Before I start, I just want to let everyone know that I have a total of 7 Spyders (2 delicas, a merlin, a matriach, a Military, and a chinook). So I love my Spydercos. What I wanted to know is what people think of BM blades. I carried a Delica (se) for 6 years and retired it for a BM model 750. There is nothing like having Ti handles. I now have a Military and Chinook that I carry around but the milli is back at the factory getting a tune up. I am pretty much 50/50 on both companies. As a knife fan tell me what you think and why on the following topics
EDC
Function
Form
Metals
Scales
Designs
PR
Customer Service
Spyderco Vs. Benchmade
-
sam the man..
- Member
- Posts: 2936
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Welcome aboard the forums dude! <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
I own two Benchmade knives ~ Model 550 and 555. They make very interesting knives. Earlier BM knives aren't that sharp and the steel quality's just so-so. PR is kinda average on the scale and I don't have any experience with their customer service. I think BM has the most knives with carbon fibre scales I've ever came across. On the whole, BM is a company that's on the cuttig edge with good stuff on their end, but they are a little bit pricey.. <img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Sam
have bone implant will travel..
I own two Benchmade knives ~ Model 550 and 555. They make very interesting knives. Earlier BM knives aren't that sharp and the steel quality's just so-so. PR is kinda average on the scale and I don't have any experience with their customer service. I think BM has the most knives with carbon fibre scales I've ever came across. On the whole, BM is a company that's on the cuttig edge with good stuff on their end, but they are a little bit pricey.. <img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Sam
have bone implant will travel..
-
Joe Talmadge
- Member
- Posts: 1077
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
These two companies are the leaders right now, IMO, and while everyone else follows and me-toos, S and BM keep leapfrogging each other. Okay, that's an overstatement, there is interesting innovation going on throughout the production world, but I don't feel anyone else is keeping pace with Spyderco and Benchmade. Both companies have many knives in their lineup that I really like, both have some great in-house designs and collaborations, both do interesting things with materials and technology. The pace of knife innovation would have been slower without these two competing so fiercely with each other.
Joe
Joe
-
vampyrewolf
- Member
- Posts: 7486
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
BM has the AxisLock, and Balis...
<img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> has the compression lock and pricepoint knives.
If BM wasn't $450/knife, where <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> is 100-280, I'd carry BM. They have great grip for my hands, bit thin for my tastes, and smooth lines.
Great knives if you want to dish out that kind of cash.
<img src=http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/372fcedb ... 8A88UxWudf> We all start with 10 fingers. Those with Spydies have 9 to spare, Still need a thumb. Good thing I still have 8 to spare... <img src=http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/372fcedb ... 8A88UxWudf>
<img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> has the compression lock and pricepoint knives.
If BM wasn't $450/knife, where <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> is 100-280, I'd carry BM. They have great grip for my hands, bit thin for my tastes, and smooth lines.
Great knives if you want to dish out that kind of cash.
<img src=http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/372fcedb ... 8A88UxWudf> We all start with 10 fingers. Those with Spydies have 9 to spare, Still need a thumb. Good thing I still have 8 to spare... <img src=http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/372fcedb ... 8A88UxWudf>
Man this is a tough one...
I saw my first Spyderco years ago-Police model a co-worker had. I was amazed! I had never seen anything like it. I remember thinking that I could never afford one! At that time (early '80's)I was still carrying a Buck 110 on my hip-no comparison at all. The Buck wasis not a 'bad' knife, it's just that the Sypderco-man it was really light and thin and what a wicked blade!!! Clip? What a great idea (like, why didn't I think of that! heheh)!
It wasn't until years later that I 'discovered' the world of high quality production knives like Benchmade and of course the rest of the Spyderco line.
My first three 'good' knives were the BM Spike (a wicked looking knife but too impractical for EDC), BM 812 AFCK, BM 800 AFCK. All three were Christmas gifts.
My first Spyderco was the C41 Native FRN. Up until that time I was a confirmed BM believer. However, something about that Native really grew on me! It became my EDC and still is. I am currently awaiting the arrival of: SS Police PE, Dyad, Mini-Dyad (micarta), and hopefull soon a C41 SS Native!
Both companies offer very good products.
Both companies have plenty of models to fulfill anyones EDC needs IMO. Both companies have great designs aesthetically and functionally. Metals-same. Scales-same. PR?-Spyderco I believe would have the edge (heheh). Customer service-have not needed it yet on either brand.
