Just in.......Benchmade 530

Cosmic Superchunk

Cosmic Superchunk

Joined
Jan 28, 2001
Messages
3,709
Hi folks, yet another folder has made it's way to my hands and this time it's a Pre-Production Benchmade/Mel Pardue designed model 530S.

bm530S.jpg


bm530Sfolded.jpg


The new model 530 replaces Benchmade's previous model 350 and now employs the Axis lock as it's main feature, unlike the linerlock of it's older brother. Also, unlike the model 350, the pocketclip on the 530 is set up for tip up carry only and can be reversed for left hand users.

Blade Length: 3.25"
Blade Thickness: 0.09"
Blade Material: 440C Stainless Steel
Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC
Blade Style: Spear-Point
Weight: 1.9oz.
Clip: Reversible Black Stainless Steel
Lock Mechanism: AXIS™
Overall Length: 7.42"
Closed Length: 4.17"
Class: Blue

Okay, now for my impressions:
This knife is thin. Very thin. For those of you who like stout little knives, this is not the knife for you. This is a slim and lightweight folder that slips nicely into your pocket and won't "print" on your trousers. If that's your bag, this knife may be of interest to you. It's a good looking knife with a very sharp spear point/dagger-like blade that opens up easly and smoothly via dual black thumb pegs and locks up tight thanks to the Axis lock.

Unlocking the knife is just as easy although the "ends" of the Axis lockbar that one pulls back on to close the blade are designed differently from the ones on Benchmade's other Axis knives in that they look like little bowls curving inwardly. This I do not like. I found it just a bit harder to grip the lock with the fingers to unlock the blade and after a while of repeated openings and closings, my fingers got sore. I'd rather see the standard Axis lockbar even if it adds a little thickness to the handle. In fact, it would hardly be noticable.

The blade is 3.25 inches of 440C stainless steel in a "tumbled" finish and is partially serrated (on the Pre-Production models). I don't much care for serrations on a knife, but on a knife this thin and small, serrations just add to it's utility. It's daggerish appearance combined with the handle shape makes for an attractive folding boot knife that is very lightweight and can even clipped to a shirt pocket without adding much bulk.

The pocket clip is shaped just like the clip on the Benchmade 921 & 780 except it's black just like the screws on the knife. Speaking of the screws. I don't know what kind of coating is used on the screws, but they seem to wear rather quickly. In just a few hours of handling the knife, I noticed that the finish on the pivot screw and the pocket clip screws began to wear. It's interesting since I've carried, handled and used older Benchmade models for several months even years and never noticed the finish on the screws wearing out so quickly. This is something I'm seeing on many other manufacturer's knives as well, not only Benchmades. On the plus side, one can either polish the screws and pocket clip to match the blade or one can darken them with several products available to keep the black "tactical" look.

The black plastic-like handle made of Noryl GTX is quite comfortable, provides a good grip and has a generously sized lanyard hole. For this knife, the handle material is more than adequate, but I think an aluminum handle would add strength and a little more weight in order to be really appreciated. For a lightweight folder, it's not a bad little knife. If you're looking for a sharp folder with a very slim profile, or just looking for a small folding boot knife, you may want to give the Benchmade 530 a go.
 
Looks like a another good knife from Benchmade, thanks for the review.
 
Wonder why they are using 440C? Seems like Benchmade is cutting some corners in their blade steel. They used to be top of the line, ATS34 or equivalent in virtually all of their knives, except for the higher performing M2. I expected them to move up to the S30V across their line, but they haven't. If this is a replacement for the 350, that knife was ATS34.

In a similar case, Benchmade took their Park Avenue (only Terzuola model) which was 154CM and boron carbide coated in 2001, and dumbed it down to uncoated 440C in 2002, removed the silver chain, but kept the price the same. I always wondered if this was one of the reasons Terzuola severed his relationship with Benchmade and thus his name was removed as the designer.

Not that there is anything inherently wrong with 440C, but Benchmade use to pride themselves on their premium steels i.e. at the head of the pack.
 
