495 Vector Appreciation Post

silenth

• February 26, 2019 22:06

I got my 495 Vector just about a year ago, and it has since become one of my favorite knives. The handle fits my hand perfectly, and the texturing is great, grippy enough without being too rough. The blade is very thin and slicey, and I've even used it as a substitute for a paring knife in the kitchen. I really like the steel choice here, S30V holds its edge, and is very stainless (a must for me), and is easy enough to sharpen, even for a sharpening novice like me. Despite the thin blade stock, I have no doubts about the strength of the blade, especially with the large flat portion in the middle of the blade. The blade shape is really great, not quite a symmetrical spear point, but close enough, with a long flat portion and a decent belly to it.

Last year, I was hesitant to buy this knife because of the assisted action, but I have to say the assist is one of my favorite parts of the knife. I don't ever have to worry about the knife failing to open, and the safety lock on the spine ensures that it only opens when I  want it to. Compared to the 300 manual flipper, another favorite of mine, the action is great.

Honestly, I think the only way this knife could be better is if Benchmade made an upgraded version with green and black layered G10 (or really any layered G10, black hardware and liners, and a stonewashed blade, like the 300-1301 above.

Overall, this knife is a winner, and is going to be in my pocket for a long time!

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  Tim O

  • February 26, 2019 23:37

  I've had my 495 Vector since last September and Love it. One of the favorites in my EDC rotation for all the reasons you've mentioned.  Hmmm, now that I think of it I've got to go dig it out of the safe as I haven't carried it in a couple months.

  The green and black G10 idea would be cool if only they keep the pyramid pattern. I love that part of this knife. Stonewashed would be nice to help hide scratches. 

  I may have to start looking for another one at a good price and do it up with some lightening holes in the liners, Maybe do a black oxide finish on the liners and the rest of the hardware.  

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  Tim O

  • February 27, 2019 15:08

  Dug mine out of the safe and carrying it today!

  

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  archer

  • February 28, 2019 20:27

  Great knife, really like evrything about it, snaps open hard, cuts great, fits nicely in my hand, makes for a great gentleman's knife.

  Another BM success.

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