Which knife? (BM and WH options)

F

fishwatcher

Joined
Nov 26, 2002
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328
Hi everybody,

I'm considering between a Benchmade Osborne 960 (aluminum red w/ g10 inlay) and a William Henry Ultralight Carbon Fiber Spearpoint (TC12-CF)?

As cheaper alternative, I'm also considering the Benchmade Osborne 780.

I'm looking for a fine small'ish gentleman's folder, light weight, solid lockup and finish. I guess I'm looking for a really nice "user", if that combination exists.

I haven't handled or seen any of these knives in person.

I'm considering these 3 as I have an online gift certificate, and these are the choices, I've narrowed down to. What are your thoughts?

Thanks!
 
I doubt you'll be dissapointed in an axis folder, but the 780 doesn't seem to be in the same catagory as the other two. I think the 960 and the WH would both be considered gentleman's folders, with blades a little over 3", and weight around 2 ounces, the WH a little under, the 960 a little over. The 780 has a longer blade, 3.4", and with those steel handles weighs quite a bit more, over 4 ounces. I would not really consider it a "gentleman's folder" myself, but others may disagree.
 
i like the 960 option. i just got one recently and it's the perfect dress-up knife! i'd recommend tracking down one of the LTD ED. ones though. the red is a little much. check out New Graham or ebay or the Forums. they come up every now and then. i was thinking of picking up a WH Westcliffe though, they look really cool. someday i'd like to own a WH. i can say (as an owner) the 960's are really cool. it's capable of heavy duty use but won't scare my grandma.
 
For a gent's folder, go with the WH, ridiculously light and fine finish. However, they are difficult for heavy use...mostly because they're so beautiful and well finished. The 960 is better for this. But for a good user which is also light, go with the 94x series...
 
The 960 is a lot more robust than the WH-T12. So, you need to decide how much you are going to expect from this blade.

I don't happen to like the T12 clips, so I would go with the 960 there.

However, I can't personally see myself carrying a fire-engine red knife, and I don't like aluminum much. The WH carbon fiber treatment is one of the best in the industry and their linerlock execution is very good.

The 960's are nicer in the stainless steel handled-versions, but quite a bit heavier.

In the end, I would probably go with the 960 if you want a more rugged knife.
 
not to confuse the issue more but i'd second the motion to take a look at the 940 series. one of my alltime favorite knives. it's a bit bigger than the typical dress-knife but it's a peice of art. it sings when you open it. and it loves to cut!

i've got a blue one :-)
 
I think that the william henry makes a much better gentlemans knife than any of the Benchmades. It is smoother lighter and will do most anything you need of an urban EDC. If your EDC needs to perform more strenuous tasks then think about a Benchmade or a Spyderco.
 
I already have an Osborne 942, which I love.
(Maybe I should get a clip-point version to
compliment the reverse tanto style I have)

I agree, the 94x is a great size, and I guess
what I'm looking for is a little smaller and nicer.

I definately want something biased towards useable,
versus too "delicate". (Though breaking down cardboard
boxes would be about the average "worst" thing I would
put this knife through.)

The red color is also something that isn't my first choice,
but that's all the catalog I'm going through has.

The WH has gotten such rave reviews from owners on
this forum, and was my first choice, before I began
re-considering (it's also on back-order through the
catalog I'm ordering from, as is the 960).

I agree on the 780 as my last choice. A bit too heavy.
Size is okay.. though a little bit in the wrong direction
from my preference.

Thanks for everybody's feedback so far. I'll keep checking
this thread for any other's who weigh in.
 
You could consider the BM730 series also. I've got the WH CF T12 and a BM 733. Both look good for dress and they will handle any work you'll run into while in a suit or casual dress. Wouldn't take either on a camping trip.
 
