Thread Update: Benchmade 950-1401 Review

BMCGear

BMCGear

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Ok, I'm cleaning this OP up a bit and changing it. I've been carrying other brands of folders for a while and I've wanted to get a Benchmade back in my pocket. I really love the axis lock as well as the customer service. I was looking at a few models (710, 746, 908, & 950). I have owned a 710 a few times and I love the way it carries but I'm not a huge fan of the recurve. The 950 was my first BM and it just didn't stick (tried it twice) but I really dig the blade. I went to my local shop and held a 746 and it wasn't for me. After starting this thread and watching reviews I decided to try a Rift again. I bought the exclusive model with S30V from the shop that sells cutlery. I got the knife in today and while I'm still in the honeymoon I must say I'm really enjoying this knife so far. The hump is a bit odd when you're used to more of a coffin shape but I think it's going to work out really well.

This knife is incredible in terms of fit and finish. Blade is screaming sharp, lock up is solid and centered.

I will upload some photos in a bit. Thanks to everyone for lending your opinion and reading this thread. :)



bm_950_1401.jpg
 
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Of the four you mentioned I'd say the Rift based on years of usage or the Stryker because I absolutely love that model. Second only to the AFCK I carried and used a Stryker more the any other knife but that was the original 910. It's one tough knife. I have the 908 and like it very much but haven't used it.

The 710 is an old favorite and one can't go wrong with it but you either like it or you don't I suppose.

I'm a big fan of the Onslaught and Bob Lum designs in general, but I've only owned the Full sized Onslaught. Never owned a mini so I really can't speak to it, but it does look like it would be pretty comfy in hand. With the full sized the thinness of the blade has always been a concern for me. If your cutting needs don't require a strong tip then I think it a fine choice for EDC.

Their all great knives so it's not like you can go wrong. But if I could only choose one it would be the Rift, The 908 Stryker second.

All the best!
 
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The Goldilocks Benchmade for me is the Axis Stryker so that is my vote. Everything just ticks the right box on that one.

The Rift is the right size and a great knife but the tapering toward the back of the handle just isn't as pleasurable to hold (for me). Everybody is different though, so that is a personal decision.

The 710 would be my second choice. Not much new can be added about its awesomeness and if you've got a Sharpmaker or some kind of diamond rod, sharpening shouldn't be any different than a straight edge blade. It is a little long and less fliud in my hand than the Stryker but, again, that is a personal thing.

Best of luck in your decision. New knife time is a good time :thumbup:
 
I absolutely love my 908 Stryker. I wouldn't part with it. A Grip with Igorded custom scales and clip have knocked it out of my pocket for a few days. Ive got my eye out for a 710, but Ive never held one. The 908 is about as close to perfection out of the box as Ive seen. I enjoy it more than my Zaan
 
AFCK.... get one.. or two.. the mini is small but schweet

710 is awesome.. can't go wrong.

New 757 I think is the model number? Sibert design.. But again, not your typical edge.. so if the 710 is a pain for your to sharpen, then the 757 will be... O_O

The 810 is sweet, a bit heavy.. and I thought it was the ugliest thing ever due to the handle.. but now I really enjoy carrying it..

And not super ideal as EDC but I also enjoy carring and flipping the morpho 51..

Try to find an old darkstar.. spear point/dagger-esque grind.. so not a great cutter, but cool old knife...

I've always considered Emersons a kind of Benchmade style knife as they are so damn similar.. The roadhouse, get rid of the wave feature, is excellent...

Enjoy your search!
 
Out of those four I would choose the 908. My favorite BM so far. Love the blade shape and finish. It carries very well too.
May want to look at 950-1401. Upgraded S30V blade and nice orange/black scales.

The 710 just doesn't do it for me for some reason.

Love the looks of the 746, but it feels awkward to me and doesn't scream EDC/utilitarian.
 
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You must must try the mini rukus.

710: great blade, poor handle ergos, IMHO.

Rift: uncomfortably finished g10. The blade shape gets tiresome after a while.

Mini onslaught: awesome feeling ergos on the smooth g10. Feels like silk. Neat blade, but very thin and not much useable edge.

Stryker: the best of your four listed. Good all around.

Try the mini rukus. There are some on the exchange.
 
bluemetalchurch said:
Haven't had a Benchmade in my pocket for a while. It's time to remedy that and I'm trying to decide which to go with. This will be an EDC knife. Here's the rundown right now:

1. The 710: I go back and forth on this one. I love the knife and how it carries; i'm just not big on sharpening the recurve.

2. The Rift: Had one of these for a short time and decided the handle wasn't for me. I kind of want to try the handle again and do some sanding on the aggressive gimping. I really like the blade shape and the 154cm blade material.

3. 908 Axis stryker. The handle is more my style (simple/straightforward) compared to the rift. I've never owned one of these so that would be a new experience.

