What's the difference?

[Balis Edge]

Hey guys,

I've manipulated a lot of balis, but never a benchmade... mostly jags. I've noticed that the pins on a jag get loose pretty quick and that the benchmade uses a torx screw. Does this make a big difference? What was the first significant improvement you noticed with the benchmade? What's the diff?

Oooooh, I just got a creepy feeling. Like on the pepsi commercial, I just imagined a U.F.O - after I asked that last question.

I like the 42, but the 47 tanto blade is very sexy. How long are these knives when opened?

So, should I buy one or what? I've heard that knifezilla is my best bet, what do you think?

 

[Mykl Clark]

Yes buy one, no question about it. The improvment is like fencing with a cheese stick and then switching to a rapier.

 

[Mr YODA]

With the torx screw you can easily adjust the tension in the knife. A BM 4x series is about 9.4 inches open, about the same as the Jag, although the handles are thinner and lighter on the Benchmades.

 

[penguin_2000]

Originally posted by Balis Edge
I've noticed that the pins on a jag get loose pretty quick and that the benchmade uses a torx screw. Does this make a big difference? What was the first significant improvement you noticed with the benchmade? What's the diff?

Definitely makes a difference. The Jags' pins are hollow. The BMs' pins are essentially solid since you have a screw threaded into a pin. That is the way I see it. This makes a big difference in the long run because the BM will outlast the Jag. The first significant difference in terms of quality you will notice is that the Jag will start to lose its alignment. When you toss it around, it will wobble more severely as the pins and handles get worn more and more (this wearing affect happens at a much slower rate with the BM's). That effect will make catching it precisely more difficult and slightly more dangerous.
You should be more specific when you ask "what's the diff". Do you mean in quality, feel, smell, taste, et cetera? There are too many differences to list. One thing I like about Jag's over BM's, however, is the weight. Heavier weight is easier to control since the handles don't move as fast.

Oooooh, I just got a creepy feeling. Like on the pepsi commercial, I just imagined a U.F.O - after I asked that last question.

OK then...

So, should I buy one or what? I've heard that knifezilla is my best bet, what do you think?

Buying one is up to you. Its a nice knife, but expensive compared to a Jag. I believe www.newgraham.com will give you a better deal.

ciao

 

[OUCH]

IMHO, the BM is the best buy as you only have to buy once ( right, who only owns one bali, if they can afford more ?? ). Obviously, this forum is made up of "struggling students - affluent collectors". We all learn from each other's posts. The great thing about this is that we all contribute and we all learn. To me, the learning thing is the most important --- my thanks to those of you who have contributed to my education --please keep it up. I've got a long way to go !!

 

[tonyccw]

Originally posted by OUCH
"struggling students - affluent collectors".

Gee, I would have thought that there would be more levels of distinction in between.

BM's have always been well designed to take a serious level of usage (note: NOT ABUSE). They may not be cost justifiable to some people, being a high retail priced knife, but they are among the better examples of what is being made out there, value wise. And it's the best choice for that $100 bali on the market currently. Why? Durability; well engineered; high tech materials; and a decent warranty to back it up. It's not perfect, as you've recently seen with the bali's being sent back for repairs. But, at least with the BM's you won't have to repair it yourself.