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Citadel for Duty Use!!

Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 9:04 pm
by BillyJack
Hey guys. I'm looking for input on the Big Citadel, for duty use. I'm thinking about getting one for duty use. Do you guys know how strong the lock is compared to the Auto-Axis from Benchmade. And also the deployment speed compared to the 5000 Presideo and 6150 Rukus, from Benchmade?

Thx,
Brad

Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 9:37 pm
by raven
Hey Brad, I don't have any experience with the Citadel, but I do have some with the Embassy. I used the Embassy while On-Duty and it was Top Notch ...didn't have any issues with it and the lock is STRONG/Rock Solid. I'm sure the spydercrew use the same Strong lock in the Citadel as well.

As far as the opening speed ...Super Fast!!! If you don't have a good grip on the knife when it opens, it could pop out of your hand. I'd have to say that all the spydie autos are faster than some of the other autos I've handled. I think you'd be very happy with the performance of the Citadel.

In saying that, I'd have to say using the Citadel as a Duty knife would be just fine for you. Take Good Care and Be Safe Always.

God Bless :)


-raven-

Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 9:46 pm
by BillyJack
Thanks for the input. I think I'm going to get it. The price is definately right.

Be Safe,
Brad

Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 10:00 pm
by raven
Hey Brad, You won't be disappointed ...let us know when you get that Bad Boy and give us your thoughts. Take Good Care and Be Safe Always.

God Bless :)


-raven-

Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 10:32 pm
by BillyJack
I will get it right after the holidays. I will definately let you guys know all about it, when I have it in hand.

Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 2:27 pm
by docwatson
will let you know, as I am a Police Officer and my wife is getting me one for Christmas. :D

Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 4:34 pm
by BillyJack
Very cool. Cannot wait to hear your opinion about the Citadel.

Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 9:46 pm
by SmoothOne25
I "dont" have one and love it. When you hit that botton it explodes out! Get the black on black.... You will not be sorry. And the prices seem to keep dropping, dont know if people dont like it or cant legaly buy it or what. I cant imagine it is not popular but maybe peeps cant obtain them cause of the silly laws

Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 12:56 pm
by Chris_H
raven wrote:As far as the opening speed ...Super Fast!!! If you don't have a good grip on the knife when it opens, it could pop out of your hand. I'd have to say that all the spydie autos are faster than some of the other autos I've handled. I think you'd be very happy with the performance of the Citadel.
I concur with raven's comments on the action's speed and power.

Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 11:36 am
by BillyJack
My only concern is deploying it with my left hand under stress. With the training I have been through, we are taught to use our "off-hand", opposite our gun hand. Considering its a a plunger deployment, I would have to use my index finger to deploy the knife. Under stress it might be a challenge. This is the only reason I am not sure about the knife.

From your posts, I see the deployment speed is top notch. This is not a concern anymore. Im debating purchasing the Citadel or one of Benchmade's Auto-Axis knives. But the price on the Citadel is considerably cheaper, through the SAS program.

Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:28 am
by raven
Hey BillyJack, It's actually not that difficult to deploy. I'm left handed ...well more ambi than anything. I was gifted the Embassy from a real cool Bro here when I was having issues opening a knife when I injured my right hand :( .

I carried (still do on occasion) the Embassy in my left pocket, because of the "tip-up" carry ...it's easy to deploy the knife and index the plunger button and lock the blade. The design is rock solid in the hand when deploying with a solid grip, so when the blade springs open you'll have a pretty solid grip and control. Hope this helps some :o . Take Good Care and Be Safe Always.

God Bless :)


-raven-

Posted: Mon Feb 22, 2010 8:16 pm
by ToneGrail
BillyJack wrote:My only concern is deploying it with my left hand under stress. With the training I have been through, we are taught to use our "off-hand", opposite our gun hand. Considering its a a plunger deployment, I would have to use my index finger to deploy the knife. Under stress it might be a challenge. This is the only reason I am not sure about the knife.

From your posts, I see the deployment speed is top notch. This is not a concern anymore. Im debating purchasing the Citadel or one of Benchmade's Auto-Axis knives. But the price on the Citadel is considerably cheaper, through the SAS program.

The advantage with the Auto Axis is that it's ambidexterous. I have the 5270 Auto Presidio Ultra. I got it from the Five Star Cutlery (based in NJ) booth at the MD State Fair for 127.20 including tax. That's at least 30 dollars cheaper than anywhere else I've seen it online. They pretty much beat any online price by that much. Since I was already in uniform because I was working the detail, I obviously didn't need to show any creds. I think they may be able to ship to you as long as you fax them your creds (they won't sell autos to non-LE). I know that you can order directly from Benchmade if you do that but they will charge full retail price.

PM me if you want the actual number of the place. I think I still have it on my receipt.

Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 6:44 pm
by papaac
I handled a NIB Citadel recently. The button seemed "gritty" and the action was delayed compared to my spring assisted Benchmade and Kerhsaw.