What do each of the big three (Spyerco, Kershaw, Benchmade) do best?

[Rob_Angerer]

Spyderco - ... The Spyderhole makes all of their designs carry wide in the pocket as well as keeping a very similar design pattern to the majority of their offerings. ... You cannot take them apart without voiding warranty.

Kershaw - Tons of awards, more variety in steel options on typical production options than any of the three, extensive design variations, bring out more new models than most manufacturers, and offer their customers a lifetime warranty with phenomenal service and support with little more than customer shipping costs to return the knife...they usually toss in a torx tool (which in my mind offsets the original shipping). You can take apart their knives, screw everything up, and they WILL fix it for you without charge. They represent the best value for cost of any of the three makers listed. Exceptionally sharp out of box from the cheapest to the most expensive.

Benchmade - Their service, in my experience, is horrid. Good luck getting a call back. Cant take these apart without voiding warranty either.

Thoughtful comments.

+3 for what I left in quotes! :thumbup:

 

[THE PUNISHER]

spy cool designs and the hole..

 

[nevermind35]

I've ended up with quite a few of all three of these companies and love a ton of them. However I think that they do all definately serve a different niche in the market and all have their strengths and weaknesses. Heres my opinion:

Kershaw: Always pushing the envelope and staying on the cutting edge. They frequently are the first to try new steels and put out ground breaking ideas like Speedsafe, composite blades, awesome flippers, striated blades, crazy inlayed and machined handles... I've bought dozens and dozens of Kershaws and cannot ever remember getting a dull blade from the factory. One of Kershaws greatest accomplishments is how they have MASTERED the frame/liner lock. Neither of the other big three have such great functioning framelocks IMO. They are always the perfect length, set at the perfect angle, have the perfect combination of galling enough to keep the knife open but not so sticky as to make it tough on the thumb. Also the best warranty and CS of the big three that I have personally experienced. Providing the best fit and finish on ALL of their knives is very important to them whether its a $35 scallion or a $200 Volt.

Spyderco: Always staying ahead of the others of designs for pure function. Spyderco is always testing new steels, geometries and heat treating techniques in interest of getting us, the end users, the most performance possible. Spyderco is so known for their experimenting that other companies send them their own knives to have tested. Instead of some companies putting new steels on knives and letting the customers test the steels and give feedback, by the time a Spyderco knife becomes available to the public, it has already been extensively tested and carried as prototypes to test all aspects of the overall design and materials. Insane ergonomics and the best blade geometry that makes them excellent performers. Not everyone likes their style but most everyone loves the way the work. The fit and finish on their Golden made models is alright, nothing spectacular but none have ever been too bad. However their Taiwanese models consistently exhibit the very best fit and finish rivaled only by Al Mar knives (in their price range and of course IMO).

Benchmade: Benchmade is kind of the all American company of the big 3 IMO. They have been making excellent knives for a very long time and have gained a very high reputation because of this. This is a company that most regular people, ie. non knife nuts recognize and consider the be the top of the food chain. They make knives with a very good combination of great asthetics and (usually) awesome ergonomics. They don't spend as much energy on experimenting with new blade steels but instead like to spend time experimenting with new locks which is how the excellent AXIS lock became. IMO they also have great blade geometry on many of their knives and are good for general purpose tools. Not so thin that you might be hesitant to do certain jobs but thin enough to be efficient cutters. They need to immediately re train the clowns that do their sharpening as they have undoubtedly the worse factory edges out of their peer companies. Benchmade has pretty good fit and finish, I'd rate them about the same as Golden made Spydercos but maybe a tad better. Their machining and blade grinds are generally very good but almost always have rough outer edges on the liners.

This is all my humble opinion after buying and selling many knives made by all three of the companies in question. I have more knives from these companies than any others and plan to continue to buy them.

 

[Scott Neelan]

Kershaw: The most purely innovative of the three. They've taken design elements more commonly seen in custom and semi-custom knives (frame locks and flippers, for example) and mastered their use in production knives. They've worked with some of the best designers in the business today (Ken Onion, Tim Galyean, Grant & Gavin Hawk, and R.J. Martin, just to name a few...not to mention a certain big name hard use custom designer about to release his first ZT collab) and have the best selection of sub-$100 knives anywhere. They've also released some very good $150-$250 collectible knives lately (Volt, Speedform, and the Tilt coming soon)

Spyderco: The arguable masters of the medium-duty/EDC folder. Organic blade shapes, a multitude of steel options, and some of the most time-tested designs out there. You hear and see "Get a Millie!" almost as much as "Get a Sebenza!", and for a production folder that's quite an accomplishment and a huge seal of approval. Plus Sal is such a class act that it's hard to dislike him or his company.

