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What's the difference between "Blue" and "Black" Class?

tucker

October 25, 2012 20:08

I've been trolling the BM website and couldn't find the answer to how they differentiate their knives between Blue and Black class. It seems the Black knives are pretty heavy-duty, while Blue goes all the way done to some very nice but dainty "Gentleman's knives."

I'm just wondering if they make any technical distinction that's not so obvious? Better or different liners, pivot materials, or ????

My wife says sometimes I get curious about very strange stuff. Well, "inquiring minds want to know!" Anyone?

Comments

8 comments

kirbysdl

October 25, 2012 20:32
My understanding is that the distinction is more based on target audience.

Black class knives are generally made with a LEO/military user in mind. Many knives with NSN numbers are of the Black class, as are most auto knives.

Blue class knives are generally made with civilian knife enthusiasts in mind. Think high quality, but with a wider range of applications from more genteel folders to crazy rugged designs.

Whereas construction and materials are generally comparable for blue and black, Gold and the former Red class are where BM uses different materials and quality of production. Fancier steels like Damascus and M4/M390 for Gold, and cheaper steels for Red. Fancier handle materials like MoP and CF for Gold, cheaper plastics for Red. Hand-finished parts for Gold, cheaper offshore production for Red. (Again, BM no longer makes Red class knives, but some co-branded knives e.g. certain HK and HD models are comparable to the former Red class.)
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joekarp

October 25, 2012 20:37
Oft discussed over time; I actually think it's more marketing than technical. Between blue and black class the materials and fittings are the same. Designs may be geared towards one or the other but that's about it. Gold class and LE's are another deal, as are the discontunued Red's, but all of these are sales driven.

My wife also says I get curious about 'very strange stuff,' but knives and flashlights are better than wine and women...especially if they're not in her presence...
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tucker

October 25, 2012 20:56
quote:

My wife also says I get curious about 'very strange stuff,' but knives and flashlights are better than wine and women...especially if they're not in her presence...

Well said, Joe!
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geocyclist

October 25, 2012 21:39
quote:

Originally posted by joe_karp:
Oft discussed over time; I actually think it's more marketing than technical.

I agree. I would say blue class is everything else that is not some other class (red, black, gold). But by calling it blue class it still seems important.

My opinion, what's important to realize is that black class is marketed to Military, LE, and the like and people who want that "styling" of knife. Some black class knives are low end and some are nice. Same for blue class. So you can say blue is better than black or vice versa. You can get a $60 grip in blue class or spend a lot for high end blue class with premium steel, limited ed., and special scales. Some black class you could take to war, some might not hold up so well in battle, but "look" like they are for battle.

I would have to say in General BM does very well with marketing. Within the blue class I can't think of knife that doesn't have designers name on it. Then you have Harley, Bone Collector, HK, Lone Wolf..... A lot of these knives overlap each other, but the brand name and a small tweak makes them appear different and appeal to a wider range of consumers.
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lightning

October 26, 2012 00:17
Awwww, kirbysdl beat me to it.

Going to say it anyway...

Target audience and colour of the box.
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fastjan

October 26, 2012 00:27
The difference between blue and black class is pretty arbitrary. Example: I have an 805 M2 that's a black class. I have and 806 M4 that's a blue class and I have an 806 D2 that's black class. All of the blades interchange.

To me that's pretty arbitrary.
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benchmade

October 29, 2012 17:04
Black class are where most of the spring assist and automatics live-- It's public safety geared as a whole.

Blue class are the core product line. (Bali-Songs are restricted in some areas.)
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whodareswins

October 31, 2012 04:51
I was just going to say the money, but I am a very simple man..
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