H&K Nitrous Blitz.

[Benner]

I know that this knife is probably not everyones cup of tea, but even those who are not into the whole "tactical" folder scene may be interested in the design of this knife.

In a recent trade, I was lucky enough to pick up an H&K Nitrous Blitz http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=14460 which comes in 2 versions, a plain edged model and also a combo edge. I had chosen to get this knife after a lot (just ask Mike  ) of sifting through reviews, evaluating exactly what I wanted, and looking into the pluses offered by each manufacturer.  In the end this was the folder I chose and after having it a few days I thought I'd share some first impressions of this knife.





Heckler and Koch knives are made and designed by Benchmade and carry the same lifetime warranty.  The Nitrous Blitz is a liner locking knife which has G10 scales, titanium liners, a 3.4" 154CM blade and which has the Benchmade "Nitrous system" http://www.benchmade.com/about_knives/locking_mechanisms.asp .  The Nitrous system is an assisted opening mechanism which helps open the blade, but unlike most assisted openers this has no springs.  Instead of springs, the liners of the knife are cut so that a long section can flex and sit on top of the blade, forcing it open when the blade is opened far enough.  This system is absolutely superb  and is both lightning quick and solidly made.  I imagine this system will be far more reliable than the traditional springed AO.  Here is a video of a different Nitrous model which shows how it works   followed by a couple of my pics which hopefully show it as well.

With blade closed (liner up)


With blade open (liner down)


Overall this knife oozes quality.  As many of you will know, I am extremely picky with my tools (folding knives especially) and I will go over everything with a fine tooth comb to make sure everything is as it should.  This knife is 100% perfect and that can be a rarity with some of todays knife brands.  The G10 and the liners meet perfectly and there are no loose parts, no blade play and the knife just feels very solid yet very light (only 2.7 oz).  I have no doubt that I have got my moneys worth with this knife(retail price $140 or $150 for the black bladed version).





So far I only have one complaint and that is with the blade jimping which I would say should be more aggressive as it is a bit too smooth IMO.  Apart from this I am very impressed with how comfortable the knife feels in the hand and how sharp it came out of the box.



After I have carried it a bit more I will add some more thoughts.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Now that's a Mall Ninja Knife

Seriously though, there's a lot of tech in that blade, and there's definetely a lot of knife for the money

One question though, as you know how neurotic I am about having non slippies around kids (so you can close them super fast) how fast can you close the blade, and does the Nitrous system add any resistance

[Benner]

Now that's a Mall Ninja Knife

Seriously though, there's a lot of tech in that blade, and there's definetely a lot of knife for the money

One question though, as you know how neurotic I am about having non slippies around kids (so you can close them super fast) how fast can you close the blade, and does the Nitrous system add any resistance

Glad you mentioned that actually as I was going to say this above.

The Nitrous is very different in many ways from other AO's as not only does it not have a spring, it doesn't have the traditional AO "springy" resistance when you close it either.  When you release the liner lock on the knife the knife is as "loose" as any other normal tactical folder and has no resistance until just over half way.  At this point you need a bit more pressure to overcome the spring bar on the back but it is very quick and very easy.  I like this feature as the resistance acts as a kind of half stop, protecting your thumb if you are dumb enough to leave it in the way.

So, in answer to your question Mike, it's as quick to close as pretty much any other liner locking blade.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Cool, thanks for the reply

[Benner]

Cool, thanks for the reply

I live to give. 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Cool, thanks for the reply

I live to give. 

If only everyone lived to do the same

[Leatherman123]

Extremely nice knife, Ben! The question is, when are you going to use it? 

[Benner]

Extremely nice knife, Ben! The question is, when are you going to use it? 

When I need to cut stuff. 

[hawkchucker]

Well I am going to save you trouble. Send the thing to me because it locks and well I just called the Bobies!

[Benner]

Well I am going to save you trouble. Send the thing to me because it locks and well I just called the Bobies!

They would have a field day with that one. 

[hawkchucker]

Well they are on thier way I would drop it in the post now!!!! I pmd you my addy.

By the way you will love it. very smooth and very nice steel!

[hawkchucker]

Oh ya and your furniture will love the clip also. I hate the arrow clip and allways get them to send the older one to me.

[Benner]

The clip is very tight ATM.  I'm not a huge clip user, but I'd image this would be difficult to put on and off for those that are.

[Neil]

Not really my cup of tea, design wise. But I think it has some pretty cool features so I'll still be wanting to play with it

Good right up and very useful pictures 

Neil

[DaveK]

Yup, be sure to bring ot to the meet Ben 

Like Neil, it's not really a knife that I would be prepared to buy myself, but I am definitely interested to see the AO mechanism just for curiosity. Congrats to you though for getting something that you like

[Benner]

I'm sure it'll be there.