How good are Benchmade automatic knives? They have a few models that I am interested in such as the 4300 CLA, 2551 mini reflex 2, and the 6800 auto APB. I want something that will last, and work reliably. I have plenty of assisted opening knives but I want to add an automatic knife to my collection and carry rotation. Would you recommend an automatic knife from Benchmade or would you look elsewhere? What has been your experience?
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Benchmade auto knives?
- Thread starter TheEdge01
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I know they're opposites:
But that little Pro Tech fires hard enough that I don't think I want to weight of a bigger heavier blade slamming home. The Becnhmade is nice and positive but without the extreme feeling of the Pro Tech. I just don't think I take a TR-3/4 over the AFO
**and yes I know I take terrible pictures**
But that little Pro Tech fires hard enough that I don't think I want to weight of a bigger heavier blade slamming home. The Becnhmade is nice and positive but without the extreme feeling of the Pro Tech. I just don't think I take a TR-3/4 over the AFO
**and yes I know I take terrible pictures**
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I have the 4300 CLA, the 5400 Serum and the assisted version of the APB 6800.
The CLA is really sweet.
The newer version with the green/black G10 handle is very slim, great for in your pocket carry.
Great lock up with an adjustable stop pin, great blade style and size.....awesome knife.
The Serum is really cool.
This knife has dual functions, it's an Auto & a Manual.
Manual: Opening and closing can be done like any other axis lock knife.
Automatic: Open by pulling the AXIS lock rearward until automatic opening mechanism activates.
You need to pull the axis bar very purposefully to activate the auto function.
It's not something that can be done accidentally.
It is extremely cool.
The APB is pretty cool too.
This ones cool because it is still truly an axis lock knife; however the axis lock is hidden under the scales and the knife operates with the simple push of the button(s).
Super easy.
I have de-assisted mine.
This is very fun to play with and is easier than the standard axis to operate.
I have all three and would not hesitate to recommend any one of them.
My fav has probably got to be the CLA.
It's so so slim and the scales are so so awesome.
I could be slightly bias though, seeing I have a thing for knives with cool scales.
The CLA is really sweet.
The newer version with the green/black G10 handle is very slim, great for in your pocket carry.
Great lock up with an adjustable stop pin, great blade style and size.....awesome knife.
The Serum is really cool.
This knife has dual functions, it's an Auto & a Manual.
Manual: Opening and closing can be done like any other axis lock knife.
Automatic: Open by pulling the AXIS lock rearward until automatic opening mechanism activates.
You need to pull the axis bar very purposefully to activate the auto function.
It's not something that can be done accidentally.
It is extremely cool.
The APB is pretty cool too.
This ones cool because it is still truly an axis lock knife; however the axis lock is hidden under the scales and the knife operates with the simple push of the button(s).
Super easy.
I have de-assisted mine.
This is very fun to play with and is easier than the standard axis to operate.
I have all three and would not hesitate to recommend any one of them.
My fav has probably got to be the CLA.
It's so so slim and the scales are so so awesome.
I could be slightly bias though, seeing I have a thing for knives with cool scales.
Last edited:
The 6800 APB with a straight edge is the one I'm really interested in. Is the lock as sturdy and reliable as the axis? I own nine Benchmades but I have never owned one of their automatic knives. The dealer doesn't have one in stock, so I would have to special order it.
palonej
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I know they're opposites:
But that little Pro Tech fires hard enough that I don't think I want to weight of a bigger heavier blade slamming home. The Becnhmade is nice and positive but without the extreme feeling of the Pro Tech. I just don't think I take a TR-3/4 over the AFO
**and yes I know I take terrible pictures**
I don't think you take bad pics Chris!! I have that little PT also and love it! What a capable and cool little blade!! Fires like a pistol with an awesome blade shape!
Joe
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Yes, I believe it is as reliable and sturdy as the axis is, after all it is still an axis lock.
Inside the APB....
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I don't think you take bad pics Chris!! I have that little PT also and love it! What a capable and cool little blade!! Fires like a pistol with an awesome blade shape!
Joe
I just did a right/left test..
They both seem to open at the same speed to my ears but the Pro Tech still effects my hand more than the Benchmade and is still harder to close. I'm just not sure the original owner warranty, and the harder opening is better than than the the real lifetime warranty and the "softer" spring. My AFO just got back from service because I grabbed a soldier in the next office to send it in........would ProTech accept that?
Before anyone gets into the "I can flick my 940 faster than your AFO" I agree but my thumb looks lie this
there is no meat there to hit a thumb stud or spyderhole and to top that it get's dinged up because it's skin on bone
Last edited:
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I cut it off in a meat slicer
I own 5 benchmade Autos. AFO 2, APB, Presidio, CLA and an Adamas. I love all of them and will never part with any. My favorite for edc is the CLA. The APB I find to bulky for my pocket and the presidio destroys pockets. The AFO is a sick knive and aesthetically probably my favorite but I also find it bulky. I also own a Protech TR4.1 (which btw willing to sell or trade) it's an awesome knife but I've never used it because it's just to big. As soon as I opened the box I put it back in, never carried it. Although I must say it is a fine knife with killer action and awesome looks and feel.
zombieassassin
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I carry an Adamas Auto now...have had many BM autos....they are great blades. And BMs warranty is top notch.
Another vote for the 4300 CLA. I also have a Protech TR-3 auto, but the 4300 sees lots more pocket time -- thinner (slightly), deep carry clip, nice blade shape, flow-through handle. My only gripe is that the G10 on the 4300 is too smooth so there's not enough friction when it's in pocket. Okay, 2 gripes -- price (but that's true of pretty much all Benchmades now).
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AFO II is all you need. One tough mofo!