Best in Class; Benchmade Edition!

BMCGear

BMCGear

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Via social media Benchmade put out their employee picks for their favorite Benchmade. Let's do something similar but rather than just an overall favorite let's do an overall favorite for each class of knife they make. That's right a favorite in Blue, Black, and Hunt Class. If you have a favorite Gold, that's cool too.

Rules:
1. Pick your favorite and post why.
2. Pics are HIGHLY encouraged for your Best in Class (we know threads suck without them; thanks Photobucket).
3. Please no belly aching about QC. There are plenty of threads started for that discussion and taken over for that discussion. Let's keep it fun!


Blue Class: Griptilian Series

Blue Class is usually my lane and as a result harder for me to pick an overall favorite. The Grip is the king of the blue class. FRN - G10 and a Micarta Sprint too. 154 to M390 and that's not including the custom shop options or blade shapes. The Griptilian is the Utility King and therefore best in class when it comes to the Blue box.

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Blue Honorable Mention:
535GRY-1 Bugout - I didn't think that I would care for this knife at all but after owning it I will tell you that it may be the best blade shape that Benchmade offers in terms of slicing. Unreal performance and no the scale material didn't bother me at all.
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710 McHenry and Williams - Discontinued but not forgotten this blade represents everything Benchmade is about. The first to feature the Axis Lock and just an outstanding design. Upgrade the steel and let's bring this one back to market, Benchmade!


Hunt Class: Crooked River
I no longer hunt but the Hunt Class offers knives that transcend their namesake. The Crooked River being one of them. I've owned a couple and they are fantastic knives. I'm not crazy about the orange but the overall design is classic and functional. I like this knife so much I'm considering a custom shop version.

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Black Class: 570 Presidio

Black Class has never really interested me a ton as I'm not an uber tactical guy but I've held several and for me it's the 570 Presidio.

Why? It's a tank of a knife that is tactical but still works well as an EDC for me. It carries well, slices well, and ages well with the aluminum handles all while being 150% stronger than it's predecessor which was already strong AF. It has grip but doesn't get so grippy it's painful (a la Contego).


Black Honorable Mention:
119 Arvensis - There's nothing more to say. Wow!
 
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I don't have many Benchmade's but I do have the 940-2 and the 535 Bugout. Not much I can add about the 940 but that 535 is some sweet little knife. I wasn't really interested in it when it came out, but picked one up yesterday and I am glad I did. That knife makes a really great EDC blade, not sure about "bugouting" as I don't go outside unless I'm dragged kicking and screaming but as an EDC, it's very nice.
 
Ok, I'll play. I own the 940, 710, 707 Sequel, Ritter Mini 558, and 275 Adamas. I've handled extensively the 943, AFCK, Infidel, 810 Contego, Volli, and a few others I can't think of exactly. The only Benchmade that's intrigued me enough in the past couple years to the point I'd possibly want to own it would be the Bugout, but not sure if I'm comfortable putting it in the list without at least handling it. So this is mostly based off of what I have experience with. The Gold class is ridiculous, and I don't bother to look at the Hunt line.

Black Class: 275 Adamas
One of what I consider the "iconic" Benchmades. Just a beast (brick) of a knife, and my example screams quality and worth every cent. Truly a folder that feels like a fixed blade. It's definitely not an EDC for me, but when I get it out to carry, there's likely a fun time ahead even if it's yard work. I usually don't own knives just for cool factor, and the Adamas won't find a purpose for a lot of people, but this is one worth owning just because it's cool.

Honorable mention: 810 Contego
From what I remember, a workhorse of a knife not as bulky as an Adamas that seemed like it could handle having the snot beat out of it if the jimping around the handle didn't tear your skin off first. If I was in a work environment where I did a LOT of heavy cutting/prying with gloves, the 810 might be my pick for EDC.

Blue class: 558 Ritter Mini Grip
Really? A mini Grip over a 940? A standard mini Grip no, but a Ritter, absolutely. The 558 will forever be a contender of mine for ultimate EDC and best Benchmade ever. I tend to favor textured FRN and G10 over aluminum and titanium for EDC or working knives, and the Ritter high flat ground, stonewashed blade is beautiful and an incredible slicer. Its thumb ramp and jimping allows my hand to lock in perfectly like a Spyderco, but more comfortably with its rounded scales. Why this was discontinued is beyond me, and although I don't really buy duplicates, I'd bought another if I was aware at the time that this was announced. I'd rather see this one come back than 99% of the new designs or rehashes of the 940 that come out every year.

Honorable mention: 535 Bugout
Unique, light knife with a great blade. Features possibly the best clip on any knife. Cool, lightweight package overall; however, for what you get, you have to decide if the cost/value ratio works for you. If this knife was $85-90 I think it would make more sense for a lot of people and would dominate anything else in the price range including the Spyderco lightweight models.

Edited to add Hunt line:
The Crooked River is a great looking knife, and I think a mini version would be a home run.

Also will be getting a Bugout in the next few days so I might be updating my Blue class pick.
 
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Blue Class: Benchmade Bugout
I simply love this knife. It's my ideal blade length of 3.25" first and foremost which is the original reason I looked at the knife. The blade shape is perfect for slicing and general EDC tasks. The slimness and lightness of the knife make it simply disappear in your pocket whether clipped to heavy work pants or lightweight fishing shorts. The small black deep carry clip performs flawlessly with excellent mix of aesthetics, retention, and optimal footprint. The handles fit my hand comfortably and I surprisingly like the blue color. Of course the axis lock is legendary for good reason. For me it's just the perfect EDC knife.

