Quoted: I want to get a new pocket knife. My wife said to give her some ideas of what I wanted for Christmas, so I told her that the CRKT M16 Titanium looked nice. Costs about $70 from Knifecenter.com.
Then she says, "No, tell me what you REALLY want. Don't compromise because you know I'm cheap. If you could have any pocket knife what would you want." (I love this woman )
So, I've been looking around and what I think looks really nice is the Benchmade Osborne 940. My brother got one and he says that he really likes it. So, I was curious what people here think about it. Good knife? How is it compared to the CRKT M16 Titanium?
If I went with the Osborne, which blade style do you think is better? The reverse tanto or the clip point?
Any others you'd recommend me looking at?
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First of all, I believe the Axis lock to be a reliable and very strong system. The spring that pushes the pin, or lock is not under any stress. It's only purpose being to push the pin in and out of it's place. I am a little skeptical on these repots on broken springs as I think they broke for other reasons such as a bad spring or possible a bad design in a particular knife. I believe the Axis lock in general to be the strongest and best system for a folder. Also the axis lock makes for smooth and fast, one handed opening.
I've owned and carried Benchmade knives for years. I like the 940 series, they are excellent knives. They also offer some fancy and limited editions in this series which are beautiful. Even with a blade of about 3.5", they seem small though. Great for EDC, and fine work though. I like the Stryker series which has slender aluminum handles although it is a liner lock. I also like my autos from Benchmade but that may not work for you depending your local laws. Last but not least, I REALLY like the Griptilian series (axis lock) , especially from Cabellas which are D2 steel. These are light, strong, and super fast and easy opening and closing. Some complain the handles on these feel hollow and cheesy but they are strong. These also use steel liners inside the handles. If you like the Griptilian style and want aluminum handles, look at the Benchmade 520. Do a serach on Griptilian on blade forums.
I've had limited experience with the CRKT knifes, owned a coupe of the lower end M16's and I wasn't that impressed.
The Spyderco's are great knives and use top notch steel. They are worth considering also. Look at the Paramilitary.
Another popular, in demand and maybe hard to get (possibly because of interest with the military) is the Camilus Dominator. It is a frame lock, with titanium handles and S30 steel. It's on my "to get" list.
All the knives mentioned can be bout from either www.newgraham.com or www.sawyerscutlery.com Sawyers is on ebay under knifestore and another name as well. These are two of the best places I have forund to buy from. Best prices around and great service.
Good luck, and let us know what you get!