Benchmade vs. Spyderco
-
glockman99
- Member
- Posts: 704
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Aberdeen, WA USA
- Contact:
For me, it's Benchmade, as they seem to make more "lefty-friendly" knives. Also, I really like the fact that they use dual stainless liners on most (if not all) of their G-10 folders.
And then there is the Axis-lock, which is totally ambidextrious, not to mention (but I will) the switchable pocket-clip...
The Benchmade 805 TSEK has kicked out my beloved Spyderco Police model as my all-time favorite folder, partly due to the 805 being 100% "lefty-friendly", and partly to the excellent design of the handle...There is pretty much no-way for the hand to slip up onto the blade during a hard stab, where the handle of the Police model doesn't offer the same degree of "protection" to my hand.
Dann Fassnacht Aberdeen, WA glockman99@hotmail.com ICQ: 53675663
And then there is the Axis-lock, which is totally ambidextrious, not to mention (but I will) the switchable pocket-clip...
The Benchmade 805 TSEK has kicked out my beloved Spyderco Police model as my all-time favorite folder, partly due to the 805 being 100% "lefty-friendly", and partly to the excellent design of the handle...There is pretty much no-way for the hand to slip up onto the blade during a hard stab, where the handle of the Police model doesn't offer the same degree of "protection" to my hand.
Dann Fassnacht Aberdeen, WA glockman99@hotmail.com ICQ: 53675663
-
Visable-assassin
- Member
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: El Paso USA
I own plenty from both companys and my favorite BM to date is the origanal Emerson extra large (975) I believe it was. And currently Im enjoying my BM model 42mc Im waiting on the Spyderfly for now <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
but to be 100% honest I love BOTH companies as both their fit and finish to be is bar none.
but to be 100% honest I love BOTH companies as both their fit and finish to be is bar none.
-
dialex
- Member
- Posts: 9169
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Campina, Romania, Europe, Terra
- Contact:
I only have Spydies, but BM seems to make fine knives too. Some of them hit my fancy and I'm sure I'd be satisfied with them, but Spyderco is closer to my personality. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
<a href="http://users.pcnet.ro/dialex"><font color=blue>(my page)</font></a>
<a href="http://users.pcnet.ro/dialex"><font color=blue>(my page)</font></a>
Both are excellent knife makers, and both are innovators.
I finally got to handle two knives I've been anticipating - the ATR and the Skirmish.
Wow! I want both.
Pluses for the ATR are the compression lock (just brilliant), the hood/thumb ramp, and size suitable for everyday tasks. I also like the tip-up, either side clip; although I prefer a clip that does not cut tracks into my slacks. The opening and closing were a bit rough; I expect it would smooth out with some White Lightening and use. The "edgy" design (blade shape, hood, hole) is one of the things that makes Spyderco special and makes this knife so desirable.
And the Skirmish is superlative, a big, smooth-operating, gorgeous knife! It glides open and locks solid. I suspect the bronze washers make a big difference in the smooth opening and closing. I like a blade with lots of belly and curves; the Skirmish certainly has that. Even though it's large, it fits very comfortably in my hand. The finish is exquisite, with differential anodizing of the Ti handle. My only dislike is the clip is only tip down, right side.
IMO, both are fine knives and illustrate the makers' strengths. Spyderco brings an edgy creativity and innovation. Benchmade is also innovative, and its biggest strength is high production values.
EarthDog
I finally got to handle two knives I've been anticipating - the ATR and the Skirmish.
Wow! I want both.
Pluses for the ATR are the compression lock (just brilliant), the hood/thumb ramp, and size suitable for everyday tasks. I also like the tip-up, either side clip; although I prefer a clip that does not cut tracks into my slacks. The opening and closing were a bit rough; I expect it would smooth out with some White Lightening and use. The "edgy" design (blade shape, hood, hole) is one of the things that makes Spyderco special and makes this knife so desirable.
And the Skirmish is superlative, a big, smooth-operating, gorgeous knife! It glides open and locks solid. I suspect the bronze washers make a big difference in the smooth opening and closing. I like a blade with lots of belly and curves; the Skirmish certainly has that. Even though it's large, it fits very comfortably in my hand. The finish is exquisite, with differential anodizing of the Ti handle. My only dislike is the clip is only tip down, right side.
IMO, both are fine knives and illustrate the makers' strengths. Spyderco brings an edgy creativity and innovation. Benchmade is also innovative, and its biggest strength is high production values.
