Thoughts on Benchmade Leopard 625

L

LawyerSam

Joined
Jun 25, 2010
Messages
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I am considering a trade of a razor for a Benchmade. Here is what the trader says about his

I have a 625, Pat Crawford Design Leopard, made by benchmade. this knife is used has minor wear on handle but in very nice condition.

I think these knifes would go for over $50 based on his description and what he said it was new ($150.00). As a first knife I was considering a Kershaw Scallion, Junk Yard dog (blem) composite, and a Tenacious. Am I better off staying in that price range or if I can swap even (My razor would go for $33) do that and if I dont like it, sell it here or swap it?
 
If you can swap a $33 razor for a BM/Crawford Leopard, go for it. As long as you don't break the blade, you should be able to get twice that for the Leopard.
 
One thing you should know...the small Leopard did not have a proper indent (if it had one at all) and this led to the blade opening up in your pocket. I do not know if the big leopard was designed this way or not? (How do I know this?...My father had one and opened up on him in a movie theater and sliced his arm about four inches long!)
However...I still carry mine I just check it carefully and often.
tc
 
Definately finalize this deal asap! I'd do that trade in a heartbeat. Infact it sounds almost too good to be true. Make sure you check the persons feedback. Personally, I wouldn't do it unless he has atleast a few positive feedbacks and has been around here for a while (Being a gold member or higher doesn't hurt either). If he doesn't have feedback and you do I would ask him to ship first. Good luck!
 
Sam doesn't have any feedback either.

Then again, you've just publicized the trade. If the trader is on these forums, you're good to go.
 
No, different forum and he responded to an offer to sell my razor there, and offered his knife. I sent him a PM and waiting to hear back and if he will do it, I will. Figured that it was a better knife for $33 then I could get by outright purchase, and would try it out and if not, then sell or trade here.

He sent some pics. Looks like some scuffing on the clip, not a big deal, and on the top edge of the handle, but that is to be expected on a knife that is used. However, there is some rusting that scares me.

Handle:

knife2.jpg


Can you see the rust?

knife1.jpg



If it is worth it, I can make the trade tonight or tomorrow. He will trade straight up. In fact, I can't restore it but if someone who can wants it, and has say a Delica or something like that to offer, Ill do the trade and then have it shipped to you, you can then ship yours after you get mine. Or if it is a matter of rubbing something on it and getting it up to snuff, I can keep it.
 
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Rust that severe will eat right on through the blade...in about 4,728 more years. Benchmade was using mostly ATS-34 back then, and a little surface rust like that is fairly common. It usually shows up in rough finished areas and cleans off with minimal effort. In my opinion, it is nothing to worry about.
 
Im gonna make the trade. I dont know if I can clean the razor, but I may just take it and sell it here for like $65 and then buy a Tenacious (everyone agrees it would make a great 1st knife) or a Junkyard Dog 2 blem composite (great price) or a Delica.
 
I think you will be happy. The Leopard and Leopard Cub knives were well made. I have been using both models for at least a decade, performance and lockup is still as solid as they were on day 1. I would expect the same as long as this one has not been abused.
 
Im likely to sell it because I would want to clean that rust and I am afraid that I would mess it up. Besides, I have been eyeing the Kershawguys blems, like the Junkyard Dog 2 composite blade, or a new Spyderco Tenacious or Delica, or another Kershaw blem. And using the money I would save by getting a cheaper knife to put to some sort of sharpening system. In fact, to make sure I dont regress, Ill give the cheapy $5 knife to the pot so that someone can give it away
 
I got it today and it is a bigger knife and I wanted smaller. I guess I cant post so if any one wants to have it, sblaiss at gmail dot com. Im gonna go 3 inches or less and this blade is more toward the 3.5 inch. It is lighter and sharper than my $5 cheapies

P6300374.jpg


P6300375.jpg
 
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LawyerSam said:
Sell it
Click to expand...

If I'm not mistaken, you won't be able to sell it here on BF unless you're a paying member (I think GOLD membership is the minimum). Registered users (like me) don't have sell priveleges on BF. We can BUY though.

Anyone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

ETA:
By the way, the Leopard/Leopard Cub are nice knives. Bought a couple of them back in the mid '90s or so. ATS-34 blades on 'em are extremely sharp, and the handle shape is very comfortable in the hand.
 
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I have had 2 of the smaller leopard cubs and 1 of the larger. Nice knives...

In fact I am listing the bigger for sale later today now that I got batteries for my camera..
 
Obsessed with Edges said:
If I'm not mistaken, you won't be able to sell it here on BF unless you're a paying member (I think GOLD membership is the minimum). Registered users (like me) don't have sell priveleges on BF. We can BUY though.

Anyone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.
Click to expand...

No need for a correction.;)
 
Oh, It is nice. The handle is nice, but it is heavy. Guess it is the same as the leek anodized aluminum. But it is still heavy and too big for my tastes. I wont carry it
 
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