Sharpened a Benchmade Osborne folder last evening

[chief38]

I have been sharpening plenty of knives lately but for some reason have not come across a Benchmade that I can recall. Anyway, the knife struck me as being very well made, heavy duty and strong. It was by no means a "delicate" knife and should stand up for many decades with minimal care.

The knife I sharpened was relatively new or at least not used much and was in excellent shape - just needed a sharpening and a little oil on the pivot. Sharpening it was easily done but the very broad blade (for that size knife) was interesting! While it will never be a Surgeon's scalpel, it is more than sharp enough now for a long lasting, hair shaving sharp knife. In contrast I own a Spyderco Delica that I can shave with but because of its much narrower blade it would probably not stand up to burly and brisk cutting tasks in the woods or around a workshop nearly as well. While the Spyderco is an excellent knife with superior K390 steel (IMO) it is just a more delicate pocket knife.

OK - so for myself, I tend to like the Spyderco's thinner, lighter and sharper attributes but for someone who is looking for a really stout, knock around knife that will stand up for many years, the Benchmade Osborne seems to be a good choice. Just be prepared to carry a much heavier and costly knife.

NOTE: the photos are pre-sharpened and oiled.

 

[Narragansett]

I like Benchmade knives too. Mostly automatic, but I must admit, IMO the firing is sluggish. Like Spyderco too, but the model you mentioned is made by the J A Pan company.

What type of stones do you use for sharpening?

 

[chief38]

I like Benchmade knives too. Mostly automatic, but I must admit, IMO the firing is sluggish. Like Spyderco too, but the model you mentioned is made by the J A Pan company.

What type of stones do you use for sharpening?

I have a variety of Diamond stones. DMT and Sharpal are the two top brands I like. The DMT are billed as the best but my own experience says the Sharpal is actually better in some instances. The DMT stones are sometimes excellent and sometimes disappointing - I have had a few "stinkers" but the company did make good on them and replaced the 2 bad ones I had. I also have a bunch of high quality Arkansas stones but since getting into diamond stones over a year ago I hardly use them anymore.

Ceramic stones are in my arsenal too but I find they are only adept at making slightly dull knives sharp again. If you try to sharpen a neglected blade - you will be at it all day long! Diamond stones are the way to go IMO.

The Sharpall 3" x 8" - 325/1200 grit sold on Amazon is the best bang for the buck and actually a good quality stone despite the very reasonable cost. Grit contamination (variations in grit) is extremely low - a good thing! Integrity is excellent and they last a very very long time. The Sharpal also includes a very good case & stone holder so it's all inclusive and no other parts are needed.

Yes, you are correct in that my Spyderco Delica with the K390 steel is made in the land of the rising sun. That said, the quality and workmanship are excellent. This knfe was a gift to me and I had no say in the matter. I am thoroughly impressed with K390!! Hair popping sharp and really holds a great edge!

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Benchmade Osborne!!! Yes!!! In 2018 my house fire caused that to disappear. Sad........great knife! Enjoy it!

Had it been in the gun safe it would have survived.........

 

[Narragansett]

I have a variety of Diamond stones. DMT and Sharpal are the two top brands I like. The DMT are billed as the best but my own experience says the Sharpal is actually better in some instances. The DMT stones are sometimes excellent and sometimes disappointing - I have had a few "stinkers" but the company did make good on them and replaced the 2 bad ones I had. I also have a bunch of high quality Arkansas stones but since getting into diamond stones over a year ago I hardly use them anymore.

Ceramic stones are in my arsenal too but I find they are only adept at making slightly dull knives sharp again. If you try to sharpen a neglected blade - you will be at it all day long! Diamond stones are the way to go IMO.

The Sharpall 3" x 8" - 325/1200 grit sold on Amazon is the best bang for the buck and actually a good quality stone despite the very reasonable cost. Grit contamination (variations in grit) is extremely low - a good thing! Integrity is excellent and they last a very very long time. The Sharpal also includes a very good case & stone holder so it's all inclusive and no other parts are needed.

Yes, you are correct in that my Spyderco Delica with the K390 steel is made in the land of the rising sun. That said, the quality and workmanship are excellent. This knfe was a gift to me and I had no say in the matter. I am thoroughly impressed with K390!! Hair popping sharp and really holds a great edge!

Thanks for the stone info Chief. I will probably order one

 

[Marshwheeling]

Your knife looks like a Benchmade Barrage, indeed an Osborne design. I have had several copies of the Mini Barrage, which for a time was my favorite knife. The retired cops who sell knives at my local Cabela’s, are big fans of this knife.
These lower-end Benchmades ( which puts them in my pay grade) are very durable knives that can be neglected and abused and still keep functioning. The hardest-used Benchmade I have seen is the 940 Osborne that gbelongs to a local artist who hammers out his own Damascus steel. The 940 is the knife I commonly hear referred to as “the Osborne”: I have not heard any other pet name for it, from Benchmade or the user community.
I would expect the newer Benchmades, which are mostly above my pay grade, to be equally solid, well-made and durable.