860 eighty-sixth, shear Bedlam
So Bedlam arrived 4 days ago & I’ve been getting to know it. Out of the box fit & finish flawless and really smooth opening. I believe first & for most the Bedlam has been designed as a fighter. When open the Bedlam locks securely in hand. I would not feel under equipped with this knife.
However for me their are several alternatives if I am carrying a 4” blade.
There are a few things I don’t like about the Bedam. This is really a heavy folder & while solid holding in open position the weight impedes changing grips quickly. With blade closed ( maybe because my hand isn’t XXL) grip isn’t comfortable to use as a yari stick & the top of the blade bites into my fingers. Lastly, clip seems weak for such a heavy knife & digs in while holding the knife.
I’ve posted the Bedlam with alternatives I prefer. The Emerson super CQC8 has the same size blade & handle gives better grip as a yari stick & easy movement changing grips, mostly because it is lighter. The regular CQC8 is even livelier in hand & quicker opening for me. Even the Camillus CQB-2 is lighter.
-
billhammer posted:
There are a few things I don’t like about the Bedam. This is really a heavy folder & while solid holding in open position the weight impedes changing grips quickly. With blade closed ( maybe because my hand isn’t XXL) grip isn’t comfortable to use as a yari stick & the top of the blade bites into my fingers. Lastly, clip seems weak for such a heavy knife & digs in while holding the knife.
I’ve posted the Bedlam with alternatives I prefer. The Emerson super CQC8 has the same size blade & handle gives better grip as a yari stick & easy movement changing grips, mostly because it is lighter. The regular CQC8 is even livelier in hand & quicker opening for me. Even the Camillus CQB-2 is lighter.
For me changing to reverse grip is no different than any other knife. Just need some muscle memory. Just as easy with 7.1 oz bedlam as it is with a 3.7 oz ZT 0462 at roughly same length.
If the blade is not feeling correct while holding closed, rotate to have blade in palm. I can see what you are saying about finger pinch (this is not an issue for me) & rotating seemed to help. Obviously if you anticipate using in this manner, you are correct to go for the heavier option ( & who doesn't like having the added skull crusher for this?)
I've heard the weak clip opinion numerous times. Not an issue for me. 1000's of Bedlam carries and not even a bent clip.
All & all it sounds like you're very happy with your new favorite knife! Glad it worked out so well for you
1 -
Not to put any words in your mouth
1 -
Tu,
No displeasure with my new Bedlam. Glad to hear clip is tough.
The rest is subjective. Like I prefer the CQC8 to Super CQC8. The Super isn’t that much bigger but that slight increase makes a difference in speed of deployment. Once the Super is open ( like the Bedlam which is same size) no noticeable difference between the two 8’s. If I had larger hands I’d likely prefer the Super to standard 8.
As to Bedlam I can with axis lock & quality why you & others like it.
I’ll take the 8 given a choice of any 4” folder for most situations. I’d take a Terzuola Century Starfighter
if I want lightest 4” with best handle to blade ratio ( like when in business suit attire)
1 -
Having any custom ideas?
1 -
tu posted:
Having any custom ideas?
/|\ If I was going to EDC to Bedlam, I’d think of replacing the skull crusher with one made of G10 or CF. The G10 / CF would be strong enough to damage a jaw or eye socket if ever needed. Day to day lighting the tail of this knife would move balance point forward on handle. Unless your cracking walnuts or using the steel skull crusher to hammer nails or break rocks daily I think better balance would improve this knife. I replaced the steel backspacer on my 810-1401 which greatly improved that knife’s balance
1 -
I find that the balance on my 8600s are better than that of my 860s. Maybe due to the slightly added weight of the springs and safety lock. The 8600 will balance on my finger dead on the first detent on the lower area of the scales closest to the blade.
Also I'm rough on larger folders of any type when pulling out of my pocket and have never even loosened the clip on any of my Bedlams. While the Bedlam's clip may look a bit fragile it holds up really well.
I still have to make an extended skull crusher for at least one of my Bedlams. Maybe I'll do it up polished and add it to the custom white Bedlam I did giving even it even more "Carnage" appearance.
0 -
I’m a long term fan of the Bedlam & have an 860 in Satin & coated in UK & an 8600 in Europe. I’ve had these 7-8 years. I would not change a thing about the Bedlam. It’s bad-ass piece. I used to carry it 7 years ago but the stupid laws in UK specifically, have made this impossible...only the criminals & terrorists get to carry knives in England !
Imho, the primary use of a Bedlam is a defensive tool. That’s great in the USA. but not in Europe where the carry of large folding lock knives that are opened, one handed has diminished. As for the UK...it’s a joke gone too far. You get caught carrying a Bedlam in a major city such as London, you’ll be arrested & imprisoned, irrespective of a of how clean your rap sheet is.
I’m surprised the Bedlam lasted as long as it did in the line up. it’s a Tactical knife that’s style seems to have come back into fashion, just as it’s being discontinued. I guess the 8600 is staying in production ?
