Benchmade Knives at The Multitool.org Store

[Travis Autry]

After a good bit of searching, I finally found a wholesale source for Benchmande knives.  As a trial run, I picked up a Mini Griptilian and an Mini Presidio Ultra for The Multitool.org Store.  Both are entry-level Benchmade knives with features that allow them to play way above their price point, including 440C(Mini Presidio) or 154CM(Mini Griptilian) and the superb Axis lock mechanism.

Mini Presidio: http://www.edcsource.com/Benchmade-Mini-Presidio-Ultra-Knive,name,114236,auction_id,auction_details

Mini Griptilian:  http://www.edcsource.com/Benchmade-556-Mini-Griptilian-Plain-Edge-Blue-Grips,name,114237,auction_id,auction_details

My supplier does not have every Benchmade model, but they do allow me to purchase as few as 1 piece.  Special orders are available.  Please PM for information.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Woohoo!

Ever since Benchmade went "distributors only" I haven't bought any.  Maybe I'll have a look through their website again and see what grabs my attention.  That 'hawk is pretty sweet....

Def

Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2

[Travis Autry]

You'll need to save some pennies for that Benchmade Killian Design Tomahawk:http://www.benchmade.com/products/172#.UI_afcXA9vk

It isn't cheap, but it is available.

[BR101]

 Nice! Benchmades are my favorite and I've got quite a few of them.

- BM 530BK
- BM 275BK
- BM 585BK
- BM 707
- BM 580
- BM 741BK
- BM 915-ORG
- BM 915BK-ORG
- BM 470
- BM 53

 I think that's all without actually looking.   

[Travis Autry]

Nice collection there!

I only have two Benchmades thus far.

I've had an original AFCK since they were released years ago.  That was back in the days with G10 was rare and there was only one location for the pocket clip.  It's been used a good bit and kind of beat up, but the ATS-34 blade still takes and keeps a great edge.

My work EDC is a Triage with orange scales.  The big seller for me on that one was the "hidden" cutting hook.  I haven't needed it for a seat belt, but it has come in handy for hard to reach zip ties, microphone cable and both plastic and nylon strapping.  It's a bit of a beast of a knife in size and appearance, but it  is one hard working beast!

The current crop of  Benchmades looks promising.  I'm glad they've kept their quality up and kept manufacturing here in the U.S.

[Grant Lamontagne]

You'll need to save some pennies for that Benchmade Killian Design Tomahawk:http://www.benchmade.com/products/172#.UI_afcXA9vk

It isn't cheap, but it is available.

Yeah, that's why I don't already have one!

Def

Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

I've read so many good things about Benchmades, and I've handled a couple too, because I was seriously thinking about getting a Mini-Grip. 

I was shocked though, that they only seem to use hollow grinds on all their knives... are there some models that aren't hollow ground? 

Perhaps I'm just being picky, but after experiencing the joy that is the performance and strength of the full flat ground Spydercos, I have no desire to ever buy another hollow ground blade.  While sometimes you don't get a choice, like with the built in blades on Leathermans, I've seen/experienced too many rolled edges, chips, and other small misfortunes to ever use a hollow ground blade again if I don't have to. 

[AimlessWanderer]

I've read so many good things about Benchmades, and I've handled a couple too, because I was seriously thinking about getting a Mini-Grip. 

I was shocked though, that they only seem to use hollow grinds on all their knives... are there some models that aren't hollow ground? 

Perhaps I'm just being picky, but after experiencing the joy that is the performance and strength of the full flat ground Spydercos, I have no desire to ever buy another hollow ground blade.  While sometimes you don't get a choice, like with the built in blades on Leathermans, I've seen/experienced too many rolled edges, chips, and other small misfortunes to ever use a hollow ground blade again if I don't have to.

I'm not one for locking folders as most people know, but I'll offer my £0.02 on this ...

A well done hollow ground edge shouldn't give any problems in respect of rolled edges or chips. As the edge is whetted and should be in effect ground flat, the cutting edge itself should be no weaker than a FFG blade. The exception to this is when people use pull through wheel sharpeners, be they powered or the kitchen type. They put a hollow grind right where the tip is weakest and should only be used if for any reason you are unable to put an edge on by any other means.

The only other reason why a hollow ground blade can lead to problems is if the grinding has been done too aggressively. In order to produce the profile you need to keep alternating each side grinding away a small stock removal. If you get greedy and take away too much metal on one side before flipping the knife over and doing the same on the other, you can induce stresses into the material which will have adverse effects further down the line.

Likewise, it's important to keep the heat treatment symetrical and the best way is spine down and edge up through the soak time and ensure the quench is also symetrical. Passing blades laid flat through a furnace on a conveyor and into a vat or quench medium at the other end will work fine for thinner blades which will equalise the temperatures readily, but can lead to temperature differences on thicker blades - different temperatures  equals differences in hardness and grain structure and again can induce stresses.

For me the two main weaknesses of hollow ground profiles are they do not slice as well, and they don't look as good (depending on the blade shape). FFG is harder to do well though, and it's easier to end up with a rippled surface from what I understand (and I have seen a few), so that would translate to purchase price in some situations, or even manufacturers sticking to hollow grind as is often the case.

As for blades chipping, that's got less to do with the grind and more to do with materials and treatment (if manufacturers stick to hollow grind for cost reasons, they maight be making cost savings elsewhere in processing too) and getting the right treatment for the right treatment. If however the blade is subject to shock loading (chopping/batoning), this can indeed have an effect and a more convex profile would be both more efficient and stronger

This is all just personal opinion though, and I'm sure there'll be guys out there who'll have a different perspective 

[Travis Autry]

Benchmade offers a variety of blade grinds.

Griptilians and Mini Griptilians with thumb studs and drop point blades are saber ground.  Griptilians and Mini Griptilians with thumb holes and modified sheepsfoot blades are hollow ground.  The tanto blade versions are hollow on the main edge and flat ground on the tip.

The Mini Presidio Ultra has a high hollow grind.

My old AFCK has a thumb hole and saber grind.  The Triage 915 has a modified sheepsfoot blade with thumb studs and a high saber grind.

[MultiMat]

I am a bit bummed that Axis lock knives now fall into the illegal flick knife classification & will be seized & confiscated if inspected by Aussie customs 

They do look like very nice knives 

[Travis Autry]

That truly stinks, Mat.  It's a shame that misguided over regulation prevents your and your neighbors from enjoying such nice little knives.  While both have the "evil" Axis lock, I doubt either would be the first choice of anyone seeking to do harm.

Of course, the facts nor logic matter when it comes to government foolishness.

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

Thanks for the info guys.  I do know a bit about blade physics but by no means am I any expert.  If Benchmade made a flat ground sheepsfoot style blade with a plain edge, I'd be much more amenable to buying one.  I've been lusting for a Rock Lobster for a couple of years now; that's as close as I've ever seen to the perfect utility folder.  I just wish I could afford one.   

[gustophersmob]

IIRC, the Doug Ritter version of the mini-grip is FFG.

[asupernothing]

If I recall correctly only a few benchamde knives are hollow ground.

Thanks for the info guys.  I do know a bit about blade physics but by no means am I any expert.  If Benchmade made a flat ground sheepsfoot style blade with a plain edge, I'd be much more amenable to buying one.  I've been lusting for a Rock Lobster for a couple of years now; that's as close as I've ever seen to the perfect utility folder.  I just wish I could afford one.   

You might want to take a look at the triage. Its a high saber grind, so its flat ground but not fully flat.