Benchmade 520 Presidio

Reviewed 08/07/2011 by Tim D.

-Price Paid: N/A
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for 6 months

Comments:

Mmmm...the Benchmade 520. What a tank this thing is. Some Benchmades that I'm eying [and will probably buy] are just too nice to take out in the field. This knife though is built for hard use and almost demands to be roughed up a little. It's design is simple and functional. My 9 out of ten in the ergonomics is only because the bi-directional raised grip pattern is a little agressive when brand new. I imagine they'll soften so to speak with age. This knife will eat your pants but being that I buy second hand clothing,I don't care.This knife is known to be heavy but I like heavy knives; I figure I won't lose them as easliy.The steel is yummy 154CM and holds an edge just fine. I happen to have the non-serrated version with black coating [the coating will eventually show signs of wear after use]. After opening and closing the knife for a week, the axis lock and pivot were as smooth as whipped cream. And for such a simple knife design-wise, it looks cool in that matte black sort of way. I rotate this as an EDC with a ZT 0350 and a Benchmade 741 so again,weight and size are not an issue with me personally.

Reviewed 11/05/2010 by Jefe

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

Comments:

You might want to disregard this review because I bought the 15020 "Bone Collector" first and gave it to my son last week. I liked the BC better.

The 520 has an excellent all black, 154CM 3.42" drop point blade but a handle that tends to be a little aggressive on the aluminum handle ridges. The 520 Presido is one of my least favorite Benchmades, but many like the Mini-Presidio (525) over its bigger brother.

My least favorite Benchmade is still better to me than most other brands. This time next year, it will loosen up and probably win a "knife of the year" award.

Reviewed 03/05/2010 by Joe

-Price Paid: N/A
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

The 520 and smaller 525 Presidio's are excellent knives. Built like tanks they feature drop point blades in both plain and combo edges. The bi-directional aluminum handle scales can be "pocket eaters" due to the heavy duty ribbing, but with gloves or without you will not lose your grip.

I carry my 520 in a large Benchmade velcro pouch clipless, just personal choice, but this knife and it's smaller brother are worth the money, recommended!

Reviewed 02/28/2010 by Norton

-Price Paid: N/A
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

I have owned my 520 Presidio for at least four years. It is one of my go to EDC knives. The only real issue with this knife is the weight. Compared to a Sebenza or Spyderco it feels like a rock in your pocket. However the ergonomics are outstanding. The 520 fills the hand well and has a locked in feel when held in various grips. The axis lock has performed flawlessly and is lightning fast. 154 CM blade steel has a nice balance of edge holding and ease of sharpening. If you like a knife with a good ergonomics that is built like a tank, check out a 520. For those who do not like a heavy folder clipped to your pocket there are others to consider.

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