One thing I have seen is that Syperco's fitfinish seems more consistant. I have a BM AFCK that has glue stains on the G10 scales (both sides) from when they stuck the butterfly logo on the handle. Also the fit of the G10 scales to the liners is a bit off.
I do appreciate that the BM's have an adjustable
emovable blade pivot. I worry that the Spydies will loosen up. I have read that you can 'tap' the rivet, but that concerns me a bit.
Overall impressions-
I don't see a need at this time to purchase any other BM's. The are priced too high for my budget to afford any more than I have at the moment. The Axis lock intrigues me, but not enough to drop $100 bucks on one. While I like some of the new designs, I feel that I am covered by the AFCK's I already own. I would rather spend $300 on one custom or semi-custom than on two BM's. I do like the fact that the BM's are made in the USA though.
Now on Sypderco's-WOW so many DIFFERENT models! So much BANG FOR THE BUCK!!! I can satisfy my addiction by picking up a cool little model for like $50! Or if I feel like splurging on a $75-$100 model I can do that too! For some reason the Spyderco's at this time are more satisfying to me. Initially I wasn't going to buy any other model than the Native because it was made right here (USA) in Colorado. But I have gotten over that to some extent so here I am!
Great product, great quality, great design, great price! What more could we ask for?
Other makers? What other makers? We don't need no other makers!!! Like Joe said above, in the world of high quality 'production' knives (at blue-collar dollars anyway)these two companies are and have been leading the pack I believe.
Thanks to Sypderco and their wonderful fans-
Mongrel
Edited by - Mongrel on 5/8/2002 11:45:03 PM
I saw my first Spyderco years ago-Police model a co-worker had. I was amazed! I had never seen anything like it. I remember thinking that I could never afford one! At that time (early '80's)I was still carrying a Buck 110 on my hip-no comparison at all. The Buck wasis not a 'bad' knife, it's just that the Sypderco-man it was really light and thin and what a wicked blade!!! Clip? What a great idea (like, why didn't I think of that! heheh)!
It wasn't until years later that I 'discovered' the world of high quality production knives like Benchmade and of course the rest of the Spyderco line.
My first three 'good' knives were the BM Spike (a wicked looking knife but too impractical for EDC), BM 812 AFCK, BM 800 AFCK. All three were Christmas gifts.
My first Spyderco was the C41 Native FRN. Up until that time I was a confirmed BM believer. However, something about that Native really grew on me! It became my EDC and still is. I am currently awaiting the arrival of: SS Police PE, Dyad, Mini-Dyad (micarta), and hopefull soon a C41 SS Native!
Both companies offer very good products.
Both companies have plenty of models to fulfill anyones EDC needs IMO. Both companies have great designs aesthetically and functionally. Metals-same. Scales-same. PR?-Spyderco I believe would have the edge (heheh). Customer service-have not needed it yet on either brand.
One thing I have seen is that Syperco's fitfinish seems more consistant. I have a BM AFCK that has glue stains on the G10 scales (both sides) from when they stuck the butterfly logo on the handle. Also the fit of the G10 scales to the liners is a bit off.
I do appreciate that the BM's have an adjustable
emovable blade pivot. I worry that the Spydies will loosen up. I have read that you can 'tap' the rivet, but that concerns me a bit.
Overall impressions-
I don't see a need at this time to purchase any other BM's. The are priced too high for my budget to afford any more than I have at the moment. The Axis lock intrigues me, but not enough to drop $100 bucks on one. While I like some of the new designs, I feel that I am covered by the AFCK's I already own. I would rather spend $300 on one custom or semi-custom than on two BM's. I do like the fact that the BM's are made in the USA though.
Now on Sypderco's-WOW so many DIFFERENT models! So much BANG FOR THE BUCK!!! I can satisfy my addiction by picking up a cool little model for like $50! Or if I feel like splurging on a $75-$100 model I can do that too! For some reason the Spyderco's at this time are more satisfying to me. Initially I wasn't going to buy any other model than the Native because it was made right here (USA) in Colorado. But I have gotten over that to some extent so here I am!
Great product, great quality, great design, great price! What more could we ask for?
Other makers? What other makers? We don't need no other makers!!! Like Joe said above, in the world of high quality 'production' knives (at blue-collar dollars anyway)these two companies are and have been leading the pack I believe.
Thanks to Sypderco and their wonderful fans-
Mongrel
Edited by - Mongrel on 5/8/2002 11:45:03 PM
Why not carry both?
