Which Benchmade next?

DarkReazon

DarkReazon

Joined
Jan 15, 2003
Messages
202
Looking for some advice, again :)

Well, my collection is growing and my bank account is dwindling but I'm looking for a new folder...

First off, let me just say that I am thoroughly hooked on Benchmade, and I'm looking for a fix.

I've got a mini-grip 555 and a TSEK, both of which are 440C. I am happy with the performance of both these blades, but I'm looking for a compromise in size, and a higher end steel. The TSEK at 3.9"+ is a little large for certain situations, and the Mini-grip at 2.9" is a little small for certain situations.

I'm looking for something between 3.4" and 3.6" to fit between these two great knives.

I love the AXIS lock. It is truly, truly an excellent locking mechanism in my opinion, and I wish to stick with it :) Though I don't own any framelocks...yet.

Option 1 : BM 943 with black aluminum handles (so far all my folders have synthetic handles, I would like to try aluminum) plain edge, no coating. 3.4" blade, Clip Point.

Option 2 : BM 735 Ares with green G10 handles, Plain edge, satin finish 3.6" blade, modified spear point.

Option 3 : ???

Well folks? Any other suggestions, of course welcome, main concerns are folder with a blade length of 3.4" -> 3.6", price under $150 USD, and this knife is to be a definate user, so something tough (and no, I can't afford a Strider AR...) Also, Canadian, so no balisongs or autos :grumpy:


Regards,

Shaun.
 
The 94X series knives are very nice. The Griptilians are also nice. I saw the new BM auto friday. It's on my short list.
 
At least within the Axis range, you seem to be answering your own question a bit. Limited editions aside, the two you mention are about it, with some component variation possible.

You seem to prefer the Osborne, but I'd go for the 735 myself. Aluminium scratches and it isn't great in the hand in cold weather, which I expect you might experience on occasion there. I think the green G10 looks rather good. Given what you have already, the Ares would provide you with a broader range of blade styles, also. You might be concerned that it's too much at the upper end of your blade length parameter, but the variance involved isn't that significant. I think you are going to observe the blade style difference a lot more.
 
Being Canadian myself. I have to say that the 942S I own as my EDC did not get to cold in my hands in the middle of March when I was using it. I realy like the 94X series of knives they have been realy well done and are great to use. It is smaller in look and stature and feels smaller in the hand then the 55X and the 805 that also both own but the 94X is good and a great choise for EDC if you have to use it around other that could be scared off by the site of a large looking knife.

Good luck and hope you like your choise.

Like all Benchmade Forumites say why not get both. After all it's a benchmade.
 
DarkReazon,

Get the Benchmade 921 Switchback! Its main blade is a sturdy 3.3" modified wharncliffe fashioned from S30V steel and its slipjoint blade is a 2.2" wharnie made out of 440C. The Wharncliffe, as done by Warren Osborne and Benchmade, is a very competent, versatile cutter. Also, the handle puts the blade at a slight forward tilt which simulates the recurve of the 710 McHenry & Williams in terms of added cutting efficiency. S30V takes and holds a wicked edge while spotting less than 154CM or even 440C (I'm told. my S30V knives and 440C knife have yet to spot [knock on wood!]). If you do stupid things with the knife, it will chip, but those are easily ground out. Also, in stabbing my 921 into a sheetmetal door (and chipping it), it was remarkably secure in my hand, so don't trouble yourself over the slick-feeling aluminum handles. It's a solid performer. Another kudo for the 921 is that all of its screws may be tightened/loosened with a T6-sized Torx wrench. Many other Benchmades need a T6 for the clip and a T9 for the pivot, but not the 921. Finally, you can find then online (including brick-and-mortar houses that sell online) for around $125USD.

Ah, but does nature's perfect knife have a drawback? Of course! Its clip pinches a bit on the dungarees and is a shiny beacon that you have something in your pocket. Solution? Get a 921-02BTRED or 921-02BTGRN (red or green handle with black teflon on the blade and hardware) or a gray 921 with the D2 steel and same teflon coating.
 
God I forgot the blessed 921. Left out the larger Griptilian deliberately.

Well look there's some possibility that there's more to this dungaree thing than meets the eye. But best not go into that here perhaps.

Anyway it has other virtues again of course. But aluminium? Ugh. Simply dreadful for Canadians in particular - reacts very badly with maple syrup etc.

Oh and also:

I wouldn't pay TOO much attention to what BM Forumites have to say.
 
