Benchmade 3300 Infidel OTF

08/27/2011 by Tony

-Price Paid: N/A
-Used for Self Defense
-Owned for Less than 1 Month

Comments:

Let me start off here by saying that I have not purchased this knife (it would be illegal for me to do so), this is purely a review based upon getting my hands on test model that was at my local Gun Store.

Having said that "My God" what a knife with incredible technology behind it and only the highest quality materials used to build it...!!!

The inbuilt Automatic Safety will stop the the blades deployment is incredible stopping dead in it's tracks if it even touches a piece of paper and with a slight flick of the knife it springs into action.

The build quality is indeed world class and reflects the very finest quality that American Knife Making has to offer.

The name may not exactly be "Politically Correct" but who really cares, it is what it is a "Killing Machine" that without doubt could save both our Troops or Police Officers lives in a life or death situation.

The knives action is as smooth as a babies bottom (as the saying goes) and deploys first time every time with Authority.

With a price tag of nearly $400.00 on the surface looks expensive, but when you couple that it's for real life or death situations and the fact that the retail price is never the actual price this can be over looked.

Benchmade does offer special discounts to "Active Military and Police Officers", but this knife is so GOOD they should NOT be having to put there hands in there own pockets to buy one. We ask our brave troops to risk there lives every day for our freedom and this knife should be standard kit..!!

---

Benchmade 585 Mini Barrage

08/26/2011 by Old Bill

-Price Paid: N/A
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for Less than 1 Month

Comments:

I purchased the 585 plain blade(I didn't see any reason for semi serration on a 2.91 inch blade), it is the second Benchmade that I have purchased and over all it is a great little EDC. The position of the safety towards the front of the knife is in an ideal position and the Axis Lock System is without doubt the best in the market today.

The steel being 154CM is a high enough quality that holds an edge and resists rust extremely well.

The only shall I say let down is plastic scales (grips), they appear to be and feel like a hollow PLASTIC. For the money I would have expected better of Benchmade considering that the knife is well engineered with stainless steel liners at an asking price of $130.00 (that is not what I paid for it off course).

Don't get me wrong it's a little great knife that has at least something to hold onto, but why cut corners on the scales and not make the perfect knife...:)

I do love this knife and it's one that I would recommend to others, especially if you like a little bit of chunk in your hand when using it.

But honestly Benchmade in these hard times, round the knife off with something like G10 Scales so we feel like it's truly value for money (but that is just my opinion and you know what they say about opinions....:)

Fallkniven A1

08/24/2011 by not available

-Price Paid: $167.00
-Used for Light Duty/General
-Owned for 3 months

Comments:

Cold Steel SRK San-Mai probably the same thing and a little cheaper. Bought mainly because of the high rating Noss gave on Knifetests.com. GHave not really tested yet, but does seem like a well made knife, just possibly susceptible to chipping.

---

---

Benchmade 15030 Bone Collector Axis Mini Folder

08/20/2011 by Old Bill

-Price Paid: $105.00
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for 6 months

Comments:

This may or may not be the right reason to give a knife full marks right across the board however when you (as many do) suffer from Arthritis it's the most important reason.

I have always carried a pocket knife since the first time I was given one by my Late Father about 55 years ago and would feel naked now without one. However over the last few years gripping one had become an increasing problem, I looked around and was determined to find one that had the ergonomics that I needed.

I have to admit that when I put this one into my hand I was shocked at how natural it felt and how well I could hold onto it without any pain. I say that because it looked to me like it was meant to be some COOL looking knife for a young person, with its Logo and design (just goes to show looks can be deceiving).

The D2 Tool Steel doesn't worry me as I am use to a higher carbon blade and have always looked after my knives (I am a bit old school I am afraid). The Blade shape is also perfect as an outdoors person and any every day use.

This AXIS LOCK by Benchmade has is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING and makes one hand opening a breeze, a feature that I thought I would never have in a knife (being an old Lock-back man).