EarthDog
<B>Benchmade 630 Skirmish</B>
Opening hole: <U>Spyderco</U>
Frame/Integral liner-lock: <U>Chris Reeve</U>
Design: <U>Neil Blackwood</U> (Blackwood Knives)
<B>Spyderco ATR</B>
Opening hole: <U>Spyderco</U>
Integrated Compression lock: <U>Spyderco</U> (correct me if I'm wrong)
Design: <U>Spyderco</U> (Sal Glesser)
Ted
Edited by - Ted on 4/18/2004 6:43:12 AM
Opening hole: <U>Spyderco</U>
Frame/Integral liner-lock: <U>Chris Reeve</U>
Design: <U>Neil Blackwood</U> (Blackwood Knives)
<B>Spyderco ATR</B>
Opening hole: <U>Spyderco</U>
Integrated Compression lock: <U>Spyderco</U> (correct me if I'm wrong)
Design: <U>Spyderco</U> (Sal Glesser)
Ted
Edited by - Ted on 4/18/2004 6:43:12 AM
I enjoy using & collecting knives from both companies.
The difference that I see between the two are their design philosophies. Spyderco is more progressive (e.g., ATR, Dodo, Shabaria, Spyderfly) while Benchmade is more traditional (e.g., 530, 330/335, 732, 42). Of course, both companies have models that deviate from my observation, and that's to everyone's benefit.
The difference that I see between the two are their design philosophies. Spyderco is more progressive (e.g., ATR, Dodo, Shabaria, Spyderfly) while Benchmade is more traditional (e.g., 530, 330/335, 732, 42). Of course, both companies have models that deviate from my observation, and that's to everyone's benefit.
-
ElectricZombie
- Member
- Posts: 40
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: NC USA
BM makes extremely nice knives, but I prefer Spyderco for functionality and looks. I am however planning to pick up a 630 when they come out. The AXIS lock seems to be BM's only real innovation while Spyderco has numerous. Overall, Spyderco seems to be in a state of constant development while BM isn't.
I like knives from both makers.
I have a Benchmade Stryker that I like, and a few Spydercos that I like a lot, as well.
Regarding this ultra-modern, steel-of-the-week debate, I think it's a bit silly. Given proper heat treatment, any of the modern knife steels are sufficient.
Don't get me wrong, I have my favorite knife steels, too. But if I saw an awesome design by one of my favorite makers, I'd not hesitate to buy it because the steel was "sub-par".
Another thing I usually try to do is buy knives that are made in America. It pains me to see American companies contracting out to foreign companies to save a few bucks. I'd rather see American workers being supplied with more work in our horrible, present economy.
Sniper -- One Shot, One Kill Email: ST8PEN01@aol.com
I have a Benchmade Stryker that I like, and a few Spydercos that I like a lot, as well.
Regarding this ultra-modern, steel-of-the-week debate, I think it's a bit silly. Given proper heat treatment, any of the modern knife steels are sufficient.
Don't get me wrong, I have my favorite knife steels, too. But if I saw an awesome design by one of my favorite makers, I'd not hesitate to buy it because the steel was "sub-par".
Another thing I usually try to do is buy knives that are made in America. It pains me to see American companies contracting out to foreign companies to save a few bucks. I'd rather see American workers being supplied with more work in our horrible, present economy.
Sniper -- One Shot, One Kill Email: ST8PEN01@aol.com
Good discssion goin' on here-
I guess I'll say spyderco get's my vote.
Why?
Because this is the knife I use. I choose it over others because of the innovations- the clip- the "hole"- the quality (fit/finish).
If it wasn't spyderco it would have been benchmade. I checked and handled them all out!
Buck, Gerber, Spyderco, Benchmade, ect. are all fine knives. Not everyone looks for the same things. It great to have a selection.
(any knife is better than no knife) BTW- I'm glad you brought this up, makes for good topic.
Some people are prejusdice towards certain brands. This is obvious and they are missing out! Kind of only liking only one type of car, shirt, ect (how boring). Benchmade does offer a better selection of fixed blade knives. And people talk about the "spyderfly" well that ain't out yet is it? Now benchmade has had a quality blaisong for a while. You will see cold steel get a bad rap also...but I would like to get a ti-lite.
Anyway enjoyed your post,
ken
I guess I'll say spyderco get's my vote.
Why?
Because this is the knife I use. I choose it over others because of the innovations- the clip- the "hole"- the quality (fit/finish).
If it wasn't spyderco it would have been benchmade. I checked and handled them all out!
Buck, Gerber, Spyderco, Benchmade, ect. are all fine knives. Not everyone looks for the same things. It great to have a selection.
(any knife is better than no knife) BTW- I'm glad you brought this up, makes for good topic.
Some people are prejusdice towards certain brands. This is obvious and they are missing out! Kind of only liking only one type of car, shirt, ect (how boring). Benchmade does offer a better selection of fixed blade knives. And people talk about the "spyderfly" well that ain't out yet is it? Now benchmade has had a quality blaisong for a while. You will see cold steel get a bad rap also...but I would like to get a ti-lite.
