Thumbs up for Benchmade

[Shark Bait]

I have a couple of the fixed blade Arvensis knives. One I got for half price at Cabelas because it was missing the sheath. I called Benchmade customer service to find out if I could order a couple OEM sheaths. The very polite gentleman who took my call was very helpful and informed me that they would cost $25 each plus $8 shipping and tax. I felt this was quite reasonable, since custom sheaths for this knife can be pricey. The man taking my order had trouble with his computer and asked if he could call me back. He called about 15 minutes later and said for my trouble there would be no charge. He is sending 2 sheaths free of charge. I love Benchmade knives and I now love their customer service. This kind of customer care is rare these days.

[kwselke]

I'm a Spyderco fan, but admire Benchmade knives. Stories like this might just get me to buy a Griptillian. Good companies make good knives.

[kthom]

I have a few models of Benchmade, all of which I like. But I’ve been very pleasantly positively surprised by the Griptillians. I have the Griptiiian and the Mini. These both fit my hands very comfortably and well and they are both very comfortable in my pocket for carry with the deep pocket clips. Their more rounded shape works very well. I have also become a big fan of the Axis lock. And they take, keep and hold a good edge. I seldom carry anything else when carrying this type of knife which is about always. I’ve always got a smaller slip joint pocket knife as well!

I do not hesitate to recommend the Griptillians to anyone. Just about everyone I’ve allowed to hold either of these knives have bought one or the other or both. I can’t guarantee that you will like them, but if I was a betting man, I’d bet you will. We all pay our money and take our chances! I’m just relating my experience here.

[Shark Bait]

I have become picky about my steel. For the most part, I stick with American or German steels. Benchmade is a proven and reliable brand. "Merica" = Benchmade in my book!

[kscharlie]

I will say one thing for Benchmade. They are sharp! I bought a Steep Country fixed blade a couple of years ago. While field dressing a deer, the knife "slipped" and hit the back of my hand around the pinky. Just whacked it, no slicing involved thank goodness. Went to the bone on my finger. I was on Plavix at the time and didn't think I was ever going to get it to stop bleeding. Since then, it has dressed out a few more deer and I have managed to keep my fingers out of the way. Still have a dandy scar on my hand.

[Texas Star]

Originally Posted by kscharlie

I will say one thing for Benchmade. They are sharp! I bought a Steep Country fixed blade a couple of years ago. While field dressing a deer, the knife "slipped" and hit the back of my hand around the pinky. Just whacked it, no slicing involved thank goodness. Went to the bone on my finger. I was on Plavix at the time and didn't think I was ever going to get it to stop bleeding. Since then, it has dressed out a few more deer and I have managed to keep my fingers out of the way. Still have a dandy scar on my hand.

If it makes you feel better, I know a man who recently did something similar with a machete that had been sharpened by the dealer. Machetes usually come pretty dull, but for $6, Baryonyx (sp?) will hone one and sand the proud wooden handle scales down to fit the tang right.

My only Benchmade is a Model 710 folder with Axis lock. Very impressive knife and one of my most carried. Sharp right out of the box.

Victorinox, Grohmann, and Fallkniven also usually produce sharp knives. I have a few Wenger knives and think all needed sharpening before use. I think that's a significant reason why they went out of business. (Bought by Victorinox, but they were having to sell.) Buck and Puma also usually have good edges.

[joe44va]

The "Axis" lock is the best mechanical device since the trigger.

[crazyphil]

Poor Phil only has one Benchmade. Shown 5th from left below.
It is called an Apparition. The assisted mechanism is called the
Optimiser. Designed by Osbourne and Pardue. The blade is 3.4" D2
The grip is black G10.

[Benderx4]

Still have the first Buck my Dad gave me, and the Kabar Uncle Sam gave me, but otherwise, all my knives are Benchmade. Great workmanship, quality, and incredible customer service.

[Marshwheeling]

Originally Posted by Texas Star

If it makes you feel better, I know a man who recently did something similar with a machete that had been sharpened by the dealer. Machetes usually come pretty dull, but for $6, Baryonyx (sp?) will hone one and sand the proud wooden handle scales down to fit the tang right.

Their “special grade” treatment makes Baryonyx one of my favorite places to buy knives. They have a really interesting selection of high value working knives, relatively inexpensive knives that give a lot of bang for the buck.

Just in case you don’t have enough P-38 can openers, one is included with just about every order.

[Absalom]

Benchmade’s service and warranty are first rate.

I had the master spring fail on a full-auto Model 5000. So I sent it in under the lifetime warranty. The factory is only about an hour away from me, but mailing it in was still more convenient.

I had it back within a week. If I hadn’t recognized a particular nick I put in one scale, I would have thought they sent me a new replacement knife. Repaired, completely cleaned up and refurbished, blade sharpened and polished, all no charge of course.

[Faulkner]

With 23 years of experience serving and protecting I have selected several tools to have on my duty belt due to proven performance; I prefer my duty handgun to be a Glock 23, my blade is a Benchmade automatic, and my handcuffs are S&W.

[4506517]

I carried a Griptillian variant on duty for years.

Very satisfied with it.

Replaced with Cold Steel Code 4 tanto blade without serrations.

[Goldstar225]

a Benchmade 710 rode in my trouser pocket for 20 years when on duty. I got a mini-Griptilian a couple of years ago that now occupies my post retirement pocket every day. The 710 has been retired and will eventually go to my son.

[Gripgrabber]

I too love BENCHMADE, I acquired this from a big box dealer!
Makes any man cave much better.

[Shark Bait]

Benchmade is one of the few remaining American knife making companies using American steel. As long as they are, they are worth the money.

[Texas Star]

Are Model 705 and 710 discontinued? I think they were outstanding.

[wingriderz]

Great to hear about the great service. I don't own one as of yet . I have been working more on my classics case ' bucks. But a Bug Out is on short list for sure

[Hithev]

Originally Posted by Shark Bait

I have become picky about my steel. For the most part, I stick with American or German steels. Benchmade is a proven and reliable brand. "Merica" = Benchmade in my book!

While Crucible Industries produce some of the very best steels, Böhler M390 and Hitachi ZDP-189 are top-notch materials as well.

[Kanewpadle]

Have carried Benchmade for years. I have about 10 of them. Their service is second to none.

[Faulkner]

Originally Posted by Kanewpadle

Have carried Benchmade for years. I have about 10 of them. Their service is second to none.

Buddy, if you have 10 of them you've forked out a few bucks through the years.

[Cocked & Locked]

I've got only one. A Phaeton and that sucker is s-h-a-r-p.