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expirediconian | Staff posted Nov 17, 2022 08:38 PM
expirediconian | Staff posted Nov 17, 2022 08:38 PM

Benchmade Knives: 273FE-2 Mini Adamas $180, 176T SOCP Training Dagger

& More + Free Shipping

$52

$72

27% off
Focus Camera
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luckydog97
4468 Posts
2632 Reputation
Benchmade used to offer good values. They were attractive, durable, high performance designs made in America with premium materials and tight tolerances. I had a 2550 Mini Reflex Auto and it was one of the best knives I've ever owned. It was around $145 in 2015...bought it the day my god given right to self defense using the method of my choice was affirmed in my state. I tried the updated 2551 a couple years ago when I lost my 2550 and it was over $200 with tax, and the pivot was sloppy (even the dealer agreed it was poor QC and adjustment wouldn't fix it).

Their value proposition is horrendous now. They are asking ultra premium prices for plastic handled knives and old designs using mid grade steels with questionable quality control in my experience. The $125 bugout has a plastic handle. It's a great knife IF you replace the handles, but then it's $200+ and many other options open up. The $175 redoubt has a plastic handle. Maybe you thought you'd upgrade and get an auto, how about a $250 claymore? ERR, plastic handle. Ok, the $300+ shootout has to be well made right? Ok, this is embarrassing for a $300 knife...also a plastic handle. They must all then have super exotic blades then? Also, no. Many are D2, 154CM, or S30V. What about a Phateton? Well, it's $400 now but is essentially identical to what USED to be called the HK turmoil, which used to be $200 lol. What about the MIGHTY INFIDEL!? Sigh...it's nearly as much as a new Glock, with the same 15 year old design and the same D2 steel found in $30 chinese folders

The it's made in america so the cost is high argument is BS. There are many US made makers that offer much higher value, like Microtech, Guardian Tactical, Pro Tech, Kershaw US, and the list goes on. The Benchmade name was built to mean something, and now they're selling it out in the name of corporate greed.

Buy American but buy something else until they get back to caring about knives as much as they do money.
luckydog97
4468 Posts
2632 Reputation
I've always wanted a Spyderco so I can practice my Spydy flick lol. Its admittedly less than stellar at the moment.

My encounter with the sloppy 2551 could have been a rare instance. Even still, QC should have caught it for a $200 knife. Despite that, I feel the shift to plastic components at these prices is in itself the quality decline, which is intimately woven into the overpricing in my opinion. They are two problems born of the same change. Go plastic but cut the price, or keep or raise the price but keep material quality high. Don't cut materials AND raise costs, significantly.

I'm carrying a Microtech UTX85 in M390 at the moment. Fantastic knife. Never misfires, and after 9 months of use without sharpening it, the blade is still LITERALLY sharp enough to shave with lol. I paid $250 for it from an official dealer, tax included. It has the same lifetime warranty, all metal construction, and was made in North Carolina.

If anyone is looking for a knife for personal carry, or as a gift, feel free to respond with preferences and a budget and I'll be happy to give some suggestions. You don't have to spend a fortune to get a quality pocket knife!

* * * IF ANY BENCHMADE ASSOCIATE IS READING THIS, THEY'D BE WISE TO RESEARCH HOW SEARS AND SPECIFICALLY THE CRAFTSMAN BRAND OF TOOLS FELL OFF THEIR PEDESTAL. THEY CHOSE PRICE OVER QUALITY, THEN HAD LOWER QUALITY AND HIGH PRICES, AND NOW STANLEY IS THANKFULLY TRYING TO REHABILITATE THE NAME * * *
rolfeskj
2880 Posts
1555 Reputation
Spyderco…

Not sure about a drop in quality but I do feel Benchmade is getting too expensive.