Blue Honorable Mentions:
Griptilian series - Clearly an iconic workhorse. I've had a few different flavors of the mini and full size versions and they have all been excellent. Currently own a custom full size Griptilian that I EDC at work.
940 series - I briefly owned a 940-2 and it was a great knife. It took me awhile to consider it because the blade profile isn't my normal taste. But once you actually carry and use one, you realize why it's a classic knife. It's ability to take up virtually no room in your pocket while packing a long blade is just awesome. If the Bugout hadn't come out, I'd still be rocking the 940-2 for EDC.

Black Class: Presidio
This one wins for me by default since it's the only black class Benchmade I've owned. I EDCed a Auto Presidio 5000SBK for a few years at work and it never let me down. It's a tank of a knife for sure. I bought it used and it was my very first Benchmade. It was the gateway drug to rekindling my passion for knives and opened up my eyes to Benchmade and quality knives in general.

Hunt Class: Mini Crooked River
The smaller version of the original with an ideal 3.25" blade length. Still has the choice between wood or G10 handles, except the wood handle comes with a wood backspacer now. Good blade shape and nice current spin on a classic style. ... Oh wait, a "mini" version doesn't exist?! What a shame! Get on that Benchmade ;)
 
I can only speak about Blue Class as I have no experience with the others. For me it would be the 940 and specifically the -1. I have not seen a 940 version which I did not like, but the -1 with it's dark blade and subtle details, is my favorite. Close second IMO, would be the Bugout. I'm not a huge fan of S30V or plastic scales, but the Bugout is such a nice design it transcends the materials. Give it CF scales and M490 or 20CV steel and it would move up to first place in my esteem.
 
Black Class: 275 Adamas

Just an iconic great brick of a knife. Yet, surprisingly, it actually cuts rather well. ;)

Blue Class: 710

Exceptional knife in so many ways. When I found out they discontinued this model, I bought an extra one in M390. It’s the only knife model that I have two of, other than the Buck 110.

Hunt Class: Crooked River

A truly gorgeous knife, and really good to use. The Axis lock is of similar dimensions to that of the Adamas; it doesn’t just look fantastic, it is seriously tough and made to be used.

I’m breaking the rules and adding a category: :p

Assisted/Auto: 581 Barrage

Sexy as hell, and that M390 blade comes flying out like the clappers.
 
Keyman said:
Black Class: Loco 808
Blue Class: Anthem 781
Hunt Line: Crooked River 15080
Click to expand...

I somehow would've guessed this would be yours with the exception of the Blue Class. I would've went with the 710. :)
 
Keyman said:
Yup, you have me pegged.
I would have gone with the 710, but I was trying to stick with current production models. ;)
Click to expand...

I get that. I wish it was still current production.

I'm going to edit the OP. After carrying the 940 for a bit it's just too thin and not tall enough. Great knife but I prefer the Grip in Blue Class.
 
Black class: 4600 phaeton

The 4600 gets my vote due to the sleek peeler type blade. I love the blade shape, it’s perfect for regular cutting/food prep. It also is light, I barely notice I have it clipped. The best part is the snappy otf action.

Blue class: 535 bugout

The blade is the main selling point for me. It’s thin and such a great slicer. I also love the pocket clip.

Notable mentions: 530-1, anthem 781
The 781 is expensive, but it is on a different level then any other benchmade. The new spring assembly is bullet proof and extremely smooth. The blade is also a plus, I love the shape.

Hunt class: north fork

It reminds me of a mini grip with wood scales. I really like the wood look, or even the g10.
 
Gold Class:

7505-132. I want one SO BAD, but the aftermarket prices on these have skyrocketed.

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bluemetalchurch said:
Dude...I've been waiting on your post and you only hit us with Gold Class? :D
Click to expand...

Sorry, mane! Work has been a killer lately.

Here's my short take:

Black: The 9051 AFOII is simply the best auto ever made by Benchmade. If auto's are a no-no, the 275 Adamas is my go-to for beating on.

Blue: The 943 is the sexiest knife ever made... If they produce a -1 version with M390, I'd stop buying knives for a while. That being said, the Mini-Barrage is a very close second.
 
Cool thread, BMCGear BMCGear . There's a lot to choose from and it's hard to narrow down to one per class, so you'll find me piggy-backing one or two extras in here.

Blue Class: I'll have to go with the iconic, original AXIS-lock knife--the 710. Having just sold my BNIB 710SBK, I still have 3--my first BMK and user 710 in D2 which I rescued from an ill-treating owner and have re-habbed and modded with stand-offs; another 710 D2 bought LNIB; and a 710-1401 which I would eventually like to provide with custom scales.

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How'd that 705 sneak into the picture?

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Honorable mention: AFCK

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Black Class: We've got a lot of Strykers in our house--my wife has a satin Mini which she "adopted' when I was on the verge of selling it, a 908SBK, and a 908 satin; I've got a 908S and a 908BK-1501 which is my favorite.

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Edit: Black Class Honorable Mention: The Triage has been on my list for quite awhile, though I just haven't gotten around to picking one up. I really like that sheep foot blade and find the black and orange version particularly appealing. I see that for 2018 BMK will release the "Tactical Triage". I guess that's so when you find a guy trapped in a car wreck you can either rescue or attack him.

Hunt Class: No pics here because I don't actually own any. I did buy my son a DiamondWood Crooked River for his birthday and really like it. I've kept an eye on the Exchange for that one as well as a North Fork and have just missed a couple. Kind of a Mutt and Jeff pairing there.
 
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