WH or BM?

S

SpyderJon

Joined
Jan 27, 2002
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Howdy! I'm looking at getting a small (i.e. ~3"- 3.5" max for legal reasons) folder for general, unobtrusive things around the office/classroom/home. I'm most likely going to settle on something like the Delica for nasty jobs (though, don't get me wrong, I love the Delica), but I want something a little nicer for other times. I also may want a hard-use folder (suggestions given the length limit, is the Buck-Strider Mini about the only one? :confused:)

Anyhow, to the point. I'm looking at possibly getting one of two BMs, particularly the 690 or the 770, or the WH Lancet (the middle length one that has the approximate dimentions of the 770). So, is the quality of the WH enough to justify the price? Is it perhaps better to have the Axis lock rather than the liner of the WH, or am I comparing apples and oranges?

Thanks for your viewing and commentary on my problem. All opinions are welcome, especially about a hard use folder ~3"- Sorry this is a little off topic to this question, but I'm just trying to conserve bandwidth. Thanks,
 
Have the WH P10 Lancet, a great gentlemans knife definately worth the money if you get it from one of the on line knife stores.
The P10 lists for $335, I got it from http://www.discountknives.com./ for $215, my only other sugesstion is if it's gonna be an EDC get something with a more durable handle material, like CF or one of the woods they use.
 
The Benchmades may be a bit better suited for harder jobs, but I'd go with the William Henry Lancet or Spearpoint Carbon Fiber for small stuff (no slouch as an all-arounder). They are very, very nice and refined and worth every penny and then some. The Lancet's a little small so the Spearpoint might be a little more user friendly although the Lancet is a neat size and shape.
 
Originally posted by SpyderJon
or am I comparing apples and oranges?
Click to expand...

Yes.

As Anklepocket already pointed out, the Benchmade knives would be better suited for hard use than the William Henry knives. However, for an office-type environment, you really can't beat something like the William Henry CF Lancet. It's elegant, non-threatening, so light you can carry it in your shirt pocket, and very well made.
 
I don't have either of the knives in question, but from what I've read, the WH is a fine knife that will serve you well. IMO, the carbon fiber is GORGEOUS! I'd have a house made of the stuff if I could!!! :D Seems like the perfect gentlemen's knife to me.

Cast my vote for the WH Carbon Fiber!

Drjones
 
I add my vote for William Henry. They make great, lightweight knives that are wonderful for pocket carry, however, if you really want a Benchmade, I would recommend the BM 770 and 330 instead of the 690 and 940. Both the 770 and 330 are well under 3" (the 330 is under 2.5") The 330 has no clip and is waifer thin. It is as good a pocket folder as a William Henry. You can also get a 330 in mother of pearl. The 770 has an axis lock and a clip, its scales are carbon fiber. The demands of the axis construction makes it a stronger folder than a carbon fiber William Henry but it is not a lot heavier. IMO, William Henry makes classier folders, but these two small Benchmades are great knives and they are cheaper than any William Henrys.
 
A few months ago I was in Blanchard's Fine Cutlery in Las Vegas and got the chance to handle quite a few knives. I really liked the feel of the WH knives and would own one without hesitation. It is one of the knives I would pick for everyday, simple knife chores. If I was looking at the same knives that you are and wanted a more rugged knife I would choose one of the Benchmades. I was also able to handle a few Benchmades and though they don't have the same feel as the WH knives, they are definitely designed to handle heavier work.
 
I've never really thought about getting something like the William Henry before, or even the 770 for that matter, but I think it may come down to one of these. The carbon fiber seems to be a really good choice for nice, light handle material. One question remains, however, is the BC1 coating on the Benchmade a longer lasting coating than the Diamond Black coating offered on the William Henry blades? I've read a lot about how nice WH knives start out, but I'm concerned about coating wear. As it stands, the 770 seems to have the edge, but those WH's are just looking SO tempting!!! :eek: :D

Anyhow, thanks for the advice, and please keep it coming, this is a rather tough decision, as my wife has told me that I'll have to live with my decision until she lets me have that checkbook again :D Thanks, again, and have a very knife day :rolleyes:
 
If possible, handle both knives and base your decision on that. If you can't get your hands on either, take your uses into consideration. Compare each knife's features to what it will be used for. Others you may want to consider in this size range are the CRK small Sebenza, Umfaan, and Mnandi. Yes they are a bit more expensive, but very much worth a look.

Paul
 
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