Finally, Benchmade paid attention

I just ordered a 555HG, it seems to fit your criteria minus the G10 handles.

What makes you prefer them, the "grippyness" of them relative to plastic?

Jay

940s rock, I have three of them. Why the desire for a thumbhole? I don't even use the thumb stud to open mine.

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Originally Posted by Azul

What makes these different from the Griptilians, i have one that looks pretty darn close except for the texturing on the grip and perhaps a slight blade curve difference?

What is the benefit of D2 vs 154CM

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I have a Griptillian (or, had, I can't find it lately, along with god knows how many other BMs). It fits the bill relatively well, but the plastic handle vs. the G10 tends to be thicker/fatter.

D2 is harder, therefore a little harder to sharpen but also holds an edge longer. In theory, anyway.

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Originally Posted by FromMyColdDeadHand

940s rock, I have three of them. Why the desire for a thumbhole? I don't even use the thumb stud to open mine.

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I prefer the hole over the stud because it doesn't get caught on deep cuts, and doesn't get as mucked up with whatever it is you're cutting.

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Originally Posted by rob_s

If they ever get around to making a "mini" version of the 741 Onslaught I'd probably be happier with that.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q...tuff/bm741.jpg


Blade Length: 4.28"
Blade Thickness: 0.121"
Handle Thickness: 0.650"
Blade Material: 154CM Stainless Steel
Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC
Blade Style: Modified Clip-Point
Weight: 6.96oz.

Clip: Tip-Up, Black, Steel
Lock Mechanism: AXIS
Overall Length: 9.63"
Closed Length: 5.47"

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The black coated plain edge will probably be my next knife purchase. I wish they would make it in D2 or S30V.

I wish Benchmade would do away with the Axis lock and go back to a liner or traditional lock-back design. The axis design is ok on a knife that is used as a tool, but not for defensive purposes. Depending on the grip in which the knife is held, it is too easy to unlatch the knife with an axis lock and end up with cut fingers.

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Originally Posted by photosniper

I wish Benchmade would do away with the Axis lock and go back to a liner or traditional lock-back design. The axis design is ok on a knife that is used as a tool, but not for defensive purposes. Depending on the grip in which the knife is held, it is too easy to unlatch the knife with an axis lock and end up with cut fingers.

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I'm not a knife fighter, but the Axis lock is the main reason I buy Benchmade. Simple to flick open, easy to close one handed. I've never seen people complain about the blade folding inadvertantly??

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Originally Posted by FromMyColdDeadHand

I'm not a knife fighter, but the Axis lock is the main reason I buy Benchmade. Simple to flick open, easy to close one handed. I've never seen people complain about the blade folding inadvertantly??

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I agree. I vastly prefer the Axis to other options. I'm not a knife figther either, and while I want to be able to defend myself with a knife if need by, I'm not buying knives for defense first. They are tools first, fantasy ninja weapons second.

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I wish Benchmade would do away with the Axis lock and go back to a liner or traditional lock-back design. The axis design is ok on a knife that is used as a tool, but not for defensive purposes. Depending on the grip in which the knife is held, it is too easy to unlatch the knife with an axis lock and end up with cut fingers.

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The Axis lock is the main reason I buy Benchmade.I've never liked liner locks or spine locks.

I find the Axis lock to not only be much easier to use than the alternatives,but more secure as well.

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Originally Posted by rob_s

I agree. I vastly prefer the Axis to other options. I'm not a knife figther either, and while I want to be able to defend myself with a knife if need by, I'm not buying knives for defense first. They are tools first, fantasy ninja weapons second.

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Well, considering I don't know anything about fantasy ninja weapons, I couldn't comment on that Rob.

There is at least one knife grip that puts the Axis lock right under the thumb for right handed users. A modified rapier grip (with the blade horizontal) places the thumb right on the lock. The lock can also be released with the inside of the thumb with a normal hammer fist grip.

If you like the Axis design and are comfortable with the possibility of the blade closing on your fingers when you need the knife the most, that is your choice.