Benchmade Proper

[Eli Chaps]

Two interesting knifes with interesting choil are the Spyderco UK and the Bestech Junzi. Spyderco got it right for $58. Bestech got it right in a pretty package for $175.

I would disagree and yes, I've used a UKPK. I also have numerous Spyderco knives and carried the same Delica exclusively for several years. But, I came to realize that the Spyderco finger choil,, for me at least is largely functionally useless. Yeah, it feels great when you're fondling the knife but in most all actual cutting situations you don't really use the choil. In just about all practical applications, I found the choil to be a waste of knife potential. Held in most slicing type grips, the choil serves no purpose. They did it very well on the Manix 2 as that knife is comfortable even in a non-choil grip so there, the choil is an optional use enhancer.

The neutral style handle of Buck 110's and most traditionals is far more useful and much more comfortable in a range of grip styles and uses.

Using a slip joint, you just need to be conscious of high-angle cuts (tip down, handle up) where you crank down on the handle and rocking type cuts like through a hose. Putting pressure on the handle in such a way that induces closing-type force.

A whole lot of people have liner and frame locks close on them.

Your mileage may vary.

 

[gaj999]

... But, I came to realize that the Spyderco finger choil,, for me at least is largely functionally useless...

Same here. Maybe the only exception is on their tiny little knives where you always use the choil because the handle is so short. I've always viewed those as curiosities rather than as general-purpose cutlery. You probably can't beat them for clamshells and envelopes. Unless you've got a traditional with a nice thin Sheepsfoot or Wharnecliffe. Why do modern knives with inch plus blades need blades 1/8" thick?

 

[Lansky1]

The biggest problem with the Proper is it's butt ugly. "Don't buy no ugly knife" It's a micarta turd Too modern to be traditional too./QUOTE].

Funny, I was hesitant to say it, but this is exactly what I'm feeling. Seriously, that knife is just ugly. I'm a Case guy & the traditional lines are visually appealing on (most) Case knives, seahorse whittler and sod buster excluded .. to my eye, they didn't even try to make that knife visually appealing in any kind of traditional way. I like the concept, but they could have done so much better in execution of a quasi-traditional design. Really the bolster-less frame is far more tactical looking than traditional looking - the only traditional feature is the lack of a lock and the half-stop. Lastly, that nail nick is a joke - looks like somebody chocked up a dremel wheel in a drill press & cobbed an aesthetically unappealing nail nick into the blade. Reports of a weak spring on a >$100 slipjoint are facepalm worthy ... bottom line, great idea that should have been so much better from a first rate manufacturer

 

[Will Power]

Same here. Maybe the only exception is on their tiny little knives where you always use the choil because the handle is so short. I've always viewed those as curiosities rather than as general-purpose cutlery. You probably can't beat them for clamshells and envelopes. Unless you've got a traditional with a nice thin Sheepsfoot or Wharnecliffe. Why do modern knives with inch plus blades need blades 1/8" thick?

Yes, mystifying and actually redundant. As for clamshells etc I'll offer you a tip. Small Pruner blade on a SAK is the clamshell slayer of all time and safe too, that thin but broad little hooked blade won't slip or fold up on you when gutting a clamshell

 

[Obcessed]

1. Finger choils are not needed for safety, they just shorten the blade's cutting edge. The safety reason sounds like marketing BS. Where'd you get that from?

2. The Propers I've messed with had fine backspring unless you want a rat trap Where'd you get the poor backspring comment from?

The Benchmade Propers I've played with had fine fit/finish for a micarta knife designed for use. Have you seen any poor ones?

Benchmade is the new whipping boy for OCD knife buyers who enjoy complaining to get attention. I've bought them for years, handled every model for 15 years and the fit/finish have been fine. Once in ~2000 I found a new BM Spike with a bluish tip, indicating the steel had gotten too hot. I pointed it out to the gun show seller and bought it at a deep discount. Benchmade fixed it for free with a new blade. Ten years later, some idiot snapped off the tip and Benchmade fixed it for $15. Both times TAT was under a month. Even GEC doesn't supply that level of service.

The biggest problem with the Proper is it's butt ugly. "Don't buy no ugly knife" It's a micarta turd Too modern to be traditional too.

For modern US slipjoints buy a used Case Bose. Fantoni makes a nice Italian made moden slippie, Dweller, originally designed by Loveless. There's some nice French ones too. I don't like Lion Steels offerings, too "blocky" and not "traditional" enough.

1. I got the safety thing from my eyes. LOOK. The Spyderco has a excellent finger chills. Why does Spyderco have finger choils? To keep the knife from closing on your fingers.
2. Got the weak back spring from reading. Read a variety of forums and there are many comments concerning a weak back spring. Not sure what a "rat trap" has to do with anything but rat traps. Reading works better.
3. You call the "Proper I've played with had a fine fit/finish for a micarta knife", yet you call it, "butt ugly". A new knife term and for sure a contradiction in terms.
4. Your knife terminology of "turd" however Understand why you would say that.
5. Benchmade seems to be a sensitive area for you. Perhaps constructive comments would be more in line. Like I said earlier I am trying to get input on the Benchmade Proper not lessons in slang.

 

[JTB_5]

Does anybody know the thickness of the grind, behind the edge of the Proper? I tend to worry about the grinds of tactical manufacturers. They usually end up being too thick for my liking.

