What are your favorite 3 Benchmades?

Own:

211 Activator D2
2-511 Griptilians 440C
and a Mini-Grip 440C

The Mini-Grip is not a favorite at all---too small----it lives in the drawer now.

I like the 211---but it doesn't get carried much---being fixed and having a somewhat funky sheath.

The Griptilian is an EDC---along with one of my Endura's.
 
Since it is the only BM I own,is the the Skirmish.I've only had it a couple of weeks.A very sweet knife.It's a keeper.Spyderco's are still my favorite.
 
I only have two Benchmades, but I love them both. They are the Mini Skirmish and the Heckler & Koch 34.

I'm really surprised that I don't hear more about the HK-34 as it is an amazing knife. It's more overbuilt than my Manix or CQC-7, but also more refined. It's big without seeming big, has great ergonomics, and is one of the best looking knives I own. In short, it's design is worthy of the name Heckler & Koch.

IMG_0707.jpg
 
BJE said:
Please put you list in order of greatest to least. Mine are: 1.Vex, 2.Mini-Ambush, 3.Mini-Pika (those are the only Benchmades I own at this time, but I hope to get alot more very soon). Also, do you prefer Benchmade or Spyderco? I like Benchmade a little better.
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My three favorite Benchmade models are as follows (Luckily, I have all of them):
1) 970/975-Emerson CQC7's
2) 730/732-Elishewitz Ares
3) 710-McHenry & Williams Axis


I whole heartedly prefer Spyderco to Benchmade! Benchmade is moving in a direction that is opposite of what I want to see. Benchmade, in my opinion, has chosen to move more towards "pocket art" than functionality. Benchmade has decided to use more of a material I don't like (Aluminum for handles), and has all but discontinued using the material I absolutely love (G10 for handles). Benchmade has recently, with three different models of knives, decided to revert to using a folder opening mechanism, created and trademarked by a different company, that they themselves deemed inferior to their "oval-shaped" opening hole.

If you were to have asked me this question (Benchmade or Spyderco) seven or eight years ago, my answer probably would have been the same, but it would have been a little more difficult to answer. However, today, it doesn't take me any time whatsoever to answer your question.

Spyderco uses the materials I like. Spyderco is always willing to try new ideas and materials. Spyderco and its Founder solicit and respond to user input (see Spyderco forum, here on BF, and also notice the lack of another company's forum). Spyderco's integrity is second to none. I prefer to spend my money on companies that innovate, not companies that imitate.

I just have to wonder, with Cold Steel discontinuing the use of "Carbon V" (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=431287), how long it will be before Benchmade buys the name and starts using it. Remember how R.E.K.A.T. used to own the "Rolling lock"?;)

Regards,
3G
 
1. 9050 AFO
2. 814 Mini AFCK
3. 10750 Vex (I don't have one yet but the reviews are all:thumbup: )
 
I've no preference between Spyderco and Benchmade. They both make high-quality tools.
As for my favorite Benchmades, let's see...
730
710
520/525
 
samhell said:
730 Ares -Love the the blade shape. Mine still gets lots of carry time even though I have several customs that put it to shame.
940 -Wish I hadn't sold my blue KOTM version :(
And I can't leave out the knife that pulled me into the world of high end production and custom knives. The 970 Emerson CQC7.
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Yeah, for me, the 730 and 940 are tops, and then
the lim edition 805 TSEK walnut in M2 steel...
 
What I carry most

Benchmade
552 Rittergrip
440 Opportunist
710 D2 McHenry & Williams

Spyderco
Paramilitary
Jess Horn ZDP-189
Mini Manix

As for the Benchmade vs Spyderco thing I love my Spydercos too so I listed my favorites. I've been leaning more towards Spyderco lately because their putting out more products that I like. I don't think you could go wrong with either both make good knives, could do without the Guilty before proven Innocent Spyderzealots though. ;)
 
710 - McHenry & Williams Axis
806- AFCK Axis
425- Gravitator

I used to prefer Benchmade over Spyderco, but that was based mainly on what was available to me. The selection of Benchmade was simply better in the stores I used to go to. Now I prefer Spyderco hands down. I still have more Benchmade, but Spyderco is catching up quickly in terms of numbers. I think I bought 5 new ones just this month.:eek:

The more I hear about Benchmade as a company, the less I like them. One example, the gun store down the street has been trying for months to get new Benchmades in stock, has already placed the order for over $2500 worth of merchandise. The Benchmade sales rep has come by and checked them out, but hasn't bothered to submit the order so everybody is waiting, waiting, waiting. Several calls later and they're still waiting. It's like they don't want to sell knives.
 
I love my Rukus, Skirmish, and I have a fond spot for my OLD AFCK.
All are great knives that have served me well in real EDC carry. The old AFCK has smoothish scales from years of solitary carry as my sole EDC. Then I found BF and it has taken a back seat to all of the new babys.;) :D
 
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