I would go with Spyderco.
No offence what so ever to benchmade, Ive had the plesure of owning one of their blades a few years back, but Im giving it to Spyderco not because of newer metals or because of their tons of interesting and brilliant designs, but because of their service to their customers whom are more like family in the way they are treated.
Their whole work ethic and motto is something to be looked upto in any and every industry.
Cheers
MaNcEr
It's Time To Kick @$$ 'N Chew Bubble Gum
Benchmade vs. Spyderco
I like both but for different reasons.
Although I don't own any Spydercos, I have admired Spyderco for a long time. Their designs are interesting and the use of premium steels in more of their knives is a good thing. But the quality of the Spydercos I've handled has been very low and has kept me from buying. I was about to buy a Meercat but the fit of the scales was so poor I passed on it. I've liked the Salsa for a long time, but AUS-8A doesn't do it for me. On the higher end of things, the ATR looks awesome, much better than the Skirmish, but is way out of my price range. I love Ti framelocks and still haven't forgiven BM for dropping the 750 Pinnacle. The compression lock is a huge improvement for framelocks.
I own 10 Benchmades. My first was a round hole 812 AFCK, hence the long standing admiration of both companies. I like Benchmade's designs and the near-custom quality of the product. I don't see a problem with 440C or 154CM. However, I do agree that S30V is a much better steel and Benchmade needs to be using more of it in more knives, if for no other reason than to compete with all the other companies using S30V.
But, things are changing. Spyderco seems to be improving quality and playing hardball with Benchmade. I'm close to being stocked up on all the Benchmades I can handle, and Spyderco will be one company I'll look at for some fresh ideas.
Although I don't own any Spydercos, I have admired Spyderco for a long time. Their designs are interesting and the use of premium steels in more of their knives is a good thing. But the quality of the Spydercos I've handled has been very low and has kept me from buying. I was about to buy a Meercat but the fit of the scales was so poor I passed on it. I've liked the Salsa for a long time, but AUS-8A doesn't do it for me. On the higher end of things, the ATR looks awesome, much better than the Skirmish, but is way out of my price range. I love Ti framelocks and still haven't forgiven BM for dropping the 750 Pinnacle. The compression lock is a huge improvement for framelocks.
I own 10 Benchmades. My first was a round hole 812 AFCK, hence the long standing admiration of both companies. I like Benchmade's designs and the near-custom quality of the product. I don't see a problem with 440C or 154CM. However, I do agree that S30V is a much better steel and Benchmade needs to be using more of it in more knives, if for no other reason than to compete with all the other companies using S30V.
But, things are changing. Spyderco seems to be improving quality and playing hardball with Benchmade. I'm close to being stocked up on all the Benchmades I can handle, and Spyderco will be one company I'll look at for some fresh ideas.
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thombrogan
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- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: New Hampshire USA
Playing hardball?
JDog1,
Sal's got to be the slowest-to-anger person I've ever witnessed or read about. That man lives the tenets of "How to Win Friends and Influence People" in a way that would've made the late Dale Carnegie suicidally jealous. Just don't use his property, intellectual or physical, without his permission and then pretend what you did was an innocent misunderstanding which you purposefully refuse to rectify.
I'm more impressed by his demeanor than any knife from any company. And it's difficult to turn me away from sharp, pointy things.
-Thom Brogan <a href="http://www.tntbrogan.com" target="_blank">Pictures</a> of our daughter, Cynthia
Edited by - thombrogan on 9/20/2004 7:25:15 AM
JDog1,
Sal's got to be the slowest-to-anger person I've ever witnessed or read about. That man lives the tenets of "How to Win Friends and Influence People" in a way that would've made the late Dale Carnegie suicidally jealous. Just don't use his property, intellectual or physical, without his permission and then pretend what you did was an innocent misunderstanding which you purposefully refuse to rectify.
I'm more impressed by his demeanor than any knife from any company. And it's difficult to turn me away from sharp, pointy things.
-Thom Brogan <a href="http://www.tntbrogan.com" target="_blank">Pictures</a> of our daughter, Cynthia
Edited by - thombrogan on 9/20/2004 7:25:15 AM
I have more Spyderco knives than Benchmade but are leading edge companies . Disapointed to hear that the Skirmish is not honoring the Hole patent but it is a righty so not on my list . I have carried Benchmade knives as an EDC and the 721 , 710 , and 805 are my favorites when in the mood . Spyderco is mostly in my pocket ( Goodard as of present ) I like everything offered that I use and collect and feel that these companies offer unique knives .
