I just purchased a Benchmade Instigator, which is a modest sized fixed blade designed by Michael Snody. What made me want this one was the Wharncliffe blade and the chisel-grind with decent steel (Aus8). After reading an article written by Mr. Janich, which included praise of a chisel-ground wharncliffe, I decided that I wanted to see what this type of blade was about. Overall, I like this knife, and will let it ride in the strong side front pocket with a lanyard attached to the belt and the sheath. The blade, however, is not as sharp from the factory as my Swick or Yojimbo, and the angle seems steeper than the Swick and Yojimbo as well. I do like the ergonomics and overall size, but a big drawback for me is that it is made in Taiwan (I'll refrain from saying anything more about that).
So I'll ask:
1. Does anyone else like this knife?
2. What are the specific benefits of the Chisel-ground Wharncliffe that Mr. Janich alluded to in the past?
3. I've been recently making a gradual shift toward wearing various small fixed blades at different areas of the body (neck, belt, ankle, pocket, etc.)...does anyone else here find that small fixed blades can be every bit as convenient as a folder or three? (I still wear my A.T.R. rear pocket).
Overall, the Snody/Benchmade Instigator is a nice knife with a good price tag (~ $35.00 US).
-Mike
Chisel-ground Wharncliffe
Chisel-ground Wharncliffe
"Two things fill the mind with ever new and increasing admiration and awe, the more often and steadily we reflect upon them: the starry heavens above me and the moral law within me." -Immanuel Kant
"I do not worry about what will happen; only what needs to be done". -Lucious Hunt, "The Village"
"I do not worry about what will happen; only what needs to be done". -Lucious Hunt, "The Village"
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jujigatame
- Member
- Posts: 993
- Joined: Tue Apr 17, 2007 3:46 pm
- Location: Massachusetts
Never handled that model so I can't comment on it. However, for your third question - yes, small fixed blades are great. I prefer neck knives mostly but have a few others that are great for belt carry. One part of the appeal is that you grab it and it's ready to go. Folders are opening in faster and more interesting ways than ever these days, but they still have to open. 
~ Nate
1. nice purchase... i've handled them, loved the design and balance... never got around to buying one, though. wouldn't be a bad EDC SD knife... especially for the price. it looks and feels great!
2. not exactly sure... i love the chisel-ground tip of my SE pacific, though... has a great deal of strength when its cuttin' time.
3. yes, small fixed blades can be as convenient as folders. or more convenient. wait until you see how the aqua salt sheath clips right into your pocket... :D :D :D i wear my caspian under my hoodie, around my neck... extremely convenient. when it's time to deploy you're knife, nothing's faster and quieter than a FB.
how about some pictures, mike???! :D :D
2. not exactly sure... i love the chisel-ground tip of my SE pacific, though... has a great deal of strength when its cuttin' time.
3. yes, small fixed blades can be as convenient as folders. or more convenient. wait until you see how the aqua salt sheath clips right into your pocket... :D :D :D i wear my caspian under my hoodie, around my neck... extremely convenient. when it's time to deploy you're knife, nothing's faster and quieter than a FB.
how about some pictures, mike???! :D :D
I can only answer your third question - yes, I now carry fixed blades and never looked back (true, I still have Subclaw clipped to my pocket, to not scare people...). It isn't inconvenient to carry two to four FBs on my person, if they aren't too large (4 inch blades and under). I like it.
...but no, no, you know it all, it's harmless little bunny...
I have been playing with the Instigator for a few months now... it is a nice little knife, maybe close to perfect for SD carry, although I prefer the CRKT Dogfish for GP EDC.
I don't know of any real advantages to a chisel grind except being easier to produce. On the other hand, while chisel grinds seem to get derided a lot on the forums, they aren't particularly hard to figure out. For the price & intended use, it works fine on this blade.
And yes, I am a big fan of small fixed blades.
I don't know of any real advantages to a chisel grind except being easier to produce. On the other hand, while chisel grinds seem to get derided a lot on the forums, they aren't particularly hard to figure out. For the price & intended use, it works fine on this blade.
And yes, I am a big fan of small fixed blades.