698 Foray
Starting to see these show up on dealer websites and on EBAY. I really like the look of this one. As soon as the first productions are pushed through and the regular productions show up I'm all over this one.
0
-
I'm drawn to the understated look of the 698 for sure. Reminds me of a German sports car or something. This is probably a dumb question, but I've heard some other forum members express a similar aversion to the first production run..why? Any insight you have is welcome, I'm fairly new to the whole thing. 0 -
I just don't like all the laser etched writing on the blade. It's a purely aesthetic thing for me. 0 -
Well, that makes perfect sense, thank you. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Boobar:
I just don't like all the laser etched writing on the blade. It's a purely aesthetic thing for me.
+1. Unless it is GC, in which it is a part of offering.
To me, I feel like driving a car with production number printed out on the door. I think BKC should sell those separately. Of it needs to be "exclusive", I wish it limits to first 250 production, not 1000. don't enjoy the blade with it, and I feel it add no value for me. So, I end up waiting a month or so until people buys it off so I can purchase non engraved version.0 -
0 -
quote:Originally posted by Keyman:
Looks nice KM, I'm looking forward to seeing your custom scales for this model. I like the detail on the pivot cap/axis thumb-stud.0 -
I was looking at some pics of these, why can't Benchmade set these up with three holes for a clip? You could still use the deep carry clip and it should hide the middle hole but it would give you the option of using a regular split arrow clip. 0 -
That's a great looking knife. Any comments about it? 0 -
I recall Foray being short but having thick blade.
Is it really stout blade? :O0 -
quote:Originally posted by Mobile Firelord:
I recall Foray being short but having thick blade.
Is it really stout blade? :O
Yes, the blade stock is quite thick.
But the grind and the swedge compliment the extra stock nicely.
Dual thick liners, with a solid three standoff build
All in all, it makes for a mighty stout knife with a heft to match.
Don't get me wrong it's not heavy, it's just a little bit heavier than you would normally expect for a knife this size.
It's built like a brick out house..... I really like that.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Keyman:quote:Originally posted by Mobile Firelord:
I recall Foray being short but having thick blade.
Is it really stout blade? :O
Yes, the blade stock is quite thick.
But the grind and the swedge compliment the extra stock nicely.
Dual thick liners, with a solid three standoff build
All in all, it makes for a mighty stout knife with a heft to match.
Don't get me wrong it's not heavy, it's just a little bit heavier than you would normally expect for a knife this size.
It's built like a brick out house..... I really like that.
Oh men, I'm drooling. Yet again, it has "FP" doodle.(I can .... can wait...
)
0 -
Update....
Two things really stick out in my assessment of this model.
1.) This thing is heavy duty, the pivot is huge!
It is larger in diameter then a full size grip or 710!
Foray: .247"
Griptilian: .215"
Blade thickness too...
Foray: .138"
Griptilian: .115"
2.)It is super sharp!
If BM was trying to make a good switch to CPM-20CV, they have certainly accomplished that with this one. Laser sharp, already made me bleed 3 times!quote:Originally posted by Boobar:
I was looking at some pics of these, why can't Benchmade set these up with three holes for a clip? You could still use the deep carry clip and it should hide the middle hole but it would give you the option of using a regular split arrow clip.
Also on a side note....it looks as thought these liners either came from an existing model or they have been made to accept a standard three hole BM clip and bolsters!
Look here....
Be aware, none of these "additional" holes have yet to be tapped.
But, it's all there.0 -
Opening is super smooth & lock up is super solid; with absolutely NO blade play in ANY direction! 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Boobar:
I was looking at some pics of these, why can't Benchmade set these up with three holes for a clip? You could still use the deep carry clip and it should hide the middle hole but it would give you the option of using a regular split arrow clip.
Well, you can still use the a split arrow or standard 3-hole clip if you want. You'd just do it with two screws instead of three. Knife only comes with two clip screws anyways.0 -
I'm considering buying one of these but haven't had a chance to handle one in person. From Keyman's photo, it looks like the liners extend out past the edge of the G10 on the side of the handle where the blade folds in. Is this the case? 0 -
quote:Originally posted by mbw151:
I'm considering buying one of these but haven't had a chance to handle one in person. From Keyman's photo, it looks like the liners extend out past the edge of the G10 on the side of the handle where the blade folds in. Is this the case?
Yes. They stick out around the profile of the knife.0 -
I just ordered one, months after deciding to get my first Benchmade, and after 5 or 6 "final" decisions on the model. I feel like a kid getting his first bike or something 
0 -
quote:Originally posted by mbw151:
I'm considering buying one of these but haven't had a chance to handle one in person. From Keyman's photo, it looks like the liners extend out past the edge of the G10 on the side of the handle where the blade folds in. Is this the case?
Last night I was looking over its grand-daddy, a knife called the BM 690. I was noticing the very same thing about it...the titanium liners stuck out past the CF handles almost everywhere. It's almost like it was planned that way.
0 -
quote:Originally posted by fastjan:
...the titanium liners stuck out past the CF handles almost everywhere. It's almost like it was planned that way...
And so it is. More interesting when the liners are anodized, but a nice styling touch just the same.
Interesting update to the omega spring anchor...
