Which Benchmade for EDC?

Doug Ritter Mini-Grip
I've got 2 myself M2 & M4 models; excellent for EDC.
Even where blades should be at a minimum.
Small and unassuming, but it's still got a good sized blade that's up for any task.
It almost disappears in the pocket.
Excellent knife.

I've been a long time admirer of your scales. Beautiful work.
 
I really like the Mini-Grip. Regular and Ritter versions are both great. They're compact, carry well, are comfortable to handle, and, most importantly, cut great. The Mini Bone Collector is a heftier knife (thicker handle, thicker blade, weighs about 50% more than the Mini-Grip) and uses D2 steel (also a great steel). I haven't handled some of the others mentioned in this thread (707 and 940), but the designs do look interesting. I really want to try out a 940. The Mini-Barrage (585) may also be worth a look, if you prefer assisted-openers.
 
Any of the grips are great, or the 707. All excellent knives. I EDC a barrage. Its assist, has an axis lock and 154CM steel. IMO, a great introduction to Benchmade.
 
Mini grip with the hole.

And Kevin Wilkins G10 scales...

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940 is great.
I wanted to like the 707 and 470, but both are just too small for my admittedly oversize mitts to deploy easily and reliably every time.
 
556 Mini Griptilian. If weight is an issue, this is the knife for you.
It feels good in the hand and will cut all day. Easy on the pocket book too.
 
This newbie loves his Mini-grip.
Perfect for me since i don't care to use pocket clips and the size is perfect. It gets along very well with car keys.



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mini presidio 525BK (aluminium handles)

Do you mean the knifeworks exclusive in M4? I purchased mine from them a few months ago for just over your price point, but looks like they increased the prices since.

I only have a few folders under 3", but the 525BK-1101 one is my favorite at this length.
 
Since i've only tried a few Benchmades? The 710. Fits my big paws. Slices like a laser. I'd be interested to try out a 94x or the Ares in the future, though.
 
I like the Mini bone collector and the Barrage. Mine is a 581 in m390. Roughly the same price point as the 940, but in MMMMMMM 390.
 
Matt130- Ive looked into other SOGs, but Im fairly disappointed with the Visionary 1. I have played with an Aegis though, may have to get one everntually.

I looked into the 940....I think Im gonna need a 943 at some point, what an awesome looking knife and from what I read good fit/finish.

The mini grip seems to be the economical choice but I like the blade of the ritter a little more.

I get to go back to working full time once this semester is over so the money will probably dictate the choice. Ill probably end up with both, just gotta decide which one to get first (943 vs mini grip/ritter).

Thanks for yalls help

If anyone has pictures of their 943, black or orange mini ritter/grip post them up!
 
Here's the mini-Ritter with standard scales beside the Wilkins Scales version.
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I've I had to choose between the mini-Ritter with standard scales and a Osborne 940/943, I'd go with the Osborne. I find the stock scales a bit small for my mid-sized hands in the Mini-Grip. Try to handle one before you buy.
 
Im pretty sure Ive decided to get the 943 first, but I cant decide between the coated or satin blade! As my name suggest I like coated blades but the satin looks quite nice on this one. What do you y'all think about the satin vs coated benchmade blades? (look, durability, etc)
 
The only BM I would consider is an AFCK or Balisong. I've been routinely disappointing with Axis lock knives and blade play and I prefer original makers to collaborations.
 
A satin blade will wear much more gracefully than a coated one. Benchmade's coating, like most, wears pretty quickly if you're cutting anything more than paper. I happen to like the look of a well-used coated blade. But I'm also one of those guys that loves old carbon steel with a patina. Comes down to personal preference. If worn coatings are something that will bother you or you think you might sell/trade the knife later on, I'd go satin.
 
I would also through in a BM710 is slim and carries very well especially given the length of the blade. Unlike many knives it seems to really optimize handle to blade ratio. The blade is so slim that it also does not really appear that long but it is very useful.
 
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