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 …

The Benchmade Pika II is difficult to open handed due to its overly strong back spring. That with some other minor issues resulted in my low likability and a tepid review previously. Enter the Pika G10 model, marketed under the BM Harley Davidson banner for now. It fixes some of the “Pinkachu” issues and is really a different knife. First, the Pika G10 deploys much quicker since it has a well-balanced back spring; not too strong, not too weak (it amazes me when a company gets this simplest …

Previously reviewed by me, the Pika II has some issues which do not endear the knife to me. One of the most serious was the lack of grip the spine jimping lacks. Here is a quick fix you might want to try that fixed the problem. Tools? Just a Dremel tool with a thin cut off wheel and some 400 grit sandpaper on a small wood block. Knife becomes a lot more useful with this mod!

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 …

A quick look and observation on the Satin finished SOG Aegis tactical folder. Still a great knife in any coloration but the jimping on this version, due to the polishing process, is not as sharp as the black TiNi coated blades. Some careful block sanding with some 400 to 600 grit auto sandpaper (to square the edges) might make the jimping have some “bite” again. But as it comes from the factory, the jimping kind of sucks on this version and SOG should fix that….

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 …

On paper the Benchmade Pika II knife should be a hit. Great price, adequate steel, good blade shape, decent handle, and a nice clip. But its notat least with Nutnfancy. Thats because the Pinkachu has some surprising misses even at its affordable price point. Take for instance the Pika IIs overly strong blade retention due to perhaps an overly strong back spring. That makes this Pokemon a slow deploying blade, by comparison, that requires good thumb tension and wrist technique to get it out …

The attractive Benchmade Model 730 Ares may attract users looking for a strong tactical folder at a reasonable weight. First youll notice the striking sculpted G10 handles that have been offered in different colorations including the super cool plum/black Elishewitz version shown. The 730 as such holds a lot of collectible enjoyment. And if you get past the overyly hyped and laughable Benchmade writeup (copy) on this knife, youll notice it is also a extremely serviceable knife as well. The …

Initially I was quite enthralled with the Dejavoo 740 by Benchmade. And still it remains an excellent folding tactical knife with many positive features like: superb flat ground S30V steel blade, lightning fast deployment, titanium drilled-out liners, excellent fit and finish throughout, solid lockup, bronze bushings, handsome looks, ergonomic handle, and a good clip. But it does have several significant downsides you need to be made aware of like: possibly a weak liner lock, NO blade …

The little Benchmade Nimravus Cub II (LIte) is impressive. The entire loadout weight on this diminutive blade is just 5.4 oz. The blade itself is only 3.5 ounces! Nevertheless the BM Nim Cub II gives us a perfectly sized 3.5 inch 154CM stainless blade that holds much utility and maybe a little tactical capability as well. The sharp jimping, deep fingerguard, and perfect balance help to solidly lock the Nim Cub in hand. The sheath is a homerun: super light, nylon so as not to absorb water …