The switch from benchmade to spyderco.

T

thePrince

Joined
Jan 14, 2000
Messages
31
When I started off buying knives I bought almost exclusively from benchmade. Now I seem to carry more spydies than BM's on me at any given time. I have a very very impressive defensive lineup, and it seems a testament to spyderco's designes that they fill most of my pockets. I think it's because even though BM is coming out with new locking mechanisms, all their knives are really the same knife (Except the Nivramus, which OWNS and can be thrown too
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. The blade styles really dont vary that much between the AFCK, the McHenry, and the new Purdue Axis. Spydies are so neat because guys like me just gotta carry a civilian, a military, and a police. I think its the variety of blade designs and that bloody awesome hole that make spydies a gem. Thoughts?

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-thePrince
 
I made the switch from BM to Spyderco, mainly because of the great atmosphere I feel whenever I'm in this forum.
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That alone gives me that confident feeling that everytime I use my Spyderco knife, I'm assured that the company is backing me up all the way, in terms of quality and service.

Of course, quality is also one of the reasons I made the switch. Customer service is tops as well (compared to you know who, who can be very rude at times).

Dan
 
To say I moved from BM to spyderco will be pushing it - I carry them both, and spyderco don't have an automatic version, but without a doubt - this forum and the way it is handled is surely adding to my enjoyment..
 
I have moved from the Benchmade camp to Spyderco because of the great choices available in the blade steel. ATS-34 is a good steel but spyderco has raised the bar with respect to innovation and design.

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Dale Richmond
AKTI Number A000949
 
hey people, and yes, Spyderco kicks butt, they have many designs, everytime there will be a new innovation, the consistent quality is great, and bye the way, those delica's are the best backup blades i've ever owned, even out of all my customs. My two favorite knives on the market will always be the Military, and the Benchmade AFCK, Benchmade is great also, but i can understand you guys when you talk about the consistent quality issues-thats why i buy all my benchmades up front, and the T & T Gunnery, about 25 minutes from me, i pick one out that is in top condition.
BEST WISHES TO SPYDERCO AND THERE FINE-EVER SO SWEET LINE OF KNIVES.
 
I started on Spyderco then drifted into BM. I find myself buying/using more Spydercos now. They seem more practical and suited for my needs. I have 5 BM "tactical" 3.5" to 4" folders. More then enough, that niche is covered, especially w/ the trade for an Emerson Commander . Spyderco always seems to have, or come out with, another blade for yet another use running the range from the carbon fiber ladybug to the Standard to the Military. Practical, well thought out designs made with the highest quality materials is what keeps drawing me back to Spyderco.
 
One of the best things that I like about the Spyderco quality is that I can take advantage of the quality while saving money by ordering from the internet dealers. I know that I will get a great knife without picking out the "best" Benchmade from the local dealer (and pay close to retail).
 
My experience is similar to what you guys have described. I first got into Spyderco, then learned about Benchmade (although I had a BM balisong before I knew the significance). Although I still like Benchmade and recently bought an Ares axis lock, I agree that Spyderco offers a much more comprehensive line of knives that are good for everything from`light keychain knives, to hunting to rescue work. I always have at least one Spyderco because of my Ladybug on my keychain even if my larger piece is a BM or other brand.
 
My first "real" knife was a Benchmade 975. I discovered Spyderco mostly from these forums. I am impressed by the variety that Spyderco makes and especially by the quality. I have ordered alot of Spyderco's from internet dealers and none have been less than perfect. I have however gotten a couple of bad Benchmades. While a good Benchmade is a great knife, even comparable to a Spyderco, I feel that I have to hand pick mine out to insure quality. At the very least I order from a dealer like Top of Texas or MJS that I know will inspect the knife for me before shipping. Two of my favorite knives are my AFCK and my Wegner. I know alot of people who feel the opposite and swear by their Benchmades. Of course there are only so many 4" tacticals one needs. I think Spyderco and Benchmade are good for each other. I hope they keep pushing each other to raise the bar. Competition is good. It brings out the best in us.

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Dennis Bible
 
My only gripe about Spyderco is that, when I think I've bought all I want/need, they either come out with something else I want, or I realize I want something that's already been out a while and I decide I need!
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The consistency of quality is also great. Of course, even some spydies will vary, but the customer service is always anxious to correct anything. I heard a couple years ago the SS-handled Natives had a problem with the locks, so there was a recall on them to get it corrected. I haven't heard of many (any?) other knife co's going to that length to correct a perceived problem.

That and I love the designs! I always have one or two Spydies on me at least.
Jim
 
I have always been interested in knives but the intensity of that interest grows and fades then grows again. When my interest started picking up again, awhile back, the BM designs were most appealing. I was put off by the unique (I thought odd)appearence of many Spyderco designs. Then I discovered the forums. It was right here that I was encouraged to reevaluate Spyderco knives. I've got two BM knives. I appreciate them both....but I've bought 6 Spydercos since mid September and I'm still waiting for a Starmate. The knives themselves plus the customer service have developed a confidence in Spyderco products...not to mention this forum where one can talk with Sal and Vince and others from Spyderco. Great place. Great knives.

regards,

ptn
 
Hi Frank: they still got that original Terzuola sitting in the showcase in the rear?

L8r,
Nakano
 
I had a BM butterfly knife in the '80s. At that time, Benchmade was the undisputed king and their knives were the coolest.

Like ptn, my interest in knives tends to wax and wane. When I got back into them, I remembered Benchmade and started to check out their new stuff.

Two of my favorite designs were the AFCK and Ascent. I had been sort of dimly aware of Spyderco in the past, but I thought their knives were ugly and not worth my attention. However, I had to admit that many of the elements that I found attractive in the AFCK and Ascent were essentially Spyderco in nature.

This inspired me to take a closer look at Spyderco's knives, and I soon discovered that they are well made and extremely beautiful. Their beauty is subtle because it lies in their purpose and usefullness, as well as elegance of design.

I've been buying Spyderco knives almost exclusively now for the last year. Benchmade certainly isn't a bad company by any means, but Spyderco has that special quality that keeps customers faithful.

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Cerulean

What the hammer? what the chain?
In what furnace was thy brain? - Blake
 
I own both Spydercos and Benchmades. I like both of them, but the Spydercos are my daily wear/use knife. I'm not afraid to abuse my Spydercos. I do things with them I would never consider using the benchmades for. So when it comes time to peel an apple, I usually reach for the BM, cause I know it has a clean blade, and I know where my spyder's been, and what it's done, I don't want to cut my food with it, but everything else...

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You are where you should be.
You are doing what you should be doing.
Otherwise, you would be somewhere else,
Doing something else.

seen on a T-shirt
 
Prince,

I had the exact same problem (at least I see it as a problem). One of my first tactical folders was from Benchmade, and for a good while I ignored other companies- what a mistake! I still like my Benchmades, but Spyderco has a much better selection, more consistent quality control, etc. That's just from my own experience though.

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"If you come to a fork in the road, take it"
 
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