Recommendation? Which “mini” Benchmade?

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Oct 23, 2014
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Hi all,
I own a couple of Benchmades and am looking to add a third sometime this year. I’m looking at a smaller knife with a sub 3” blade for carrying in lightweight athletic shorts and for areas with blade length restrictions.

I’m looking at the following knives:
Mini Bugout
Mini Osborne 945
Mini Freek

I have already owned and liked the Mini Griptilian, so I’m looking for something a little different. I also like the North Fork a lot, but it’s awfully heavy for a little knife and defeats part of the purpose for me.

Just curious to hear some opinions on the smaller Benchmade models and see what the recommendations are. I already know some basic pros/cons of these models but would love to hear from those who have used them.
 
The 485 Valet might be a consideration if you can find one but for athletic shorts, the Mini Bugout is hard to beat with its flat handle and ultra light weight.
 
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The 485 Valet might be a consideration if you can find one but for athletic shorts, the Mini Bugout is hard to beat with its flat handle and ultra light weight.

The flat handle certainly helps with the ease of carry, but it’s not very comfortable in the hand. I used to have the full-sized bugout and so I’m pretty familiar with the handle cross-section.

I’m kind of leaning towards the mini Freek because it has a little more comfy handle but still comes in at quite a light weight.
 
I would take the mini bugout. It is svelte and very light. The mini Freek is noticeably larger.
 
I’m looking at the following knives:
Mini Bugout
Mini Osborne 945
Mini Freek

I have already owned and liked the Mini Griptilian, so I’m looking for something a little different.

If you like the Mini Grip, the answer is easy. Look no further and get the Mini Freek. You will no be disappointed. It is "more knife" than the others on your list.

Mini Freek and Mini Grips for comparison.
IMG_0508.JPG

I had the Mini Bugout and was supremely taken aback how puny it was.
 
I have all three and like them all. I'd say it depends on what you're looking for. If you want the absolute lightest and easiest to carry, the Mini Bugout wins. It also has the sliciest blade, but the Mini Freek is a good slicer, with the Mini Osborne coming in third there.

If you want the best working mini, then the Mini Freek wins. Solid construction and enough handle to do a lot of cutting comfortably. The blade geometry is great and in M4 steel, you've got something that can be put to harder tasks. Of course, corrosion is an issue, but there is an S90V version.

The Mini Osborne wins if you want the attributes of the 940 in a smaller package. It's light and very slim making it quite easy to carry. The reverse tanto blade isn't the sliciest, but it's decent at .10in. It's a stout blade for its size, with a robust tip. And you can get it in Magnacut which offers real advantages in toughness and corrosion resistance.
 
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