495 Vector Appreciation thread

[Silent H]

I got my 495 Vector just about a year ago, and it has since become one of my favorite knives. The handle fits my hand perfectly, and the texturing is great, grippy enough without being too rough. The blade is very thin and slicey, and I've even used it as a substitute for a paring knife in the kitchen. I really like the steel choice here, S30V holds its edge, and is very stainless (a must for me), and is easy enough to sharpen, even for a sharpening novice like me. Despite the thin blade stock, I have no doubts about the strength of the blade, especially with the large flat portion in the middle of the blade. The blade shape is really great, not quite a symmetrical spear point, but close enough, with a long flat portion and a decent belly to it.

Last year, I was hesitant to buy this knife because of the assisted action, but I have to say the assist is one of my favorite parts of the knife. The assisted action surprised me, because it's unlike any other assisted action I have. It's hard to explain, but activating the assist on this knife feels almost like breaking the detent on other high quality framelock or linerlock flipper. I also don't ever have to worry about the knife failing to open, and the safety lock on the spine ensures that it only opens when I want it to. Compared to the 300 manual flipper, another favorite of mine, the action is great.

Honestly, I think the only way this knife could be better is if Benchmade made an upgraded version with green and black layered G10 (or really any layered G10, black hardware and liners, and a stonewashed blade, like the 300-1301 above.

I feel like this knife doesn't get enough love, so lets see your Vectors!

 

[Knicked Digits]

I don’t own one but I do have a fun(ny) little story regarding my first ever hearing of this knife. Around Christmas time my wife called the nearest Cabelas to us inquiring about their selection of Adamas’. They happen to be the closest store with a decent Benchmade selection but didn’t carry the black one I’ve had my eye on, but the sales fella recommended the Vector to her, listing the “better” blade steel, assisted opening and comparable length. When she told me what my present was going to be before we went my response was “what’s the Vector?” Assisted auto isn’t my thing and s30v isn’t nessecarily better than D2 depending on application. I appreciated her effort and wanting to get me a better knife but I politely declined. It not my cup of tea but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad knife. YMMV

 

[Silent H]

It not my cup of tea but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad knife.

You're right about that! If you want an Adamas, the Vector definitely isn't for you! The Vector is an edc knife with a thin blade, compared to the ank that is the Adamas. Both have their uses, and both are great for different things. I hope you eventually got the Adamas you wanted.

 

[Knicked Digits]

You're right about that! If you want an Adamas, the Vector definitely isn't for you! The Vector is an edc knife with a thin blade, compared to the ank that is the Adamas. Both have their uses, and both are great for different things. I hope you eventually got the Adamas you wanted.

I did get it and it’s the tank I knew I would be!

 

[Silent H]

Back in the pocket today