Which Blade Is Better??

mrandolph

mrandolph

Joined
Mar 22, 2011
Messages
46
I have in my possession two Benchmades in S30V, the 940 and the Mini Crooked River, both new. Other than slicing paper, I've not used either. The one I don't keep will be going back to REI. I would appreciate some opinions regarding which would serve me better as an all around camping & backpacking blade. I feel like the MCR would do better with food prep & the like (I'm not a hunter BTW) and the 940 would have a stronger tip. Am I wrong? When it comes to blade geometry, which is better for all around use? Don't plan to abuse it, but you know how things go sometimes. I'm sticking with BM b/c of the Axis lock, warranty (including blade replacement) and, let's face it, because they're both pretty awesome in the hand and in the pocket. Thanks much, allIMG_3841.jpg IMG_3840.jpg IMG_3842.jpg
 
I’ll say the MCR.
I bought the 940 with camping in mind but the aluminum scales get uncomfortable for me when they get cold. I still carry it on summer hikes when I don’t feel like belting a fixed blade.
Both are good choices.
If I’m going to be cutting up food, I always carry a fixed blade. Much easier to clean.
 
My experience and advice is pretty much the same as GB940Rookie's. I've had several 94x models and I've never been able to get attached to them. Something about them just doesn't feel comfortable to me... and it's not the blade. I love my 950 and have had at least one in the family since they first came out. The blade is fine, I just can't get used to their feel. And... I just don't like metal handles on anything.

OTOH... my mini-CR is in my pocket as I type. It's my daily user when I want a BM but I don't want to carry my M4 Freek. For your stated uses, I think both the blade length and the clip point profile will work fine. I've hiked and camped with Militaries and Para 2s and I've never damaged a tip so I don't think that the mini-CR tip is in any danger from the stuff you'd normally run into that you'd use a folding knife to accomplish.

** I would not, however, rely on a folder as my only blade if hiking/camping. I always take a fixed blade along for the stuff I haven't anticipated that may be more "challenging". **
 
I appreciate those perspectives - thank you. The Mini-CR does feel more substantial and I’d not thought of the 940 being cold in the hand. Maybe I’m just a little put off by the almost upswept clip point on the MCR. Seems fragile somehow. Btw, I do also pack a fixed blade and a hatchet (small axe if car camping).
 
Im my opinion I would prefer the MCR for the tasks your describing. I would definitely take the advice re a fixed blade for any task that would compromise the tip or strength of any folder.
 
IMO, if you want a lower tip (such as for drilling a hole into wood), weight savings, and less volume to pack, I'd go with the 940. If you want more belly for things like skinning, or want a little more fine control for curvy cuts go for the MCR. I really don't think you can do that much more with one compared to the other. However, I'm a city boy (only 'real camping' I did was a 3 week canoe trip through Voyageurs National Park), and would probably go for a Vic or LM for a secondary if I had a fixed blade.
 
I don’t own any variation of a 940 or a mini crooked river, so I have no horse in this race. But my full size cr rides strong in my pocket every day all day and every day I wish it was just a tad smaller. So my vote is the mini :cool:

Also, while I have full intentions of acquiring some kind of 940 in the future, I would buy a mini cr over a 940 any time if my damn shop had it in like they’ve been promising :eek:
 
I appreciate the input. I even asked my wife, who cares about this like I care about nail polish, and she liked the Mini Crooked River. Thought it was more “outdoorsy”. In the end, though, I sent back the MCR and am keeping the 940. Simply put, it just feels better to me. I actually like the aluminum handle. The 940 kind of complements my other EDC knife, a Vic Pioneer. Thanks all. Blessings to you.
 
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