Benchmade 590 Boost

Gary W. Graley

Gary W. Graley

“Imagination is more important than knowledge"
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Mar 2, 1999
Messages
27,236
Just got this in the other day and am really liking this so far, as most know me, I run through knives far to often and at great velocity as well, not a good trait ;) but I think it is a shared phenomenon amongst most all of us on BladeForums.

First some spec's

Closed length: approx. 4 3/4"
Weight: approx. 4.59 oz (taken from Blade HQ site)
Blade steel: S30v
Blade length: 3.7"
Blade thickness: a hair over 3mm
Blade width: a hair over 1"
Thickness at edge bevel: approx. .021" ground fairly thin

Handle scales a combination of soft durometer polymer and hard polymer, over stainless liners that are drilled out to reduce the weight.
Handle thickness approx. .7" beefy
From spine to center area of guard section a hair under 1"
overall makes for a very comfortable handle to grip without forcing you into a one position type grip.

Blade shape, I wasn't so keen on this almost spear point blade shape, liking a more direct point, but this point seems a good compromise of good piercing and strength.

Sharp, this rascal arrived blistering sharp, Benchmade has really come a ways in what the are sending out lately, I was impressed by it's cutting ability right out of the box.

Clip, deep pocket carry, two options, left or right handed tip up only, which I prefer anyways.
The clip did not have a lot of retention, so I've found the best way to remedy that is to remove it, spin it around so the long end is hanging off the end of the handle, put the screws back in again so it will hold the clip in place and then "CAREFULLY" bend the long end down with your hand, no need of pliers, just gently press down so it will then drop lower. Re-install the clip and it should have a much tighter grip now. So you are using the handle to hold the one end while you bend.

The spine of the handle has a sliding switch that will lock the blade in place while in your pocket, since this has a robust spring assist, mine really flies out hard and fast with a strong lockup that can take a little to release but better than the alternative. The lock also works while the blade is open to help prevent any accidental closures, a plus I think. But the assist spring also helps to keep that blade out of the handle too. Which brings me to the part where I miss being able to pull the axis lock back and snapping the blade shut, can't do that with this one, well, unless you are Arnold S, then maybe you might have a shot at it.

Here are a few images, I installed a bob tail fob of my own making with a Celtic bead sandwiched between two diamond knots.

IMG_6653 by GaryWGraley, on Flickr


IMG_6655 by GaryWGraley, on Flickr


IMG_6656 by GaryWGraley, on Flickr


Handle has a nice radius to the scales, making for a sure grip wet or dry

IMG_6657 by GaryWGraley, on Flickr


Sliding lock on the spine, shown in the Open position, slide it forward to protect what's yours while in your pocket, and also slide forward during use to prevent accidental closings

IMG_6658 by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

As I say, I am liking this one a lot so far, certainly has potential to stick around for at least a little while.

G2
 
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Nice blade Gary, it looks stout enough to hold up so I'm sure it'll serve you for awhile.
 
Hi Gary, as the above poster noted, guess this may serve you for AWHILE.
Gary, great pictures and very nice write-up.
This should boost sales for the "boost". I am plagiarising another "writer" on this.
Gary, how is the edge and blade bevels compared to the Megaladon. Is this a thinner steel than the megaladon.
That is a nice knife and I was wondering how this compares to that.
 
Hi RJ, lol yes possibly will Boost their sales, I hope so!
and I do plan on having it around...a little while or so.

As to compared to the Megaladon, this one is slightly thinner edged, the G10 ones measured about .023" where this comes in near .021" close, but the blade shape wins out for me with the Boost as I prefer a more longer straight edge with a slight curve near the tip, whereas the Megaladon has a more sweeping longer curve towards the tip

IMG_6562 by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

IMG_6656 by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

Both have a locking system which helps during use, the Megaladon is on bearings, where the Boost is on washers, but assisted opening man it is fast! and I favour washers over bearings for a life time of use, but, that is just my opinion, the rest of the world is going bearing crazy ;)

Here is a Link to the Megaladon review I did

G2
 
Hi Gary, thanks for the comparison pictures.
I am liking the BM Boost. Wish they had done the handle in G-10 or Micarta.
Don't care for whatever "plasticcy" materials they have used for the handles.Must feel good in the hand, though, for you to like it so much.
 
Thanks RJ
It's still hanging in there, while the Megaladon is very nice, it just didn't fit for me, where as the thicker handle I think makes the difference.

A guy at work also commented on the handle material choice made, he claimed it wasn't very long lasting, any tools he has owned with that type of handle material usually wore out quickly from grease/oil and all around harsh conditions, I could not speak to the wear ability of this handle but I do like how it feels.
G2
 
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