Benchmade: The closest thing to a "boutique brand" among production knives. Good fit & finish across all their knives, fairly utilitarian designs (ignoring the Gold Class ones) made to just work, and work well. The AXIS lock is still one of the best and easiest to use ever made.

You can probably tell which brand I'm most partial to, but I like something from/about all three.

 

[Josh K]

Spyderco - functional knives but their pricing seems to be inconsistent depending on the model and materials. The Spyderhole makes all of their designs carry wide in the pocket as well as keeping a very similar design pattern to the majority of their offerings. Their CS and warrant leave something to be desired with the associated end user costs to access their services and support. You cannot take them apart without voiding warranty.

Please show me where on the warranty page that is indicated.

 

[Scott Neelan]

Please show me where on the warranty page that is indicated.

I can see where he's getting it from, but no, it doesn't really say that. It does say that if you disassemble a Spyderco knife and mess up something or damage a part, then that's not covered under the warranty and you'll have to pay them to fix it, which is pretty understandable.

Close, but not quite the same thing, as opposed to Benchmade's warranty, which rather explicitly says disassembly means voiding the warranty.

 

[wongKI]

It was indicated by Kristi on the forum that if Spyderco can tell a knife's been disassembled, they won't cover it under warranty.

 

[kawr]

As an owner and collector of all three here is my take on it:

Spyderco - functional knives but their pricing seems to be inconsistent depending on the model and materials. The Spyderhole makes all of their designs carry wide in the pocket as well as keeping a very similar design pattern to the majority of their offerings. Their CS and warrant leave something to be desired with the associated end user costs to access their services and support. You cannot take them apart without voiding warranty.

Kershaw - Tons of awards, more variety in steel options on typical production options than any of the three, extensive design variations, bring out more new models than most manufacturers, and offer their customers a lifetime warranty with phenomenal service and support with little more than customer shipping costs to return the knife...they usually toss in a torx tool (which in my mind offsets the original shipping). You can take apart their knives, screw everything up, and they WILL fix it for you without charge. They represent the best value for cost of any of the three makers listed. Exceptionally sharp out of box from the cheapest to the most expensive.

Benchmade - Their service, in my experience, is horrid. Good luck getting a call back. Cant take these apart without voiding warranty either. That being said, they have some great designs that fit a variety of applications, good fit and finish, but sometimes don't come sharp.

I will continue to buy all three.

So many incorrect statements in your post that I dont even know where to start. Kershaw has the most variety in steels over everyone? Do you even know what steels and large variety of models/variations are available from Spyderco or do you just spout nonsense when blatant fanboyism mode is turned on. I'm not even going to bother going into all the other inaccurate statements because its a waste of time trying to get through to people like this but if your going to make an honest assessment make sure you are actually unbiased and actually own knives from all 3 companies so you dont sound silly.

 

[J_Curd]

Please show me where on the warranty page that is indicated.

- Repairs to your knife performed by any source other than Spyderco Inc. unconditionally voids the knife’s warranty.

- Spyderco’s warranty does not cover damage caused by abuse, misuse, loss, improper handling, alterations, accident, neglect, disassembly, or improper sharpening.

I've read CS feedback from a ton of Spyderco users who have reported that taking the knife apart prior to sending it in resulted in Spyderco charging for repairs, sometimes repairs which are not related to the disassembly. Frankly I've spend about all the time googling on your behalf as I care to over the years...you know it's happened as well as I do. One of us doesn't have blinders on.

It was indicated by Kristi on the forum that if Spyderco can tell a knife's been disassembled, they won't cover it under warranty.

This ^

 

[J_Curd]

So many incorrect statements in your post that I dont even know where to start. Kershaw has the most variety in steels over everyone? Do you even know what steels and large variety of models/variations are available from Spyderco or do you just spout nonsense when blatant fanboyism mode is turned on. I'm not even going to bother going into all the other inaccurate statements because its a waste of time trying to get through to people like this but if your going to make an honest assessment make sure you are actually unbiased and actually own knives from all 3 companies so you dont sound silly.

Kershaw options over the years that I can recall...

AUS6
AUS8
8Cr13MoV
1.4116 German Stainless
VG-1
VG-10
Alabama Damascus
420HC
440C
CPM-440V
ATS-34
13C27N
14C28N
S30V
S60V
S90V
S110V
SG-2
CPM-154
D2
CPM-D2
Vanax 75
Elmax
Böhler M390

And last but not least...ZDP-189. Kershaw is the only manufacturer allowed to heat treat their own ZDP outside of Hitachi's facilities.

