Which to buy? Benchmade Mini Rukus, Gravitator 425 or 426

P

pangris

Joined
Nov 14, 2003
Messages
61
Greetings all.

A good friend is buying me a knife for Christmas - he picked a BM 425 b/c he knew I didn't have one. However, it is backordered, so I have the opportunity to make a change...

I'm a big fan of the AXIS locks (I've got a 710 and a few 705s) and the Mini rukus looks like a pretty kick ass knife. I like the Axis, like the blade shape, like the S30V, actually, I think I like everything about it :)

The gravitator 425 is a visually striking knife, but I wonder how useful the blade is, and I don't trust liner locks as much as the Axis - but I've heard the 425 has a different/beefier lock than others.

The 426 appeals to me in that the blade appears to be more useful.

All that said, I tend to carry a Spyder Caly Jr or 3rd gen endura, b/c after losing a really nice knife, I stopped carrying my really nice knives except for "special" occasions. Stupid, sure, but the reality of the situation.

So, price aside, what would you pick? 615, 425, or 426, and why?

Thanks!
 
I just got my mini Rukus Friday and am thrilled with it so far. I am usually very sceptical of knives with finger grooves. The only dislike I have is the pocket clip sticks out too far and can not be replaced with a standard benchmade clip.
Other than that blade size is perfect. Nice size overall for everyday carry.
 
I carry a full sized rukus and like it. The mini rukus feels great too. You can make a new clip pretty easy, or locate one you like with the same thread pattern on the knifekits. http://www.knifekits.com/store/s-pages/kk_store_1mainframe.htm?kk_products_parts_main.htm~smain

Axis lock is the way to go, whichever you pick. I would also suggest the 525 or 520, not sure what size you're really aiming for. They aren't as flashy as the 42x but they are nice, and have the axis lock.
 
curious what you mean by the clip sticking out too much on the 615. I am looking to buy one, just have not found one with the 615S (partially serrated blade)
 
I find the wharncliffe on the 425 to be very useful....the liner lock is excellently executed (more than I can say for the primary grind, unfortunately) and roughly as thick as most frame locks. I love mine, but I do think the mini rukus would win out though, provided the cost difference (something like 70 dollars? It's pretty significant) was no issue. Read my review in the reviews area to get a better idea of the 425 and a lot of photos.
 
I'd go with the Mini Rukus. I prefer the blade shape, lock, just about everything about it.
 
I hardly notice the clip on my Mini-Rukus. This knife is flat-out superb. I am more and more impressed every time I use it: blade, steel, lock, fit and finish, design. Cuts like a scalpel and holds an edge as well or better than any stainless I've used. Very comparable to a high carbon steel (not sure if it has equal toughness but I am not about to baton this blade), and quite easy to sharpen on DMT diamond hones.
 
I like all those knives but, it's probably the Mini Rukus that I would pick first. Just something about it.
 
Have the kinks with the availability of the interchangeable scales for the full size Rukus been worked out? A local knife store told me that Benchmade did not have the interchangeable scales available for wide sale yet.
 
I Just Purchased A Mini Rukus For 135$. This Internet Sight Sells Them At That Low Cost All Day Long
 
The 425 Gravitator would be my choice.

1. BM says it's a modified liner lock, but the actual liners are taller than the scale material. Therefore, it's really a framelock in my book. One's hand keeps the lock from disengaging just as when holding a Mayo or a Sebbie.

2. The blade shape worried me at first, but after using it for about a week I appreciated the incredible piercing ability + the cutting ability of the wharny style blade.

3. The clip carries the knife very deep in the pocket tip down. When you draw the knife one can use the very narrow rear end of the knife to strike objects. Remember, the liners are thick and sticks out past the G-10 scales. So, whatever is being struck is being struck w/ 2 thick titanium liners that are reinforced w/ four standoffs or spacers. It'll leave a mark.

I bought the black bladed one; I think it looks good w/ the silver G-10 bolsters. Oh, the wharncliffe blade is very easy to sharpen and to touch up.

bob7
 
I have a satin warncliff linerlock. Dont tend to like it because the liner can be pushed in torward the back of the blade.:eek: besides that it is the best linerlock I have handled in a while. Just not that comfortable and that moving liner worries me. the mini rukus would be my choice. Got one on the way. Its got an axis and im thinking it will be my dream knife.:D Let ya know the difference in a day or two
 
I have a mini rukus and love it, it can do anything i ask of it from skinning game to cooking! The only BM i like better is the full size rukus
 
OT, silenthunter, the only place I've seen the 610 scales for sale is www.knifecenter.com and the only way I found them was to do a search for 610. At last check they did not yet have the mini Rukus grips in stock.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top