What to get for my next benchmade?

kingston73

kingston73

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Oct 14, 2013
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I’m mostly a spyderco guy but I would really like to get another benchmade. I have a mini grip with awt scales and a 940 right now, it’s actually a mix of 940 green scales and a 943 clip blade. I really like it and would like to add something new to the collection. I’m thinking something in the 3 inch range and definitely not assisted, other than that I’m open to suggestions. I had a rift but sold it, a little too big and clunky for my needs. I also had a north fork and don’t know why I sold that. My biggest comparison is my pm2, it and my 940 are my favorites.
 
What about the *Crooked River? Both the mini and original may appeal to you. I don't have either, but a lot of people seem to like them.

Edited, sorry haha. I was just looking at the Hidden Canyon and the name must have been stuck in my head. I don't think that's what you're after, haha.
 
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I really like my Rift. If that's a bit big and clunky for what you want though, then I also think the mini CR is worth looking at. I have acquired one recently and find it very similar to carry and use as the 94X.
 
kingston73 kingston73
In the non-assisted 3 inch range there's the excellent (imho) but discontinued 707 sequel, the 485 Valet, the 484 Nakamura Axis at just over 3", the slightly longer bladed (3.25" I believe) and also excellent 535 Bugout. If you're ok with something a little larger, maybe check out the new(ish) 15085-2 Mini Crooked River coming in at pretty much the same blade length as the 940/943 I believe. Lastly, on the flip side of things, there's the 2.48" 482 Megumi if you're looking for something smaller/gents knife. It too has been recently discontinued, but last I checked, they're still relatively readily available.
 
I’ve never heard of the 482and just looked it up, that’s a nice looking knife. I’m leaning toward that or the valet. The crooked river mini looks nice also.
 
kingston73 said:
I’ve never heard of the 482and just looked it up, that’s a nice looking knife. I’m leaning toward that or the valet. The crooked river mini looks nice also.
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I own just about everything I listed excluding the new mini CR and the 484. The 482 Megumi gets a huge vote of confidence from me; one of Benchmade's sleepers imho. I love my 482; outside of blades for work, it's probably currently one of my most carried knives given it's balance between aesthetics (looks nice and general public friendly design), portability (no clip but it's small enough that it easily slips into the change pocket of jeans), and performance (attractive and practical blade shape made from S30V).

If I know there's a better chance of myself going to be cutting things/needing a beefier blade, then I usually pack the 707 or 485 if I'm going with a Benchmade (again, for EDC outside of work).

The main trade offs between the two is the Sequel is now discontinued and uses "only" 154CM, but has a full sized AXIS lock and thumbstuds while the Valet has excellent M390 blade steel and comes in a slimmer package, but has more of a 3/4 size AXIS lock which combined with it's smaller thumbstuds potentially makes manipulation of the knife more difficult and has been known to aggravate more than a few thumbs.

TL;DR: The 482 and 485 are both great imho, they just serve slightly different purposes with the Valet being slightly more versatile given it's (slightly) larger size. YMMV.
 
So unexpected but welcome, I traded a spyderco for a mini onslaught and it’s pretty great. Wasn’t sure about the blade shape and giant pocket clip but the ergos and quality are just amazing. Now I’m looking at finding a mini dejavoo next.
 
You might also look at the 698 Foray. It's a 3.25" blade IIRC, but the overall package is very compact and easy to carry & use.
 
It took me a long while but I finally ordered a 698. Should get it in a few days, haven’t seen much about it but seems like it’s a nice blade.
 
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