4300: My first auto.

[BluegrassBrian]

*I had bought an 808 a few days ago and within a few hours I decided that I liked it but didn't love it. I knew in the back of my mind I'd end up selling it. So instead of losing some money going that route I just returned it to 1SKS and handled a few more Benchmades.

I liked the Valet a lot, if it was a bit bigger I would have taken it. Felt the same way about both Nakamuras. Great fit/finish on all 3, just too small for my XL hands. Then it dawned on me..

I hate the look of OTF knives in general, and autos have never really been my thing. Browsing the 2015 catalog, the CLA had piqued my interest* and sure enough there was one in the case. I gave it the once over, fired it, and decided it would be mine.

Most autos (not just BM's) that aren't otfs look too tactical for my taste, but that's why the 4300 grabbed me I guess. It's a simple design with clean lines and a classic look. Feels great in my hand and pocket. The 154CM blade is a slight drop point with a good sized swedge. Another thing I really like about it is that it is an open back design with barrel spacers instead of a solid spacer, so cleaning is easy.

I think it will be a keeper.
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More pics to follow in the morning.

 

[wasp727]

Looks good!

 

[Firestrike]

Nice...I'm a BM fan myself but only have the Bali's, OTF's, and Axis locks without auto...The 610 Ruckus and 808 Loco being among my favorite...Love me some full flat grind...

 

[Daddyo16]

OK.... that one is on my list now. Nice knife!

 

[BluegrassBrian]

*The scales are G10 but are finished so well they could be mistaken for carbon fiber.

The main thing about it overall is that the styling resembles a manual knife, which is what turned me on to it the most.
Browsing some of the bigger retailers websites, reviews for it are almost unanimously 5 star.
I've yet to find any fault with it.

If you're like me and not in to autos because of their aesthetics,* the CLA is worth a look. It may just win you over. Good job Benchmade.

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[Daryl Licht]

The 4300 was my second auto, got it a couple of weeks ago. My opinion of it is the same as yours, great knife. This one stands a good chance of replacing the 890 Torrent as my most common EDC. Autos will be legal for carry here Nov. 1, which is why it's only carried sporadically. The chances of being caught and having problems from it are pretty low, but Karma does bite me now and then.

Take a look at the 2550 Mini Reflex for your next auto. It's smaller but like the 4300 it has less of a tactical look to it than many of the autos out there.

 

[338375]

Great pictures. I really like those...

 

[jkarp_53]

Very clean design and the blade shape makes this a good utility knife.

 

[Doubletee]

That's a great looking knife!!! I love my 2550 ,,, just the right size for most things but I still like a slightly larger one sometimes,,, think this would fill the bill on that!!