Anyway enjoyed your post,
ken
I own two Spyderco Natives (three, counting the BRK version), and I must confess to really liking the FRN, at least in the Native model.
It's light and comfortable, as well as being very strong. I love it!
I do like the G-10 on my Dodo, though. I have several knives from other makers with G-10, as well, and all serve admirably.
I love FRN, and I hope Spyderco keeps it in the line, along with the G-10.
Sniper -- One Shot, One Kill Email: ST8PEN01@aol.com
It's light and comfortable, as well as being very strong. I love it!
I do like the G-10 on my Dodo, though. I have several knives from other makers with G-10, as well, and all serve admirably.
I love FRN, and I hope Spyderco keeps it in the line, along with the G-10.
Sniper -- One Shot, One Kill Email: ST8PEN01@aol.com
-
mystillwater
- Member
- Posts: 94
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: downingtown, pa USA
guess my skirmish won't be coming after all...because if spyderco has a rightful claim to the hole then of course they would have stopped benchmade from making them....
and fo that matter...why does my dodo has a cheap knockoff of an axis lock....
my point is this...an innovation changes the way things are done. . spyderco has been an innovator in the knife industry for a few decades. How do we know? Because they have changed the way other companies make knives. Pocket clips are pretty much standard on folding knives these days. Almost every manufacturer has several one-hand opening knives. We all want to own and use great knives. Instead of being proud of spyderco’s position at the top of innovation in the knife world, many of you prefer to jealously slander every knife company under the sun. i for one, am glad that my dodo has such a great lock and i'm happy that my AFCK has a hole and that my calypso has a lockback and so on and so forth. so see it fo what it is and try to be gentlemen.
benchmade fans have just as much cause to whine and complain but they didn't when this same topic came up. i know sal is a gentleman and a great guy. i would like to say that most of his "followers" would follow suit. i love the spyder but i'm growing tired of the bitter, jealous following. i love the dedication of spyderco fans but i feel that it's misdirected when they publically attack other companies especially fueled by internet rumours.
-----collecter/user/trader----- (((rotation))) BM 750BT, BM940, BM 921, BM 551S, BM 180D2 Ltd., BM880BT, Dodo PE, Endura SS PE, Mini-Commander, REKAT Pioneer Tanto PE, Kershaw Chive, TAK, BK-7, (Want List) CF Lefty Delica PE, Grey Calypso Jr. PE, SS Harpy PE, BM 710HS, BM 732, BM 942, BM 960, BM 210, Microtech Amphibian, Chax Cutter's Delight
and fo that matter...why does my dodo has a cheap knockoff of an axis lock....
my point is this...an innovation changes the way things are done. . spyderco has been an innovator in the knife industry for a few decades. How do we know? Because they have changed the way other companies make knives. Pocket clips are pretty much standard on folding knives these days. Almost every manufacturer has several one-hand opening knives. We all want to own and use great knives. Instead of being proud of spyderco’s position at the top of innovation in the knife world, many of you prefer to jealously slander every knife company under the sun. i for one, am glad that my dodo has such a great lock and i'm happy that my AFCK has a hole and that my calypso has a lockback and so on and so forth. so see it fo what it is and try to be gentlemen.
benchmade fans have just as much cause to whine and complain but they didn't when this same topic came up. i know sal is a gentleman and a great guy. i would like to say that most of his "followers" would follow suit. i love the spyder but i'm growing tired of the bitter, jealous following. i love the dedication of spyderco fans but i feel that it's misdirected when they publically attack other companies especially fueled by internet rumours.
-----collecter/user/trader----- (((rotation))) BM 750BT, BM940, BM 921, BM 551S, BM 180D2 Ltd., BM880BT, Dodo PE, Endura SS PE, Mini-Commander, REKAT Pioneer Tanto PE, Kershaw Chive, TAK, BK-7, (Want List) CF Lefty Delica PE, Grey Calypso Jr. PE, SS Harpy PE, BM 710HS, BM 732, BM 942, BM 960, BM 210, Microtech Amphibian, Chax Cutter's Delight
-
4 s ter
- Member
- Posts: 2056
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Canada
mystillwater
Do a search and see what Sal has to say about the issue then you can decide if we are responding to "internet rumors"
Spyderco can't "stop" another company's production of a knife. That other company can either abide by the trademark law because of their own integrity, or if Spyderco pursues it, maybe the courts will do so.
You accuse some of us of "jealously slander(ing)" another company then you call the Dodo's ball bearing lock a cheap knock-off of the axis lock. I think that's being a bit hypocritical. Then again, maybe this was intended to be sarcasm - if so, my apologies.
