Trying to decide which one I want.....

S

Stagger Lee

Joined
Apr 7, 2001
Messages
245
I can't decide which bali to buy next,either the 43 or the 43A,but I still can't make my final decision since it's just the handle color that separates the two from being the same.
So I thought i'd leave it up the forumites to make the decision for me.
If you had to pick which one to buy which one would it be?

I know it's kind of a personal taste issue,but I have absolutely no preference to either one of them,unless somebody can tell me if there will be long term issues with the annodized finish on the 43A,like it's gonna wear off within a few years.
I even checked with the guy selling them to make sure it's one of the annodized versions that DON'T have that greyish annodized color to it,cause I really like the purple/blue tints.

If you take the time to read this post I would really appreciate it if you could give me your honest opinion of which one you would buy if it were you,and I thank you if you DO take the time to leave me your opinion.....peace
 
That really is totally subjective but I would prefer the regular handles simply because I think the anodyzing makes it look like a toy or some novelty item. I have not had the anodyzing rub off on mine, but I have heard of the anodyzing rubbing off with use. Howver, BM will refurbish the handles, if not for free, than for a small cost.
 
Personally, I prefer the regular handles, the purply-blue anodization just isn't for me. I thought a little about trying to get one of the grey ones, but then didn't. That probably doesn't help you. :)
 
I would go for the 43a. Mine is bluish in the morinings with natural sunlight and purple in the evenings. The color varies throughout the day. It doesn't look flashy because the colors are subdued. The color variation throughout the day is just one more thing I enjoy about the knife. Either way the 43 has a great blade profile for a user.
 
personally I don't like the anodized look...if it were a solid color i'd like it better.

however i do like the new powder coated handles...I got the chance to try one at the store and I have to say the handles are very nice. Its very gripy compared to the raw handles.
 
In the case of the BM43, beauty is only skin deep. It will wear off and it's easily scratched.

In the end, this all comes down to a matter of personal taste.

At least you've selected the correct blade profile... I love that Bowie.
 
I do have friends that like the different looks the anodizing has in various light (as Dino said)..., but as Chuck mentioned.., it will wear.., and I do have an early 42 which actually has several commonly gripped locations that show very little trace of ever being anodized at all now.

If you are going to use it lots.., I'd just go with the plain handles simply because of the wear factor, but I did get a couple of Nickel Damascus blades made for some anodized handles and the contrast looks pretty neat! :)

You will like the 43 no matter what you decide.., very nice knife!



"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
If it helps, the anodizing wear off because it's only an oxidation layer. Eventully, that layer will get rubbed away by your handling of that area. There are several options, If you like it for looks now, get it. If it doesn't appeal to you later, sand it off (a good scrubbing with a Scotch-Brite(tm) pad will take that blue/purple stuff off pretty good). And if you're really brave, you can do your own anodizing...

One past forum member, GuyInBlack, even created a web page showing you how:

http://the-asylum.co.uk/jay/anodize.html
 
Thanx for everybody who replied.I think i'm going with the regular 43 cause it sounds like the annodizing has some long term problems.
Eventually i'll probably buy an annodized one to add to the collection,but not now cause funds can only support one bali purchse right now.
Thanks again to everybody who helped me make the right decision for my next bali purchase....peace
-Stagger lee
 
I was thinking about buying a 42a and switching a handleout with my reg 42. I think it would be cool looking for double bali routines. BTW you'll be happy with any benchmade. The only difference is looks. IMO
 
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