I know I've missed a few. And out of the list above...how many of those was a "first to market" by Kershaw?

Feel free to give me a comparative list from Spyderco...I know they've done some options Kershaw has not...O-1, M-4...

 

[Josh K]

- Repairs to your knife performed by any source other than Spyderco Inc. unconditionally voids the knife’s warranty.

- Spyderco’s warranty does not cover damage caused by abuse, misuse, loss, improper handling, alterations, accident, neglect, disassembly, or improper sharpening.

I've read CS feedback from a ton of Spyderco users who have reported that taking the knife apart prior to sending it in resulted in Spyderco charging for repairs, sometimes repairs which are not related to the disassembly. Frankly I've spend about all the time googling on your behalf as I care to over the years...you know it's happened as well as I do. One of us doesn't have blinders on.

Let's help out your selective highlight.

 

[J_Curd]

Let's help out your selective highlight.

Alright, one last Google for ol' times sake little pal. Let me help YOU out with the FACTS.

Directly from the Spyderco forum: https://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44631

TazKristi - Administrator

Important Clarifications

"Hey ya'll. Reading through a few different threads this morning and a couple of things popped out at me that I think need to be clarified."

"1st - Disassembling a Spyderco voids the warranty. Period. There was a question about this being a "myth". It is not a myth. It does not matter if you don't break anything when you do it. If we can tell that a knife has been disassembled (whether it's a FrankenSpyder or not) the warranty is technically void. We manufacture knives with all screw construction not because we want you to take them apart. We do so, so our Crew can take them apart for maintenance and repair. I'm sure there might be some other questions, but bottom line, if you take your knife apart, the warranty is void."

This is about the time you should start eating the crow.

 

[Josh K]

Alright, one last Google for ol' times sake little pal. Let me help YOU out with the FACTS.

Directly from the Spyderco forum: https://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44631

TazKristi - Administrator

Important Clarifications

"Hey ya'll. Reading through a few different threads this morning and a couple of things popped out at me that I think need to be clarified."

"1st - Disassembling a Spyderco voids the warranty. Period. There was a question about this being a "myth". It is not a myth. It does not matter if you don't break anything when you do it. If we can tell that a knife has been disassembled (whether it's a FrankenSpyder or not) the warranty is technically void. We manufacture knives with all screw construction not because we want you to take them apart. We do so, so our Crew can take them apart for maintenance and repair. I'm sure there might be some other questions, but bottom line, if you take your knife apart, the warranty is void."

This is about the time you should start eating the crow.

Thanks, I hadn't seen that.

 

[PG5768]

Kershaw options over the years that I can recall...

AUS6
AUS8
8Cr13MoV
1.4116 German Stainless
VG-1
VG-10
Alabama Damascus
420HC
440C
CPM-440V
ATS-34
13C27N
14C28N
S30V
S60V
S90V
S110V
SG-2
CPM-154
D2
CPM-D2
Vanax 75
Elmax
Böhler M390

And last but not least...ZDP-189. Kershaw is the only manufacturer allowed to heat treat their own ZDP outside of Hitachi's facilities.

I know I've missed a few. And out of the list above...how many of those was a "first to market" by Kershaw?

Feel free to give me a comparative list from Spyderco...I know they've done some options Kershaw has not...O-1, M-4...

Alright, one last Google for ol' times sake little pal. Let me help YOU out with the FACTS.

Directly from the Spyderco forum: https://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44631

TazKristi - Administrator

Important Clarifications

"Hey ya'll. Reading through a few different threads this morning and a couple of things popped out at me that I think need to be clarified."

"1st - Disassembling a Spyderco voids the warranty. Period. There was a question about this being a "myth". It is not a myth. It does not matter if you don't break anything when you do it. If we can tell that a knife has been disassembled (whether it's a FrankenSpyder or not) the warranty is technically void. We manufacture knives with all screw construction not because we want you to take them apart. We do so, so our Crew can take them apart for maintenance and repair. I'm sure there might be some other questions, but bottom line, if you take your knife apart, the warranty is void."

This is about the time you should start eating the crow.

Your google'fu is strong today JCurd. :thumbup:

Impressive list of steels, from some of the most "exotic" to old standards. The only one missing, I think, is the 12C27 Sandvik they used before the 13C26.

 

[PG5768]

What I think of when I think of Kershaw, Spyderco, and Benchmade are:

Kershaw-assisted opening, value, variety, and top notch CS;

Spyderco-clip-it pocket clip, spyderhole, leaf shaped blades, FRN handles, and the Sharpmaker;

Benchmade-Axis lock, Griptilian, and bali-songs.

