Benchmade bedlam auto or manual?

[erhodes]

Ok so it's been a while since my last purchase and I am looking at the benchmade bedlam. My question is whether I should go with the manual or auto. I prefer a plain blade over anything partially serrated. I think I can get the blade in this configuration with either but have only really seem the auto with the partially serrated blade. My main thinking is which is faster and easier to deploy? I'm infantry in the 82nd so wear gloves regularly in the field so need to be able to open it easily with them on. Anyone had the opportunity to play with both? Thanks for any input

 

[michaelm466]

I generally prefer Manual openers over side opening autos or assisted openers mostly because they're nearly as easy to open and a lot easier to close (especially the AXIS lock). I'd say they're pretty close as far as ease of opening I'd say they're pretty close (a button open auto would probably be easier than pulling down the axis auto lock, but just slightly and not ambi) I'd say you could easily get proficient with either with a little practice, its a smaller movement with auto to open, but you need a second hand or a hard surface to press it against to close it, where as the manual you can just hold down the axis lock and flick it back closed.

 

[Armadew]

Manual for sure.

 

[jstrange]

I had the auto and didn't keep it. For BM I generally prefer the manual versions of the axis lock. IMO the axis is already so easy to open and you lose a lot of its value by making it more difficult to close.

 

[jbmonkey]

I had the auto and didn't keep it. For BM I generally prefer the manual versions of the axis lock. IMO the axis is already so easy to open and you lose a lot of its value by making it more difficult to close.

That is a good reason. Well said.

 

[erhodes]

Well pretty much decided that the auto is out. I really like the blade but am debating whether I actually need to spend the money. If I could find one in something like m390 or 3v I'd snag it whether I have the money or not. Anyone know of such a beast in the works?