I got a 730S Ares and not being a Benchmade fan I dunno why I bought it, just to scratch an itch I suppose but after I played with it for an hour I loved it, it's great, can't go wrong with it.
 
Seems like someone stayed up too late discussing knives over the internet. :p I was speaking of the shiny clip alerting people that a knife was available in the pocket. Absence of an "I'm a eunuch" sign usually leads people to think that other things are there.

Plus, while I think most Canadians should sell their homes and move to the United States (same for most everyone else not living here), I don't assume that they're all hopping around in the tundra gutting bottles of maple syrup. Well, one cousin in Sherbrooke, Quebec does that, but he is not representative of all Canadians.

Also, I don't think that aluminum's ability to absorb heat makes it a total liability. In weather so cold that aluminum would hurt exposed skin, gloves are generally worn.

On the other hand, as you correctly pointed out, I am a Benchmade Forumite, with an opinion unworthy of consideration, and did think only of Benchmade brand knives when DarkReazon asked about buying a knife with an axis lock. Had our friend asked for a good folder to buy, but didn't mention wanting an axis lock or Benchmade brand folding knife, I would have included Spyderco's Delica FRN as my second choice. It's an exceptionally good cutter and rivals the 921's performance while costing $83 less online and over $100 less in MSRP.

DarkReazon,

Get the 921. It performs as good as the 943 looks.
 
Hey guys,

Still mulling it over... About the 921... I'm sorry, I'm not a fan of the styling... just doesn't do it for me. :confused:

About the aluminum scratching... I was wondering about that... don't like the looks of scratches on aluminum.. It would be great if BM would Titanium Nitride coat their aluminum... dreaming again... my TiNi Space pen is well beyond "scratch resistant" oh well. Hmmm.... add to this conundrum the fact that I am ordering a $50 heatsink for my new processor.... dammit. Where's that money tree?

Thanks for the advice guys...but I think I'm going to hold off for another month... a day of contemplation has yielded to the heat sink (and no, I'm not the only person to spend $50 on a heat sink... honest!).


Thanks again,

Shaun.
 
What about one of the BM720 Pardues????

720.jpg


From the Benchmade site:

Blade Length: 3.25"
Blade Thickness: 0.12"
Blade Material: 154CM
Weight: 4.3oz.
Overall Length: 7.62"
Closed Length: 4.37"

Seems like a nice middle-ground to me. Just a touch shorter than you wanted, but aluminum handles, nice steel and a heck of a stout knife!
 
I'll second the 720.

I have the aluminum handles from it on my EDC user and they have not demonstrated any scratching problems, and in fact still look virtually new despite regular carry and use.

They are stronger and feel much better than any plastic, G10 included.

It's nice looking and tough, and although I chose to ditch the blade I'm sure it would be satisfactory for most users.
 
I would recommend Option 1 : BM 943 with black aluminum handles (so far all my folders have synthetic handles, I would like to try aluminum) plain edge, no coating. 3.4" blade, Clip Point.

You might want to consider the green aluminum handles too - very pretty and sheeple friendly.

The thin clip point blade is an awesome slicer and will fly through cardboard. The pointy tip is nice also.

Can't beat the light weight of the 94X series for a 3.4" blade.
 
Originally posted by thombrogan
Seems like someone stayed up too late discussing knives over the internet. (etc)
Click to expand...

Yes Thom I might have to admit to that. Was staying up waiting on an email from the US (which never arrived damn it) and engaged in a bit of folly in the process I think.

I have a bit of a set against Aluminium, as you well know. There's something about it in the hand I don't like, but that's personal of course. And yes of course gloves could well be in play in cold weather, as you say. Hard to dispute the scratch factor though. Anyway I must also acknowledge that the set isn't absolute - have given the 941BC1Rd a bit of thought now and then, as I think it's a real looker.

The BM Forumite bit was just me dicking around and really more in relation to Nim's buying both idea. My apologies.

Apologies also for messing about with maple syrup.
 
DarkReazon,

If you don't like it, that's cool. If you're frightened of scratched aluminum (and for the money these cost, it's a valid fear), go with the 735. A lot of them are selling online for under $90.

Originally posted by switched
Apologies also for messing about with maple syrup.
Click to expand...

Now you're scaring me as much as I scared you. :D
 
Originally posted by DarkReazon

Option 1 : BM 943 with black aluminum handles (so far all my folders have synthetic handles, I would like to try aluminum) plain edge, no coating. 3.4" blade, Clip Point.
Click to expand...

I was going to get that knife too but then I realized I need the Benchmite:

310.jpg


David
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top