Thoughts Hard Use Folding Knife- Benchmade Adamas

Paratrooper06 said:
Tom Veff does custom serrations
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If you really want to add serrations to whatever you choose, Veff has the best in the game. Never gotten any done but im familiar with them.
waveone said:
The other knives I'm considering are:

ZT 0308 CPM 20CV
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I own a ZT 308 and it's an absolute tank of a knife, and it's very, very well made. Out of all the knives listed (maybe excluding the AD10) the 308 probably has the best edge and grind while also being very tough. Cold Steel has been known to put great edges on their knives in my experience as well, but you will be limited to a back lock in most cases. If you like the AD10 I'd suggest jumping up to the AD15.

Now for the Adamas, im actually wanting to get a full sized myself. If you really are leaning towards it, I'd say get it, but get it in Cruwear. Cruwear was made to essentially be an upgraded and improved D2. It's known for its toughness, and the edge retention is up there with some very high quality steels as well. Some equate it to S30V for edge retention only. With that level of edge retention and the toughness of D2 and more, it's a very very very good choice for an outdoor/hard use knife. It's also worth mentioning you can find many makers online and places like Instagram that will do regrinds for a relatively inexpensive fee. That way you can have all the toughness of the knife, with a thinner blade bevel to do the actual cutting you need. This can be done to any knife but it's seen quite a bit on the Adamas.
 
waveone said:
The other knives I'm considering are:

ZT 0308 CPM 20CV
ZT Galyean
AD10

All are or appear quite capable for the intended use.
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I have the original Adamas, new (full size) Adamas, and the ZT 0308BLKTS

I like the Zero Tolerance best out of the three.

The handle ergonomics of the original Adamas are not fun for hard use as in actual forceful cutting.
The handle ergonomics of the newer Adamas are actually pretty good. :)

The Zero Tolerance is the best "slicer" of the bunch. The handle ergonomics on it are great too.

If "hard use" means prying with the tip though, then you'd want the original Adamas...the tip is ground really stout on it.

The AXIS lock is generally pretty reliable.
The newer Adamas has less tension on the Omega springs, probably because everyone has this obsession with thumb flicking their knives open. The newer Adamas does that really nicely; this does mean less tension keeping the lock forward though.

Here is what the old Adamas was like for "hard use":


Here's someone doing "hard use" with the new one:

 
I'd take a cold steel ad15 over an adamas all day. And twice on every day that ends in y.

I have had several benchmade adamas it is a good knife. The lock design on the ad15 is better. Coil spring vs the omega spring is a no brainer, as well as the lock is more forgiving of abuse and still having no blade play.

If you hit the blade hard while the lock axis lock is engaged such as batonning the liners that the axis bar rides in become dented and you will have permanent blade play until it gets new liners from benchmade.

The same exact activity/force done to an ad15 will result in no blade play. Obviously beating a folder like that is dumb. But the point stands, one is more durable/better designed than the other.
 
I have two; auto Adamas in the stable. These are definitely in the 'warblade class' of knives. Tough, solid D2 steel. I've never had a problem with both of these blades. Indeed, they are expensive (ca. $300 USD), but not if you know, what your looking-at. The SOG SEAL XR, ZT 0300's, and 4 MAX, also deserve consideration. But you've specifically, asked about the Adamas. So, I won't go into these knife specifics, which are available all over the forum. The full-size 'Addie' also carries, very easily in the pocket, for me. Fires-open with lighting authority, and the lock-up is tight. It also, features a safety if you feel the need to engage-it. Mine came razor-sharp, right-from-the-box. If your going to outlay-cash in the $300-dollar plus range, make sure your getting your money's-worth. I think they're worth-it, but only you, can make that call.

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Glad you created this thread as I too been in the same market recently for exactly your tastes as well. I'm sure some of my strong Manix 2's could handle the tasks and possibly even battoning on occasion. Maybe even my Sebenza could hold up (supposed to be hard use folder? 😶 however the Adamas was one that always seem to hung around from Benchmade.
Recently recommended to me I'm now seriously considering going with either the SR1, the Cold Steel Hunter, the Bushcrafter, the AD10, AD15, and the Max Scout. Wish I had the funds to try them all in person thus will likely have to choose 2 and go from there.
 
killgar said:
I definitely consider the Adamas to be a heavy-duty folder. My concern would be the potential for an omega spring to break and my ability to get a replacement. I've seen enough people over the years tell of experiencing such a spring breakage in their Benchmade Axis lock knives that it gives me a little cause for concern. But that being said, I'd still consider the knife as an option.

Another option I would consider is something from Cold Steel, like maybe the AD-10. Cold Steel is known for heavy-duty folders, as well as having one of the strongest folder locks on the market (Triad lock).
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I also consider the Adamas to be a hard use folder. I did have 1 of the omega springs break on mine after a few years of use. I have several other Benchmade knives that I own and have equally used and never had any problems with the spring on those. Anyways, What I did was I purchased a 6 pack of springs online and replaced the broken spring myself. The Adamas hasn’t skipped a beat since. I also could’ve send it in for the spring replacement to Benchmade. Bottom line the Adamas is a tank of a knife and comes close to the feel of using a fixed blade IMO.
 
