Thread: Knives - A Question for you Benchmade Fans

I don't own any Benchmades(yet), but as a knife collector I spend a lot of time on Knifeforums.com and everyone there has nothing bad to say about the Griptillian. It's especially great for you guys down in the U.S. very good price for that knife(considerably more pricey up here).

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.

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.

Yep, and I wear a fixed blade where ever I go...Except when I dress up to take the wife out, then its a traditional folder in a sheath.

Is there any reason a small fixed blade wouldn't fit your purpose?
Here are some nice ones that range in size from 5 inches to 10 or more: http://www.leescutlery.com/cuhafibl.html
Take a look around the site as they have some nice folders also. They also sell anza knives which are knives made out of files and are nice looking but not perfect. They are a purely work knife and will likely outlast you.

Originally Posted by JMS

Is there any reason a small fixed blade wouldn't fit your purpose?
Here are some nice ones that range in size from 5 inches to 10 or more: Custom / Handmade Fixed Blade Knives - Home
Take a look around the site as they have some nice folders also. They also sell anza knives which are knives made out of files and are nice looking but not perfect. They are a purely work knife and will likely outlast you.

They're very nice, and I do want to get a small fixed blade at some point. Right now, I need/want something to carry in my pocket.

Jordan

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.

The UK was the same when I was growing up, as a boy scout I used to go to meetings with a sheath knife nearly as big as I was. In those days, as kids we had a fair degree of self discipline.
Move on 40yrs and we seem to have changed to a culture where kids routinely settle arguments by stabbing each other (or shooting each other if they can get hold of firearms).
Many of us older folk see a link between this violent behaviour and the rise of tv, film and video game violence. However, the sellers of this stuff tell us that's not the case.
Many of the kids involved in violence don't appear to have fathers on the scene any more, but it's political suicide to mention this as a possible cause.

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 really depends. I think they leave a lot of ambiguity in the laws so whether to hassle you will be up to the individual cop you are dealing with. If it appears that you're looking for trouble, walking around armed or are up to no good, the they'll bust you. If you come off as paranoid - and might cause trouble because of it, they might take your knife away. If you carry a knife, it must be concealed. They feel seeing someone with a knife (and people are in really close quarters in NYC) will make others uncomfortable - especially in an office setting. Now, if you're a tradesman or otherwise have a good reason to carrying a knife, that's another story.

Come to think of it, I don't know that I'd carry a questionable knife to a Pete Seeger concert


Jordan

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