I had one, but I didn't measure it (I don't own calipers for such things). Judging from how it looked and how it cut in comparison to the GECs I owned, however, I'd say it was a bit thicker than a GEC grind; closer to what the Lionsteel Roundhead/Shuffler knife has going. I didn't find it overly chunky, but it wasn't a super slicer. It does take more patience to change the bevel than 1095 because the steel is harder.

 

[Sabercat]

I do like the shape of the sheepfoot blade. I think it would prove to be versatile as a single blade. A little belly for improved slicing, but still good for draw cuts.

I also appreciate the simple fact that Benchmade made a slipjoint knife.

I definitely don't hate it. But I doubt I'd ever buy one, unless it was an extreme sale or something.

 

[Misplaced Hillbilly]

1. I got the safety thing from my eyes. LOOK. The Spyderco has a excellent finger chills. Why does Spyderco have finger choils? To keep the knife from closing on your fingers.
2. Got the weak back spring from reading. Read a variety of forums and there are many comments concerning a weak back spring. Not sure what a "rat trap" has to do with anything but rat traps. Reading works better.
3. You call the "Proper I've played with had a fine fit/finish for a micarta knife", yet you call it, "butt ugly". A new knife term and for sure a contradiction in terms.
4. Your knife terminology of "turd" however Understand why you would say that.
5. Benchmade seems to be a sensitive area for you. Perhaps constructive comments would be more in line. Like I said earlier I am trying to get input on the Benchmade Proper not lessons in slang.

Now your just being invidious, why ask for opinions then become snarky when peoples opinions do not correlate with yours? And as to point number 5,seems Benchmade is more of a sensitive area to you. To open a conversation about any brand and then dismiss or attack anyones negative opinion about that brand seems very much like trolling to me. If you like the Proper and think it would be good with half the edge ground away, buy one and dremel a choil of your dreams into it, quite simple really.

 

[brownshoe]

1. I got the safety thing from my eyes. LOOK. The Spyderco has a excellent finger chills. Why does Spyderco have finger choils? To keep the knife from closing on your fingers.
2. Got the weak back spring from reading. Read a variety of forums and there are many comments concerning a weak back spring. Not sure what a "rat trap" has to do with anything but rat traps. Reading works better.
3. You call the "Proper I've played with had a fine fit/finish for a micarta knife", yet you call it, "butt ugly". A new knife term and for sure a contradiction in terms.
4. Your knife terminology of "turd" however Understand why you would say that.
5. Benchmade seems to be a sensitive area for you. Perhaps constructive comments would be more in line. Like I said earlier I am trying to get input on the Benchmade Proper not lessons in slang.

I've played with more than one Proper, at least three; reading forums or online reviews is not equivalent to holding one, opening/closing the blade, checking the edge, looking at the fit of scales & liners, etc. The springs were all serviceable, not noteably quick or slow. It's an OK knife, just too ugly for my pocket.

Thought I smelled Spyderco propaganda in your "safety feature" choil. I like Spyderco, but think their obsessive promoting of choils is not gospel. Depends on what you do with a knife. A traditional slipjoint, EDC knife, modern or not, don't need a choil.

You don't understand, many ugly things can have good fit and finish. When pretty things have a fit/finish problem, it's called character or a Queen knife My last knife buy is a 3dot Buck 110 for $15. It was ugly, but after I used a little TLC it's pretty, but it's got character

I only relate my personal experience with Benchmade, nobody elses. You indicate there are problems, but it seems you don't own any and haven't yet handled a Proper...

 

[Murphjd25]

I had one about a year ago, it was OK. I Liked it but not enough to keep it around. It’s a good looking knife in my eyes. I much prefer my GECs now though

 

[Pàdruig]

I've had the opportunity to handle a couple of Propers. It's safe to say that I rather dislike them. It has nothing to do with Benchmade, it's just that the overall package is lackluster.

It feels like an unfinished knife. Mushy at the half stop, funky looking pulls that appear to be an after thought, and blades that look like they require more finish work.

In use, I'm sure it is a fine knife, though the grinds are pretty thick for my tastes. It is a good knife for those who can't have a modern knife with a lock but still want a premium steel in a robust package.

Aesthetically, I don't care for it and the construction leaves me wanting. That said, it is a good seller and a lot of folks do seem to like it. It just isn't for me.

Lion Steel does a far better job with their slip joint designs with modern, premium materials.

 

[Easyrider]

I need to try and find one to try out. My curiosity is now aroused and I am curious to see how it fits in my hand. From photos it appears to be beauty challenged but I have been fooled by photos in the past so I will reserve judgement until I have handled one.

 

[Pàdruig]

I need to try and find one to try out. My curiosity is now aroused and I am curious to see how it fits in my hand. From photos it appears to be beauty challenged but I had=ve been fooled by photos in the past so I will reserve judgement until I have handled one.

That is the one thing I failed to mention. For all of my dislike for the knife, it does feel pretty good in the hand. I have pretty big mitts so I guess your milage may vary (as the saying goes).

 

[Obcessed]

Now your just being invidious, why ask for opinions then become snarky when peoples opinions do not correlate with yours? And as to point number 5,seems Benchmade is more of a sensitive area to you. To open a conversation about any brand and then dismiss or attack anyones negative opinion about that brand seems very much like trolling to me. If you like the Proper and think it would be good with half the edge ground away, buy one and dremel a choil of your dreams into it, quite simple really.

Was asked questions and I gave answers. I have received other good comments about the Benchmade Proper. I have seen U tube videos of grinding out the choil.