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Posted: 8/21/2009 12:28:58 PM EDT
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I want a new folder and im really liking what Benchmade has to offer. I've had my eye on the new Barrage model with the auto assist. I've also been looking at other models such as the Presidio Ultra and the Griptilian. I like the AXIS locking system, being that you can open and close the knives with one hand.
Does anyone have input, advice or experience with these particular models? This is going to be an everyday carry knife and I will most likely be getting the mini version of these knives. |
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IMHO, with Benchmade, you pay a lot for the name. Look at Kershaw. They have some kickass models at less than half the $$$$. US made and the customer service is second to none. I have the Kershaw Blur. $57 at Walmart and it is an assisted opener.  $52 bux at Amazon with free shipping! |
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IMHO, with Benchmade, you pay a lot for the name. Look at Kershaw. They have some kickass models at less than half the $$$$. US made and the customer service is second to none. I have the Kershaw Blur. $57 at Walmart and it is an assisted opener. http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/07/fd/9bc5810ae7a009a135bde110.L._AA280_.jpg $52 bux at Amazon with free shipping! You're also paying for design and technology. I'd pay $500 for an Axis lock knife before I pay $50 for a knife with a shitty liner-lock. I hate liner-locks!!!!! |
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Personally, I say skip the spring-assist and just go with the plain Axis lock; like you said open and close with one hand. That is, of course, among other perks of the Axis lock. Of the models you selected, the Presidio Ultra has the least fancy steel (440C), but I'm unsure if you're a steel snob (like myself) yet.
Griptilians are the entry-level Axis lock and short change the handle to achieve the price point. They do come in a number of varieties: sheepsfoot (with thumb hole) and drop point (with thumb stud) and even pseudo-tanto blades from Benchmade in 154CM (a solid steel), D2 at Cabela's (some trade-offs, but an excellent steel), and S30V as the Doug Ritter RSK Mk1 (the modern premium production steel). Kevin Wilkins makes some pricey but impressive replacement handles for any of the previously mentioned varieties of Griptilians, but unless you're in love with one you might want to consider a different factory Axis lock before going that route. You'll notice the options get more expensive the further down that list you go, sorry  ...
(I own a few Benchmade knives, I'm a big fan.) |
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Check out new graham knives.
I really like the AXIS system, my favorite benchmade's are both AXIS Pardue 722, combo edge, tanto, 154CM (my favorite, unfortunately discontinued) 942 NRA Edition I recently purchased a Nitrous Stryker Tanto D2 912BKD2 , it is very nice, i just don't like the liner style lock and it is a point up carry knife... i prefer point down since it comes out ready to use the barrage looks like a great knife, although the spring assist takes a little bit to get used to |
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Is D2 steel really that much better than 154cm? Or is the difference minimal? D2 isn't quite a stainless steel, but is nearly so. 154CM is a true stainless steel. I've never had either corrode, personally. D2, in general, is said to be capable of holding an edge longer than 154CM (a lot of assumptions here, of course, about heat treatment). However, D2 has a reputation for having a "toothy" coarse edge making it very suitable for "draw" cutting but harder to polish to relative superiority in "push" cutting versus 154CM. Whatever the cause of the tendency toward coarse edges (especially large carbides, perhaps), this is probably the same reason D2 has a reputation for being difficult to sharpen (although, I haven't found it especially difficult). 154CM is very easy to sharpen. Both steels have a reputation for better suitability for small blades due to potential brittleness being exposed more easily in large blade sizes (once again, assumptions about heat treatment). I have used both steels and found them both more than acceptable for my purposes. That said, I am no expert. If there is a metallurgist who would like to correct me any, feel free  .
