What Benchmades do you think are and aren't worth it after MAP?

I agree with others here, there are much better options out there for the money. Three griptilians can practically get you a sebenza!
 
bubinga said:
MAP stands for Minimum ADVERTISED Price. Benchmade does not (and cannot) control the actual selling price.

Actual selling price can be considerably lower--they have the room to move, after all.

Be creative, and pit Benchmade dealers against each other. You can get that price down, particularly if you're buying several.
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I realized this after I put a griptilian in my cart one day and it was $30 cheaper than what they were advertising. Cant remember the site though. I would love to have a 940 but for 200 I would probably rather another ZT. Or 2 spydercos.
 
The only Benchmade I would be interested in buying is the Doug Ritter Griptilian. I'm not sure what the price was before the increase but it doesn't look too bad right now.
 
chrisk91 said:
I agree with others here, there are much better options out there for the money. Three griptilians can practically get you a sebenza!
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You see this is a bad thing; I see this as a good thing. The griptilian is a tough knife and although 154cm is not considered a highly sought after super steel it is a really good steel and Benchmade seems to do it best. The FRN handles are inexpensive but they are extremely durable and in no way a lesser product just because they don't feel as premium as G10. I just bought my dad a mini-grip for an early father's day present and he loves it. I feel the knife is worth what I paid due to it being a quality product that will last for years and if something does go wrong BM will take care of it.

I also don't really think you can compare BM (especially the grip) to a Sebenza. Apples and oranges, really.

oxman198 said:
I realized this after I put a griptilian in my cart one day and it was $30 cheaper than what they were advertising. Cant remember the site though. I would love to have a 940 but for 200 I would probably rather another ZT. Or 2 spydercos.
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Congrats on getting a great deal. I have a 940 in my pocket right now. The 940 was the knife recommended to me when I called a knife shop in Oregon that ships knives for free (I don't think I can advertise their name). Apparently several of their employees carry this knife and it is a favorite of the stores. I looked at the price and immediately dismissed it. I finally bought one because I could not find a knife that offered a long handle (4 inches) that also is slim and light. I myself have yet to find a Spyderco that offers what the 940 does and ZT's are generally all overbuilt and heavy. But let's try and compare apples to apples. The ZT 0770 has similar specs to the 940. It is cheaper as well (around $40). The ZT offers assisted opening (this is something that doesn't appeal to me) and the 940 does not. The 940 on the other hand has an Axis lock and partial liners (I prefer this to the zt's linerlock with no liners). They both offer great steels, the both have aluminum handles, and from what I read ZT is on par with BM in customer service. My point is that BM isn't that far off with their prices. They are in the same ballpark as ZT and Spyderco in most areas.
 
Please explain to me what MAP is, and BTW I have never been jazzed by Benchmade Knives after one warranty fiasco. Sold the knife, and said never again.
 
benchmadebear said:
You see this is a bad thing; I see this as a good thing. The griptilian is a tough knife and although 154cm is not considered a highly sought after super steel it is a really good steel and Benchmade seems to do it best. The FRN handles are inexpensive but they are extremely durable and in no way a lesser product just because they don't feel as premium as G10. I just bought my dad a mini-grip for an early father's day present and he loves it. I feel the knife is worth what I paid due to it being a quality product that will last for years and if something does go wrong BM will take care of it.

I also don't really think you can compare BM (especially the grip) to a Sebenza. Apples and oranges, really.



Congrats on getting a great deal. I have a 940 in my pocket right now. The 940 was the knife recommended to me when I called a knife shop in Oregon that ships knives for free (I don't think I can advertise their name). Apparently several of their employees carry this knife and it is a favorite of the stores. I looked at the price and immediately dismissed it. I finally bought one because I could not find a knife that offered a long handle (4 inches) that also is slim and light. I myself have yet to find a Spyderco that offers what the 940 does and ZT's are generally all overbuilt and heavy. But let's try and compare apples to apples. The ZT 0770 has similar specs to the 940. It is cheaper as well (around $40). The ZT offers assisted opening (this is something that doesn't appeal to me) and the 940 does not. The 940 on the other hand has an Axis lock and partial liners (I prefer this to the zt's linerlock with no liners). They both offer great steels, the both have aluminum handles, and from what I read ZT is on par with BM in customer service. My point is that BM isn't that far off with their prices. They are in the same ballpark as ZT and Spyderco in most areas.
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These are valid points, apples to oranges. Personally I am on a spyderco/ZT kick which is why (for the money) I would probably prefer one of those two companies. The 940 is obviously an outstanding knife and something is only "worth" what the buyer thinks it is to them, and I have never seen anyone say that they regret buying this knife. However, if it was around 130-150 I would have bought one a long time ago. Its just whenever I go to pull the trigger, I always see something else I would rather in that price range. On a side note, I ALMOST snagged one on a trade at Blade, a pretty much new green 940 with black blade for my basically new Hogue ex-01 in box. She said she had never heard of Hogue and wasn't sure she could move it. I ended up trading it for a 0550 and am quite happy.
 