They all make some nice knives that I like. I like Kershaw's line-up more than the other 2, but like knives from them, too. One of these days I need to breakdown and get a Sharpmaker.

 

[FlaMtnBkr]

As an owner and collector of all three here is my take on it:

Spyderco - functional knives but their pricing seems to be inconsistent depending on the model and materials. The Spyderhole makes all of their designs carry wide in the pocket as well as keeping a very similar design pattern to the majority of their offerings. Their CS and warrant leave something to be desired with the associated end user costs to access their services and support. You cannot take them apart without voiding warranty.

Kershaw - Tons of awards, more variety in steel options on typical production options than any of the three, extensive design variations, bring out more new models than most manufacturers, and offer their customers a lifetime warranty with phenomenal service and support with little more than customer shipping costs to return the knife...they usually toss in a torx tool (which in my mind offsets the original shipping). You can take apart their knives, screw everything up, and they WILL fix it for you without charge. They represent the best value for cost of any of the three makers listed. Exceptionally sharp out of box from the cheapest to the most expensive.

Benchmade - Their service, in my experience, is horrid. Good luck getting a call back. Cant take these apart without voiding warranty either. That being said, they have some great designs that fit a variety of applications, good fit and finish, but sometimes don't come sharp.

I will continue to buy all three.

Thoughtful comments.

+3 for what I left in quotes! :thumbup:

In the future you might want to call Benchmade instead of emailing them. In my experience they have one of the best warranty departments right behind Kershaw and better than Spyderco. They have acknowledged they have problems replying to emails because of their strict email filters to get around their vast amount of spam. A phone call gets phenomenal service however, about as far from "horrid" as you can get.

Alright, one last Google for ol' times sake little pal. Let me help YOU out with the FACTS.

Directly from the Spyderco forum: https://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44631

TazKristi - Administrator

Important Clarifications

"Hey ya'll. Reading through a few different threads this morning and a couple of things popped out at me that I think need to be clarified."

"1st - Disassembling a Spyderco voids the warranty. Period. There was a question about this being a "myth". It is not a myth. It does not matter if you don't break anything when you do it. If we can tell that a knife has been disassembled (whether it's a FrankenSpyder or not) the warranty is technically void. We manufacture knives with all screw construction not because we want you to take them apart. We do so, so our Crew can take them apart for maintenance and repair. I'm sure there might be some other questions, but bottom line, if you take your knife apart, the warranty is void."

This is about the time you should start eating the crow.

They might have said this in their forum which is a bs move IMO. Their printed warranty does not say that disassembly voids the warranty. There are some fairly strict state warranty laws and I would be curious what they would say about their roundabout way of voiding a warranty.

This is a thread based on opinion and there is quite a bit of misinformation including kawr little rant about fanboyism. I always wonder why Spyderco gets so much credit for a wide variety of steels. If you take out the mule project they have used gin 1, aus8, vg10, 154cm, M4, H1, S30V, S90V, CTS-XHP and what else? Even if you double that list it is quite a bit shorter than Kershaws list of steels. Even Benchmade has used a similar amount of different steels.

 

[J_Curd]

I called and emailed them 3 times each. No reply. Fixed it myself.

 

[gundude73]

my order would probably be spyderco, kershaw, benchmade.

spyderco, i like opening holes, their factory edges have yet to let me down, very ergonomic, and their pocket clips are good.

kershaws edges have yet to let me down, good ergos, very affordable, cool steels (composite blades rule ) but for me their pocket clips arent as good as spyderco.

benchmade, pocket clips are good, feel decent in hand, but their edges have consistently let me down, and my axis lock broke (i may be 1 of 20 people BUT it still happened) i like my spydies/kershaws too much to get any more benchmades. but i have seen benchmades that tree top hairs out of the box and axis locks that last for years, maybe i am just really unlucky when it comes to benchmade.

 

[FlaMtnBkr]

I called and emailed them 3 times each. No reply. Fixed it myself.

You called during business hours and no one answered? I have called probably a dozen times over the last few years and someone has always answered. I have had emails not replied to but had the same thing happen with Spyderco and plenty of other non knife companies.

 

[lava_lamp]

I'm late to the party, but:

Spyderco -- makes the best FRN folders, does the best serrations, really jump-started the modern knife era, has a first class owner/spokesman, does collaborations with many designers, US owned, makes many models in the US, provides dependable quality and customer service.

Benchmade -- impeccable fit & finish, their knives are worth owning just for the AXIS lock, US owned, makes many models in the US, dependable quality.

Kerhsaw -- makes the best auto assist folders, their top tier knives are as good or better than those from Spyderco or Benchmade, wide variety of designs and innovations, makes many models in the US, dependable quality, outstanding customer service.