Top 2-3 knives for versatility
Hi guys,
My first post on the forum. I got to handle my first Benchmade knife the other day after I thought about replacing my Kershaw Blur S30V. I have to say that I love the quality. Not that there's anything wrong with my Blur, sometimes I like to know that I'm carrying the best product out there.
I'm curious what are your top 3 folding knives for versatility. Some may say the Grip is all they need, and I'm okay with that. I plan to add it to my rotation, but the Blur will remain my beater knife. I do not hunt but enjoy camping and the outdoors.
I'm not a collector, and I'm actually frightened to become one after seeing some of the collections here
. So I was just thinking of maybe adding a the Bone Collector 15020 and possibly one other to round out my needs.
I fully understand the fun in trying out new knives, and trading knives to experience new ones. But Lord help me, I'm trying to resist the dark side.
Thanks and looking forward to hearing from you.
My first post on the forum. I got to handle my first Benchmade knife the other day after I thought about replacing my Kershaw Blur S30V. I have to say that I love the quality. Not that there's anything wrong with my Blur, sometimes I like to know that I'm carrying the best product out there.
I'm curious what are your top 3 folding knives for versatility. Some may say the Grip is all they need, and I'm okay with that. I plan to add it to my rotation, but the Blur will remain my beater knife. I do not hunt but enjoy camping and the outdoors.
I'm not a collector, and I'm actually frightened to become one after seeing some of the collections here
I fully understand the fun in trying out new knives, and trading knives to experience new ones. But Lord help me, I'm trying to resist the dark side.
Thanks and looking forward to hearing from you.
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Welcome to the Forum Yamski, be set to receive differing opinions on the subject of what three we would choose. IMO these (following) are the classics everyone should own:
First would be the 710, in any flavor this should be in anyone's collection. It's large enough, yet slim enough to get most jobs done.
Second would be the 940, same deal in any flavor this is a slim but easy to carry knife, that delivers a surprisingly good blade.
Third would be the 520, which is the tank of the group, solid and overbuilt; some don't care for the ribbed scales and there's a resulting crowd that replaces the handles, etc. to make it theirs, but it's the one that would make these three a good set to own.
You may (in time) have noticed all of these are built around the Axis mechanism, which as said is, arguably, one of the best locking systems ever made. There's a lot of good reasons for that. So this will be my opening response for this posting.
Here we go...and stick around, this place can be a lot of fun!
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Welcome, Yamski.
Really, that Bone Collector you are thinking about should be very versatile. The main question is would you like your second knife to be slightly bigger or smaller?0 -
Wellcome there,yamski.
94X,690 and old fixed Nimravus for me.
But also much more deppend on purpose of use.
BTW have to fix you,not a 'dark side' but a 'bright side'.
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Welcome, Yamski! I've only been hanging around these parts for a few months myself, but the company seems good and the info is amazing.
As for a "Top 3" or whatever, I agree with laser -- it depends what you're looking for. You talk about camping, so maybe a fixed blade (the Nimravus will show up as a common favorite). But, maybe you need a small "gentleman's folder" and while I imagine the Shoki or something will be more common, my choice is the 930 Kulgera. Just suits me, my hand, my pocket and I've already got one.
You'll get lots of opinions, some of them worth considering. In the end, get the tools that make you smile every time you use them! Oh, and once again laser is correct -- it's not the "dark side" but rather the "bright side"...until my wife sees the credit card bill. Then it's not so much light or dark, but mostly a scary shade of red.0 -
One more note...I wanted to second Joe's comment about the 520. It is a "tank" and a bit heavy, but I love mine. I think it's an often over-looked gem. 0 -
joe_karp, I'm actually looking forward to the different opinions. That's where the fun is in knife buying 0 -
fastjan, that's a great question. I think i'm the most comfortable with a 3.5" blade, but would rather go smaller than bigger. The grip of the Bone Collector 15020 is the main draw for me. 0 -
for me its
1. mini ritter m-4
2. 520
3. 730 ares for camping and hunting0 -
Get the Bone Collector and don't look back, it's a great all around knife, it does'nt have the sleek lines or a sexy name but it's a knife you can take anywhere and will hold it's own next to anything that's out there. 0 -
I've been pleasantly surprised with my Mini-Griptilian Tanto. It's small enough for easy pocket-carry and has the sturdy Axis lock. I wasn't sure about the Tanto blade, but I'm finding it to be remarkably versatile. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by archer:
Get the Bone Collector and don't look back, it's a great all around knife, it does'nt have the sleek lines or a sexy name but it's a knife you can take anywhere and will hold it's own next to anything that's out there.
what's not sexy about a name like 'Bone Collector'???
