This is the blade I’ve been carrying daily since 2003. It’s the Microtech SOCOM Elite in 154-CM steel. This is an automatic knife with a positive locking safety for the release. The handles are of aluminum with 180 grit emery cloth inserts for a very positive grip. The clip is non adjustable and set up for right handed, tip up only carry. The locking mechanism is very solid, essentially making the knife a fixed blade when open. The blade still carries the same shaving sharp edge it had when I purchased it. The only thing I’ve ever had to do is the occasional stropping. www.microtechknives.com
This is a short video I made of me just messing around with my Benchmade model 551 griptilian…I am just shaving some bark off of a twig, the video is more or less just suppose to show a size comparison in the hand of the full size griptilian model, and to also show how easy it is to use the axis lock on this model…its quick and easy…The fullsize model has a 3.45″ blade, in this case it is a black coated D2 blade, I normally do not liked any coating on ym knife blades but it helps to protect the D2 from corrosion as it is not a stainless steel, and it seems to have keep pretty good with use, it has not worn that bad yet, I have been using this knife for average cutting tasks for about 6 months now…The model is a BM-551BKODD2, the 551 stands for the full size griptilian with a thumbstud, the BM stands for benchmade, the BK stands for black as in black blade, the OD stands for OD green for the handle, and the D2 stands for the D2 blade…
Here’s a side by side comparison of the Emerson Mini CQC-8 and Benchmade 950 Rift. Both are similar in price, and use the same blade and scale material. Benchmade 950 Rift specs: Blade Length: 3.67″ Blade Thickness: 0.114″ Blade Material: 154CM Stainless Steel Blade Hardness: 58-61HRC Blade Style: Reverse Tanto Handle Material: CNC contoured G10 Weight: 4.80oz. Clip: Tip Up, Reversible, Black Split-Arrow Lock Mechanism: AXIS Overall Length: 8.27″ Closed Length: 4.60″ Class: Black Emerson Mini CQC-8 (Horseman) specs: Handle Material: G10 Blade Material: 154CM Stainless Steel Blade Finish: Stonewashed Overall Length: 8.35 in. Blade Length: 3.54 in. Blade Thickness: .125 in. Blade Hardness: 57-59 RC Music track: “Get stoned” performed by Hinder.
