Why no love for the BM 520 Presidio??????

C

connorr93

Joined
Jul 8, 2011
Messages
253
Why the heck is this blade almost non-existant in the knife community? It almost never comes up in threads and iv seen it come up in the for-sale section multiple times for over $100 under MSRP in LNIB condition with absolutly no interest.:confused: All that to say that I decided to pick this bad boy up a few days ago and Im incredibly impressed.:cool: Its an amazingly solid knife, locks up like a vault, aluminum scales feel amazing, and it looks wicked. Anyways heres a few pictures. Enjoy!













 
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I have a 523SBK which is a combo edge black coated tanto version. Of course my preferences have evolved since buying that knife a few years ago. But its an amazing knife. Only problem with the 520 series is that the scales are pocket shredders.

I would buy the Knife works M4 version if they made it in satin.
 
HKBM45 said:
Only problem with the 520 series is that the scales are pocket shredders.

I would buy the Knife works M4 version if they made it in satin.
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I dont know if the handle scales have evolved since you purchased your knife but they actually fixed the problem.







 
I had a mini ultra presidio for awhile. It was a very nice knife, even though the scales weren't aluminum. It was comfortable in hand, and I like the blade shape. I never used it though, so I sold it. I have recently been thinking of getting another one, and actually using it.
You are right though, you don't here much about them.Not sure why.
 
that change to the scales did nothing to alleviate the prob for me. i bought an m4 model as well as a bone collector to swap handles. now it's almost perfect
 
I've never even handled one, but I have thought of some reasons

1: The value isn't very high, most want "Better" than 154CM and Aluminum handles at an MSRP of $190.00.
Not saying it's overpriced, IMO it's a shining example of "Decent" materials put to the best of their ability, like how Buck gets amazingly hard 420HC.
2: IMO again(This is just me), the knife looks plain Boooring, again, no offense, but the appearance of it is amazingly not striking in the slightest.
It looks like a drop point hunter, one of the most commonly used designs in the knife world, people want unique looking knives.
3: I know this is sort of contradicting the 1st reason, but with all the fit and finish(And in this case, design with the scales)
problems which Benchmade is commonly attributed with, people don't want to have to deal with those at this price point where they could just
get a less expensive and in many peoples' minds superior knife such as a Spyderco Paramilitary 2.

My personal theories on why this is not a Griptilian in the end mostly in comparison to other companies, and I think the biggest reason is the price.
 
What he said. For less money you can get a far superior Para 2. I had a Presidio and found it very bland.
 
Yeah, I have to agree. For me personally the knife looks like a million other cheap knives that have sailed to U.S. shores and flooded the market. You know the type, they sell for anywhere from $2-$30 depending on the venue where they are being old.

I'm sure it's a fine knife but it looks kinda "clunky" even though that's not exactly the right word to use. That's my opinion on this knife.
 
I considered getting the mini, but opted for the Sequel instead. Similar knives but the Sequel was lighter and more refined.
 
I have the 520A and the 525 mini...I think they're great, but a little thick. Thinking about getting a Sebenza.
 
I had it for a while. Presidio is a heavy knife with thick and big handle, but with plain, pretty thin blade. It doesn't fit for me. And yes, it is a pocket shredder ;)
 
Too chunky for the profile! It is within 2/10ths of an ounce as heavy as a ZT0551 and others. If the thick handle & weight doesn't bother you then it is indeed a well built, smooth knife.
 
I had one a while ago. I maintain that it had the most comfy handle of any knife (folder or fixed) I've ever held. :thumbup: I love the design, but recurring issues with the lock mechanism lead me to get rid of it. :thumbdn:
 
For me, the price difference between the Reg Presidio and the Ultra Presidio is too much. I can get basically the same knife, with lighter, grippier scales, for half the price. I really like my Ultra Presidio, and it was $60 brand new. That and it is a really plain design. A good workhorse knife, comfortable to use for a long time, but not very pretty. The ultra presidio just smokes it for value, and there are a ton of nicer knives at that price point when you get to the 520.
 
The 520 is a very nice knife, ie. its built with quality materials, axis-locking and bomb-proof construction. Its got a VERY ergonomic handle too, i especially like the flared bit towards the blade.

But the downsides are relatively high-price, pocket shredding scales and the all-metal construction makes it heavy. I brought one with me on a multi-day hike last summer, and i didnt like it that much, mainly because of the weight. The aluminum scales are can get very cold during the winter too.

Its an excellent knife with a few major cons. The problem is, that you can get so many other excellent folders for the money.

6207055137_45f3e40496_z.jpg
 
Mephtyrm said:
I've never even handled one, but I have thought of some reasons

1: The value isn't very high, most want "Better" than 154CM and Aluminum handles at an MSRP of $190.00.
Not saying it's overpriced, IMO it's a shining example of "Decent" materials put to the best of their ability, like how Buck gets amazingly hard 420HC.

The Sequel has an aluminum handle and 154 CM. The William Henry knives have aluminum handles and perhaps an upscale steel, but there is nothing wrong with 154CM.
I have knives with blades in 440C, VG10, D2, S30V, ZDP-189 and even AUS8A. I prefer steels with better edge holding than 440C, and 154CM gives you that.
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Interesting points! I've always looked at the Presidio and wondered "why the high price?". Another turnoff for me is the weight and blade length. Don't get me wrong, weight isn't and "end all" for me but if the knife I'm getting is going to weight more than i'd like (5oz), then it has to make up for it elsewhere to make it worth getting. Every ounce counts ;)
 
I've looked at the Presidio a few times over the years in knife stores, and although I liked the size and the style, I couldn't justify the higher price when the Griptilian is almost as much knife for a lot less money
 
Dude! I know! I was wondering the same thing. I just picked one up and its been awesome so far. The handles do shred pockets but I just bent my pocket clip out a little bit to relieve tension and its not that bad anymore. To me the weight inspires more confidence in its strength and the design is so classy. Nothing crazy just a good ole USA made Benchmade!
 
I wanted a Presidio in the wost kind of way until I started really getting into knives and actually handled one. Once I understood what I require for a EDC I realized it would only be a trophy knife if I got it and never see use.
 
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