Search

Mad Mixologist Rides Again...531-S30V-Carbon Fiber

February 06, 2016 22:59

The appearance of an S30V 531 limited edition - the REI 531-1501 - fueled my mad desire to have things just the way I want them, one of a kind, high-end user grade.

My favorite 531 has been a standard 154CM blade in a REI 530-1303 carbon fiber handle. When I saw the REI S30V 531-1501, I had to bite. So now I have things just the way I want them, two silver class 53Xs, both with carbon fiber handles, both with S30V blades - ideal steel for this knife.

One of them is actually pretty close to the original REI 530-1303, though I think I have the handles swapped.

My other two. One for dress - 530-111 Gold Class blade and hardware in the 531-1501 green G-10 handle. One for harder use, a standard 531. No, I'm not really sold on the Gold Class blade in the green handle, but I'm definitely sold on the S30V blades in the CF handles. And the green G-10 goes well with the yellow stones in the thumb studs and Axis studs.

Comments

19 comments

painstakinglymeticulous

February 06, 2016 23:54
Nice swaps PO

Does the 531’s liner/beefed-up axis lock fit in the 530 body?? I like the 531 axis lock better..
0
keyman

February 07, 2016 00:14
Very nice Po.
I like them all.
BM hybrids certainly are special treasures.

PM: Are the 530's liners any different than a 531's?
I've never had both models "in hand" at once.
0
geocyclist

February 07, 2016 01:45
yes, looks great. Love the CF.
0
po

February 07, 2016 04:49
quote:

Originally posted by Painstakingly Meticulous:
...Does the 531’s liner/beefed-up axis lock fit in the 530 body??...

Axis modules and handles are all interchangeable, as you can see in my swaps, they are combinations of 530 modules, 531 handles, blades, everything is jumbled.
0
painstakinglymeticulous

February 07, 2016 05:33
quote:

Originally posted by Po:
Axis modules and handles are all interchangeable, as you can see in my swaps, they are combinations of 530 modules, 531 handles, blades, everything is jumbled.

Thanks, after fondling the improved axis lock on the 531, I don’t believe I’ll be able to go back to the dimpled 530 version.. I’ve been spoiled now.

I’m glad to hear that I can use the 531’s axis lock/liners with the 530 scales.. For some reason, I thought I would only be able to swap the blades..
0
painstakinglymeticulous

February 07, 2016 05:39
quote:

Originally posted by Keyman:
PM: Are the 530's liners any different than a 531's?
I've never had both models "in hand" at once.

I haven’t taken my 531 apart yet (busy work week), however, after reading PO’s response, I don’t think the size of the liners will be any different between models.. (since they can be swapped interchangeably) I think the only difference is the axis thumb stud..

I’ll post some side-by-side comparison shots of the liners when I do the swap..
0
jonearlt

February 07, 2016 07:30
Very nice Po. My 531-1501 should be her by the middle of next week.
0
masque

February 07, 2016 17:00
Benchmade swapped out at least the axis pin on my 530-1303 for a 531 pin. Sadly they hadn't any 531 blades in S30v at that time... but perhaps now they do.
0
painstakinglymeticulous

February 07, 2016 18:47
quote:

Originally posted by Masque:
Benchmade swapped out at least the axis pin on my 530-1303 for a 531 pin. Sadly they hadn't any 531 blades in S30v at that time... but perhaps now they do.

Unfortunately, if you have an existing 530 and want them to swap the 530 blade for a 531 blade.. They will need you to send in a 531.. I’ve tried, maybe you’re a better negotiator than I am, but the customer service rep was pretty adamant in her response..

I called in this past week inquiring whether I could purchase two 531 blades for my 530-1503’s and they said I could only send them in for a 530 blade swap
And they don't have anymore 530-1303 dagger S30V blades in stock for warranty replacement.
0
billhammer

February 07, 2016 19:11
PO very nice!
To the after market handle makers - have you or willing to takle making after market CF handles for the 530/531? So PO & others don't have to pull apart a Gold Class knife to make sort after "Silver" class.
Jason why Benchmade have different liners in the 530 & 531? Why not use best in both?
0
po

February 07, 2016 23:28
Bill is trying to save me from myself.

I'm kinda weird, huh? Did the same thing to my Gold Class Griptilian, put a S30V custom shop blade in place of the CPM-M4 BK blade. I dunno...The 730-111 Gold Class is a brilliant knife, and it was priced great too. But I carried it rarely, just not that much need for a dress knife. I know I'll carry the carbon fiber and S30V knife regularly. Besides, I'm really warming up to the Gold Class blade in the green G-10 handle. It's a great combination...I've actually been carrying it instead of the CF-S30V ones since I swapped them (go figure).

Once again, I've been swapping blades and LINERS between 530s and 531s, and I see no difference in them. The only difference is in the Axis buttons. You can absolutely take the Axis module - Axis lock and liners - from one and install it in the other handle. I took the blade and Axis module from the 531-1501 and installed it in the handle for the 530-111, and vice versa. I am as certain as I can be without having actually done it, that you could swap blades only, or blades and Axis modules between a 530 (plastic handle) and a 531.
0
painstakinglymeticulous

February 08, 2016 01:18
quote:

Originally posted by Po:
Once again, I've been swapping blades and LINERS between 530s and 531s, and I see no difference in them. The only difference is in the Axis buttons. You can absolutely take the Axis module - Axis lock and liners - from one and install it in the other handle. I took the blade and Axis module from the 531-1501 and installed it in the handle for the 530-111, and vice versa. I am as certain as I can be without having actually done it, that you could swap blades only, or blades and Axis modules between a 530 (plastic handle) and a 531.

PO's right, the only difference is the axis thumb button.. One is dimpled (530) one is beefier w/ more grip (531).

I made the swap! This knife (i.e., 531-1303 lol) is purely amazing in every way and Benchmade should seriously consider a 531-1 in CF/M390 (or) S90V.

I took the 531-1501 apart, polished the phosphor bronze washers, touched up the blade, and applied new loctite to screw threads.. Then swapped the scales.. I'm going to pick up another 531-1501 to make the same swap on my other CF set.
0
po

February 08, 2016 02:45
Well done! My favorite 531 (this model needs a name!). Hope you like it!
0
wearetheromans

February 17, 2016 19:29
Man PO, I'm still drooling over that green g-10/530 gold class hybrid. That's a beautiful knife.

I missed that REI 530-1303. Anyone remember what those sold for from the website? I'm sure hoping we see another carbon fiber 53x sometime soon....
0
painstakinglymeticulous

February 17, 2016 19:33
quote:

Originally posted by WeAreTheRomans:
I missed that REI 530-1303. Anyone remember what those sold for from the website? I'm sure hoping we see another carbon fiber 53x sometime soon....

I just checked my old order invoice online and they sold for $200 a piece.
0
po

February 17, 2016 22:11
quote:

Originally posted by WeAreTheRomans:
Man PO, I'm still drooling over that green g-10/530 gold class hybrid. That's a beautiful knife...

Thanks. Yes, that really worked out well. I wasn't sure the combo would be worth a darn, I just knew I wanted the CF handle with the S30V blade, so the Damascus blade had to go there...But the green goes very well with the yellow stones in the buttons and gives the knife a more stylish appeal rather than dress tactical. A lot of people seem to like it.
0
billhammer

February 18, 2016 00:37
Does Keyman or DOAT make custom handles for 53Xs?
0
po

February 18, 2016 03:39
Of course.
0
wearetheromans

February 25, 2016 06:49
Can't....Stop....Clicking...The...Link.

The photos of these blades are just too good.
0