Like most of us I have WAAY more knives than I need, but the last few years I've actually put a lot of thought into which design features I really wanted. The perfect EDC knife for me didn't exist.
Over the last 4-5 years the two I reached for most were a Benchmade Mini-Griptilian and a Spyderco Delica. I liked the blade and handle length better on the Spyderco. But the blade shape didn't appeal to me. I liked that it was flat and lightweight, and while the lock back worked, I liked the Benchmade Axis lock better.
The Benchmade had a better blade style, at least to my eye. I like the lock better, but often wished for just a little more blade and handle length.
Both blades were equally sharp and easy to maintain.
Then about 10 days or so ago I discovered the new Benchmade Bugout knife. It combined the best qualities of both and is as close as I can think of to perfect for what I want.
http://www.benchmade.com/bugout-family.html
Benchmade describes it as the perfect "backpacking" knife. I think that is a good description. It is under 2 oz with a 3.24" blade, carries well in my pocket or with a clip that carries deep. All things important to me.
The back is open to reduce weight. I could live with a little more weight to have had that closed. If change is carried in the same pocket as the knife it sometimes gets between the handles. That is the only negative, at least at this point.
I ordered the 1st one I found and paid full retail, $135. I found some listed at $115, but only with serrated blades which I didn't want. That is probably too much, this should probably be closer to $100; certainly no more than a Griptilian. But I wanted it enough to pay scalpers prices. I'd think they will come down eventually. But I'm happy with it even though I know I overpaid.
Over the last 4-5 years the two I reached for most were a Benchmade Mini-Griptilian and a Spyderco Delica. I liked the blade and handle length better on the Spyderco. But the blade shape didn't appeal to me. I liked that it was flat and lightweight, and while the lock back worked, I liked the Benchmade Axis lock better.
The Benchmade had a better blade style, at least to my eye. I like the lock better, but often wished for just a little more blade and handle length.
Both blades were equally sharp and easy to maintain.
Then about 10 days or so ago I discovered the new Benchmade Bugout knife. It combined the best qualities of both and is as close as I can think of to perfect for what I want.
http://www.benchmade.com/bugout-family.html
Benchmade describes it as the perfect "backpacking" knife. I think that is a good description. It is under 2 oz with a 3.24" blade, carries well in my pocket or with a clip that carries deep. All things important to me.
The back is open to reduce weight. I could live with a little more weight to have had that closed. If change is carried in the same pocket as the knife it sometimes gets between the handles. That is the only negative, at least at this point.
I ordered the 1st one I found and paid full retail, $135. I found some listed at $115, but only with serrated blades which I didn't want. That is probably too much, this should probably be closer to $100; certainly no more than a Griptilian. But I wanted it enough to pay scalpers prices. I'd think they will come down eventually. But I'm happy with it even though I know I overpaid.
