Tag Archives: Benchmade

Weapons

Benchmade 535 Bugout

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The Bugout is named inaccurately. Bugging out to me, means it’s a SHTF scenario. Where you are going to deal with everything from Aliens to Zombies to Survival. That kind of knife is probably better off being a Fixed Blade, and maybe a large one at that. That’s really not what this knife is all about. What this knife really is, is a more butch Gentleman’s knife.

The Bugout sports a thin flat grind blade that’s very sharp and awesome for slicing. The handle profile is also very thin. The clip allows for a very deep carry. And the overall weight is under 2 ounces, making it just crazy light. Saying that “It’s like it’s not even there” is an understatement. And like a Gentleman’s knife, the Bugout is on the smallish side.

The liners are very short, to reduce weight. And the knife is mostly open. But the Axis lock is smooth, and just what you would expect of a Benchmade. I do like the design and the execution. And I do feel that you are getting what you pay for with the Bugout… if you went into it with proper expectations. Because the knife was designed from the start to be crazy light, it gives up some things that a true SHTF Bug Out Knife should have. The blade isn’t heavy enough to flick out with a snap of the wrist. But it does open smoothly with the thumb stud, and you can flick it out with the studs with a little practice. You are getting a coated titanium Axis lock, which means it’s very light, and it’s going to last for a very long time. As will the reinforced nylon scales… Though they can flex if you squeeze it, it’s not going to hurt them. And you can get kits to swap those with G-10 or Micarta, if you want to add some thickness and weight. Which defeats the purpose of the Bugout’s super light nature. It’s fine as it is. Right now, you can get the plan satin blade with blue handles, or a tan handle with a black coated blade. But I tend to not light coated blades… so… Blue. Which looks nice enough.

I find it odd that this was marketed at guys that are doing backpacking and are counting every ounce. No. That’s really not this knife. This is better suited to the guy that wears a suit every day and suit pants pockets don’t hang heavy folders very well. But I guess the name “Professional” or “Middle Management” or “Sales Team” just doesn’t inspire, and probably doesn’t show the handle materials that those names might conjure… Like Rich Mahogany or Corinthian Leather. But the S30V Blade Steel sure does. That’s a solid choice, without getting silly in expense. As is the Bugout knife as a whole. A solid choice for the guy that wants a really good every day carry knife that is light and deep, yet capable of good cutting when needed.

The Bugout is worthy of the Butterfly… Benchmade really does make some great knives, and this is one of them.

UPDATE: Some time later after packing the Bugout for some time… It’s become my favorite EDC Folding Knife. The fact it does very well at not being there when not needed, and being handy and sharp as hell when needed… It’s damn near the Perfect EDC knife. I love this thing.

Gear, Weapons

Benchmade SOCP Dagger

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I’ve had this knife for several years now.  And the one thing I can tell you about this, is that it isn’t a tool.  See, most knives regardless of their marketing-defined purpose, are cutting tools.  First and foremost, they are able to cut things and be used for many tasks.  The SOCP doesn’t do any of that.  The SOCP does only one thing.  Stab.  The blade is designed to puncture.  And it does that very well, thanks to its needle-sharp tip.  It does have some sharpening up the sides of the edges, but only to aid in penetration and to open the wound channel a bit.   There is really no other utility going on here.  And that’s okay. Continue reading Benchmade SOCP Dagger →

Gear, Weapons

Benchmade Adamas CBK Push Dagger

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There’s not much to say about the Benchmade Adamas Push Dagger that hasn’t already been said on many a knife forum, blade magazine, or YouTube Video… at least when they first came out.  Really not much about them ever since.  And I find that a little curious.  Because this knife is with me quite often.  Even into places where weapons are strictly verboten.  It’s a frequent carry item because it’s just so bloody good at being exactly what it is there to be.  Your Backup. Continue reading Benchmade Adamas CBK Push Dagger →

Gear, Weapons

Benchmade Crooked River

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There’s really nothing that I can say about this knife that has any degree of criticism…  Save for maybe Cost.  These are not cheap knives.  However, you really and truly do get what you pay for.