All ,

Excellent comments and thoughts on this sometimes vexing decision, yet again.

UNBLF, Stabman, Zephyr One Zero thanks for the videos.

The Adamas- the CruWear and overbuilt construction is why it’s at the top. The Axis lock and springs is why I’m looking at others. That stated, batoning aside, I don’t expect failure because it will be used accordingly.

ZT- I’ve got unused 0300 in s30v. Built like a tank, but I find that screaming edge aside, I want a tougher steel.

AD10 and the 4Max both look like tough knives. The locks appear insanely rigid. Watched a video of someone testing the AD10 strength by hanging over 700# on it. Impressive The AD10 looks to fit the bill but perhaps a bit wide? Could be wrong on that. The 4Max is looks like it’s about right too just not looking to spend $400 plus on that piece of equipment right now.

Anyway also looking for something that I may EDC. After carrying the Emerson Super Commander for years that size doesn’t deter me

Any other suggestions are welcome

You fellas are much more sophisticated than I am on knives. Some of the steel I see on this board is just awesome. Both exotic and built to work
 
Glad, that I could be of slight-service to you waveone. I agree with your analysis, regarding the other blades. The SOG SEAL XR might fit into your criteria, and it's under $200 USD, and in S35VN. But, then again I have no idea, what your redlines are. This one is quite robust, and carries well.

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The full sized Adamas, with Cruwear steel, is a good hard use folder. ideal for people with large hands.

A lot of people doing videos on YouTube seem to think the standard for hard use folder is batoning, which is not exactly right tool for the right job. Worse, they baton with the blade locked, which is a great way to break any folder's lock. You could give some of these people the Benchmade Proper to review and the first thing they'd do would be batoning.

 
I used to really like my old Benchmade mini Rukus for hard use folder stuff. I really wish I still had that one.
 
The Grendels said:
The full sized Adamas, with Cruwear steel, is a good hard use folder. ideal for people with large hands.

A lot of people doing videos on YouTube seem to think the standard for hard use folder is batoning, which is not exactly right tool for the right job. Worse, they baton with the blade locked, which is a great way to break any folder's lock. You could give some of these people the Benchmade Proper to review and the first thing they'd do would be batoning.

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Yes indeed. I’d definitely put the knife through the rigors so to speak but batoning? No need unless it is an absolute necessity. I’ve got somewhat wide palms so a thinner handle like on the ZT Galyean which I like would be tough

Can’t grip it, can’t rip it.

Thanks ZO/Z that SOG looks tough, like another serious contender. Great price too
 
Lots of choices here boys. I’ll say this, Cold Steel has impressed me since I’ve researched them. That’s good steal, and they’re crafted quite well. SOG too though I’ve got a couple of their tools. They’re a bit overlooked

Thanks to you fellas I’m probably going to spend more than I initially anticipated and buy two. Still looking for a new pack though. Kind of liking the Mystery Ranch Metcalfe but that may wait a bit longer

That’s usually the way though, isn’t it?
 
I think there is a difference between a folder that is "hard use" and one that you can baton.

I just picked up an Adamas Auto today, so I have no real world anecdotal or empirical data. I know that it fires hard and locks up like a vault. I would say that it is a very robust and capable knife that can cut, slice, and pry/dig/drill. These are functions I consider to be within the scope of what a heavy duty folder can handle.

If I am putting enough shock on a folder to cause the lock to wallow out and bend the liners, I am either using the knife very, very incorrectly or literally chopping myself out of a car sinking below the waves and don't give a damn if the thing gets buggered.

Let me put it this way: I have no doubt that my CS XL Voyager would handle batoning better/longer than an Adamas. The tri ad lock is just a beast. However, it will develop side to side play sooner and I will snap the tip off faster than the Adamas because the BM knife has a more robust profile at the tip and is made with thick steel liners. I would rather have a knife handle hard cutting tasks over and over and over rather than survive one torture/destruction test.

In short, I think the Adamas may be one of the tougher folders I have purchased in a long while. Yes the axis lock has a spring and there are moving parts, but if they are fit together well (which my example seems to be), I see absolutely no reason why someone couldn't rely on this knife in a scrape.

I was not a huge Benchmade fan at all, but I am really bowled over by this folder. It reminds me of what ZT used to.
 
Steely_Gunz said:
I think there is a difference between a folder that is "hard use" and one that you can baton.

I just picked up an Adamas Auto today, so I have no real world anecdotal or empirical data. I know that it fires hard and locks up like a vault. I would say that it is a very robust and capable knife that can cut, slice, and pry/dig/drill. These are functions I consider to be within the scope of what a heavy duty folder can handle.

