Thread: Knives - A Question for you Benchmade Fans

Originally Posted by icedog

I* agree with you on the assisted openers. I have a few but I also have a collection of full automatics (switchblades). I see no added value in the spring assist because you have to push the blade past 30 degrees anyway. I can open and close my Benchmade as fast if not faster than some of my switchblades.

Just a point for clarification, the Spyderco Paramilitary does not have a liner lock. It has what they call a Compression Lock. This is different because it allows access to the locking mechanism from the back of the handle, opposite the side where the blade enters and exits.

Whoops, yeah I guess I wasn't sure what a liner lock is, but I see what you're saying now, I've seen that type too. Sorry about that guys! Like I said, I don't know a lot about knives! I guess the compression lock is the one I was thinking of regarding which type of lock is "better" when I was doing some research a couple years ago.

Yeah, I was referring to the para military, which is right around the blade length you are looking for. And "tactical" as well, so I thought it may fit the bill.

Originally Posted by Quick Orange

Would it be that big of a deal if you got caught with it? I don't quite understand it culturally...knives aren't a big deal here. It's nothing to see a knife clip on the pocket of almost every guy around here.

It would over here. To be legal to carry in a public place in this country it must be less than 3" long FOLDING pocket knife. So, the lock knives I've brought over from the states, and especially the blade assisted kershaw are illegal. It's not illegal to buy or own one, but it is illegal to bring one into the country and to carry it in public unless you have 'good reason'. At home it's fine.

This is not a law I subscribe to. I carry a knife all the time, for purely practical reasons, it wouldn't worry me if I forgot it, it would just be mildly annoying.

Just different. I'd love my kershaw back, it got stolen - that was a beautiful knife. Interestingly enough, the knife I carry quite often is from the Rodgers company. My god father is in the Navy and it was the first knife issued to him.

Jordon,

If you're set on a Benchmade, maybe take a look at the following two choices:

Benchmade Sequel 707
Doug Ritter RSK/Mini-RSK Mk1

Both have the Axis lock, and are fairly "non-knife people" friendly designs. The blade steel choices are pretty good too, and Benchmade does a good job of heat treating on both 154CM & CPM-S30V in my experience.

Chris, besides the blade shape and steel, do you know if there is any difference between the Ritter and the regular Griptilians? It's tempting, but is it worth an additional $45? I also prefer the hole opener versus the thumb stud. Any thoughts?

I went back the store this evening and fondled the Griptilians, the 940 Osborne and the Spyderco Paramilitary. They are all excellent and I'm sure I'll own each some day. The 940 seems like an elegant tool and would do well in the office and in the field. The Spyderco seems like a really solid, simple knife with a lot of handle. I love the gription on those scales. The Griptilian fit my hand the best though and was the least expensive. So that's what I'm going to go with.

Jordan

Ah... good point about cost difference, and clarification on your preferences.

The RSK is based on the Grip handle, so it really boils down to the blade design & steel. CPM-S30V will have better edge retention than the 440C that some of the Grips have. If it is one with 154CM han that gap closes, but I still find that S30V lasts noticeably longer than 154CM (or VG-10 for tha matter).

But, your preference for the hole opener versus thumbstud, and at a lower cost, really seals it for the standard BM Grip as the winner.

Originally Posted by xChris

Ah... good point about cost difference, and clarification on your preferences.

The RSK is based on the Grip handle, so it really boils down to the blade design & steel. CPM-S30V will have better edge retention than the 440C that some of the Grips have. If it is one with 154CM han that gap closes, but I still find that S30V lasts noticeably longer than 154CM (or VG-10 for tha matter).

But, your preference for the hole opener versus thumbstud, and at a lower cost, really seals it for the standard BM Grip as the winner.

Not so fast! I actually ordered one of the Ritter Grips. today - the big one, plain edge, stonewashed. Nice looking blade. I couldn't pass on that blade design. The reason I prefer the hole to stud is that that's what I'm used to. So, I'll have to learn a new trick . I'll see how it goes. I already know I like the feel of the handle. I'm looking forward to it. Thanks for the input.

Jordan

With the axis lock it's often easier to open by "unlocking" and giving a flick of the wrist. much less thumb action.
Just give it a try when you get it. You may still prefer the thumb stud on the blade.

Personally, i used to play with my axis knives like yo-yos. Open-close-open-close. It's fun!

Originally Posted by jakoblah

With the axis lock it's often easier to open by "unlocking" and giving a flick of the wrist. much less thumb action.
Just give it a try when you get it. You may still prefer the thumb stud on the blade.

Personally, i used to play with my axis knives like yo-yos. Open-close-open-close. It's fun!

The blade on the Axis lock knives I've owned and played with drops freely when the lock is pressed back. There is not even any wrist flicking required. This specifically is what makes the axis lock knives fall into the "gravity knife" category and are subsequently illegal in NYC. With my BM 940 I open and close the blade without ever touching the blade or the thumb stud.

Originally Posted by jnich67

Not so fast! I actually ordered one of the Ritter Grips. today - the big one, plain edge, stonewashed. Nice looking blade. I couldn't pass on that blade design. The reason I prefer the hole to stud is that that's what I'm used to. So, I'll have to learn a new trick . I'll see how it goes. I already know I like the feel of the handle. I'm looking forward to it. Thanks for the input.

Jordan

NICE! So, you zigged when I thought you'd zag.

I don't think you'll be disappointed. Like jakobah & icedog, I found manipulating the axis lock, and a wrist flick, deployed the blade easil and rapidly.

Please post up some photos and your thoughts after you ge it. I've been holding out on one myself, but maybe this thread will enable me.

K1. Benchmade HK ally (old carry)
K2.Benchmade Model 158 - CSK-II
K3.Benchmade 10100 Protptype (1 of 3 main carry knives)
K4.Cold Steel AK-47 (Main carry of the 3)
K5.Cold Steel Ti-Lite VI (1 of 3 main carry knives
K6.Cold Steel Spike (occasional carry)
K7.Cold Steel X2 Voyager (carry not "allowed" until birthday)
K8.Cold Steel X2 serrated Voyager (carry not "allowed" until birthday)
K9.Cold Steel "Bushman" (carried when I worked at a gun store and liked to surprise people)
Marker?10.Cold Steel Sharkie (just buy a bunch of them)(DO IT!)

OK so I carried K1 for a long time and abused it to no end, it kept an edge wonderfully the lock broke when I was throwing it one night into some maple planks,good knife,cheap. K2 has not been carried but great knife. K3 has a wonderful edge the only complaint is the clip has bent out about 1/8 inch with use. K4 is a workhorse has been abused and abused, and is in great shape, pocket clip is still stiff as can be, I love this knife. K4 is a show stopper great knife great edge, only complaint is that the thumb stud came off. K6 Great cheap knife everyone should have one. I cannot wait to get my hands on K7 and K8 I know these are GREAT knives.