Akapennypincher said:
Please explain to me what MAP is, and BTW I have never been jazzed by Benchmade Knives after one warranty fiasco. Sold the knife, and said never again.
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This has already been covered in the previous posts, all you have to do is read this from the first page. Reread post 21.
 
It seems like after the new knives have come out for awhile you can find them below map on ebay.bought a new 903 this morning for 130.00 shipped.
 
oxman198 said:
These are valid points, apples to oranges. Personally I am on a spyderco/ZT kick which is why (for the money) I would probably prefer one of those two companies. The 940 is obviously an outstanding knife and something is only "worth" what the buyer thinks it is to them, and I have never seen anyone say that they regret buying this knife. However, if it was around 130-150 I would have bought one a long time ago. Its just whenever I go to pull the trigger, I always see something else I would rather in that price range. On a side note, I ALMOST snagged one on a trade at Blade, a pretty much new green 940 with black blade for my basically new Hogue ex-01 in box. She said she had never heard of Hogue and wasn't sure she could move it. I ended up trading it for a 0550 and am quite happy.
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I get where you're coming from. I had a hard time buying the 940 comparing it to BM's other knives. I could get a 950 Rift (larger knife designed by the same guy) for less money even though it has 154cm steel (great steel; doesn't bother me at all) vs. S30V. Also I could buy an 810 with M4 steel for about the same money. I didn't get why the 940 was so much when it's big brothers were equal or less. After handling all three and owning the Rift; I still have the 940. It's just a great knife. My point in comparing the ZT 0770 to the 940 is that I feel it is a closer value/knife. I tried the Spyderco route myself and thought it was a good product but it didn't carry like my BM's do and Spyderco does not offer blade replacement which is a very cool thing that BM and ZT do offer.

Here's the deal:

Benchmade makes knives that I like and am willing to buy. Spyderco doesn't offer the warranty that BM does and ZT's are overbuilt and heavy (in general) so I go with BM. I'm not trying to convert anyone to buying them I just get tired of reading the same thing over and over. :)

Also, I believe the 940 used to be around the 150 mark but it came with 154cm steel rather than the S30V.
 
Benchmade knives are still an exceptional value after the recent, minor pricing changes. I have yet to find a lock that is more functional than the axis-lock. It may be slightly less strong than the tri-ad lock, and lack the sophistication of a well-made frame lock, but its balance of speed and strength is unrivaled. Benchmade knives are on par with high-end Spyderco and ZT offerings, and are priced accordingly in that category.

Many users do not factor in the speed and incredibly broad scope of work of Benchmade's warranty department. Very few companies offer things like $25 blade replacements, no questions asked mailing of pocket clips/screws, lifetime warranties with incredibly fast turn around time, and return mail cost sharpening.
 
Worth it:

940
940-1
810
810-1401 <-- Especially this one
710
3550

That being said, walk into a knife store and tell me how many Benchmades you see at MAP. None of my local knife shops are selling them at or above MAP. The 940-1 I recently purchased was near $100 off of msrp.
 
Since the MAP (15% off MSRP) enforcement policy by Benchmade I only buy Benchmade knives that are either exclusives or if production have premium materials. So, since November 2013 it has only been: 810-1401 (KW exclusive, M390, two-tone G-10), 484 (M390, contoured G-10) and 940-1 (S90V, CF). All three are worth it to me.

If you can, go to a retail store and examine the knife for fit & finish and negotiate on price below MAP.
 
