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Marlowe 53

August 17, 2012 16:25

The model 53 Marlowe Design balisong doesn't get much love around here, but it is still among my favorite carries around the house. The full flat grind excellent utility design makes it a great medium utility knife. I guess I finally got the right combination of tension and Loctite on the safe handle pivot, as it no longer backs out on me.

Am I the only forum member who still gives some pocket time to the 53?

I've been wondering when the next Marlowe design would come out, but I kinda wonder if Marlowe is really suited to Benchmade as a designer. After all, Marlowe's claim to fame is really his amazingly beautiful hollow grinds, and flat grinds are Benchmade's tradmark.

Comments

10 comments

deathofallthings

August 17, 2012 17:31
I'll tell you what... I LOVE the 53. As luck would have it, I'm actually carrying it today. I have no understanding of why most people didn't like it. I think it's a pretty awesome user. It's their loss.
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runicwolf

August 18, 2012 04:21
I fully agree,its a great edc blade,not to big,not too small.I only wish benchmade would make it in M4 steel
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carson

August 18, 2012 05:12
I like mine very much, but its illegal to carry. Mine is relegated to the house where I break it out often as I can.
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deathofallthings

August 18, 2012 05:46
Never thought about that. I think I remember reading they were legal to carry in PA... but then again, who knows how much you can trust something you read on the internet.

Edit: More research seems to confirm they are legal to carry in PA. Only autos are illegal to carry here. That's good news because the 53 really is one of my favorite EDCs.
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po

August 20, 2012 16:15
Here in CA, the 53 is a homer only for me, but I sure like it. I just love that wide full grind and the belly in the blade. It cuts like crazy and...AND...it's a balisong.
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djsportland

August 21, 2012 01:08
I love the 53 also.

But I love most Balis.

It and the 32 are my most used Benchmade.
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theblueram234

August 23, 2012 04:36
I like the looks of it. tho never handled one. I can see how it would be a great edc. even if at home by the sounds of it around here.
But how does it flip with the curved handles? would be my inquring minds want to know question.
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deathofallthings

August 23, 2012 05:23
It's a hard knife to flip. It's not balanced well for that. The g10 handles are much too light. Also, since it uses bearings instead of just pins, the pivot resistance is actually so low it makes some tricks impossible to do. It was definitely designed with work in mind and not flipping. Still, there are plenty of tricks that can be done even by the most unskilled flipper.(me) It's just clearly not designed for it.
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knivesforshoes

August 24, 2012 06:16
I really like it, but I do not carry it. I appreciate the blade design and grind, but those handles are just a tad too light.
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theblueram234

September 05, 2012 18:36
I dig it. the looks and all. I have a strong likeing for balis tho.. so if i had a chance i would pick one up.as long as you realize it's not a 42. but still a benchmade bali, i'd think most folks would find it pretty handy.
Thanks for the feed back guys.
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