I'd say, I like them both, but I started with a spyderco first, and therefore that's kinda what I prefer.
I have the Benchmade R&R though, and I like it. The sheath is made for attachment to pfd's, which was irritating, but i just recently made a belt clip for it, and it works great.
Still, 70 bucks for a BM? A bit pricey for me... I don't like it when I'm afraid to cut something harsh with it. still use my 30 dollar dragonfly for general/utility cutting.
I'd say, I like them both, but I started with a spyderco first, and therefore that's kinda what I prefer.
I have the Benchmade R&R though, and I like it. The sheath is made for attachment to pfd's, which was irritating, but i just recently made a belt clip for it, and it works great.
Still, 70 bucks for a BM? A bit pricey for me... I don't like it when I'm afraid to cut something harsh with it. still use my 30 dollar dragonfly for general/utility cutting.
Wow I have gotten some great responses for everyone. vampyrewolf, you must have been using Canadian mula scale...for I havent seen a BM that has costed about 450 bones. I am really surprised that many of you said that a factor was the cost of a BM. I have never paid full retail for BM or a Spyderco, got some good friends at the local gun and knife shops. I am sure that alot of the pricing of BMs has to do with the custom collaberations, but even Spydercos customs knifes are up in the pricing index. Ex a Toad retails for $110 dollars, and a Chinook for almost $160. But if you look around on Ebay you can find some great deals on both ends.
So who has the better metals BM has the 154CM, D2 and M2 steel. Spyderco has the all mighty CPM440V, VG-10 (which I know nothing about) G2, AUS, and ATS55? I dont know crude about steel, so please edge-u-cate me.
Scales, I am kinda tired of the FRN, but it keeps production cheap. I would love to see Spyderco come out with a wider variety of handles other then SS, G10 and FRN. I am a little afraid to do heavy duty stuff with FRN, and with SS I have a fear of it slipping out of my hands when wet or greasy.
Designs and Function: hummm I cant decide. I am 50/50 could go either way!!!! Both companies make alot of great tools, or the user or the collector. The Chinook believe it or not is my GF favorite that I have in my collection. Its great, though I havent used it for anything other then a letter opener.
PR and CS: I would say that both companies are good at what they do and they have to people that have been able to sling there products and take care of their customer base. Ex. I have 1/2 my collection at Sypderco right now getting tune ups. BM offered to switch the blade out on my model 750, or put an edge back on it for 5 bucks, because it was scratched and the edge was destroyed. I was able to put an edge back on with the Tri-Angular sharpener.
EDC: this one is harder to decide. I have a cricket that I cant seem to put down. I have an little ole office jop now so that cricket is almost overkill for anything that I need it for. Depending on the job, I would say a spyderco is a little more politically correct. I have pulled out my BMs for use when people have needed a cutting tool and just about everyone freaks out when I pull out a pocket sword. The economical FRN models are alot cheaper to relax if lost, and are great to carry around because they are light. Both Spyders and BM have lived up tto every task that have thrown at them. Only the merlin has been damaged. I needed a ssaw and didnt have one so I used what I had. (jammed it into 4 layers of cross fiber ccard board at an armory and began sawing like a mad man, it completely wore down the ffront serrations on the blade. I actually thought that the FRN handles wouldnt be able to hold it. But the rivets kept it in place pretty well.)
Verdict:My favorite at the time depends on the job at task. When duty calls let there be something heavy duty and sharp by my side.
To oooohhhh and ahhhh people. It shall be a BM with Axis lock and Ti, CPM440V comes in a close 2nd besides the gripes of it being hard to sharpen.
For personal protection:Civi, matriarch or Merlin. Hands down!!!
For office work: Spyderco....BM are a little overkill
For LE: Both Companies have an edge over everyone else. Emerson somes in a close 3rd. Microtech in my opinion is 2 expensive follows 4th.
Outdoors:hummmmm cant decide 50/50 Chinook, and Nimravus
EDC: this is my personal opinion: Carry them all!
<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
So who has the better metals BM has the 154CM, D2 and M2 steel. Spyderco has the all mighty CPM440V, VG-10 (which I know nothing about) G2, AUS, and ATS55? I dont know crude about steel, so please edge-u-cate me.
Scales, I am kinda tired of the FRN, but it keeps production cheap. I would love to see Spyderco come out with a wider variety of handles other then SS, G10 and FRN. I am a little afraid to do heavy duty stuff with FRN, and with SS I have a fear of it slipping out of my hands when wet or greasy.
