Benchmade: Any Good?

[JayFramer]

Guys I was recently issued a Benchmade AFOII knife by my unit and am wondering if these knives are considered any good? I looked up prices and boy are they high. Are these considered a quality made knife? Why so expensive, are they worth the money? This is the model we got in:

I’m more of a traditional folder like Buck kind of guy so don’t know a thing about Benchmades. Any comments?

Thanks gang,

-Jay

 

[Justin T]

They are considered one of the very best. They are dear, but those willing to purchase them generally swear by them.

 

[6518John]

Arguably the best production knife made. If I was in harms way—I would not hesitate to carry either a Benchmade or Zero Tolerance.

 

[armorer951]

In my experience, one of the best. Fit and finish are excellent.

 

[walter o]

Benchmade is warranted for life they will sharpen it and replace chipped blades at no cost

 

[HardToHandle]

I carry a Benchmade OTF Infidel daily. Effectively I stake my life on it. My experience is pretty good with their products.

Getting issued a AFO is a plus - usually very good blade steel, great design and good warranty support.

 

[jdlii]

Yes, yes and yes!

 

[6518John]

In a moment of pure extravagance i bought a Benchmade Bushcrafter. I would no more “bushcraft” than I can rise and fly. (I have a Stihl chainsaw if I need to cut or “baton” wood!).

It was simply too beautiful of a knife. I take it out and polish it and admire it a couple of times a year. I have no doubt it would serve well has a hard use field knife.

Then the Griptilian family are some of the finest every day carry knives made.

 

[shouldazagged]

I can't afford one. I wish I could.

If I did acquire one it would be an assisted opening, uncoated, plain edge, drop point blade, four inches or a hair less.

One like that would probably outlive whichever of my grandsons inherited it.

 

[joe44va]

Have 4 and they are all great. The Axis lock is a fantastic invention. One is my EDC, a 470.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Been carrying a Benchmade North Fork for about 2 years now....... worth every bit of the $$s I spent..........

 

[mauser9]

Heard the steel used and the lock-up system is top notch. Bit costly but probably the only EDC knife you will ever need.

 

[Marshwheeling]

There are a few on my shelf, nothing too fancy. A lot of the smart guys love to knock them, especially the Spyderco fans, and they love to knock the Axis lock, but I think the Axis is the shizzle. Nothing else works as well, especially when it comes to closing. You can close an Axis knife with one hand without putting a digit in the path of the blade.

If you ever have a problem with your Benchmade, the factory warranty is unsurpassed.

 

[jlrhiner]

This is mine, EDC going into the 2nd year. No complaints.

 

[F75gunslinger]

Another vote in favor of their knives. I would agree that, for the money, they are probably one of the best production knives on the market. I have a couple that are in the carry rotation and they have never let me down. I can't speak to hard use, but those who do use them pretty rough swear by them.

 

[Duckford]

BREAKING: Benchmade Helps PD Destroy Guns - Official Statement -The Firearm Blog

They got into some heat with gun owners for helping police destroy guns. Even if there was no way to avoid destroying the guns, posting it on social media to brag about it was probably not the greatest choice.

 

[nate-dogg]

BREAKING: Benchmade Helps PD Destroy Guns - Official Statement -The Firearm Blog

They got into some heat with gun owners for helping police destroy guns. Even if there was no way to avoid destroying the guns, posting it on social media to brag about it was probably not the greatest choice.

I personally don't understand how this is such a big deal. They didn't steal guns or take them from law abiding citizens. They were confiscated guns. What's the issue with destroying them? I could understand if they were high dollar collectible guns that are hard to find but id bet they are run of the mill cheap guns that are readily available. If they were desirable guns they could auction them off and put the money towards the police department but if they aren't desirable guns, it's probably less hastle to just destroy. It's not like they are knocking on our door, confiscating our guns and destroying them. Sorry but I just see this argument too often and it's funny. Rant over.

 

[les.b]

I have several. The top one in this picture has been my main EDC for somewhere around 25 years. It's called the "mini Reflex. The spring corroded once, because it was my main trout fishing knife, and Benchmade rebuilt it at no charge. I have since stopped gutting trout with it...It's clipped to my jeans pocket everyday.

They are high quality, and are worth every penny.

Best Regards, Les

 

[rbrbrb6]

I have several of their knives from standard to autos and even an OTF and they are great knives and the company stands behind them. I gave Benchmade autos to my son, daugher-in-law and son-in-law who are all Air Force pilots. They all carry them on the flight suits when they fly.

 

[Texas Star]

Mine's a Model 710. Don't think they make it now. It's on my belt more than any other folder. And I have some really nice ones from Puma and Lone Wolf. The Model 710 has a fully checkered G-10 handle.

My son used his to cut off the head of a copperhead snake that he stepped on. Fortunately, his boot was near the head, and he drew the knife, opened it one-handed, leaned over and beheaded the snake.

Don't know the model, but his has a tanto point and partial saw teeth.

Jay, what do you do in the AF that they issued you that fine a knife? The all stainless ones marked US are junk by comparison.