Benchmade Eclipse vs Pika series: Main differences?
Was the Pika supposed to be almost like an updated descendant of the Eclipse and the AFCK or no?
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The Eclipse was renamed the Ascent soon after hitting the market, due to the name already being trademarked..
As for the difference between the Asent and the Pika?
Place of manufacture, blade steel, availability of sizes, means of opening (some of the Asents had thumb studs vs. oval opening hole. Early Asents had the round Spyderco type opener).
The Pika handle has a different texture than the Ascent and the handle feels differ to me. Keep in mind the Pika has had a couple different handle versions over the years.
It can be summed up like this.
The Eclipse/Ascent was a lsss expensive version of the AFCK, the Pika is a less expenseive version of the Eclipse/Ascent IMHO.1 -
The other difference is the Eclipse had a thumb hole clip point, The Ascent came with thumb hole or thumb stud in clip point or drop point.
As Mark said, Eclipse/Ascent was a low budget 800. The Eclipse/Ascent came with ATS-34 blade. Both were good knife for the price. The Pika had 440C blade.
Here is the comparison between the Spyderco Endura Wave, mid-size 830 Ascent II and the 940S.
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I just happen to have been researching the Eclipse/Ascent knives as I have a few I'm considering selling.
The Eclipse Series is first shown in the 1997-1998 BKC catalog, models listed: 820; 830; 840.
The Ascent Series is first shown in the 1998 BKC catalog, same model numbers as the Eclipse.
The Ascent with the thumb stud is first shown in the 1999 BKC catalog, models 825; 835; 845 listed along side the 820; 830; 840.
Both styles of the Ascent are listed in the 2000 BKC catalog, apparently the last year these are offered as the 2001 BKC catalog has the Ascent-II models. The Ascent-II came in both thumb hole and thumb stud models. The thumb hole models of the Ascent-II have an oval hole with a beveled edge.
I have both the large and mini Pika models from late in the run, I think, as I bought them cheap at close out prices from Cabelas. This was around the time that BKC announced they were ending the Red Box knives. Both have the ugly-#*& handles and 9cr13 steel.
My very first Benchmade was an 840S, still have it. If choosing between the Eclipse/Ascent and the Pika, I'd pick the Ascent every time.
I'll try and get some photos up later.0 -
Checking further, there was the Pika and the Pika II. The 10400 Pika and the 10410 Mini-Pika appear to have the same or similar handle as the Ascent II models and 440C steel. The Pika II models are shown below.
Top to bottom: 840; 830; 820S Ascent
Top to bottom: 820S Ascent; 825 Ascent; 10410 Mini-Pika*; 10412 Mini-Pika II
Top to bottom: 830 Ascent; 13402 HD Pika G10; 10400S Pika*; 10402 Pika II
In my opinion the 13402 HD Pika G10 is the best of the descendants of the original Ascent. G10 scales, blue anodized titanium liners and backspacer. Too bad it has a POS clip.
* ID corrected1 -
Nice samples. Thanks, RA! 0 -
My orginal ones with round Spyderco hole have ATS-34 steel with is better. Still EDC it when doing yard work 0 -
I carried a large Ascent myself quite a bit in it's day. I've always liked lightweight lock back knives, and to me the Ascent was right in between the AFCK and the Mini AFCK in size. It was the only GFN folder at the time in premium steel (ATS-34), if I remember right. That knife is still my tool box knife, use it regularly in the shop.
I never was completely comfortable with the handle shape though...Using a file I enlarged the index finger cutout towards the front of the handle. Still makes my fingers feel scrunched.0 -
Great collection of Ascents and Pikas RAM. 0 -
Thank you all so very much! I appreciate the great pictures and the history information, etc on these knives.
This answers my questions completely
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Thanks for the info guys. I have passed it on to the owner. This particular knife has 154CM and he is happy with it. I could tell him of better steels available now but he wouldn't care. It strictly a work knife for him doing wire stripping and cutting stuff that would quickly dull most knives anyway.
Thanks
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The KOTM M2 835
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Anybody experience problems with the blade failing to close on its own? My samples don't have any "spring" to keep the blade in handle. They won't flop out on their own, but unlike the typical lockback won't spring back into the handle when you get them in the 1" range of closing. This means if say my handkerchief moves the blade out of the handle (by catching in the opening hole) it won't re-close on its own, and I poked myself once (back in the day when I carried loose, no clip, in rh front pocket.
These knives were hit and miss for Benchmade. Beautiful blade shape and good steel, way ahead of similar companies, but a smooth finish on the clip side degraded the grip (fixable with Gun Tape) and the lockback spring needed to be stronger. Also the tip seems a little pointy for durability. These were an early "tactical" lockback folder.
I don't think I can send my unit in for warranty repair since the main body seems pinned not screwed. I've tried cleaning the pivot point to get rid of dried and linty oil but it is smoother but still won't close on its own the last inch or so.
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