Looking for a robust folder and the Adamas caught my eye

hexenjager

hexenjager

Joined
Feb 24, 2016
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Hello, Benchmade forum, I'm looking for a bit of guidance.

Recently I've begun looking for large, robust folder to add to my collection. This is a bit of uncharted territory for me in my collection and I thought it would be a good idea to gain some insight from members more experienced in the area.

I'm looking for a blade length around 4" in a very strong knife (at least for a folder) with one hand opening to supplement the capabilities of the multitools and sak's that are my staple edc's currently. Budget would be around $250, but that could probably flex a bit for the right knife. So far the Adamas (assisted or auto) is my leading contender, as it seems to tick the boxes, but I'm also open to other suggestions.

I'd also like to hear the pros and cons people have found with the Adamas vs other models. Also, since auto's are legal to carry in my state and the price difference doesn't seem that large, would there be any reason not to go with the automatic?

Thanks in advance for the help.
 
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If carrying an auto is a possibility for you, I'd put my recommendation in for an AFO 2. Nice and robust, locks fast and solid what's not to love?
 
I'd looked at that one as well. It's about the shortest blade length I'd be interested in for this particular purchase. Can you tell me more about it?
 
You would be crazy if you didn't consider the Loco ;)

You can get it with a satin or black S30V blade, thumb hole opening, lanyard tube, standoffs, it's got a smaller foot print in pocket than the Adamas. But the blade is just as thick. Unlike the Adamas, the Loco has a high grind making it more like a knife and less like an axe.
I have both knives & have rescaled many of both.
I have 1 Adamas.
I have 2 Loco's.
I love my Loco's.
The Loco is like crossing a large Ritter with a Adamas.
The Loco has the same heavy duty liners and heavy duty axis system as the Adamas does. Their blades are same thickness.

The Ritter and the Loco have the same cutting edge shape. The blades themselves are shaped differently. But their edges are the same shape. With the only difference being that the Loco's edge is longer.

It's like a Ritter on steroids!


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Crooked River is a bad ass knife and tough as tough can be!
I have a 908-1501 and it's a gorgeous beast!!
Finally the Mini Rukus, KSF has a beautiful exclusive right now, feels amazing in hand and is quite robust!!
If I had to choose just one....908-1501.....sexiest out of the bunch!! Close second would be the Mini Rukus!
Good luck and let us know which you decide on!
Joe
 
hexenjager said:
I'd looked at that one as well. It's about the shortest blade length I'd be interested in for this particular purchase. Can you tell me more about it?
Click to expand...

When I got it, a buddy of mine remarked that it was an incredibly idiotic edc knife because of it's weight. With all of that said, I can carry it clipped to my shorts pocket and walk around with it with no complaints
 
hexenjager said:
Hello, Benchmade forum, I'm looking for a bit of guidance.

Recently I've begun looking for large, robust folder to add to my collection. This is a bit of uncharted territory for me in my collection and I thought it would be a good idea to gain some insight from members more experienced in the area.

I'm looking for a blade length around 4" in a very strong knife (at least for a folder) with one hand opening to supplement the capabilities of the multitools and sak's that are my staple edc's currently. Budget would be around $250, but that could probably flex a bit for the right knife. So far the Adamas (assisted or auto) is my leading contender, as it seems to tick the boxes, but I'm also open to other suggestions.

I'd also like to hear the pros and cons people have found with the Adamas vs other models. Also, since auto's are legal to carry in my state and the price difference doesn't seem that large, would there be any reason not to go with the automatic?

Thanks in advance for the help.
Click to expand...

The Adamas is my favorite Benchmade out of my Grip/Contego/940-1. My only con is the pocket clip is a little lightweight for the size of the knife. I usually carry in a pack though, so not a big deal for me. As far as the automatic goes, cool if it's you thing...the regular Axis is super smooth on this knife.
 
ScooterG said:
The Adamas is my favorite Benchmade out of my Grip/Contego/940-1. My only con is the pocket clip is a little lightweight for the size of the knife. I usually carry in a pack though, so not a big deal for me. As far as the automatic goes, cool if it's you thing...the regular Axis is super smooth on this knife.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. It does seem to fairly well match what I started out looking for. Still looking onto some of the other models suggested too, though.
 
