I have been fortunate to carry a lot of great folders over the years including knives from William Henry, Strider, Microtech, Extrema Ratio, etc., and I am surprised to say this, but after carrying it for a few months, I have come to love this little $56 Benchmade mini-grip as much as any of them.
To me this knife embodies all of the elementary, back to basics components of exceptional knife design and manufacturing.
The materials are performance based rather than flashy- 154cm blade with a zytel type material for the handles provides everything you need for a hard working, high performance knife in this size, and nothing just for show.
The blade profiles and handles offered are also relatively simple but highly practical.
At the same time, just below the surface, there is plenty here for a knife enthusiast to appreciate and enjoy: the action is as smooth as any knife I've ever handled, and the fit and tolerances are exceptional- the tip of the blade on mine looks centered when closed, and the lockup is absolutely PERFECT in every way. It also has full steel liners recessed into the handle, phosphorus bronze washers, simple decorative touches on the thumb stud and lock release, nicely machined thumb and index finger grooves- thoughtful touches all the way around, making the absolute most out of the materials used on this value priced knife.
While I chose this size because of the 3" blade length restriction where I live, I have come to appreciate it as a great edc size. It is small enough to be unobtrusive and out of the way when clipped in your pocket, a "forget it's there" knife, but when you have it open in your hand, it is a comfortable size that is great to work with- I have yet to wish for a larger knife when using it. The smallish size and utilitarian appearance also make this a good knife to use in public. The handle feels great in my medium sized hands, and it offers a significantly sized, functional index finger guard, which is a design element that I really appreciate.
If I were to change anything, I would make the handle texturing slightly less aggressive where the clip contacts it. It it is not so aggressive as to tear up my pockets, but I would like it to rely on pressure a little more and texture a little less so that it isn't so "grabby". This is of course easily fixed with sandpaper.
When I first got this knife I wished that it had an open backed design, just because I thought it would look better, and theoretically be easier to clean. Now that I've gotten used to it, though, I really like it the way it is. I like the smooth feeling of that flat surface pressing into my palm when using the knife, and cleaning hasn't been a problem at all.
Congratulations to Benchmade on this truly exceptional knife, offered at a great price.
To me this knife embodies all of the elementary, back to basics components of exceptional knife design and manufacturing.
The materials are performance based rather than flashy- 154cm blade with a zytel type material for the handles provides everything you need for a hard working, high performance knife in this size, and nothing just for show.
The blade profiles and handles offered are also relatively simple but highly practical.
At the same time, just below the surface, there is plenty here for a knife enthusiast to appreciate and enjoy: the action is as smooth as any knife I've ever handled, and the fit and tolerances are exceptional- the tip of the blade on mine looks centered when closed, and the lockup is absolutely PERFECT in every way. It also has full steel liners recessed into the handle, phosphorus bronze washers, simple decorative touches on the thumb stud and lock release, nicely machined thumb and index finger grooves- thoughtful touches all the way around, making the absolute most out of the materials used on this value priced knife.
While I chose this size because of the 3" blade length restriction where I live, I have come to appreciate it as a great edc size. It is small enough to be unobtrusive and out of the way when clipped in your pocket, a "forget it's there" knife, but when you have it open in your hand, it is a comfortable size that is great to work with- I have yet to wish for a larger knife when using it. The smallish size and utilitarian appearance also make this a good knife to use in public. The handle feels great in my medium sized hands, and it offers a significantly sized, functional index finger guard, which is a design element that I really appreciate.
If I were to change anything, I would make the handle texturing slightly less aggressive where the clip contacts it. It it is not so aggressive as to tear up my pockets, but I would like it to rely on pressure a little more and texture a little less so that it isn't so "grabby". This is of course easily fixed with sandpaper.
When I first got this knife I wished that it had an open backed design, just because I thought it would look better, and theoretically be easier to clean. Now that I've gotten used to it, though, I really like it the way it is. I like the smooth feeling of that flat surface pressing into my palm when using the knife, and cleaning hasn't been a problem at all.
Congratulations to Benchmade on this truly exceptional knife, offered at a great price.
