What Benchmade would meet these needs?

ABTOMAT-47 · Dec 7, 2009

Right now I've been carrying a Spyderco Centofante III every day for years, ever since a very kind BF member gave it to me. Nothing wrong with it but I've been thinking about mixing up my EDC rig. Always liked Benchmades.

I'd be looking for something with a blade under 3", no serrations, not double-edged, manual-opening, and with as thin a body as possible. I'd prefer tip-down carry and anything but a liner-lock. Bonus points for a hole instead of a thumbstud.

Loneriderz · Dec 7, 2009

Pricepoint?

Nikx · Dec 7, 2009

Thin + benchmade makes me think of the 530.
http://www.benchmade.com/products/530

If you can live with something a little thicker, but imo a better all around knife look at the 707
http://www.benchmade.com/products/707

And though it's also thinker (a some-what rounded handle, but not as much as the larger model grips), the Mimi-griptilian 555HG has a hole.
http://www.benchmade.com/products/555HG

Whatever you do, if it's your first benchmade make sure it has an Axis lock IMO.

D'ohboy · Dec 7, 2009

Have you looked at the BM 707-901 it looks thin. However, it is tip up and has a thumbstud. The BM 555 has a thumbhole however it is kinda thick and is tip up. The axis lock does not lend itself to tip down, although there maybe a couple. The BM 10412-1 Ti Mini-Pika II is a lockback and it should meet all of your wants, however, it is a red class knife.

Amaranth · Dec 7, 2009

The 960 (Blade 3.12") and 530 (Blade 3.25") are the thinnest Benchmades, both at .37 inches.

Alann45 · Dec 7, 2009

+1 for the 555HG.

ABTOMAT-47 · Dec 7, 2009

Thanks. I think anything over 3" would be pushing it, as I'm already right on the edge with my not-quite-3" Spyderco.

Not set price point, although cheaper is better. Used knives are fine with me if there are any good models that are no longer made, as long as they're not super collectible.

Anyone know how thick the 707 is? Looks nice. My Spyderco's about .405. A little thicker is acceptable as long as it's within reason.

I'm not a big fan of the Griptilians. They seem a chunky, and not a huge quality step-up from where I am right now.

Not my first Benchmade. I have an old 975S (Emerson Super-7) that's a safe queen.

Slowstarter · Dec 8, 2009

The 707 is (about) 9 mm thick (it´s a lovely knife!).

CL01 · Dec 8, 2009

Although its blade is about 3.25", I believe the BM 530 is the thinnest & lightest of the BMs, if I'm not mistaken. In fact, I think the 530's the thinnest/lightest of any full size folder.

ABTOMAT-47 · Dec 10, 2009

What's the different between the 705 and 707? Just styling?

Is the 960's top edge sharpened? My state has a law against knives with double edges or sharpened swedges.

THE PUNISHER · Dec 10, 2009

bm grip.............

misterjuiceman · Dec 10, 2009

ABTOMAT-47 said:
What's the different between the 705 and 707? Just styling?

Is the 960's top edge sharpened? My state has a law against knives with double edges or sharpened swedges.

the top edge is not sharpened, but the blade is slightly longer than 3".