This knife is my personal favorite.  My #1.  I love everything about this piece.  The size, the blade shape, the handle and scales, the materials, the lock… This knife checks all the marks for what I personally look for in a knife.  Wood Scales, Bowie type blade, good length… it just doesn’t get any better for me.   When I first saw this knife, I knew I HAD to have it.  But I waited… Because my friends at DNA Guns were becoming Benchmade Dealers, so I wanted to get it through them.  I was patient, and good things do come to those who wait.  So as soon as I could, I ordered my Benchmade.   Continue reading Benchmade Crooked River →

Weapons

Fixed Bladed EDC.

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One of the things I always have with me, is a small fixed bladed knife. Sure, I always have one or two folders with me as well… But I like having a small fixed blade on me.   Here’s the three I usually rotate though, depending on what the day has planned.

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Left to Right:
Benchmade’s Adamas Push Dagger.
Benchmade’s SOCP Dagger.
Ka-Bar’s Becker Necker.
Reason for these three is the light weight, small profile.  I never wear them around the neck, but they do well in a Boot or on the Belt.  Or other places one might hide a little knife.  The SOCP though, sometimes I’ll clip it to the front of the shirt like a pen.   Just easy that way, and quite fast to use.

The Necker has a nice usable shape.   I use it quite often for regular cutting tasks.  Cooking Prep and such.  It is one of my favorite all time knives.  I like the bottle opener too. Quite handy.   This one has a lot of utility while the others are strictly defensive tools.

The Adamas is an interesting bit of kit.  The chisel grind makes it not so useful for normal cutting tasks… but the double edge blade is wicked sharp.  For it’s purpose, it is scary effective.

The SOCP is the cool guy blade.  The point is like a needle.  The blade… not so sharp.  It’s not supposed to be.  This one is all about the deep puncture, with little other utility.   This is a rip cord type tool.  You pull it when there is no other option.    I know a lot of guys like to modify their SOCPs… but I’ve not done so yet.  I may in the future though.  Were I to do so… I think I’d strip the coating off it, bevel some edges, and acid etch the steel to give it some more character.    Of all the three, this is the one that comes with me most often.

 

Gear

Four of my Favorite Folding Blades +1

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To me, my Carry Knife is just as important, if not more so, than my Carry Gun.  Because I USE my carry knife for all kinds of things… even things in a manner not recommended by the manufacturer.

Here’s four of my favorites.  More importantly, these knives are the ones that are most special to me.

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Continue reading Four of my Favorite Folding Blades +1 →

Gear

Benchmade #53 Balisong

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I’m bringing home my new EDC knife, a Benchmade #53 Balisong.

I got this from Tannerman’s in West Virginia. And if you want any Benchmade knife – Go to Tannerman’s.  Before they shipped it out, one of the cats there gave it a custom grind so this thing is hair popping sharp and glides through cardboard like a lightsaber.
I really like the 53 because it makes for a great EDC knife. It’s light weight and has a very usable blade shape. I’ve looked at several online reviews of the knife, but Nutnfancy’s review mirror’s my own opinion for the most part. It’s small. It’s light. And the blade is tough as hell. But D2 needs to be taken care of… and that’s fine for me.
At SHOT Show, I looked at all the Bench Balisongs.  For a knife to carry and actually use as a knife and not a Cheerleader, the 53 was the one to pick, every time.  This also the only one they put bearings in… which helps it flip open because the handles are so light.  Many reviews dog the 53 for not being a Flipper.  But to me, Flipper is a fucking Dolphin, and I hate those damn squeaking fish.  I’m not into flipping Balisongs, or playing Hacky-Sack.  But for some reason I can’t fathom… I’ve always wanted a Balisong.  And since I’m not into Flipping Tricks, I wanted one that I can actually use.  And this #53 fits the bill perfectly.
I even like the color.