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Nov 17, 2022 09:06 PM
451 Posts
Joined May 2018
Nov 17, 2022 09:06 PM
SuperheroFamilyManNov 17, 2022 09:06 PM
451 Posts
Good pricing, though I don't see them listed on Benchmade's list of authorized dealers - neither their main Brooklyn, NY location, or their Lakewood, NJ location. Tends to make me worry about knockoffs.

https://www.benchmade.com/find-a-dealer.html

Edit:

I stand corrected, thank you @RP1000. I didn't see it under either address listed on their Lifestyle @ Focus website we were directed to. However, it appears they are an authorized dealer under Focus Cameras - 1201 JERSEY AVE, NJ NORTH BRUNSWICK US
Last edited by SuperheroFamilyMan November 17, 2022 at 01:17 PM.
2
Nov 17, 2022 09:12 PM
483 Posts
Joined Feb 2008
Nov 17, 2022 09:12 PM
rp1000Nov 17, 2022 09:12 PM
483 Posts
Quote from SuperheroFamilyMan :
Good pricing, though I don't see them listed on Benchmade's list of authorized dealers - neither their main Brooklyn, NY location, or their Lakewood, NJ location. Tends to make me worry about knockoffs.

https://www.benchmade.com/find-a-dealer.html
https://www.benchmade.com/focus-camera-llc.html
1
Nov 17, 2022 09:12 PM
423 Posts
Joined Nov 2005
Nov 17, 2022 09:12 PM
drshdwNov 17, 2022 09:12 PM
423 Posts
This is a great sale!
2
Nov 17, 2022 09:18 PM
451 Posts
Joined May 2018
Nov 17, 2022 09:18 PM
SuperheroFamilyManNov 17, 2022 09:18 PM
451 Posts
Appreciate the redirect on the address, I've updated my comment.
1
Nov 17, 2022 09:29 PM
4,468 Posts
Joined Nov 2013
Nov 17, 2022 09:29 PM
luckydog97Nov 17, 2022 09:29 PM
4,468 Posts
Benchmade used to offer good values. They were attractive, durable, high performance designs made in America with premium materials and tight tolerances. I had a 2550 Mini Reflex Auto and it was one of the best knives I've ever owned. It was around $145 in 2015...bought it the day my god given right to self defense using the method of my choice was affirmed in my state. I tried the updated 2551 a couple years ago when I lost my 2550 and it was over $200 with tax, and the pivot was sloppy (even the dealer agreed it was poor QC and adjustment wouldn't fix it).

Their value proposition is horrendous now. They are asking ultra premium prices for plastic handled knives and old designs using mid grade steels with questionable quality control in my experience. The $125 bugout has a plastic handle. It's a great knife IF you replace the handles, but then it's $200+ and many other options open up. The $175 redoubt has a plastic handle. Maybe you thought you'd upgrade and get an auto, how about a $250 claymore? ERR, plastic handle. Ok, the $300+ shootout has to be well made right? Ok, this is embarrassing for a $300 knife...also a plastic handle. They must all then have super exotic blades then? Also, no. Many are D2, 154CM, or S30V. What about a Phateton? Well, it's $400 now but is essentially identical to what USED to be called the HK turmoil, which used to be $200 lol. What about the MIGHTY INFIDEL!? Sigh...it's nearly as much as a new Glock, with the same 15 year old design and the same D2 steel found in $30 chinese folders Facepalm

The it's made in america so the cost is high argument is BS. There are many US made makers that offer much higher value, like Microtech, Guardian Tactical, Pro Tech, Kershaw US, and the list goes on. The Benchmade name was built to mean something, and now they're selling it out in the name of corporate greed.

Buy American but buy something else until they get back to caring about knives as much as they do money.
Last edited by luckydog97 November 17, 2022 at 01:37 PM.
5
Pro
Nov 17, 2022 09:36 PM
2,880 Posts
Joined Dec 2005
Nov 17, 2022 09:36 PM
WilliamMunny63
Pro
Nov 17, 2022 09:36 PM
2,880 Posts
Quote from luckydog97 :
Benchmade used to offer good values. They were attractive, durable, high performance designs made in America with premium materials and tight tolerances. I had a 2550 Mini Reflex Auto and it was one of the best knives I've ever owned. It was around $145 in 2015...bought it the day my god given right to self defense using the method of my choice was affirmed in my state. I tried the updated 2551 a couple years ago when I lost my 2550 and it was over $200 with tax, and the pivot was sloppy (even the dealer agreed it was poor QC and adjustment wouldn't fix it).

