flawless
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I fully agree. For the prices they charge, the knives should be perfect. I wasn't aware of any QC issues lately, but then again I don't keep up with Benchmade like I used to.
 
Maaan reprofiling my DT Sebenza is taking forever. Going down from 18 dps with a micro bevel, to 15 dps (no micro bevel). Keeping the shoulders convex, and the apex to 1/4 up the bevel flat. Should be stupid sharp when done.

Also, I'm about to have a small micarta Insingo on the way
 
Zeta33 said:
Maaan reprofiling my DT Sebenza is taking forever. Going down from 18 dps with a micro bevel, to 15 dps (no micro bevel). Keeping the shoulders convex, and the apex to 1/4 up the bevel flat. Should be stupid sharp when done.

Also, I'm about to have a small micarta Insingo on the way
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Speaking of sharpening...... I finally ordered a cheaper 2 sided diamond benchstone. It has a really course side and a 600 grit "fine" side. It's angerously aggressive:eek::thumbup:
 
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