New BM-903 Mini Stryker II
I just received my BM-903 Mini Axis Stryker II on 06-06-14. It is a 1st production, #129 of 750. First and foremost, be prepared to "de-fang" this little pocket eater! This is just about the "toothiest" G10 I have ever touched. I took off each G10 scale (one at a time, please) and very carefully sanded the G10 "teeth" down to my liking. I used 800 grit wet/dry on a hard, flat surface. I laid each scale on the paper and tried to apply even pressure as I moved the scale on the paper. I used an old toothbrush and running water to remove the debris, followed by a soft cloth to dry. I applied a dab of Blue Lube to another cloth and rubbed the G10 back to a light gloss. Proceed carefully if you do this. You can take more material off, but you can't put it back! Now, the blade. 154CM.... really?????? I would at least have expected at least D2, especially at this price point. Oh well, I really wanted this knife, so I will have to live with it. I do prefer the semi-spearpoint on the 903 to the tanto model. Blade grind is fairly attractive and functional. Benchmade continues to put little effort into metal finishing, especially on their blades. Lots of visible grind marks, not much in the way of polish, tumble, finish. Laser marking is about average. The blade had noticeable side to side play. I tightened the screw to eliminate it. However, after opening and closing a couple of dozen times, the screw backed out enough to have even more play than before. Applied Gun-Tite and no more problem. I also used a tiny dab of Gun-Tite on the grip screws when I reinstalled them. The Axis locking bar rides way up the locking surface on the blade. Lock functions just fine. But, not much room for wear. Blade was sharp, but with a ragged, toothy edge. I can fix that. Another new pocket clip (to me anyway). This one is a deep carry, but has wider screw spacing than the Contego clip. If Benchmade wanted these to be really good, make the clip screws fit flush. But, this would add expense in manufacture. Handle shape is excellent. Very ergonomic and to be expected, since the original Mini Stryker was designed by Allen Elishewitz. Even though the steel liners are drilled to lighten them, I would have preferred titanium. Overall, this should make a really nice EDC (once you de-fang the G10). It is especially nice for those of us with small hands. The handle on the 707 I usually carry has always felt just a little too small, even with my small hands. I will give the 903 some pocket time and see if it makes me retire the 707.
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I am Los enjoying my 903, still need to sand down the g-10 a little 0 -
Hooked, thanks, and I hope BM is paying attention to your comments.
That's too much work to try to get a brand new knife up to snuff.0 -
The only thing that keeps me from owning this knife is the 154CM blade. This knife deserves at the very least S30V, but preferably CPM M4. 0 -
I received my 903 mini Stryker Feb. 2016. Maybe they have gotten better since 2014 because I can not agree with the previous reviews at all. My 903 does not need dehorning. The G10 texture has a very nice feel. While 154CM is not a super premium steel, I know from the experience of having 3 other knives of 154CM that it has good characteristics for blades. The blade has a pleasing even finish and any grind marks are very slight. The Axis lock is tight with no up/down or side/side play what so ever. Opening and closing is very smooth. Lastly, there is nothing wrong with the design of the clip screws as they are similar to many other models. I really like this knife and would buy it again with out hesitation. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by dwafck:
I received my 903 mini Stryker Feb. 2016. Maybe they have gotten better since 2014 because I can not agree with the previous reviews at all. My 903 does not need dehorning. The G10 texture has a very nice feel. While 154CM is not a super premium steel, I know from the experience of having 3 other knives of 154CM that it has good characteristics for blades. The blade has a pleasing even finish and any grind marks are very slight. The Axis lock is tight with no up/down or side/side play what so ever. Opening and closing is very smooth. Lastly, there is nothing wrong with the design of the clip screws as they are similar to many other models. I really like this knife and would buy it again with out hesitation.
Purchased mine July '15. After carry/use the past week I incline to agree with your accessment. Great knife!0
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