Benchmade Mini Osborne vs Kizer Drop Bear

T

Truesome

Joined
Jan 11, 2023
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117
I'm curious how these two compare, overall. There's lots on the Bugout, but the mini Osborne seems maybe like the better comparison with the Kizer (in terms of materials and function). Blade shape and price seem like the big differences. Blade length is the same, steel is S30V on the BM and 154CM on the Kizer. Reports in the Kizer axis lock and overall build quality are excellent. Anyone have a chance to handle them both?

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https://www.knifecenter.com/item/BM...nife-s30v-black-plain-blade-black-g10-handles
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I haven't but based on my 940 the blade geometry of the drop bear is probably slicier
 
If you want something in between, there is a rather unpopular Benchmade model called North Fork. Same general size, the mass is in between. The blade is more of the common drop drop point.

I have one, second hand, and it is good.

I think the Kizer Drop Bear blade is what they call Spear point.
 
The Drop Bear looks very similar to the WE Banter, especially in the blade, which is probably why it got my attention when it came out. The Drop Bear grind goes up a tiny bit higher to the spine, has a lot more gimping on the spine, and the handle is slightly longer with a bit different contour, but it really has a Banter vibe to it.
 
Deino said:
If you want something in between, there is a rather unpopular Benchmade model called North Fork. Same general size, the mass is in between. The blade is more of the common drop drop point.

I have one, second hand, and it is good.

I think the Kizer Drop Bear blade is what they call Spear point.
Click to expand...
If only it didn’t have the recurve
 
Deino said:
If you want something in between, there is a rather unpopular Benchmade model called North Fork. Same general size, the mass is in between. The blade is more of the common drop drop point.

I have one, second hand, and it is good.

I think the Kizer Drop Bear blade is what they call Spear point.
Click to expand...
What’s a typical fair % off retail for a lightly used BM in good shape? Say, the 945 in near mint fairly new shape used vs $207 (!) new.
 
I don't know since Benchmade is out of my price range and used stuff doesn't pop up often here in Canada. I got my North Fork, which is also over 200US$ new, because it was 60CA$ (about 45$US$) knife thrift store in near pristine condition.

They had 2 North Fork at the same price at the moment I purchased mine. The store places price on kind of random with some crap at higher price than the brand new...
 
For posterity, a mint 2022 green mini Osborne 945 (had been sharpened by owner one time) just sold on eBay for $135.50 + $10 shipping + tax.

Seems pretty fair but not a smoking deal. Maybe I’m cheap. REI members get 20% off coupons a few times a year and free shipping, so suddenly a used one without review period or return ability for just 10% less than a new one from REI left me a little gun shy on this one. Cool knives though.
 
been reading about mini Osborne, many claim the resize did not translate well for fit in hand.
Did you look at

Kizer Escort Ki4481A1​

 
amunderdog said:
been reading about mini Osborne, many claim the resize did not translate well for fit in hand.
Did you look at

Kizer Escort Ki4481A1​

Click to expand...
Wow, very cool. But man, $171, price is almost that of a Benchmade!

I’ve also read the mini is tougher for people wanting a full grip, but a “mini” knife isn’t the one you go to for full grip heavy tasks. It also looks like the blade geometry makes it a better slicer and overall EDC. I don’t think people with big hands buy a mini anything. Only way to know is to have one in hand. Would be fun to have both and the drop bear in hand.
 
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amunderdog said:
been reading about mini Osborne, many claim the resize did not translate well for fit in hand.
Click to expand...
I agree with this. The fiddle factor just isn't there. I have a few Kizers in that size range and they all are nice, but I haven't tried one of their crossbar locks yet.

The titanium s35vn Kizers are great knives
 
amunderdog said:
been reading about mini Osborne, many claim the resize did not translate well for fit in hand.
Did you look at

Kizer Escort Ki4481A1​

Click to expand...
Man, that Kizer Escort keeps calling me. Price is really hard to swallow, but man, that’s the winner on the thread so far.
 
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