Thoughts on benchmades new 300SN Axis Flipper?

I played around with one at my local knife shop.... really cool looking knife but I don't like the axis lock/flipper combo. I picked the southard over the 300sn.
 
Why didn't you like the combo? It flipped OK didn't it?

At over twice the price, not sure the Southard is really in the same category.
 
It looks really cool, but I haven't had a chance to try one out. I'll probably wait till they start showing up in the exchange for a reasonable amount to save a few bucks.
 
I had one and sold it right away. It just wasn't for me. It was a little too chunky for me and the jimping on the flipper really bit into my finger when gripping the knife. I have large hands though so that might not be the case for everyone. I did like the blade shape, handle scales and pocket clip. It also flipped open very smoothly.
 
I checked one out at the local shop recently and would stick with my Southard as well if having to choose between the two.
At 0.75 oz less + CTS-204P in a more compact EDC package, I'm happy.

FWIW, I actually liked the flipper/Axis lock combo. The action was very smooth... also really dug the 300SN's blade profile.
 
The 300sn appears to be a quality knife if it appeals to you. It's not exactly my cup of tea however and there are a few things that will keep me from buying one. First, it's just too short and fat for me, for its thickness I would have preferred a 3.5" or larger blade. Chunky knives don't do it for me. Second would be the fact that the blade steel (154cm) is a bit lack luster, m390 or m4 would be better, especially if they're trying to compete with the Southard. And lastly, and perhaps most importantly for me, the flipping action seems to be a bit lethargic, i'm sure it's fairly reliable, but the fact that the axis lock doesn't have a true detent makes the action a bit sluggish. I think frame and liner locks are better suited to flippers because of the strong ball detent. Like I said though, it's a nice knife, just not my style.
 
FlaMtnBkr said:
Why didn't you like the combo? It flipped OK didn't it?

At over twice the price, not sure the Southard is really in the same category.
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I didn't like it because I had to reposition my hand every time I went to close the blade... then again I am not really a fan of the axis lock so I'm a bit bias. It flipped pretty smooth but the knife just didn't WOW me. It's one of those knives that would be fun for a few days and I'd get sick of it after.
 
I really like the 300SN just wanted to hear some thoughts on it ,on allot of the review videos they say its too small and don't like the axis/flipper combination heard some better things about spydercos southard but in a video I watched it looked kinda uncomfortable in the pocket
 
redbulladdict24/7 said:
heard some better things about spydercos southard but in a video I watched it looked kinda uncomfortable in the pocket
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That couldn't be further from the truth. The southard is amazingly comfortable in the pocket and carries like a much smaller knife than it actually is. The same can't be said of the 300sn...
 
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