I think the move to 440C is an attempt to keep prices competitive on budget USA made models. An axis lock knife with an S30V blade would probably have an MSRP of $150 instead of $100 as is the case with the 530. I don't mind 440C. It is very rust resistant and sharpens much more easily than many more high-end steels.

On another point, I just love the look of the 530. In a year where I intend to drastically reduce the number of knives bought, this is one knife I intend to pick up (heck, I may get two!) I'm just a sucker for light, dagger style folders.:D
 
the first thing i noticed was the different styled axis lock. The inward dent on the lock seems good at first but then I began to think that it might be hard to grip. Is this going to be the standard on all the axis locks or just on this knife
 
I am not sure your right on the pricing strategy Anthony. The new 530S has the same MSRP as the old 350, $90. The 350 runs about $60-65 actual price. Maybe the steel quality was dropped to account for an increase in cost due to the axis vs. liner lock. However, given their changes to the Park Avenue, within a year, and no change in price, it may be they are trying to squeeze a little extra dealer or Benchmade profit out of the product. Don't forget, spyderco will give you VG-10 or better in all of their knives with a MSRP of $90 or more.

I do think the design is sweet, better than a lot of other Axis lock benchmades. I liked the 350, however with the axis lock, the 530 should flick open like lightening. If the price comes down to $60, I'll get one.
 
Actually, you can get a Spyderco Delica in VG-10 with an MSRP of $68 and an internet price just over $40 and a limited edition Calypso JR in VG-10 for about the same.
 
I personally like Benchmade's 440C steel, even better than I liked their ATS-34. (I also like their 154CM better than their ATS-34 as well, even though they are supposedly about the same). 440C, or at least BM's version, takes a wicked edge, holds it well enough, and resharpens very well, and is also a fairly durable steel. I don't feel them going to 440C on some of their line is a step down at all, I guess how good a particular steel type is depends on the individual knife manufacturer.
Jim
 
I've been looking to order one from various on-line sources, they don't seem to be readily available. Anyone know where all of them are?
Thanks,
Kurt
 
I resurrected this thread because I just handled two of the pre-production models today.

I was disappointed. The handles flex way too much for my liking. The dual steel liners for the axis lock is only about 1/3 or 1/2 of the length of the handle and provide little support to the handle. The thumb posts are tiny and hard to get to. The axis lock is stiff. With the concave ends on the axis you can't pull it back and flick the knife open as with other axis knives. The over impression is cheap...plastic...unfriendly to open and close.

The knife was discounted to $49 at my local knife shop. This is a deep discount since this store sells at or over MSRP. The clerk told me that they were not selling. They still had two of the older versions (350) for sale for about $100. The clerk said people like the older ones better. Most complaints are due to the flimsy handle and poor thumbstuds.
 
As long as it is revived...
I looked forward for 530. But felt rather dissapointed when handled it. I knew, that "toy-feeling" is a thing to expect. But the new handle design was something completely discharming... 350 had these wonderfull finger groves, which gave a secure feeling to the small handle. And 530's handle lacks them. I just felt that nothing between forefinger and blade... Not too pleasant...
 
I'm a HUGE fan of Benchmade (odd, with a nic like rockspyder, eh?), but the 530 just doesn't do it for me. I would go with the 350 and the ATS-34 (I HATE ATS-34) before I'd go with the 530 and 440C (I LOVE 440C). The 520's handles are just a total non-starter for me.
 
I still love my 530. I agree, it gives the impression of fimsiness, and it does flex. But I have been pretty damn tough on mine, and it's held up perfectly. I think it cuts way outside its weight class, and I like the ergos - it fits my hand much better than my BM 705. The thin blade with the fine edge just cuts and cuts. And it's insanely carry-able - so flat, so light.

If it doesn't fit your hand, then it doesn't. But I find it very nice piece.

Nick
 
Nick, just out of curiosity, did you ever have a 350 or handle one? Even though it was a little shorter, for some reason the handles just felt better. But, like you say, if it doesn't fit....
 
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