Hello Everyone,

My wife is going to buy me a new knife for our anniversary. I want a good, solid EDC folder and have my heart set on a Benchmade. I currently carry a Kershaw Whirlwind. I was going to buy a Benchmade Vex but want something a little nicer. I'd like to get some recommendations from you good folks that know more about Benchmades. Thanks!

I think as long as it's a benchmade it will suit EDC. Make your choice for tanto, recurve, drop point, etc, your budget, and your style and you should have quite a few choices.

Other things to consider is whether you like tip-up/down or left/right carry. Scale material can be an influence especially in aesthetics.

Do you want to stay around the same blade length of the Whirlwind (3.25")? Are you open to smaller or larger sizes?

Do you want liner lock, frame lock, Axis lock, or does it matter?

I'm sure a bunch of guys will tell you to get a Griptilian (or the mini). It's a Benchmade, so it's a great knife, but there are a bunch of similar models that might suit your tastes much better.

Look into Benchmade Sequel - 707. I was on the fence about it, but glad I got it. The best compact folder I've ever had. A lot of quality for the money.

I carry a 710... it's big, but it's a great knife.

I also have an Osborne that I like a lot - the blade shape is weird, but it's great once you get used to it. It's just a little small.

+1 on the Model 710 I own several different models by benchmade and the 710 continues to be my most carried folder I own..BTW benchmade makes one of the best production knives on the market IMO.. which ever model you decide to go with you will be pleased with it..

If you want to stick to assisted open then check out the 585 Mini Barrage. Axis lock and assisted open and it is a little tank of a knife. A little bigger and you can go for the full size Barrage. If you want to stick to liner lock then I personally like the Stryker series. I have a 910 with D2 blade that is sick. You can get those with assisted open too. My personal favorite Benchmade is the 615 Mini Rukus. A bit larger than the Vex and Whirlwind but it carries real nice with a deep pocket clip.

I really like the look of the 710. Where's a good place to pick one up?

Benchmade stopped making them a few years ago, but the 690 is a sexy knife in my opinion. I also like the Benchmade 960 in red. I carry a pair of Benchmade Mini-Griptilians, which are great. Can't really go wrong with Blue box Benchmades.

I own a 710 and a 707. 710 with its 4" D2 blade is really nice, but for me the 707 is better for an EDC. If you go with a 707, try to get the blackwater version with full lenth black G10 scales. I use the hell out of my 707, and it has a more well-loved look now

I currently carry a Benchmade 942S (the black scales version of the Benchmade 940). I've been carrying it for around four years and love it!

The 940/942 is a very smooth opener. This is the my first Benchmade with an Axis lock and I have to say that I'm smitten by the locking mechanism. I can open it faster than any of my liner-locking knives. It is a very solid knife. My 942S usually gets light duty, but on occasion I've opened coconuts with it. I've never sharpened it, but the 154CM blade still remains sharp. The newer Benchmade 940 comes with an S30V blade (which is an awesome steel also). If you get a chance to check one out, see how it feels to you.

On occasion, I carry a Benchmade 930 Kulgera, but I really prefer my 942S. Its nice, its got the same great Axis lock, but I prefer the feel of my 942S.

I'm also partial to the (discontinued) Benchmade 350SBT. It's a small, liner lock, drop point folder. You can find them occasionally on ebay, but the supply has dwendled for the last few years. I carried one for years (until I got my 942S) and will bring it out every once in a while.

Just one warning, if you're like me, you'll have a hard time just buying one. Good luck with your search!

I carry a mini grip and really like it.

I rotate a 930 Kulgera & Mini-Ritter, both are excellent BM knives.

Mini Skirmish.

I carry a model 672 Apparition with D2 steel. For EDC I like the modified sheep's foot blade geometry. I just wish it had a blade up carry option.

I'm a fan of the Axis lock and 3" blades so I'll suggest a Mini-grip as a beater. For something nicer, 707 Sequel. The Sequel blade is the slightly longer than the mini yet the handle is smaller. The back of the mini-grip is enclosed so I give the nod to the 707 because it collects less pocket lint. Both are available with different blade shapes.

If you want a larger knife then the full sized Griptillian or 710. Same as above, the Grip is more of a beater and the 710 is classier.

FWIW,

Dan

There are many choices to carry in Benchmade. I carry several but most of the time is the HK Axis drop point folder.

http://www.benchmade.com/products/14205

I carry a Mini-Skirmish. It's light, durable and damn good looking.

I too like the Benchmade 710, but I like all their product line. Strong and well designed, great warranty.

I have a a benchmade mini-nitrous stryker, D2 steel. This is a Great, Great Great knife!