Sorry guys, ATS-34 wins out over any 44in a Bench. Spyder uses harder steels but a lot of plastic in their handles. Stainless is slippery, G-10 or Micarta are not. One good point tho, Spydie does not make a good mix of autos. A style I prefer. Hey, to each his or her own. Later guys.Ray. Wassup CKE, How ya doin?
I prefer Spyderco. They are not only sharp when you buy them, but with the Sharpmaker I am able to maintain or restore the edge to that level on my own. It is also fun for me to use a knife that can be opened with one hand, have a serrated edge, clip to my pocket, and sometimes be designed by a famous custom knife maker. Granted, Sal Glesser may not have "invented" any of these concepts, but he is the one that brought them together in such a way that it changed the way an entire industry does business. I'm not saying that other knives are inferior, just that I prefer Spyderco.
Aww C'mon ... apples and oranges ... I am a little bummed to hear that Benchmade is not licensing their round holes anymore though ... My Benchmades are mostly either round hole or auto ... Sal gets cred for puttin' the round hole on a knife first ... c'mon Benchmade, annie-up !
All said and done, I do own a few more Spyd's than BM's ... I just can't seem to put either company down ... they're two of the best bar-none ... I just take it on a knife to knife basis, whatever company I buy from.
All said and done, I do own a few more Spyd's than BM's ... I just can't seem to put either company down ... they're two of the best bar-none ... I just take it on a knife to knife basis, whatever company I buy from.
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Scottie3000
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- Location: Goldsboro, NC
I prefer the Spyderco round hole opener. I like the Benchmade Axis lock a lot too. The only reason I don't love the Griptillian is the handle is much too thick in my opinion. I prefer a slender SS Endura in my pocket. I like the 154cm steel. it seems to perform well. I guess if Benchmade offered more knives with holes instead of thumb studs, I might look their way more often when buying knives.
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Scottie3000
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- Joined: Fri May 08, 2009 8:47 pm
- Location: Goldsboro, NC
Both are excellent companies that make extremely functional knives. After all, aren't knives supposed to be first and foremost functional? 
I've got mostly Benchmade M2 and M4 knives, the 710 in both, large Ritter M2 and a 705 in 154CM. All three models IMHO are classic and well designed. All with Axis locks.
Lately, most of my money has been going to Spyderco with their H1, ZDP-189 and most recent, the S90V steels.
I prefer the ergonomics of the Spydercos and the sharpness of the blades direct from the factory. The large round opening is easier for me to use as well.
I wish both companies the best of success and hope that both can continue to design and deliver to the consumer the best knives they can manufacture.
I've got mostly Benchmade M2 and M4 knives, the 710 in both, large Ritter M2 and a 705 in 154CM. All three models IMHO are classic and well designed. All with Axis locks.
Lately, most of my money has been going to Spyderco with their H1, ZDP-189 and most recent, the S90V steels.
I prefer the ergonomics of the Spydercos and the sharpness of the blades direct from the factory. The large round opening is easier for me to use as well.
I wish both companies the best of success and hope that both can continue to design and deliver to the consumer the best knives they can manufacture.
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Fred Sanford
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- Location: Ohio, USA
For those of you new here, threads involving Benchmade have a history of generating strong emotions and hard feelings. They are best avoided.
One of the unwritten rules, if you will.
One of the unwritten rules, if you will.
Tom
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[url]http://spydercovt.com[/URL]
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[url]http://spydercovt.com[/URL]
Junior avatar courtesy of dialexSequimite wrote:I use knives. I collect experiences.
I'm an admirer of Spyderco's designs. Using them is like immersing yourself in music or studying a painting in a museum. I buy some "fine" art but my preference is for usable art.
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The Mastiff
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- Location: raleigh nc
Agree with Tom. Better for everyone if left buried. I didn't like this thread the first time around, and it didn't age well.
"A Mastiff is to a dog what a Lion is to a housecat. He stands alone and all others sink before him. His courage does not exceed temper and generosity, and in attachment he equals the kindest of his race" Cynographia Britannic 1800
"Unless you're the lead dog the view is pretty much gonna stay the same!"
"Unless you're the lead dog the view is pretty much gonna stay the same!"