I got a great deal on an Adamas 275 off of the exchange recently, and I absolutely love it. It's extremely strong, feels great in the hand and has a buttery-smooth action. I have no reason to get the automatic version. The blade on the manual version deploys effortlessly, and I don't want the added mechanics of an auto. That's just my preference though. If you have your heart set on an automatic, then you might as well get it, since it's within your budget.

Some possible "cons" of the Adamas that come to mind are the:

1) weight,
2) thickness of the handle,
3) blade geometry, and
4) clip.

It's a heavy knife, so depending on your preferences, it might prove to be too much for pocket carry. The thickness of the handle has a bearing on this too. I don't have a problem carrying the Adamas in my pocket, but there are those who do, so it's worth mentioning.

As for blade geometry, Keyman makes some great points. Precision slicing definitely isn't this knife's strong suit. That might not be an issue for you though, since it sounds like you would carry it in conjunction with a SAK/multi-tool. It cuts well enough though. I used mine to breakdown some heavy cardboard the other day, and it powered through it without issue. Slicing apples is somewhat comical though. It tends to cleave them, rather than slice them, lol!

Others have mentioned the pocket clip. I don't have a problem with mine, but there are users who feel it's not robust enough for a knife this size, so it's something to consider.

I love my Adamas 275. It's a fantastic knife for what it was designed to be...a hard use tactical knife that can take a beating. If it checks all your boxes, then I say buy it. I think you'll really like it.
 
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Thanks Kels73. The Adamas is still my front-runner, but I'm still weighing some other options.

You are correct that it will be carried in addition to a knife with a smaller blade with better cutting geometry. If it was going to be the only knife carried, I doubt that I'd be satisfied with a saber grind that low on a relatively thick blade, but I suspect I'd get along with it for the sort of heavier tasks that I intend to use it for. A recent experience repairing a water line in one of my pastures was the final indicator to me that a larger, stouter knife with a much more secure grip would be handy (and safer) in a lot of situations I run into with my work. I'm certainly not giving up my multitool, but some shortcomings have also become pretty apparent over the years.

Besides, I like so many here, enjoy knives as a hobby as well, so I also "need" a new knife of an up until now unexplored type because of reasons... and stuff...
 
The Adamas is a great knife. It is very large and hefty but it feels great in the hand. My 275's action is one of the smoothest Axis knives I have. The 2750 auto version is nice too. The blade fires out pretty hard. A concern about buying an auto is that if you don't have military/LEO credentials Benchmade will not ship it back to you if it needs any service. Personally, if you want a large EDC I'd look hard at the Crooked River too. If I were going to carry it I'd probably get the -1 with G10 instead of the -2 with wood. Mine is just for the collection and photos so I got wood.

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Adams is a quality piece, quite the heavy knife though.

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The Adamas is still my favorite knife.

As mentioned, it's one of the smoothest Axis lock knives I own (and smoothest in general that I own), it's comfortable in-hand, and it's tough. I've used mine to do all sorts of stuff (camp work, construction, land work, etc.), and the D2 holds an edge remarkably well, without sucking to return to a usable edge if you do reach the point of dullness.

I'm not a sharpening wiz, no idea what you're ultimately capable of in D2, but as a tool, I have had zero complaints with the 275.

Can't tell you it's right for you, but I really like it.
 
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There is exactly one way to open an auto, and countless ways to open a manual axis lock. I've owned autos, and the are pretty much worthless in my pocket. Other than pure abusive strength, the adamas is overkill in my opinion. I found that the contego is the perfect blend of grip, strength and size, in that order. It has more grip and essentially the same blade and strength in a lighter package that is actually usable. Seriously, if you need the added a strength of the adamas, you really need a machete, hammer and superman.

Edit; unless this is really just for your collection as you mentioned. In that case it is a sweet knife to show your buddies.
 
I saw an Adamas at my local Gun shop. That thing was a brick... in a good way. The only reason it's not on my short list, is that for the size and weight I'd rather get a fixed blade. For the price, maybe 2... or 3... or 5.
 
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