Another great Benchmade, consigned to history 🙁
0 -
/|\ Farrell, it way more than 7 years since UK laws banned locking blades making the Spyderco UK Pen knife best legal option.
0 -
billhammer posted:/|\ Farrell, it way more than 7 years since UK laws banned locking blades making the Spyderco UK Pen knife best legal option.
BS!
Legal?
Bedlam is always the best option!
(Stab first, ask questions last)
3 -
martymcfly posted:billhammer posted:
/|\ Farrell, it way more than 7 years since UK laws banned locking blades making the Spyderco UK Pen knife best legal option.
BS!
Legal?
Bedlam is always the best option!
(Stab first, ask questions last)And just make sure that you don't do it in the view of any cameras or the nearest bobby!
1 -
/|\ Mac where is your CR?😂
1 -
billhammer posted:
/|\ Mac where is your CR?😂
In my pocket!
”I HATE heavy knives.” - Bill Hammer
*buys a Bedlam*...
Bill where is your 940?😂
1 -
Mac always have one on me, even when checking out a Bedlam.
Today predominantly had 940-1 but also had 950 ( customized with lighting holes) in coat pocket when left house. Then some Ti clips I ordered arrived ( split arrow style but in Ti) so also has a 940 & a 941D2CF to install these new light weight clips. Because Mac as you know I prefer my 94X’s light.
PS Mac while I may tease you (a lot) I’m really happy you found your grail knife. And happy it’s not the 94X’s, tough enough fighting off TDOGG for the good stuff.😀
0 -
The Bedlam had a nearly 10 year run, which is pretty impressive in Benchmade's line up. However not being a super fast mover, I wonder if it took that long to dry up stock and discontinue it?
Yes it was designed as a defensive knife, however I have some issues with it. Actually it is with the Persian inspired knives. I believe this style blade has serious merit as a sword, but loses it when it used as a knife. There is a reason curved bladed swords (Persian or a Western Calvary Saber for examples) work well, especially when used by a mounted soldier. I have tried Persian inspired blades from numerous makers, and in the end, end up getting rid of them, for me it has to do with the handle. Great in a forward grip, good in a reverse grip edge out, but not so good (read really bad) at reverse grip edge in. Depending on your "school of thought" when it comes to defensive blade-ware, this can be a deal breaker. Not everyone likes this traditional "Pikal" use, but I like the option of having it, so I prefer a defensive knife with a more neutral handle. This is a subjective choice so there is no reason to debate it pro or con. In the end, the Bedlam is a knife, with a point and an edge, and in forward grip it no better than other blade styles nor really any worse. There is nothing mythical about this blade in this size.
Yes the clip felt flimsy, but it worked so that really was not an issue for me. However a lot of the knife (especially the "skull crusher") sat out of the pocket, and that was something I did not care for. We an debate that a true defensive folder should not be a low ride carry (slows deployment), however why put the low ride clip on a knife that was not going to be riding low?
The Bedlam was a big, fun, and interesting knife. If you love it, then you do you. Doubt it was, or ever was, a big seller and having a run for nearly a decade is amazing to me.
1 -
billhammer posted:
/|\ Farrell, it way more than 7 years since UK laws banned locking blades making the Spyderco UK Pen knife best legal option.
Bill. Locking blades are not banned in UK. Ownership is permitted. Carry with good reason is permitted. Professional, leisure & sporting use, are good reason. Carrying a knife for Personal defence in UK is not a legally supported good reason.
Carrying a Tactical locker in the middle of London, the stab capital of Europe, is not a good idea. Yet, the USA thinking would be , I’m going to defend myself. Personally, I agree with this thinking but that’s not how it works here.
Carry of non locking knives less than 3” blade, without good reason has been the status quo, since the CJA 1988 ( criminal justice act)
The Offensive Weapons Act 2019 now prohibits total ownership of Auto, Balisong & assisted open knives. Penalties for carry of fixed blades & locking knives are increased.
Most of us carried locking knives regardless for 20 years after this. Things really changed in 2013. We saw an influx of drug culture from old Eastern bloc countries, coincident with a reduction of 20% of our already undermanned & largely unarmed Police Force. And now the UK is a sh1tfest. Damaged beyond repair.
I still carry locking knives in Germany & an occasional Auto. I don’t go into London much anymore. I was born there !
Criminals don’t obey the law. In the UK, we are largely at the mercy of random events of violence in major cities.
I admire the USA for largely preserving the 2A rights & those defences allowing you to protect yourselves 🙏
1 -
I'm ok with Benchmade cutting a few Bedlam models out, as long as they release a full size version
0 -
Farrell, I grew up in NYC so comfortable in big cities. Traveling for business my favorite cities are London & Honolulu.
On a 2 week trip that started in Cologne on landing at Heathrow I wanted get down & kiss the ground. Cologne was not the worse city I’ve spent extended time in.