Sounds sweet to me
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The Bone Collector is a fine choice, or as others have suggested, a 520, which is a close relative.
Some others I would look at are the 581 and Ritters.0 -
Joe hit the nail on the head, 940, 520, 710 0 -
Welcome to the Forum yamski,
I suspect that you are going to get some different answers from everyone on that question, as everyone has different needs for a knife.
I really find it a hard one to answer but I will try, I like the 525 because it's built like a Tank and is a good heavy duty knife but I prefer the scale shape of the 527 (Joe and I are lucky because we both own a 525-Hybrid).
I really like the 755MPR again it's like a tank and can take a licking, but it's also a Frame Lock so it has some diversity to it.
My 3rd Choice would be the 470 Emissary as it's a great little knife with Auto Assist and a low rid clip profile for casual wear and is also a great ladies knife I would think also..
Now ask me the same question tomorrow and the list might be different…ROLMAO0 -
quote:Originally posted by Lightning:quote:Originally posted by archer:
Get the Bone Collector and don't look back, it's a great all around knife, it does'nt have the sleek lines or a sexy name but it's a knife you can take anywhere and will hold it's own next to anything that's out there.
what's not sexy about a name like 'Bone Collector'???
Sounds sweet to me
Now Lightning,
Try to keep yourself under control, remember what the Doctor told you about rubbing Blue Lube and Benchmade knives over yourself after the last time...ROLMAO0 -
Great suggestions so far. For you guys who have been in this hobby for a while, have there been any Black Friday or holiday sales in the past years for Benchmade knives?
I see that Knifeworks seem to have the best pricing with their coupon code. Could I do better next week online or in store?0 -
If I could only keep a few of my Benchmades, I think at the top of the list would be a large M4 Ritter. 0 -
I've never seen Black Friday sales for Benchmade knives online, and as for in-store, that would depend on the store. I haven't seen it, and considering so many of the stores that sell them are also gun stores, don't expect to see much in the way of discounts in this current political climate.quote:Originally posted by yamski:
Great suggestions so far. For you guys who have been in this hobby for a while, have there been any Black Friday or holiday sales in the past years for Benchmade knives?
I see that Knifeworks seem to have the best pricing with their coupon code. Could I do better next week online or in store?
Unless you're shooting for a limited edition, such as the 525bk-1101 that KW has (mini-Presidio with M4 blade, hint, hint), I doubt you're going to miss out by waiting until next Friday. You just might get lucky then.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Who Dares Wins:quote:Originally posted by Lightning:quote:Originally posted by archer:
Get the Bone Collector and don't look back, it's a great all around knife, it does'nt have the sleek lines or a sexy name but it's a knife you can take anywhere and will hold it's own next to anything that's out there.
what's not sexy about a name like 'Bone Collector'???
Sounds sweet to me
Now Lightning,
Try to keep yourself under control, remember what the Doctor told you about rubbing Blue Lube and Benchmade knives over yourself after the last time...ROLMAO
Shhh, when I told you that it was so that you knew why you had to use the cream I gave you.
Great, now everyone knows...
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quote:Originally posted by yamski:
...I'm not a collector, and I'm actually frightened to become one...
Be afraid...be very afraid.
I'm not quite clear though...are you asking about the three most versatile Benchmade models, or the three knives that together offer greatest range of versatility?
Three most versatile:
581 - wide grind, drop point, handle is comfortable in most grips. Dressy. Tough. Axis Assist and safety are above and beyond.
746 - Wide grind, swept point, superb cutter, pointy blade shape. Outstanding design.
551 - Light, you can clip it no matter what you are doing, ergonomic, tough, excellent cutter, available in a variety of steels and handle colors. Excellent in every way.
Widest spectrum of versatility:
275 Adamas - big and hard core tough.
581 or 551 - see above
940/941 - Very tough, can be dressy, take it camping, wear it to work.
Note: the 520 and 525 are probably the second most versatile knives in the line, but I leave them out because of their military grade aluminum handles. You can take the clips off to stope them from eating your pants pockets, but you can't make them pretty...unless you buy the corresponding Bone Collector and switch blades.
I don't see the versatility in the Bone Collector myself, unless you are a hunter and will use it to field dress game. The 520 is a better all-around design in my opinion, and I still cannot imagine field dressing game with a folder...yech.