The price tag wasn't cheap at $100.00, but let me tell you the truth when you have Arthritis price is the last issue on the list.

Whats the use in paying half the money for a knife if you can't use and the brown wood Walnut Scales are beautiful to the eye and at my age a little bit if luxury over the G10 scales doesn't hurt either...:)

Gerber Torch II

08/19/2011 by marc

-Price Paid: $45.00
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

i've had this knife for over a year now and it has heled up nicely...flips ovep very fast..the flip part doubles as hand guard....nice grip rides nice in front pocket with pocket clip..weights in at 5 ounces..i like the combo serrated blade straight blade nice dual purpose for the price you can't beat it

KaBar Full Size KaBar

08/17/2011 by Scott

-Price Paid: $60.00
-Used for Outdoor/Survival
-Owned for 3 months

Comments:

This knife exceeded my expectations. As an outdoors person, and a member in the military, I was astonished the durability and overall performance of this combat/utility knife. There really is nothing to complain about, although the ergonomics of the knife aren't superb. It has a very simple grip, which is all I need, but to some it may not be the best of course. For 60 bucks, you get more than what you paid for in my opinion.

I haven't needed to sharpen this knife yet, which is surprising given the fact that I have used it a ton, and it still looks pretty close to new. I use this knife when I hunt, camp, hike, or fish, and it hasn't let me down yet. One thing I have noticed though, is that it really isn't the best knife for sawing, or chopping wood. This really isn't that big of a deal for me because I think all the other pro's make up for it big time.

Like the other reviews have mentioned, this knife can take a lot of abuse. It's no wonder why the military has been using this knife for so long.

Overall, I would recommend this knife to any person who is looking for a rugged knife they can depend on.

Benchmade 583-1 Warn

08/17/2011 by Michael D.

-Price Paid: $129.00
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

I have always been fascinated by the idea of owning Automatic Knife, but to own one in at least my state is illegal (other than active military, police or if you only have one arm) and is out of the question.

My son is active military so I had the chance to try his 5300SBK out, then I went to my local gun store with him and saw the 583SBK-Warm and we compared them.

The 583SBK-Warm (the black semi serrated blade version) is completely legal in my state and all over the USA, but it did leave me wondering why do you need an Auto with FAST action on this BEAUTIFUL Knife.

The build quality is absolutely superb and the G10 Scales are very hardy without any rubbing off on my sons 5300SBK black coating that's plagued it.

I found the scale quality is superior to the normal 580 version in a NASTY PLASTIC scales and the action is extremely smooth, now I say who needs an Auto when you can have one of these.

This knife really covers the whole gambit from self defense to simply peeling an orange and the RED back spacer just makes the knife POP.

You know it's a great knife when that he prefers it to what the Military Issued HIM....:)

I think it was a little pricey at first, but is well worth it in the long run..!!!

Kershaw Leek

08/17/2011 by Jason

-Price Paid: $79.00
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for 1 year

Comments:

There's really not much if anything to dislike about the Leek. I bought the G-10 handled version with SV30 blade. The ergonomics are fantastic, the handle has excellent grip. I like the pointed profile of the blade and the SV30 steel has remarkable durability and holds a razor sharp edge after hard use. The spring deployment of the blade is very strong and responsive...even after repeated opening and closing. Ken Onion definately did his homework.....one of his finer productions. I've did some reading up on the production of this knife, and I've learned it's even more American than you might think. Not only is it made in the U.S.A., but the materials are practically all American as well.........

SV30 Blade Steel - (Crucible Technologies -Syracuse, New York)

G-10 fiberglass and resin (PPG Industries, Lexington,NC and Pittsburg,PA)

Spring Steel for Clip - (Nucor,Birmingham,AL)

The list goes on for the Leek and the Kershaw brand. One of the greatest patriotic companies in America. And certainly one of the most innovative.

