Benchmade Rant

[superflyafro]

Hey..

When looking into the beachmade rant...i read that it comes apart...is this something that could make this a weak knife...i don;t want it falling apart when i need it most!!!!

 

[Macchina]

The old style rant used Benchmade's B.I.L.T. (all the way at the bottom) system which fixed the blade to the hollow handle via a screw in the but of the handle (ironically it's somewhat similar to the Ka-Bar knives of WWII). I had one, and it was a great sharp knife. I never had a single problem with it being anything less than sturdy. I don't pry with my knives, but I do carve, cut, and do a lot of cutting with the point.

The new Rant is a full tang knife, and it doesn't get much stronger than that. Personally, I'd recommend either, but the new style is going to be stronger when it comes down to cutting your way out of helicopter cockpits and fighting ninjas with katanas.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

My Schrade Golden Spike had that system, it makes taking the knife apart for cleaning easy, but stays solid.

 

[Macchina]

Easy cleaning is one of the main reasons Benchmade claims to use the B.I.L.T. system, but that system itself creates the problem it fixes (think about that on a rainy day). A full tang blade has handle scales that fit very tightly to the blade tang (usually even epoxied on). This fit allows nothing to get in between the handle scales and the blade tang. The B.I.L.T. system creates openings and spaces where dirt and water can penetrate. So although the B.I.L.T. system is easy to clean, the only reason you need to clean it is because it exist!

 

[R_C]

New Rant = Great Little Knife! Santoprene handle comfy and grippy but not sticky like some rubber type handles.

I liked the old CSK1 with the B.I.L.T system very nice blade shape. They've changed that too recently!

 

[rifon2]

The Rant (now made in the USA though still Red Class) is simply an excellent, solid knife at a great price.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

The main advantage I saw of using the BILT system was that when using a peened construction to hold a steel butt-cap you typically create a weak-point where the tang narrows to pass through the hole in the pommel, where it is then peened to hold it together. When the pommel or butt-cap is used as a makeshift hammer this can create stress and strain on the narrowed tang, which can snap. Then your knife is basically destroyed unless you don't mind doing a complete rebuild and either re-welding the tang or shortening the handle. With the BILT system, since the narrow portion of tang is a bolt, if it breaks you just thread a new bolt in it and call it a done job. I loved the original CSK, and am very disappointed that it's gone.