Since the policy change, I've started buying my Benchmades from a local brick and mortar store. Their prices aren't great but they're pretty much the same as on-line prices now, but I get to handle the knives before I buy them and I can also pay in instalments with my credit card or get a discount for paying cash. Plus, if I have any issues with the knife, the store takes care of it (I'm outside the US).
 
Cypress said:
Worth it:

940
940-1
810
810-1401 <-- Especially this one
710
3550

That being said, walk into a knife store and tell me how many Benchmades you see at MAP. None of my local knife shops are selling them at or above MAP. The 940-1 I recently purchased was near $100 off of msrp.
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Do you think the 810-1401 is better or worse than the 586 mini barrage with the same steel? The price difference is only about $13. I have been looking at the 586 for the M390 steel and smaller size but...:)
 
sir_mike said:
Do you think the 810-1401 is better or worse than the 586 mini barrage with the same steel? The price difference is only about $13. I have been looking at the 586 for the M390 steel and smaller size but...:)
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I've never owned a 586 but I would say it is worth it. Why are you having reservations?

Assisted opening
Pocketable
Aluminum Bolsters
G10 Handles

All seems like quality stuff to me. The 484 is more expensive and is similar size and has the same steel.
 
I will say that local dealer wise this is cool. My local knife guy has always been more expensive, just like everyone else's. But like cypress and francismov have pointed out I can handle them right now which is a huge plus for me. I'm going to check out some of the suggested models. Again thanks a lot everyone for a solid opinion base on the topic.
 
benchmadebear said:
I've never owned a 586 but I would say it is worth it. Why are you having reservations?

Assisted opening
Pocketable
Aluminum Bolsters
G10 Handles

All seems like quality stuff to me. The 484 is more expensive and is similar size and has the same steel.
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My reservation is that I haven't spent that much on a EDC knife, not even on a Spyderco sprint run PM2 and I never had a Benchmade 586 mini barrage or 810-1401 so just trying to find out $$$$ wise if they are worth there prices at $187 for the 586 and $195 for the 810-1401.

The mini barrage would fit my blade size better than the 810 one as I like to keep it under the 3 inch mark cause that is our law but know friends and relatives that carry longer blades without issues. Not my luck though! :)

Do you know of any place that has them lower in price than I listed? If not, that is okay, just have to ask!
 
I still plan on getting an Adamas.
Perhaps I can run around town with my Skirmish "convincing" people to buy more copies of my book, so I get one sooner. :D
 
sir_mike said:
My reservation is that I haven't spent that much on a EDC knife, not even on a Spyderco sprint run PM2 and I never had a Benchmade 586 mini barrage or 810-1401 so just trying to find out $$$$ wise if they are worth there prices at $187 for the 586 and $195 for the 810-1401.

The mini barrage would fit my blade size better than the 810 one as I like to keep it under the 3 inch mark cause that is our law but know friends and relatives that carry longer blades without issues. Not my luck though! :)

Do you know of any place that has them lower in price than I listed? If not, that is okay, just have to ask!
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I get where you're coming from. I kinda of touched on this earlier. I carry a BM 940. It was suggested to me for my EDC needs and I thought there's no way I am paying that much for a knife that small when I can get a 950 Rift or 810 Contego for less or equal price. The 940 was worth the money and it fits my EDC needs perfectly. The 810 would have been too big and heavy and the jimping is out of control. The 950 was heavier than I like and I didn't like the hump where my pinky fit. It doesn't matter if the knife is smaller it's made with quality materials and will be a similar price to the big boys.

I would buy the knife that will fit your EDC needs. The 586 looks like a good blade. Try to find some reviews on it.

I don't know of anywhere that has it cheaper.
 
Cant believe this debate is still going on. (ok,yea..I believe it) Usually perpetuated by some Spyder fan to keep the flames of contention burning. Im a BM fan, Im a Spydie fan....I like knives. Flying no flag, independent, no affiliation.

MAP enforcement was/is to protect the brick and mortars from on line distributor pricing. Supporting the little guy, or the mom and pop shops are something most support and preach.....until it effects your wallet, aye. Then many act like a bunch of whining spoiled brats who had thier free cookies taken away.

There are many "worth it" and some that may not be, from this and many manufactures and makers. "Worth" is a very subjective, personal and realative term.
 
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