But good luck! There aren't any bad knives in the Benchmade line. Dive in. Collecting Benchmade knives has taken over a part of my life over the last ten years, and I've blown a lot of money, but I've enjoyed every minute and every knife. It's been well worth it.0 -
Welcome to the forum. 3 is a good number to start with. You are wise to realize there is no way to buy only 1 BM.
Wow, this one could go on for ever. It really depends on what your needs are. 3 inch blade or greater that 3" or both?
Without any more information than top 3 for versatility I will go by this. I assume cost is not a primary factor. The Grip or mini grip is a great value if cost is a factor.
Not know what sizes you are looking for I would say 940 fills so many niches. 3.4 " blade, think, easy to carry clip or no clip. Great, efficient blade shape.
I am partial to the Ritters, mini or regular.
I mostly carry 3" blades and 940's (3.4"). For something in this size I like the mini Ritter grip and 940.
I will stay out of the larger classes since I don't really carry them much.
For a larger, longer blade the M4 Contego is popular and a good value for a M4 blade. (I don't have one yet).0 -
Hello Yamski and welcome!
For versatility, I have to go with Holo07's suggestion of the BM 730 "Ares". It's got the axis lock, the blade shape has a lot of utility, and it's a nice medium size to fit most people's hands, without wasting a single mm of space. There's also a rainbow of blade steels and scale materials/colors to choose from to fit your personal style.
While they're not currently in production, I have a feeling they can still be found
Value-wise, the Griptillian is really hard to beat. You save about $80 vs a different BM model with a comparable blade and steel by trading away "premium handle materials" for "perfectly servicable and very grippy handle materials". Plus, you can get one in pink!
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I don't know if I fully understand how to evaluate versatility, so I'll just state that my favorites are my 913 Stryker and 581 Barrage.
I'm also interested in the 520 and 890.0 -
quote:Originally posted by loonybin:
I've never seen Black Friday sales for Benchmade knives online, and as for in-store, that would depend on the store. I haven't seen it, and considering so many of the stores that sell them are also gun stores, don't expect to see much in the way of discounts in this current political climate.quote:Originally posted by yamski:
Great suggestions so far. For you guys who have been in this hobby for a while, have there been any Black Friday or holiday sales in the past years for Benchmade knives?
I see that Knifeworks seem to have the best pricing with their coupon code. Could I do better next week online or in store?
Unless you're shooting for a limited edition, such as the 525bk-1101 that KW has (mini-Presidio with M4 blade, hint, hint), I doubt you're going to miss out by waiting until next Friday. You just might get lucky then.
There is at least on online retailer that has a Black Friday sale... Not allowed to talk about dealers but you should be able to hunt around and find them or others. I know some have specials on certain brands, some offer a discount on all.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Po:
Note: the 520 and 525 are probably the second most versatile knives in the line, but I leave them out because of their military grade aluminum handles. You can take the clips off to stope them from eating your pants pockets, but you can't make them pretty...unless you buy the corresponding Bone Collector and switch blades.
I don't see the versatility in the Bone Collector myself, unless you are a hunter and will use it to field dress game. The 520 is a better all-around design in my opinion, and I still cannot imagine field dressing game with a folder...yech.
I think I'd use the 275 or a 810 to gut a deer before a 520, simply for the extra blade length.
As for them Presidios being ugly due to the aluminum handles... I think they just need a splash of color to make them look pretty darn sharp.
You're spot on with the 581. Awesome blade shape, awesome steel, looks sharp and can handle hard use. How much more versatile do you need?0 -
Hmmm, 3 all around blades? interesting question.
In my case, I think I would have to go with (and.. must.. fight to remember.. not my favorite knives...):
940 Osborne
551 Grip
581 Barrage0 -
my choices would be :
710 (of course !)
alias
kulgera/943
the bone collector is great too
i love the contego and crry it everyday, but i don't think it fits the "versatile" definition0 -
This little number has a lot of utility! opening letters... cutting and serving birthday cake... woodworking... 0 -
Actually any BM knife would service you equily fine the rest is down to personal preference in size, easthetics and of course, budget.
The lowly Griptilian can do whatever the big boys can do and is a little cheaper.
I solved my problem by getting ALL that fall into the above category.0 -
If you get a Bone Collector and if you fondle and caress it enough especially with oil, you'll eventually get a Contego that snaps open like an auto assist, even the blade will be harder on the Rockwell scale. 0
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