Their value proposition is horrendous now. They are asking ultra premium prices for plastic handled knives and old designs using mid grade steels with questionable quality control in my experience. The $125 bugout has a plastic handle. It's a great knife IF you replace the handles, but then it's $200+ and many other options open up. The $175 redoubt has a plastic handle. Maybe you thought you'd upgrade and get an auto, how about a $250 claymore? ERR, plastic handle. Ok, the $300+ shootout has to be well made right? This is embarrassing for $300 knife...also a plastic handle. What about a Phateton? Well, it's $400 now but used to be called the HK turmoil, and used to be $200 lol. What about the MIGHTY INFIDEL!? It's nearly as much as a new Glock, with the same 15 year old design and the same D2 steel found in $30 chinese folders Facepalm

The it's made in america so the cost is high argument is BS. There are many US made makers that offer much higher value, like Microtech, Guardian Tactical, Pro Tech, Kershaw US, and the list goes on. The Benchmade name was built to mean something, and now they're selling it out in the name of corporate greed.

Buy American but buy something else until they get back to caring about knives as much as they do money.
Spyderco…

Not sure about a drop in quality but I do feel Benchmade is getting too expensive.
Nov 17, 2022 09:45 PM
4,468 Posts
Joined Nov 2013
Nov 17, 2022 09:45 PM
luckydog97Nov 17, 2022 09:45 PM
4,468 Posts
Quote from rolfeskj :
Spyderco…

Not sure about a drop in quality but I do feel Benchmade is getting too expensive.
I've always wanted a Spyderco so I can practice my Spydy flick lol. Its admittedly less than stellar at the moment.

My encounter with the sloppy 2551 could have been a rare instance. Even still, QC should have caught it for a $200 knife. Despite that, I feel the shift to plastic components at these prices is in itself the quality decline, which is intimately woven into the overpricing in my opinion. They are two problems born of the same change. Go plastic but cut the price, or keep or raise the price but keep material quality high. Don't cut materials AND raise costs, significantly.

I'm carrying a Microtech UTX85 in M390 at the moment. Fantastic knife. Never misfires, and after 9 months of use without sharpening it, the blade is still LITERALLY sharp enough to shave with lol. I paid $250 for it from an official dealer, tax included. It has the same lifetime warranty, all metal construction, and was made in North Carolina.

If anyone is looking for a knife for personal carry, or as a gift, feel free to respond with preferences and a budget and I'll be happy to give some suggestions. You don't have to spend a fortune to get a quality pocket knife!

* * * IF ANY BENCHMADE ASSOCIATE IS READING THIS, THEY'D BE WISE TO RESEARCH HOW SEARS AND SPECIFICALLY THE CRAFTSMAN BRAND OF TOOLS FELL OFF THEIR PEDESTAL. THEY CHOSE PRICE OVER QUALITY, THEN HAD LOWER QUALITY AND HIGH PRICES, AND NOW STANLEY IS THANKFULLY TRYING TO REHABILITATE THE NAME * * *
Last edited by luckydog97 November 17, 2022 at 01:50 PM.
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Nov 17, 2022 09:48 PM
18 Posts
Joined Nov 2016
Nov 17, 2022 09:48 PM
cygillettNov 17, 2022 09:48 PM
18 Posts

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank cygillett

Inb4 "my $10 knife is just as good!"
1
2
Nov 17, 2022 10:09 PM
534 Posts
Joined Nov 2008
Nov 17, 2022 10:09 PM
justjoel73Nov 17, 2022 10:09 PM
534 Posts
Knives that cost as much as or more than quality firearms. A knife is basically just a piece of sharpened steel with a handle.
1
3
Nov 17, 2022 10:11 PM
684 Posts
Joined Nov 2006
Nov 17, 2022 10:11 PM
d3a1zNov 17, 2022 10:11 PM
684 Posts
Quote from rolfeskj :
Spyderco…

