Thinking about an Adamas

gruntmedik

gruntmedik

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Now that I have a 940 and a Mini Barrage on the way, I've been thinking about what my next Benchmade will be. While there are several I've been eyeballing, I believe the Adamas is it.

But, I'm not sure which one I want, between the manual or auto version.

I have autos, a 3550, a couple Protechs, and a some Microtechs. And I have several larger manual folders, like ZT 303, 0561, and 350, Sebenza, and some Spydies.

So, anyone have a suggestion to sway me in either direction? Anyone have both? Which would you choose?
 
I always choose manual, seems like less to go wrong! Just opinion though, whatever makes u happy i so go with that
 
This auto in particular kicks like a mule so hang on to it tight. Consider it the .338 Lapua of autos. Not saying that is a bad thing...:D
 
Manual any day all day. Less things to go wrong, you can open the knife slowly when you want and not be stuck to the aggressive opening, plus less impact to the stop pin. Why smash the heavy blade against the stop pin slowly peening and creating a flat spot on it over the years, manually you can find that nice even flick that is still fast but not extreme. That's just my opinion tho, i know autos are fun, but the axis lock is already insanely fast and smooth.
 
Mick_1KRR said:
Manual any day all day. Less things to go wrong, you can open the knife slowly when you want and not be stuck to the aggressive opening, plus less impact to the stop pin. Why smash the heavy blade against the stop pin slowly peening and creating a flat spot on it over the years, manually you can find that nice even flick that is still fast but not extreme. That's just my opinion tho, i know autos are fun, but the axis lock is already insanely fast and smooth.
Click to expand...

But Benchmades warranty will take care of this. My vote is for either, if you live in an auto legal area they are badass!
 
gruntmedik said:
Now that I have a 940 and a Mini Barrage on the way, I've been thinking about what my next Benchmade will be. While there are several I've been eyeballing, I believe the Adamas is it.

But, I'm not sure which one I want, between the manual or auto version.

I have autos, a 3550, a couple Protechs, and a some Microtechs. And I have several larger manual folders, like ZT 303, 0561, and 350, Sebenza, and some Spydies.

So, anyone have a suggestion to sway me in either direction? Anyone have both? Which would you choose?
Click to expand...

I am the proud owner of both versions. Ordinarily, I prefer manual folders to automatic versions of the same knives, all other things being equal. However, in this instance, all other things are not equal. Unaware of the difference until a newly purchased automatic version was carefully compared to the manual version I had acquired a few years earlier, I was elated by my findings.

The blade shape, profile and grind of the automatic version is appreciably more sleek, aggressive and intimidating, than the blockier more utility oriented blade of its beloved manual counterpart. Perhaps Benchmade targeted l.e.o. users with the automatic version and as such, adorned it with a more "weapon" oriented blade profile and grind, at least from the perspective of aesthetics.

Both versions arrived, a few years apart, with uncharacteristically :D perfect blade centering, in addition to a complete absence of blade play in any direction, and have remained as such, even after extended hard use.

However, if I HAD to choose only one to keep, it would be the automatic version. My ordinary preference for manual folders over automatic versions of the same knives is outweighed, in this instance, by greatly favoring, in all respects, the sleeker and more aggressive blade shape, profile and grind, of the automatic. If you opt for the auto, HOLD ON TIGHT and do not attempt to close it with one (1) hand unless you are not adverse to catapulting the knife halfway across a room and/or into someone or something..
 
As Jimmy said, the auto kicks like you wouldn't believe... I nearly dropped the first Adamas auto I fired, and I'm not exaggerating when I say that. This was due in part to a Sportsman's Warehouse employee handing me the knife with the sear baaarely engaged (blade not fully closed). I placed my thumb on the axis bar and it opened instantly, well before I had expected it to. Luckily, I ended up catching the knife by the spine with the webbing between my thumb and index finger after it sprang out of my grip. The Adamas auto makes my AFOII feel like a toy when it opens.

While the auto appeals to my Chuck Norris side, I travel home to Montana a lot where autos are still illegal and I'd rather not be forced to leave it back here in Oregon, so manual it was.

Plus, with the auto if anyone asks to borrow your knife, you'll have to 1: explain how to open it, and 2: warn them about the ferocity at which it opens, 3: watch them drop it anyways :D
 
I've had both, and regret selling the 2750. Didn't really find the auto to deploy too hard, they qre both awesome, and doubt you'll regret either one. Only possible negs are weight/thickness.
 
The Adamas is my favorite heavy duty folder and my go-to hard use knife. However, I personally am not a fan of AXIS autos (or assisted for that matter). For me it detracts from the functionality of what I consider to be an ingenious lock design. An auto AXIS lock doesn't open much faster than you can flick the manual open using the lock, but you loose the ability to flick it closed one-handed by simply depressing the lock. IMO, the beauty of the AXIS lock is its one-handed functionality for both opening and closing. Just my opinion tho, and I can't argue against the fact that autos certainly are cool.
 
The Adamas I gave my son is a manual, and it is ridiculously smooth, the smoothest axis I've encountered outside of the Rukus I also gave him. Come to think about it, he has made out pretty good from me, as the 940-1 I gave him is pretty smooth too.
 
Well, I wound up buying sooner than anticipated. I now have an Auto Adamas on the way. It was too good a deal to pass up.

I'll post pics when it arrives.
 
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