Designs and Function: hummm I cant decide. I am 50/50 could go either way!!!! Both companies make alot of great tools, or the user or the collector. The Chinook believe it or not is my GF favorite that I have in my collection. Its great, though I havent used it for anything other then a letter opener.
PR and CS: I would say that both companies are good at what they do and they have to people that have been able to sling there products and take care of their customer base. Ex. I have 1/2 my collection at Sypderco right now getting tune ups. BM offered to switch the blade out on my model 750, or put an edge back on it for 5 bucks, because it was scratched and the edge was destroyed. I was able to put an edge back on with the Tri-Angular sharpener.
EDC: this one is harder to decide. I have a cricket that I cant seem to put down. I have an little ole office jop now so that cricket is almost overkill for anything that I need it for. Depending on the job, I would say a spyderco is a little more politically correct. I have pulled out my BMs for use when people have needed a cutting tool and just about everyone freaks out when I pull out a pocket sword. The economical FRN models are alot cheaper to relax if lost, and are great to carry around because they are light. Both Spyders and BM have lived up tto every task that have thrown at them. Only the merlin has been damaged. I needed a ssaw and didnt have one so I used what I had. (jammed it into 4 layers of cross fiber ccard board at an armory and began sawing like a mad man, it completely wore down the ffront serrations on the blade. I actually thought that the FRN handles wouldnt be able to hold it. But the rivets kept it in place pretty well.)
Verdict:My favorite at the time depends on the job at task. When duty calls let there be something heavy duty and sharp by my side.
To oooohhhh and ahhhh people. It shall be a BM with Axis lock and Ti, CPM440V comes in a close 2nd besides the gripes of it being hard to sharpen.
For personal protection:Civi, matriarch or Merlin. Hands down!!!
For office work: Spyderco....BM are a little overkill
For LE: Both Companies have an edge over everyone else. Emerson somes in a close 3rd. Microtech in my opinion is 2 expensive follows 4th.
Outdoors:hummmmm cant decide 50/50 Chinook, and Nimravus
EDC: this is my personal opinion: Carry them all!
<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
45rook - I own appx 90 Spyderco knives. So when I make these statement's I don't want my Spydie frends to get upset. I am tired of black frn, I will pay more for variety BM is far ahead of Spyderco when it comes to that. I do not like the new nested lock, my stubby little fingers struggle releasing it, give me an axis lock. I also like a mid range knife for one of my many EDC's comparative to the Walker models. Right now we have seen Jesters (love them colors) or Temp Jr. and Vesuvius (big knives). I would like to see more Meerkats with colorful scales. Rico
Edited by - rico on 5/9/2002 9:48:08 AM
Edited by - rico on 5/9/2002 9:48:08 AM
-
vampyrewolf
- Member
- Posts: 7486
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
45rook> thats what my location says doesn't it?
I only have access to handle about 8 BM models, ranging from 300-500... Even spydies aren't cheap. Just add $5-10 on the SFO prices, and thats normally my price. Delica is 70, the Endura is 100, Millie is 195, Lum Chinese is 270... I don't have get good prices, but I handle anything I want... and order from glasshart.
<img src=http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/372fcedb ... 8A88UxWudf> We all start with 10 fingers. Those with Spydies have 9 to spare, Still need a thumb. Good thing I still have 8 to spare... <img src=http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/372fcedb ... 8A88UxWudf>
I only have access to handle about 8 BM models, ranging from 300-500... Even spydies aren't cheap. Just add $5-10 on the SFO prices, and thats normally my price. Delica is 70, the Endura is 100, Millie is 195, Lum Chinese is 270... I don't have get good prices, but I handle anything I want... and order from glasshart.
<img src=http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/372fcedb ... 8A88UxWudf> We all start with 10 fingers. Those with Spydies have 9 to spare, Still need a thumb. Good thing I still have 8 to spare... <img src=http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/372fcedb ... 8A88UxWudf>
-
dialex
- Member
- Posts: 9169
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Campina, Romania, Europe, Terra
- Contact:
I like BM AFCK because of the hole. I also respect them for their bold designs and especially their innovative axis lock - and, of course, for their Balisong, which I think is the best so far. But it I were to choose between BM and <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>, I'd definitely go for the spydie <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
<img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>co is my favorite of the two, and until recently our Vesuvius was my favorite all time tac knife. Now it is a toss up between our Vesuvious, and our new 943 Osbourne. The Vesuvious is still the prettiest and fills the best in the hand. RKBA!