If I am putting enough shock on a folder to cause the lock to wallow out and bend the liners, I am either using the knife very, very incorrectly or literally chopping myself out of a car sinking below the waves and don't give a damn if the thing gets buggered.

Let me put it this way: I have no doubt that my CS XL Voyager would handle batoning better/longer than an Adamas. The tri ad lock is just a beast. However, it will develop side to side play sooner and I will snap the tip off faster than the Adamas because the BM knife has a more robust profile at the tip and is made with thick steel liners. I would rather have a knife handle hard cutting tasks over and over and over rather than survive one torture/destruction test.

In short, I think the Adamas may be one of the tougher folders I have purchased in a long while. Yes the axis lock has a spring and there are moving parts, but if they are fit together well (which my example seems to be), I see absolutely no reason why someone couldn't rely on this knife in a scrape.

I was not a huge Benchmade fan at all, but I am really bowled over by this folder. It reminds me of what ZT used to.
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This Was awesome to hear, I've been wanting to pick a Full size up in Cruwear and I've put it off because of the price, but it won't be long before I get one. Nothing but good words going around about them since they were updated and I've been a fan of the design for years.

You can't go wrong with any of these suggestions OP, and to be honest if you still want a big folder just for EDC, I think that ZT 308 would surprise you. It is $300 but it's well worth the quality. That's if I were you though.
 
Steely_Gunz said:
I think there is a difference between a folder that is "hard use" and one that you can baton.

I just picked up an Adamas Auto today, so I have no real world anecdotal or empirical data. I know that it fires hard and locks up like a vault. I would say that it is a very robust and capable knife that can cut, slice, and pry/dig/drill. These are functions I consider to be within the scope of what a heavy duty folder can handle.

If I am putting enough shock on a folder to cause the lock to wallow out and bend the liners, I am either using the knife very, very incorrectly or literally chopping myself out of a car sinking below the waves and don't give a damn if the thing gets buggered.

Let me put it this way: I have no doubt that my CS XL Voyager would handle batoning better/longer than an Adamas. The tri ad lock is just a beast. However, it will develop side to side play sooner and I will snap the tip off faster than the Adamas because the BM knife has a more robust profile at the tip and is made with thick steel liners. I would rather have a knife handle hard cutting tasks over and over and over rather than survive one torture/destruction test.

In short, I think the Adamas may be one of the tougher folders I have purchased in a long while. Yes the axis lock has a spring and there are moving parts, but if they are fit together well (which my example seems to be), I see absolutely no reason why someone couldn't rely on this knife in a scrape.

I was not a huge Benchmade fan at all, but I am really bowled over by this folder. It reminds me of what ZT used to.
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LOL- This is well stated. I’ve essentially alluded to this, just not as eloquently or in such humorous, hyperbolic terms.

If it comes down to preserving a .35c spring, or even a $300 knife verse me drowning in a sinking vehicle, suffering hypothermia 40 miles in the back country or having to drive the knife through the skull of a bear while rodeoing on his back Jeremiah Johnson style, the knife will be gladly sacrificed. I’ll consider it money well spent.

BTW- I’m not a Benchmade fan either, but the Adamas has my attention
 
Paratrooper06 said:
I don’t personally rate a folding knife’s overall “reliability” based on the spine-whack test and batoning. I have carried the mini adamas and used it for hard use tasks. When held like you would hold a knife, it doesn’t fail. Not sure why these youtubers try to push a lock to failure using methods outside the normal scope of use and then people judge the knife a failure. It’s all rather dramatic. If I want to split wood I’ll use a hatchet or axe. If I want to bang on the back of a cutting tool, again: hatch or axe, or maybe a fixed blade if desperate. Not a 3.3” folding knife.

It’s sort of like buying a pushmower and complaining you can’t brush hog with it without the blades going dull or jamming up.
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IMO , "Hard Use" includes the worst situation in which a knife might be used .

Combat , survival , emergency use .

Panicky , stressful , over-the-top scenarios ...not routine , controlled usage where a slip joint would be fine . :rolleyes:

Twisting/ torquing forces and considerable pressure on the spine , going directly against the lock is exactly what defines " hard use " and distinguishes it from routine / causal use .

The closer a folder can be to a good solid fixed blade, the better for hard use , IMO . YMMV . :cool::thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
DocJD said:
IMO , "Hard Use" includes the worst situation in which a knife might be used .

Combat , survival , emergency use .

Panicky , stressful , over-the-top scenarios ...not routine , controlled usage where a slip joint would be fine . :rolleyes:

Twisting/ torquing forces and considerable pressure on the spine , going directly against the lock is exactly what defines " hard use " and distinguishes it from routine / causal use .

The closer a folder can be to a good solid fixed blade, the better for hard use , IMO . YMMV . :cool::thumbsup::thumbsup:
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So “hard use” to you means “not used as intended”, for me it means “used as intended, but with more force”.
 
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