Sorry for the tone of this reply, but I don't feel that "Benchmade fans have just as much cause to whine and complain" regarding this issue. No Benchmade trademarks were infringed upon. I'm not "whining and complaining" - just stating my displeasure at the way some are viewing the issue. Being a "gentleman" doesn't mean letting people take advantager of you.
David
"Not all who wander are lost"
Edited by - 4 s ter on 4/19/2004 1:35:37 PM
Do a search and see what Sal has to say about the issue then you can decide if we are responding to "internet rumors"
Spyderco can't "stop" another company's production of a knife. That other company can either abide by the trademark law because of their own integrity, or if Spyderco pursues it, maybe the courts will do so.
You accuse some of us of "jealously slander(ing)" another company then you call the Dodo's ball bearing lock a cheap knock-off of the axis lock. I think that's being a bit hypocritical. Then again, maybe this was intended to be sarcasm - if so, my apologies.
Sorry for the tone of this reply, but I don't feel that "Benchmade fans have just as much cause to whine and complain" regarding this issue. No Benchmade trademarks were infringed upon. I'm not "whining and complaining" - just stating my displeasure at the way some are viewing the issue. Being a "gentleman" doesn't mean letting people take advantager of you.
David
"Not all who wander are lost"
Edited by - 4 s ter on 4/19/2004 1:35:37 PM
-
mystillwater
- Member
- Posts: 94
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: downingtown, pa USA
i'm a little disappointed in myself for taking part in a post like this to start with. it was negative from the first reply on. i guess i was saddened that it would sink to that level here on an otherwise respectable message board. i should have walked on by and let it go.
i do love my dodo and my other spyderco knives. i support spyderco with my money because i think they make a great knife. i also seek to do as much buisness with them as possible when it comes to my line of work because i think they make a supirior product in my market. there is no question that i support spyderco.
what i don't support is the frame of mind that always perpetuates these arguements.
use the hole...don't be the hole.
-----collecter/user/trader----- (((rotation))) BM 750BT, BM940, BM 921, BM 551S, BM 180D2 Ltd., BM880BT, Dodo PE, Endura SS PE, Mini-Commander, REKAT Pioneer Tanto PE, Kershaw Chive, TAK, BK-7, (Want List) CF Lefty Delica PE, Grey Calypso Jr. PE, SS Harpy PE, BM 710HS, BM 732, BM 942, BM 960, BM 210, Microtech Amphibian, Chax Cutter's Delight
i do love my dodo and my other spyderco knives. i support spyderco with my money because i think they make a great knife. i also seek to do as much buisness with them as possible when it comes to my line of work because i think they make a supirior product in my market. there is no question that i support spyderco.
what i don't support is the frame of mind that always perpetuates these arguements.
use the hole...don't be the hole.
-----collecter/user/trader----- (((rotation))) BM 750BT, BM940, BM 921, BM 551S, BM 180D2 Ltd., BM880BT, Dodo PE, Endura SS PE, Mini-Commander, REKAT Pioneer Tanto PE, Kershaw Chive, TAK, BK-7, (Want List) CF Lefty Delica PE, Grey Calypso Jr. PE, SS Harpy PE, BM 710HS, BM 732, BM 942, BM 960, BM 210, Microtech Amphibian, Chax Cutter's Delight
I think the majority of us here have our #1, all-time favorite knife company in our mind, and it's very unlikely that anyone will change our views. And that's fine.
Personally, I try not to completely limit myself to being a blind disciple of only one company.
My favorite company is Strider Knives because they make the toughest, most durable knives that I've yet to find. And they will repair or replace any knife that you manage to destroy, 100%, no questions asked.
Despite loving my Striders, I also enjoy Spydercos; they're functional, many of them look neat, they're interesting. And they're a different "flavor" than most other knife brands.
I also enjoy my Benchmade knife, as well.
My point is that if you become a blind follower and ridicule everything else, then you're only hurting yourself by limiting your views.
Sniper -- One Shot, One Kill Email: ST8PEN01@aol.com
Personally, I try not to completely limit myself to being a blind disciple of only one company.
My favorite company is Strider Knives because they make the toughest, most durable knives that I've yet to find. And they will repair or replace any knife that you manage to destroy, 100%, no questions asked.
Despite loving my Striders, I also enjoy Spydercos; they're functional, many of them look neat, they're interesting. And they're a different "flavor" than most other knife brands.
I also enjoy my Benchmade knife, as well.
My point is that if you become a blind follower and ridicule everything else, then you're only hurting yourself by limiting your views.
Sniper -- One Shot, One Kill Email: ST8PEN01@aol.com
I've no preference, I like 'em both for different reasons. I've owned knives from both companies for many years, used and abused 'em all, and will continue to purchase products from both companies. Ultimately it just comes down to what is being made that year that "tickles my fancy," this year it's mostly been Spyderco.