Once upon a time Benchmade had the perfect, high value EDC/lightweight tactical blade: The Ascent. At just 2.4 oz the Ascent is a great design. A nicely shaped, flat ground 3.5″ 440C blade, a strong lock back, fast deployment, tight lockup, perfect stonewash finish, and an excellent reversible pocket clip are the highppoints. And there’s not too many lows here: maybe just the pointy handle that might stick out of the pocket a bit while you’re carrying the Ascent. Wisely, BM chose to NOT put …
In the field of daily carry knives, the SOG FLASH 1 is a fast, lightweight, well-built, and securely carried companion. I have many of these knives and have used them extensively for both duty and personal use. As my VIDEO shows, the FLASH 1’s size is perfect as is the deep carry clip. Add its good quality AUS8 steel and most importantly it’s feathery 1.2 oz weight (not 1.4 oz ike I said in video) and you have the near-perfect daily carry knife. For a knife you’ll have on your person at ALL …
At this weight and blade size, few knives will compare favorably against the excellent SOG Flash II. It’s an ideal larger EDC blade that deploys wicked fast, locks tight, and carries well. The Flash series also shows other makers exactly how to make a pocket clip: removable, hardened stainless steel clip the buries the knife in the pocket. The FRN handle was wisely NOT lined with stainless steel and as such is super light, strong, and surprisingly comfortable. The full flat ground AUS8 blade …
It’s no picnic finding high quality blades that impress me for around . Yes the variety and quality of all blades has expanded exponentially in the last few years. But I still don’t like making compromises on the big things: steel, deployment speed, lockup, ergonomics, and looks. Few make the cut at this restrictive price point. I also, just like you, I have my preferences. But here’s two that make the list: the Benchmade H&K (BM) Ascender Mdl 14352BT and its smaller brother the H&K Mini …