Kershaw Skyline

08/17/2011 by Jason

-Price Paid: $29.00
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

Bought my Skyline at Wal-Mart on sale two years ago and haven't carried nary another blade since. I love the ergonomics, the flipper action is crisp and deploys with authority. I like the shape and size of the blade as well.... it is substantial enough in size but hides well in the flat profile of the G-10 handles. A very good quality of Swedish Sandvik steel went into the blade, and it holds a decent edge after cutting cardboard over extended periods. Don't encounter problems with sharpening either. A couple laps over a ceramic rod and it's right. I guess my favorite atribute of this knife is that it's made right here in the good old U.S.A.

One thing I will mention.....DO NOT MESS WITH THE SMALL SCREWS HOLDING THE HANDLE TOGETHER!! Seriously, they're easy to strip out. Stupid me just had to take them out to clean the knife, and when I put them back in I stripped them...so now they're epoxied in. It's best to just blow it out with an air hose instead. The blade screw is the only screw you don't have to worry about messing up. I take this apart to clean out lint and residue from the blade and oil the bearings. But again, the Skyline is a Kershaw Masterpiece and one of my most favorite knives ever.

Gerber Profile Folder

08/17/2011 by Nick R

-Price Paid: $32.00
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for 1 year

Comments:

The Gerber Profile Folding knife, an okay EDC tool. i find it might be slightly large and intimidating if pulled in public.

Fairly cheap knife. Non slip Rubber grip is decent, does its job adequately.

Blade is razor sharp out of box but wears down fairly quickly. Thumbstud on either side of the blade allow an easy one handed opening for leftys or rightys. Blade however loosens easily, also Liner lock is thin and also becomes flimsy very quickly.

By no means is this knife meant for bushcraft or camping. At least i wouldnt trust it.

Comes with a plain nylon sheath. COMPLAINTS; When closed, the blade "bottoms out" and becomes dull/Bent/Folded over on the screws connecting the handle. and for repair purposes a torx screwdriver is required (Star shaped)

Strider DBL

08/17/2011 by Steve

-Price Paid: $250.00
-Used for Outdoor/Survival
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

I purchased my non-NSN DB-L about 2 years ago and since then it has been a fixture on my weapons training belt rig. The included kydex sheath attaches perfectly to the safariland 6004 leg shroud. In this role it is mainly used as a cardboard box entry tool, however I have no doubt that it can punch through automotive sheetmetal and pry doors off of houses. Through use the blade has shown a tendency to stain slightly, however cleans up well. The long edge remains very sharp despite abrasive gravel and sand working its way into the sheath, although the large flat surfaces are lightly scratched from the debris. However if I bought another DB-L it would be one of the gunner-gripped versions, the paracord wrap is nice, but I prefer the gunner grips.

Overall I'm very happy with this knife and would recommend it to anybody looking for sharpened prybar (the blade is 0.250" thick!)

Buck 119 Special

08/13/2011 by Tim

-Price Paid: $45.00
-Used for Outdoor/Survival
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

The Buck 119 Special is a timeless classic that has been around for a long time like the 110 and 300 series. Buck is well known for being able to get a good heat treat out of the highly rust resistant 420HC, and this particular knife is no exception despite stainless steel for a 6 inch knife being possible questionable in terms of durability. The primary problem I found with the 119 Special is that the handle (the black version) is extremely smooth and therefore difficult to hold if wet in any fashion, although the aluminum guard and pommel along with the finger groove for the forefinger helps to keep your hand from slipping around too much. I am unsure if the Cocobolo provides any more grip and is worth the extra 20 or so US dollars if worth it. Another flaw (which seems to happen with Buck a lot) is uneven grinds for the edge. One side had a more acute and long grind than the other even though the knife was still paper cutting sharp. The leather sheath is head and shoulders above the kydex one offered as well. For 40 US dollars at a Walmart or online, you get a lot of knife that is good, just not the absolute best knife, which would cost a lot more money.