1 -
Hey Bill👍
I agree with you Re Koln. I like the city. It’s great to hear another knife guy knows the region😎
I live an hours drive south of Koln, near Adenau in the Eifel region. The area is beautiful & very safe. I keep my 8600 out there.
What I like most is that my local knife shop is the Boker Manufaktur shop is in Solingen, near Koln. Solingen is the knife making capital of Germany. It’s a little like Oregon City & the Portland area. Many great knife makers & designers live in the region such as Dietmar Pohl, the designer of the latest Rambo knives, which incidentally are exceptional designs in the hand 👍
As for London. It’s got 100% worse in the last 2 years alone. There’s solid evidence to support the reasons. I’d compare it to New York in some respects. Similar size population etc. However, the evidence suggests New York is getting safer, whilst London continues to become more dangerous. The figures often focus on deaths. The bigger picture is thousands of knife assaults, many of which are life changing.
I recall when CCW & out of state reciprocity, really got going in the US. Car jacking & assaults figures dropped like a stone when I was living there. A lot of bad guys got bagged & the low-life’s realised their intended victims were could fight back.
The UK keeps placating the ❄️Snow flakes & criminalising the law abiding. I’ve served my country, taught firearms handling, advised our Govt on knife types & usage. If I got caught carrying an 860 Bedlam in London, I’d be arrested & still go to Prison. Our society is broken.
1 -
Farrell,
Only spent 4 days. in Koln doing an audit back in 1999. My hosts were gracious best restaurants at night for dinner & I told them my great grandparents were from Germany they took me for long lunches to see city landmarks. Other than car ride to & from airport never got out of the city. I do remember how green & lush the country side looked on car rides to & from the airport. That left an impression for time of year as NYC area was cold & gray. There was some big annual “electrical appliance convention “ going on when I arrived if that helps with time of the year.
Back to London - one of my earlier trips I was out on a Sunday walking to a museum when I saw a Bobby with a side arm. I asked directions & asks if being armed was something new. He said no, we were in front of French embassy which had gotten bomb scares. I said so your stationed here no vest & a six shooter? You are a very brave man, please stay safe.
All ways seems Brit law enforcement are under equipped
1 -
Bill.
Thank you. You’ve given me some time scales for when you were in Germany & it sounds like the visit to UK was a few years ago ?
London is no longer the place you visited. All armed police officer in UK are body armoured & carry Glock 19 & or H&K MP5. All Met Police wear anti-stab vest, pepper spray & or Taser.
The issue is number of Police Officer per head of population. They rarely engage in time to prevent tragedy. That is now left to unarmed civilians, armed with fire extinguishers to do.
Yesterday, the UK had it’s 3rd Election in 4 years & the BREXIT vote in addition. I instructed the sale of my house & farm this morning, based on the result of that election.
UK is finished.
billhammer posted:Farrell,
Only spent 4 days. in Koln doing an audit back in 1999. My hosts were gracious best restaurants at night for dinner & I told them my great grandparents were from Germany they took me for long lunches to see city landmarks. Other than car ride to & from airport never got out of the city. I do remember how green & lush the country side looked on car rides to & from the airport. That left an impression for time of year as NYC area was cold & gray. There was some big annual “electrical appliance convention “ going on when I arrived if that helps with time of the year.
Back to London - one of my earlier trips I was out on a Sunday walking to a museum when I saw a Bobby with a side arm. I asked directions & asks if being armed was something new. He said no, we were in front of French embassy which had gotten bomb scares. I said so your stationed here no vest & a six shooter? You are a very brave man, please stay safe.
All ways seems Brit law enforcement are under equipped
0 -
Farrell,
I am retired. Use to get to London once or twice a year. Last time was about 9 years ago. Was over for a week. Normally fly Saturday so have Sunday to adjust to time difference & get a day of site seeing in. Never had been to Paris & wanted to see the Chunnel ( liked going through but you see more of it in Mission Impossible movie) so took train over for the day. For me it was perfect visit to Paris. Saw Notre Dame, Louvre Museum, cab ride around the Arch, top of Eiffel Tower, boat ride tour, then back on the train to my London hotel room. Paris is very picturesque but locals are smelly. When de-training Parisians were at the gate to greet loved ones. So first impression of Paris was overwhelming stench of BO of the collective mass. Now I know why best perfumes come from France, they have been battle tested. 🤧
2 -
Bill
Thanks for relaying your experiences 👍
I hear you re the French & Paris specifically 😂 The Parisiennes are elitist from experience. Many of them could do with an introduction to a tooth brush imho ! 😂
You saw Europe in better times. I promise you that.👍 I feel safer in most parts of USA & very very safe in Oregon, compared to London.
I like the USA. Id come live & work there again in heart beat. I’ve lived there & I know it isn’t perfect. But it sure beats the sh1t out of UK.☹️
0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
22 comments