Not sure about a drop in quality but I do feel Benchmade is getting too expensive.
I have had way worse luck with Spyderco than Benchmade. I have tried two and returned two. Blades were way off center and the knife just didn't seem assembled cleanly. For a $130 knife i expect a centered blade and a smooth action. My Bugout has been solid from day 1.
Nov 17, 2022 10:16 PM
156 Posts
Joined Apr 2009
Nov 17, 2022 10:16 PM
spd2lastNov 17, 2022 10:16 PM
156 Posts
Really nice price on the 560BK-1 "Super" Freek. Had to get one.
1
Pro
Nov 17, 2022 10:21 PM
9,613 Posts
Joined Oct 2008
Nov 17, 2022 10:21 PM
Danzilla
Pro
Nov 17, 2022 10:21 PM
9,613 Posts
Quote from cygillett :
Inb4 "my $10 knife is just as good!"
That's silly. Have to be at least a $20 knife.
2
Pro
Nov 17, 2022 10:46 PM
516 Posts
Joined Feb 2015
Nov 17, 2022 10:46 PM
coopscoop
Pro
Nov 17, 2022 10:46 PM
516 Posts
The bugout is one of my favorite EDCs.

The 535BK-4 for $170 and 535BK-2 for $130 are great buys!

Check out this on the BK-4: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=l4RjMEiBpVk
1
Nov 17, 2022 10:51 PM
29 Posts
Joined Sep 2007
Nov 17, 2022 10:51 PM
CivicLegendNov 17, 2022 10:51 PM
29 Posts
Are any of these automatic?
2

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Nov 17, 2022 10:54 PM
32 Posts
Joined Oct 2014
Nov 17, 2022 10:54 PM
greensidedocNov 17, 2022 10:54 PM
32 Posts
Quote from luckydog97 :
Benchmade used to offer good values. They were attractive, durable, high performance designs made in America with premium materials and tight tolerances. I had a 2550 Mini Reflex Auto and it was one of the best knives I've ever owned. It was around $145 in 2015...bought it the day my god given right to self defense using the method of my choice was affirmed in my state. I tried the updated 2551 a couple years ago when I lost my 2550 and it was over $200 with tax, and the pivot was sloppy (even the dealer agreed it was poor QC and adjustment wouldn't fix it).

Their value proposition is horrendous now. They are asking ultra premium prices for plastic handled knives and old designs using mid grade steels with questionable quality control in my experience. The $125 bugout has a plastic handle. It's a great knife IF you replace the handles, but then it's $200+ and many other options open up. The $175 redoubt has a plastic handle. Maybe you thought you'd upgrade and get an auto, how about a $250 claymore? ERR, plastic handle. Ok, the $300+ shootout has to be well made right? Ok, this is embarrassing for a $300 knife...also a plastic handle. They must all then have super exotic blades then? Also, no. Many are D2, 154CM, or S30V. What about a Phateton? Well, it's $400 now but is essentially identical to what USED to be called the HK turmoil, which used to be $200 lol. What about the MIGHTY INFIDEL!? Sigh...it's nearly as much as a new Glock, with the same 15 year old design and the same D2 steel found in $30 chinese folders Facepalm

The it's made in america so the cost is high argument is BS. There are many US made makers that offer much higher value, like Microtech, Guardian Tactical, Pro Tech, Kershaw US, and the list goes on. The Benchmade name was built to mean something, and now they're selling it out in the name of corporate greed.

Buy American but buy something else until they get back to caring about knives as much as they do money.
Great comment! My Uncle went to work for Benchmade for much of the 90's. He said the first couple years he worked there, it was all about quality. Then, there was a shift to quantity quantity quantity. Production moved to mandatory six and seven day weeks, 10 to 12 hour shifts. I own 8 contemporary Benchmade knives, but they don't compare to the precision pieces gifted to me 25 years ago.
1

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