The 690 was based on an Elishewitz custom design called the Oracle if I remember right. Thick blade stock and super strong handle construction are its most notable characteristics. A true pocket - as in compact - dress tactical folder. At a time when I complete despised liner locks, I still owned two 690s. And I still own them today. Outstanding knives. Looks like the new 698 has retained the same character, strong and compact.
I really like the Foray...but I since I don't work in an office any more, I rarely carry my 690s. In fact I haven't carried either of them in years. I'm reluctant to buy a knife I won't carry much when it is so similar to a knife I have. But what has that to do with you...nuttin'.
Anyway...if you are interested in a small, strong, dressy "tactical" folder, the Foray would be hard to beat. I consider the 908 my small tactical folder these days.
0 -
Dug up a couple pics of the Elishewitz Oracle. I have to say, I like the Benchmade 69X better.
0 -
I agree with Po...the 690 is a great looking knife, but it had 5 weaknesses that could have made it a better knife:
1. Go to an Axis lock instead of a liner-lock.
2. Slim down the handle to that of a 940.
3. lose the fishing lure pocket clip.
4. Lose the huge pivot cover.
5. Give us a super steel.
It looks like the Foray has done most of that.0 -
I really like the artsy milling on the Axis nuts! Looks like there are a lot of little touches on this knife to make it special. 0 -
Mine just showed up in the mail as I was leaving for work, so I haven't had any time to play with it yet. I did take a minute to see that it's apparently perfect - no blade play at all, and the blade is sharp and perfectly centered. It's a little big for my buttoned-down office, but I thought it might be - I'm going to grab something a little smaller for work (probably a 556-1). 0 -
I was a little concerned about the liners extending past the G10 scales, but I bought a 698 anyway. This turned out to be not an issue at all. I really like how the gimping on the back of the handle flows smoothly onto the spine of the blade. I can get all four fingers on the handle, something many knives of this size don't allow. I did change the clip to a conventional split arrow clip in silver, much easier to extract from the pocket. The knife does look a little funny with the center clip screw absent. I'm going to carry this for a while as a trail. If I love it, I'll drill the G10 and tap the hole in the liner for the middle screw. This knife has the potential to be my favorite "weekend in town" carry. 0 -
My wife was nice enough o get this for me recently.
Few points of note on this so far.
Pros:
* As Keyman's point, it is very stout blade. Relatively thick for it's length 3.25". This is no flex blade.
* Small yet sufficient heft, so you wouldn't feel like it is flying off your hand. It feels like quote inch square rod in your hand, but fit nicely.
* It has lanyard hold. Yay for me. I am not happy with the model without it. (810, 94X, 14715, etc, etc)
* Flow through model as with recent models such as 940-1, Griptilian-1 series. Personally I like it as it would not accumulate lint that might hinder in omega spring area. Also I like it for quick dry after rinse off the blade.
* It is shortest handle, yet contour well enough for me to have a very ergonomically and secure grip.
Cons
* Is it just my model or does it have micro recurve? I can just as well re-grind, but I am not too happy about it ...
* Because the scale has less width, when I am closing one handed, my pinky and ring finer nails sometimes cross path with the closing blade.
Let me know what you think.0 -
This 2016 model has blade length of 3.24” and overall Length:7.32" It is relatively short folder, but it has blade thickness 0.14". 
It is almost like spike dagger with absolutely no fear of blade flexing. I can call this mini-Striker (2.94” length0.1” thickness) , but a bit longer and certainly a bit thicker too.
I must admit I am very pleased and impressed with stoutness. Even in this sub 3 and 1/4 inch blade category, handle length retains 4.14" This makes it easy to retain in your hand. Weight of 3.58 oz helps you with more secure feeling that you will not lose it.
In addition, because over all handle thickness is 0.56", I feel like holding on to ¼” by ¼” steal rod.
One minor drawback is that because it does not have a wide handle, when you try to close with one hand, mind your pinky tip to make sure it is not crossing the path of the blade.
0 -
It does have a little recurve (barely noticeable in my opinion). And I get what you're saying about the fingers - I noticed that, but I've managed to escape it so far. The 698 was my first Benchmade, and I wondered if I really wanted to get into this price range. Now I just wish I'd done it sooner. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by 1DaveN:
It does have a little recurve (barely noticeable in my opinion). And I get what you're saying about the fingers - I noticed that, but I've managed to escape it so far. The 698 was my first Benchmade, and I wondered if I really wanted to get into this price range. Now I just wish I'd done it sooner.
Hi 1DaveN,
I must admit that Foray is rather dress carry IMO. For EDC, I would suggest to look at something like Rift (950-1 or 950-1401 Orange/Black with S30V)
If you like more bang for buck, I like 3.5" blade Griptilian is not too high of price point. I carry 550SG (S30V in Saber Grind) for EDC.0 -
I was just about to buy one of these when I happened upon a 732SBK for a really good price. Next month I swear my allocated knife money will go to a Foray. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by agony:
I was just about to buy one of these when I happened upon a 732SBK for a really good price. Next month I swear my allocated knife money will go to a Foray.
I was more surprised there are still some Ares in the market you need to buy
0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
55 comments