I bought a Benchmade Panther in about '93(?) and have owned others since. The only one I have now is the Panther and I treasure it, but don't carry it much anymore. IMO, it has a very classy blade/handle profile....something about the lines of the blade. It's probably number 3 or 4 of all my knives as far as time in my pocket or boot in a lot of places. It was never carried in the wild though.
Today I think Benchmade is probably as good as anyone out there in their price range. For me their overall line is a bit 'light' as far as build and blade thicknesses; seems to be play potential and not quite the sturdiness in feel that I prefer. Their few heavier duty models don't appeal to me. They certainly make good knives though. Just one of those preference things.
I think their higher end autos are very good too.
Today I think Benchmade is probably as good as anyone out there in their price range. For me their overall line is a bit 'light' as far as build and blade thicknesses; seems to be play potential and not quite the sturdiness in feel that I prefer. Their few heavier duty models don't appeal to me. They certainly make good knives though. Just one of those preference things.
I think their higher end autos are very good too.