If I were you I'd put a little more $$ in the mix and get a CRK Mnandi. It is every bit the gent knife that the WH is (if not more) and is as robust as the 960 (if not more). The fit/finish, materials, warranty and ergonomics put the Mnandi in a class all by itself when it comes to "gent" knives. I doubt that you would be anything but totally pleased if you got an Mnandi. But if you are displeased just mail it to me and I'll give it a good home. ;)
 
dunefan said:
You could consider the BM730 series also. I've got the WH CF T12 and a BM 733. Both look good for dress and they will handle any work you'll run into while in a suit or casual dress. Wouldn't take either on a camping trip.
Click to expand...

I love my 730CF. But if he wants something *smaller* than his 942, a 730 is not the answer. I carry my 940CF when I want something smaller and lighter than my 730.

Have you looked at the limited edition BM705 knives? Or the BM770 series? If they are comfortable in your hand, they're great little overbuilt gent's knives.

I'm thinking about a 960 myself, but 'red' and 'aluminum' are making me reluctant. I would buy a CF or G-10 960 in a heartbeat.

Nick
 
A few months ago I went through the same process you're going through now. I chose a Blue 960 and carried it for a while. But a couple weeks ago I found myself leaving it and carrying the 940 it had supposedly replaced. I'm waiting on my first Sebenza, not a gentleman's knife, but we'll see if I repeat this process yet again. I really like the 940 -- my EDC is green, but I've also got a Red and a Ti-S30V :)
 
benchmademan said:
not to confuse the issue more but i'd second the motion to take a look at the 940 series. one of my alltime favorite knives. it's a bit bigger than the typical dress-knife but it's a peice of art. it sings when you open it. and it loves to cut!

i've got a blue one :-)
Click to expand...

I agree but while the 940 specs out bigger (3.4 inch blade) it appears smaller because of its elegant lines.

Another well made good looking knife in the 960/WH price range is the Buck Mayo 172.

I alternate between a 172 and a 940 for office wear.
 
The BM is definitly a harder user than the WH, mainly because of the lock. But, if cutting cardboard is the hardest thing you are going to do with it, and joy of ownership is a criteria, the WH is a beauty to own and use. I think lots of folks are fooled by the light weight....it's no chopper, but the ergonomics are excellent, the blade shape is a real slicer, and the handle shape, with the choil, allows for real leverage.

If I were choosing on your criteria, I would take the WH.

Thom
 
For me personally, it would come down to:

Am I planning on carrying this as my only folder, for when I'm wearing a suit? If so, I'd go with the more robust option -- the benchmade.

Am I planning on carrying this as my gents' folder, but also carrying something bigger (BM 710, whatever) in another pocket? If so, I'd go for the most handsome and well-finished knife, even if it's a little more delicate. That means the William Henry.

To some extent, I feel like everyone should own at least one William Henry, or an equivalent -- a gorgeous gents folder with ultra-high production values, where aesthics and design choices are geared around lighter use. I don't have a WH, but have some customs that fill the niche for me. I always carry a bigger folder along with it, but love pulling out the gents' folder when it's appropriate.

Joe
 
dunefan said:
You could consider the BM730 series also. I've got the WH CF T12 and a BM 733. Both look good for dress and they will handle any work you'll run into while in a suit or casual dress. Wouldn't take either on a camping trip.
Click to expand...

Sorry guys. I meant to say 773, not 733. My 773 is a great carry and smaller than the 942.
 
I very much like my Benchmade 770 as a gents knife. It's one of 2 I carry when I'm not at work. It's a very strong little knife despite it's size. I have no question that if I'd need to use it for something a bit heavier, it would be up to the task without question.
 
The 780 is new from Benchmade and Warren Osborne. I haven't heard that it's shipped yet.. but you can find it on Benchmade's web-page, in their new products section. try this. http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.asp?model=780

Okay.. all.. for now.. I'm sticking with the WH. I just wish it'd come off back-order.

Thanks again for everybody's comments. By the way.. I also like the BM 77x models. The size and form factor are very cool. A nice step up from my current 2" EDC's, Cricket, Benchmite, and Chive.
 
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