photoman12001
Gold Member
- Joined
- May 23, 2008
- Messages
- 2,673
I knew I would want this as soon as I saw it. I don't have many traditionals, and most of what I do have is Case, but I like them. I happened to be in a local store recently when the clerk pulled out an Anthem and a Proper. I messed with the Proper for about 60 seconds before saying "I'll take it". It's just a great little knife and fits my medium-sized hand perfectly. My sample is nice. The blade might be slightly off center and it had a slight wire edge from the factory, though it was sharp. A few light strokes on SharpMaker ultra fine stones fixed that.
I love my big collection locking folders from the small Chris Reeve Inkosi to the massive Cold Steel Espada, but honestly a little knife like the Proper will do everything the average person will ever need to do with a knife. I hope this model sticks around. I'd love to see a mini version as well as other colors (red & green currently), bolsters, and various blade steels. For the price I really think it's competitive with other options. You can probably get into a similar Case, Queen, GEC, etc. for a little less or about the same money but here's what I like about the Benchmade comparitively:
If you're looking at the Proper, a Spyderco Urban or UKPK in G10 would also be worth checking out. Both have the half-stop and the added security of a finger choil, which I like.
As I mentioned elsewhere, I really like Benchmade's new "First Production" markings. Much classier.
Some random photos:
I love my big collection locking folders from the small Chris Reeve Inkosi to the massive Cold Steel Espada, but honestly a little knife like the Proper will do everything the average person will ever need to do with a knife. I hope this model sticks around. I'd love to see a mini version as well as other colors (red & green currently), bolsters, and various blade steels. For the price I really think it's competitive with other options. You can probably get into a similar Case, Queen, GEC, etc. for a little less or about the same money but here's what I like about the Benchmade comparitively:
- Simple, attractive G10 scales. I like fancy bone, wood, etc. as well but the G10 is a solid, no-worry option. I know some others offer G10 and linen micarta too.
- Phosphur bronze washers. This is a great addition that I don't see on any of my other slip joints.
- Screw construction. I prefer this greatly to pins. I like the ability to easily adjust/disassemble if necessary. I have tracked down several custom SAKs just because I prefer screws.
- S30V blade steel. I know some people are criticizing Benchmade for their abundance of S30V knives but it's a good steel that works well. It's not a mystery steel and not prone to corrosion.
- Nice spring action and a half-stop. The spring on my example has just the right amount of tension for me and has a half-stop. My Case Trappers are a little too stiff for my liking and don't have the half-stop. The little red linen micart GEC Tidioute pictured below is really stiff but does have a half-stop. My Victorinox Solo Alox spring is also stiff. I really wish it had a half-stop.
- Closed stop pin. The Proper has an actual stop pin for the blade in the closed position as opposed to other traditionals that use the back spring. Does this really matter? Probably not, but it's a design element worth noting.
- Skeletonized liners. For its size the Proper actually feels pretty light and nimble in the hand. Some weights for comparison. The closest comparisons to the Proper are probably the Russlock, Hobo (knife only), and Solo Alox due to the single blades. The Russlock is a bit smaller and has the added weight of the extra locking liner. The Hobo (knife only) is of course lacking a scale on one side. The Solo Alox has no liners.
- Proper: 2-1/4oz
- Case Trapper: 4oz
- Case Russlock: 2-3/4oz
- Case Hobo (knife & fork): 5-1/4oz
- Case Hobo (knife only): 2-3/4oz
- Victorinox Solo Alox (orange): 1-5/8oz
If you're looking at the Proper, a Spyderco Urban or UKPK in G10 would also be worth checking out. Both have the half-stop and the added security of a finger choil, which I like.
As I mentioned elsewhere, I really like Benchmade's new "First Production" markings. Much classier.
Some random photos:
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