Need help narrowing down options
Hello, I have finally broken the blade on my crappy Gerber and the day to buy a new knife is finally here. I am looking for some recommendations. I am active duty Army looking for the best automatic knife for everyday use. I also do a lot of backpacking and camping. I am not too concerned with price, just want the best option available today because I plan to have this for many years to come. I thank you in advance for your advice/recommendations, it is hard to buy online and not be able to hold the knife.
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Thank you for your service!
Some things that might help others with recommendations might be:
1. What type of work will you be using the knife for
2. Any size and weight preferences
3. Any blade length preferences0 -
I am a Blackhawk pilot. Just picked a automatic knife for no other reason than I think they are awesome and I can buy one. As far as weight and length, I really don't know... Something that is doable for a everyday knife that will also be used back packing. I am at 23 years of service and don't plan any more deployments but may have one last one. This knife is more for everyday and backpacking. 0 -
/|\ Welcome not an auto but the Bugout as daily EDC great value 0 -
Since you mentioned automatic. I would suggest the assisted. They are sturdier(maybe) ,lock-up is pretty solid easy maintain and more choices.
http://www.benchmade.com/assisted-opening-knives.html0 -
The only auto I currently own is the 9555 auto Rift. I would recommend it in a heart beat. It uses the auto-axis mechanism instead of a push button, which i prefer. It has a 3.67”, reverse tanto blade, making for a very strong blade throughout its length. The scales give you a good, solid grip, even when wet. And it has one of the best blade to handle ratios on any Benchmade out there. 0 -
My personal opinion (as I tend not to favor the assist to either manual or auto), is that the few BM autos I tried that were actually meant to be auto only seem to open and close easier and with less fuss than the autos that have a manual version. In my limited perusal at my local dealer, the auto version of manual models just felt like an overanxious assisted knife, with controls that were a little more labored than the manual versions.
Personally, I really liked the Auto Stryker's feel in hand and the smoothness of the opening and closing, but I hesitated on the purchase because I prefer bellied blades to tantos. It's still on my to-purchase list.0 -
/|\ By the time we’ all done narrowing down the options we’ll have listed everything in the catalogue. 
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Cool factor= infidel
Edc= casbah or APB
OTF = phaeton or mini infidel
When considering autos remember the benchmade lifetime warranty, autos fail more often then manual but you will always be able to send in for repair and sharpening.0 -
Given you are looking for something to take camping or outdoors, I would shy away from the OTF's for that application. Getting crap in the knife (and that simply happens over time from pocket carry) shuts the knife down. If a side opening auto fails (with the spring) you can still use the knife as a manual if need be. Also the blades on the OTF's tend not to be as tall (steep grinds) and often are double edged... They are not the best for what you describe you are looking for.
On the side opening auto's I like the push button variety over the Auto Axis. I think you get pretty much the same reliability out of both locks, the Axis is ambidextrous, but it just is not as smooth to use IMHO.
For serious outdoor use I would look to the Auto Adamas, Persidio, AFO II or Rukus. Some might be a bit chunky in the pocket, however I had all these in auto or manual versions and I could pocket carry them all with no issues, but that is a personal thing. That being said, the Rukus, Adamas and even the AFO II are big in the pocket, but the Persidio might be the best choice for pure pocket carry.
The Auto RIFT would be a nice pocketable knife, but they never move me much.
The Auto Stryker is nice, but the tanto blade might be a limiting factor for woods carry. One of my favorite Benchamde autos is the Stimulus, but it is tad small for an outdoor knife, same could be said for the Reflex.
Both the Adamas and Bedlam have NSN #'s so you might look into what that might get you being in the service.
I guess I would recommend either the Auto Persidio or the AFO II. The AFO has a good military heritage, and the Persidio has a pretty strong tradition also. If you don't mind the size, the Auto Adamas is pretty bombproof, also its G-10 handles will show less wear (over the aluminum) if that matters to you.0 -
Button Release- AFO II
Axis Release - Presidio
Both bomb proof aluminum construction.
Both have "NSN" numbers.0 -
My two cents? At least take a gander at the 4300-1. Great EDC auto, IMHO. Super poppy, great, useful blade style, decent grip and ergos, etc. 0 -
I have both the 4300 cla and the 5500 mini presidio.For backpacking and doing something where you might need to be rough on a knive.I would prefer the 5500 mini presidio.I have used this knife in the woods to cut fire wood and dress game.Very tough. 0 -
There is always a need for a bedlam 8600. Ambidextrous axis auto that is as thick as the Adamas, but narrower and longer. It's probably the one i carry the most.
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I love my 2750 auto Adamas and 4300-1 CLA. If needing something that can handle about any task I’d go Adamas, but it does take a good amount of pocket space and is a beast. It kicks harder than any other auto I have when deploying, which I enjoy. I still have no problem with it as EDC but a little heavy for some shorts. If wanting something lighter weight but still a great EDC the 4300-1 is amazing too. Really can’t go wrong with any of the suggestions in this thread, all great options.
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