4. 746 Mini-Onslaught: Never owned one of these either. They look nice though.

Share which you prefer and why? Thanks!
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Are you going to be carrying this at your job? I assume so if EDC.
 
bluemetalchurch said:
Never assume. No, it will not be carried in the office. I will carry it outside of work.
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Since you only state EDC in the OP and don't specify that it's for only outside of work, then we can only assume such. Many people consider EDC gear as something we always have on us when heading out for the day, including our jobs.

Regarding your list of knives, the only one I have experience with is the 710, and it's a great knife, but why buy a knife you've had before and are not sold on? Too many good options out there to try and make yourself like a particular knife.
 
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uofaengr said:
Since you only state EDC in the OP and don't specify that it's for only outside of work, then we can only assume such. Many people consider EDC gear as something we always have on us when heading out for the day, including our jobs.
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My apologies.

This knife will be my EDC outside of the office. When I get off work I'm usually out and about in the yard or we'll go up to the mountain and I like to carry something more than a small traditional. So it will be carried daily; just not at the office.
 
Try the 810 contego... M4 steel, stout and a bit heavy, you know you are carrying it... I use it in the garden, on plastic wheel wells lately.. don't ask... to trim wood on my sons fort I built..

Also, for us guys getting up in age, if you are near 50... you might want an auto.. AFO II would be my suggestion

And I'm in my early 40s, contego, 710, and a fixed blade (taco kydex sheath and 3.5in blade, fits in a Levis jean front pocket and my wallet, no problem, and I can sit down without it feeling like a huge knife is sticking in my leg. Those 3 have been most EDC'd lately.. ok and a Spyderco Farid K2.. A Hinderer was, but I sold it (DUMB).. going to get another for rotation.
 
Have you looked at the Mini Barrage ? I bought one a few years back, and when I first took it out of the box I immediately thought, this is the most comfortable knife I have ever held.
I just couldn't break away from carrying my Mini Grips, so it just sat in the safe, and I decided to sell it. I have been thinking lately of getting another one, and actually using this one :D

Some people shy away from 440C, but I have used BM's 440C a lot and have never had issue with it. Matter of fact the Mini Grip I have been carrying for 5 or 6 months is 440C. I used it to cut up a bunch of thick cardboard from a water heater box a couple weeks ago, and it kept the edge very well, and it gets crazy sharp :D
 
There is absolutely nothing I don't love about the Rift. I edc an 810 so the 950 handle is not a problem. The blade is excellent imo and I too like the steel on the standard model. JKarp hooked me up with a sweet cf/m4 forum knife, but honestly, I like the standard version better.

I say try it again. If you still don't care for it shoot me a pm.
 
338375 said:
Have you looked at the Mini Barrage ? I bought one a few years back, and when I first took it out of the box I immediately thought, this is the most comfortable knife I have ever held.
I just couldn't break away from carrying my Mini Grips, so it just sat in the safe, and I decided to sell it. I have been thinking lately of getting another one, and actually using this one :D

Some people shy away from 440C, but I have used BM's 440C a lot and have never had issue with it. Matter of fact the Mini Grip I have been carrying for 5 or 6 months is 440C. I used it to cut up a bunch of thick cardboard from a water heater box a couple weeks ago, and it kept the edge very well, and it gets crazy sharp :D
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I went to my local shop that carries BM. They don't have a whole lot that interest me as many of the knives are serrated or older. They had a barrage and I really liked the feel of it; but I'm not sold on the assisted opening.

Nothing wrong with 440C.

Omega Leather Works said:
There is absolutely nothing I don't love about the Rift. I edc an 810 so the 950 handle is not a problem. The blade is excellent imo and I too like the steel on the standard model. JKarp hooked me up with a sweet cf/m4 forum knife, but honestly, I like the standard version better.

I say try it again. If you still don't care for it shoot me a pm.
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:)
 
bluemetalchurch said:
I went to my local shop that carries BM. They don't have a whole lot that interest me as many of the knives are serrated or older. They had a barrage and I really liked the feel of it; but I'm not sold on the assisted opening.

Nothing wrong with 440C.



:)
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My apologies. I guess the coffee hadn't kicked in yet :o I meant to ask about the Mini Ultra Presidio.

I did play with a Mini Barrage some time back, and really liked it. I've never been a fan of assisted opening either, but for some reason I didn't mind it on that particular knife
 
The Rift has become my favorite knife. My first Benchmade was a 710, and even though I kept it for 10 years, it barely saw any pocket time. Made for a decent investment when I sold it to fun a limited edition knife. I say give the Rift another try. One that you may not have considered is the HK 14715. Same blade size as the Rift with a belly that is very, very similar -- but in D2, full liners, G10 scales, Axis lock, USA made -- all for about $100.
 
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