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555 Mini Griptilian with the hollow ground blade. Perfect size for EDC, obscenely sharp, and perfect for defending my cubicle without scaring the sheeple. Just got 556 mini plain blade today. It's a superbly made knife. Locks up like a solid chunk of metal, beautiful finish, very smooth action. Can't be more pleased. And as you stated, doesn't scare many sheeple 
Also, a plug for the store I bought it from: Sooner State Knives http://www.soonerstateknives.com/ These guys had the lowest price and only $6.50 shipping. Ordered it Saturday and got it Monday afternoon. Can't beat that. And they take PayPal. (Yeah I know, they're anti-gun, but my credit card info has been stolen several times, so I protect it when I can. Otherwise I won't be able to buy more evil guns from non-PayPal sites )
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Once I removed the safety on my Auto Stryker, I really liked it. It's my go to Tanto blade. On duty it seems I carry 4 knives on me. More in my gear bag.
Benchmade Auto Stryker Spyderco Military Digi Camo Pattern Throw away folding razor knife Wilson Combat Cop Tool Each has a specific job. |
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555 Mini Griptilian with the hollow ground blade. Perfect size for EDC, obscenely sharp, and perfect for defending my cubicle without scaring the sheeple. Just got 556 mini plain blade today. It's a superbly made knife. Locks up like a solid chunk of metal, beautiful finish, very smooth action. Can't be more pleased. And as you stated, doesn't scare many sheeple
Also, a plug for the store I bought it from: Sooner State Knives http://www.soonerstateknives.com/ These guys had the lowest price and only $6.50 shipping. Ordered it Saturday and got it Monday afternoon. Can't beat that. And they take PayPal. (Yeah I know, they're anti-gun, but my credit card info has been stolen several times, so I protect it when I can. Otherwise I won't be able to buy more evil guns from non-PayPal sites )
http://media.midwayusa.com/highres/172979.jpg Thanks for the link, they do have pretty good prices. |
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Quoted: benchmade with ATS 34 steel are good also.. I think ATS 34 is made in japan = to USA D2 not for sure though. I can verify that the ATS 34 sharpens and holds an edge very well. I find the Lansky sharpener helps to maintain the edge angle very well. FWEIW.. No. The US equivalent to ATS-34 is 154 CM. Only the older Benchmades used ATS-34, the newer ones use 154 CM. |
I have been looking for a new EDC knife, picked up a benchmade mini ambush today 
Here is a link to the specs on the knife, I also looked at the ambush but this seemed like a better size for my needs. http://www.benchmade.com/products/10210 |
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IMHO, with Benchmade, you pay a lot for the name. Look at Kershaw. They have some kickass models at less than half the $$$$. US made and the customer service is second to none. I have the Kershaw Blur. $57 at Walmart and it is an assisted opener. http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/07/fd/9bc5810ae7a009a135bde110.L._AA280_.jpg $52 bux at Amazon with free shipping! You're also paying for design and technology. I'd pay $500 for an Axis lock knife before I pay $50 for a knife with a shitty liner-lock. I hate liner-locks!!!!! Plus usually higher end steels, and extremely good heat treats on all the steels. As well as top notch customer support. And even their liner locks are very good, better than most. Now, this isn't 100% with their import line, the "red box." They are decent knives in the $50 ish price range for most of them. About the same quality as a Kershaw or CRKT. |
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I've got an older green handled 940 154cm uncoated blade. It has seen some serious use. Daily carried for many years. Think I gave about $130 for it tax and all.
Just ordered a green handled Griptilian D2 coated blade. Hope I like it. About $90 shipped. I love the axis locks.
I also have a Sypderco Native S30V that I like. It is a lockback and a nice knife for about $50 if you can find one at Walmart. I haven't seen any around there lately. I too hate liner locks. 
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Quoted:
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IMHO, with Benchmade, you pay a lot for the name. Look at Kershaw. They have some kickass models at less than half the $$$$. US made and the customer service is second to none. I have the Kershaw Blur. $57 at Walmart and it is an assisted opener. http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/07/fd/9bc5810ae7a009a135bde110.L._AA280_.jpg $52 bux at Amazon with free shipping! You're also paying for design and technology. I'd pay $500 for an Axis lock knife before I pay $50 for a knife with a shitty liner-lock. I hate liner-locks!!!!! I cannot agree more.. |
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i just got this in the mail...
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=BM950S 
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