Looking for a small Benchmade preferably with an Axis lock. Also Mini-Grip questions.

R

Rsgort

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Jul 19, 2012
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To make things quick: I am looking for a Benchmade knife that is small, similar in size to a Spyderco Dragonly2. Ideally it would also utilize the axis lock. What are my options?

A bit more info: Like most here I imagine, I am a big fan of Benchmade and their Axis lock. I carried BM556 Mini-Grip for about a year and loved it. One time though I became separated from it for about a month (flew cross-country and left it behind for simplicity sake) and started carrying a Spyderco Dragonfly2. In that time I quickly realized that the size of the Dragonfly2 was a lot more appropriate for my needs than my Mini-Grip was. I switched over to the Dragonfly2 for good and have been carrying that for the past year and it has been near perfect for my needs. I even ended up selling my Mini-Grip though that was partially due to not liking the cheap feeling scales.

Anyways I have grown to miss carrying an Axis lock and being a Benchamde fan-boy I would really like to use Benchmade knives for all my knife needs (daily carry, heavy weekend carry, day-hiking tips, longer hiking trips, car camping, and even defensive purposes god forbid) so I am looking to get back into the Benchmade game in a big way. So, what Benchmade can I carry that would fit my needs for a small daily carry knife? I would ideally prefer an Axis lock if possible but I am open to other locking suggestions. I want something that fits in the change pocket of a pair of jeans, my Mini-Grip would fit in my change pocket but not quite as well as my Dragonfly2.

If I can't find what I am looking for I am just going to pick up another Mini-Grip and then a custom set of scales for it. Speaking of such any scales in particular you guys can recommend? I am looking for something as lightweight, sleek, and compact as possible. I also usually prefer modern tactical style designs over the classic wood and steel aesthetic.

Now, what steel would you guys recommend for the Mini-grip? For daily carry I prefer knives with stainless qualities and I was very pleased with the 154cm performance when I was using it, but is it worth it to get some of the other stainless steels they offer such as the N6o0 or S30v? How about a Doug Ritter Mk1 in, do you guys think that knife is worth the extra cost? I usually prefer steels that are simple, easy to care for, easy to sharpen, and reasonably durable.

Thanks guys.
 
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I tend to lean towards smaller Benchmade knives, in that area the I've found the 707 Sequel to be quite excellent. I managed to snag a 707-1201 which is probably my favorite Benchmade.

The 470 Emissary is also smaller than the grip, although I find the assist to actually be a detractor and it gets used the least.

If you're interested in a slightly longer knife the 940 is deceptively thin for it's size.
 
I would recommend a 530. I recently picked up a 530-901 and I think its great.
 
Spyderco Dragonfly2 has a 2.25" blade. I don't think there's a Benchmade with Axis lock that's even close to that. Smallest is like 2.9".
 
With those requirements, I agree you're looking at the Sequel. I had one and while I thought it was a nice little knife, the handle just wasn't quite big enough and felt a little slippery to me. But that's just me.
 
Third vote for the 707. It's a great EDC. I've had one now for 7 or 8 years with a lot of pocket time. Just had Keyman do a set of Ivory Snake scales for it and couldn't be happier. Here is a pic Keyman took http://s868.photobucket.com/user/Keyman25/media/707/DSCN8955_zps33d34be4.jpg.html

I've also had a Mini Grip 556 a few years longer than the 707. The 707 feels more substantial in lock up, probably due to the full liners though. I prefer the 707 just got another 707BK this time.

WingNuts
 
While the Benchmade 707 is not as small as the Spyderco Dragofly2 I also recommend you get one if you don't have one. It's a great little narrow profile folder. I have three versions: 707SBK, 707 and 707-1201. The first one I got was in August 2005 and the last one is that M390/CF limited edition one which is still available.
 
I will go ahead and agree with the good comments above....
The 707 Sequel is a superb Gent's folder and rides in the pocket like it's barely there.
The axis-lock is icing on the cake.
I've owned mine for nearly a decade and it still finds time in my pocket.
 
Aside from the 707, my first thought would be to look for one of the 470 Emissary models. Great blade, compact, and among the smallest Axis (this is assisted) models in the 2013 catalog. This knife is a gem and worth a look.
 
The LE 707 in M390 would be what I would recommend for small light weight with a good steel.




For Mini-Grips my preference would be the Ritter series in one of the LE M4 steel versions, with custom scales of coarse.

 
I thought I'd hate the 470 Emissary because of the assist, it really does not make sense to put an assist on an axis lock (which opens just as fast). But I was wrong, I love the 470. I carry it much more than the 707, which is a great knife as well.
 
Joe58 said:
With those requirements, I agree you're looking at the Sequel. I had one and while I thought it was a nice little knife, the handle just wasn't quite big enough and felt a little slippery to me. But that's just me.
Click to expand...

Yes...I actually prefer either the 705 or a Mini-Grip to the 707...YMMV, obviously.
 
Thanks a lot guys. So yeah, looks like I will either be going with the 556 Mini-Grip or the 707 Sequel. I might go with the Mini-Grip due to all the customization options. I may buy a 556 from the BM website and design my own to get the black screws and stubs and then get some aftermarket sales, but that would be a lot more expensive than just getting the 707.

Anyways thanks again for the advice.

It is too bad that BM does not make some smaller Axis lock options. Seems small knives are decently popular and the axis lock is well loved so it would seem like a good idea to make a small axis lock knife.
 
Hi all,
I wasn't able to find any Benchmades with as small a blade as the Spyderco Dragonfly (2.25 inch or so) that I have. I, too, went looking for an axis lock model, myself, that small and the only one I could find was the SOG Bluto with a 2.25 inch VG-10 blade, arc lock (which is SOG's rendition of the axis lock), steel liners with blued aluminum scales. This turned out to be a very nice quality tiny pocket knife, better than their smallest current folder offering, the Mini Spec Elite, in my opinion. (The Bluto will fit very nicely in the little change pocket in jeans.) No longer in their catalogue, but still available online if one looks. I realize it's not the brand you were hoping for, but it might be worth a look.
 
I'd love to see a smaller axis knife as well. Something based on the ultra light, ultra slim 530 but with a 2.5-2.7" blade would be awesome.
 
I've owned several Dragonflies (including a couple of Salt series that I dyed), and I understand the sentiment between the mini-grip (a good small pocket knife) and the Dragonfly (by all standards, a micro-sized pocket knife at 1.2oz).

If you're looking for something close, then the 707 Sequel (2.6oz) is a good start if you're looking for shortest possible blade (2.95") with Axis lock, and the 470 Emissary is just a hair longer in 3" blade (2.2oz), but the 530 Pardue is amazingly light weight (1.88oz) and disappears in the pocket like the Dragonfly does - you get a 3.25" blade (which is a bonus to me, but if you don't want that extra length, then it's obviously a negative). It's also thinner than any other Benchmade I've owned.

There's always the mini-Presidio, but it's heavy (3.1oz) and very Griptilian like (Presidio has a better handle if you ask me).
 
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Another vote for the 707...carrying mine today actually. I find it to be a great office or dressy knife for lighter EDC tasks mainly. However, due to the 707's handle size and shape, my hand locks much better into the 556 and even more so with the Ritter due to the better thumb ramp and jimping.

I have all 3, but if I had to choose only one for all around carry, I'd go with the Ritter due to it feeling better in the hand when using it (plus better steel and blade shape IMO), and IMO more versatile being both good in the office and in the woods if heavier use is needed.
 
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