I'm looking for a recommendation on a few Benchmade knives for EDC. I'm hoping those that have these knives, and have used them can help me out. Also looking for suggestion as to Tanto VS Drop point and serrated vs non serrated.
I'm looking at the Griptilian, the Barrage, and the Rift. Also considering a Contego. I already have a Benchmade/HD Venom but kinda want to keep that as a collectors knife and not an EDC. http://www.benchmade.com/products/13175
I'm leaning toward the Barrage because it's assisted opening and has a thicker blade than either the Griptilian or the Rift. It is also in a sweet spot price wise, as they can be had on Fleebay all day long between $90-$110. But am open to suggestions. Thanks!
PM me the moment you are carrying Benchmark. I nearly got one last week. Serious. 580, drop point. Black blade. Sad to say I haven't worked with one but liked my friend's.
(Message edited by slaughter on September 24, 2013)
In drop point for ~3.5 years. I was not kind to it at all; it served me through 2 deployments to Iraq. The blade is now shot, but it lasted through a lot more stuff than I would have imagined. I cut a lot of wiring, strapping, etc with it and never had any problems. I should probably send it in for a blade replacement, but I no longer am active duty, so I can't carry it anyway.
Really, you can't go wrong with benchmade. They make incredible products. Their seatbelt cutter probably saved my life. See if there is a retail locale near you and go fondle a few. The pictures on the website are a bit deceiving for size.
Posted on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 - 08:38 am:
IF you go with an assist be aware that they're illegal in some states. I have an auto BM that I carry daily. I know I'm fine in Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi but I can't take it to Louisiana. Crazy that I can take a concealed pistol into New Orleans with my CC permit but an assit-open knife could get me locked up. The axis assist is considered a "switch-blade" under most laws because the axis-lock button is what releases the blade to spring open. Some states consider any blade that has spring opening illegal, even if the blade must be moved by hand to start the opening sequence.
Obviously, it's up to the officers to enforce these laws and it would likely only be an issue if you were doing something illegal. However, I have been pulled from a car and had a gun pointed at me by the lovely NOPD for the crime of being asleep in the backseat when my friend was pulled over for running a yellow light. (When I woke up and sat up groggily, one of the officers yelled "He has a weapon!" and dragged me out of the car. Luckily, we didn't have any knives or weapons at all at the time.)
(Message edited by notpurples2 on September 25, 2013)
Posted on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 - 08:43 am:
I don't have a lot of experience with other knives, but I *love* my Griptilian. I use it often and fairly carelessly and one knife has served me well for years. If I lost it today I'd order another tomorrow.
I have a nice buckmark (more of a multi tool) with a serrated piece of the blade. While I thought that was a plus while I got it, but I'm not sure the serrated part has ever actually helped me, and it seemed constantly in the way.
The serrations make it a hassle to sharpen as well, so I end up sharpening it less, which I think is a net loss. A constantly sharp straight blade griptillian will go through anything, while a dull serratted blade won't go through squat without risking chopping off your own finger.
Posted on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 - 09:18 am:
I was given a griptilian years ago by a happy customer - tactical version, all black, serrated. Has served me extremely well for...whatsit...nearly nine years now.
BM has a lifetime sharpening service. Send it to them, they'll hone it for you and make it like new again. I haven't sharpened mine yet, its holding an edge extremely well but I'm starting to see nicks in the edge so I may drop it in the mail this winter...
Posted on Thursday, September 26, 2013 - 10:25 am:
I need to take a look at that gerber Matthew. I'm partial to daggers and carry a Gerber Covert FAST for most of my utility use when not at work. I like the Benchmade SOCP while in public areas. At work anything construed by Joe Q. Public as a weapon is taboo. So, I carry a tactical ink pen on me. I remember working jobs where my bosses would have me carry years ago. Odd world these days. I have auto knives but only for sitting on the shelves in my den.
Posted on Thursday, September 26, 2013 - 11:51 am:
I carry mine on my right hind quarter, with the plastic part of the sheath inside my jeans, with the clip on the outside. Here in Georgia it's legal to carry up to 5 inch fixed blades concealed.
It's been my favorite carry knife in recent memory.
They are. No argument there. Guess it's a matter of degrees. I'm actually bidding on a CQC-15 on ebay right now, but doubt I'll win it.
Basically I want a high dollar quality knife, but want the best deal possible. I'm trying to operate on a %40 off retail policy. I can get a benchmade close to %30-%40 off if I'm patient and watch ebay.
Anybody know much about the Cold Steel Recon 1? Other than the blades are they made in the USA?
The CQC-7 is the only one that's seen hard use, due to having a thick blade and being easy to sharpen. The AFCK and belt knife get carried most often these days. The Beretta usually only gets carried when I know I'll be submerged in water.
I gave away a few Benchmades; a Sentinel, a Dark Star, and a 530 Pardue.
Posted on Saturday, September 28, 2013 - 09:42 am:
+1 on the Benchmade. I bought a NRA knife made by Benchmade. Looks like Rats knife with NRA Logos. Had it for many years now and still solid. I have no desire to replace it any time soon! Of all the knives I've carried over the years it's been the best. Long enough to stay clipped to my pocket, feels good in my hand and extremely durable. Holds an edge better than my old Spyderco. I am fond of Gerber since I have an old sheath knife but don't have any experience with them since they were bought out.
Posted on Saturday, September 28, 2013 - 10:10 pm:
This thread was my downfall. I've needed a new pocket blade for a while now. My normal carry is a Kershaw with a 7/8 inch blade. Very tiny which is what I need for office wear. Had it for maybe ten years. It's still tight but starting to show some wear on one side of the blade.
I had to drive right by Cabelas last Friday so I stopped in to window shop for knives. I got a Mini Griptilian in black with the serrated blade. Picked it up and it was perfect for my hand. Came out of the box crazy sharp too. Perfect for what I want, big enough to cut anything I'm likely to want cut but small enough to not make a big lump in my pocket. When I wear jeans, the clip makes it almost impossible to feel but easy to find. I really like this knife. Should have got one sooner.
Here is my new Mini Griptilion and my faithful old Kershaw