Spyderco Salt or Benchmade H20 or other

[RX-178]

Now, I'll just get this out of the way by saying this question is likely going to be just an academic issue. I'm probably going to get both. But here's the scenario nonetheless.

I spend a lot of time in Taiwan. Several months a year. I already have clothes in Taiwan, an apartment in Taiwan, etc. etc. I went to COLLEGE in Taiwan. But I keep having to pack suitcases to go to Taiwan, mainly just so I can bring my EDC knives with me on the flight.

I'm getting rather tired of that, but on the other hand, Taiwan is a tropical rainforest with a ridiculous level of humidity, and any knife I leave there would be in that climate for up to a year or more without oiling or maintenance.

So now I'm finally going to spend some money on some rust-proof knives to just leave in Taiwan, so I can travel without bothering with baggage claims or check-ins.

I've got my eye on some of the knives in Spyderco's Salt series, and also the Benchmade Griptilian H20. Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[SJ440]

Both companies make good products. You probably won't be disappointed with either. My vote is for the spyderco because many of benchmades products are overpriced. They may be a little nicer, but a spyderco will still get the job done. Generally speaking.As to the specific products, I don't know much about either, so this is all the advice I have.

 

[hso]

Taiwan is no more humid than many other places (E. TN, Lower Alabama, Portland, etc.) so a good coating with Marine TuffCloth or Ren Wax or White Lightning should be good enough for even 1095 steel blades to survive until your return. If you're further concerned wrap them in VCI vapor barrier paper for the duration and drop them in a zip lock with a bag of fresh desiccant.

OTOH, if you want something without any potential to rust if you left it on the beach, then either suggested products will do the job or you could go with one of David Boye's cobalt alloy bladed folders.

 

[The Highlander]

Does anyone know how water proof Benchmade's X-15 steel is? I'm familiar with Spyderco's Salt line, but up until this point I've never heard of BM H2O.

 

[maroast]

I really like Spyderco products. They are reasonably priced (if you dont pay MSRP on them) and are quality knives.


I carry an Atlantic Salt clipped/ tethered to my harness when I go Kiteboarding... just incase I get snared in my lines and I might drowned. The knife is constantly submerged in fresh water and I NEVER dry it when I'm done.... there is not even the slightest discoloration in the steel and it flicks open with great ease. It's fully serrated and sharp enough to shave with.... great knife.

 

[JShirley]

I bought a Rock Salt yesterday. (See? I DO buy little knives sometimes!) Surprisingly affordable, for a fixed blade this size from a great manufacturer.

 

[conw]

Shirley, nice offset blade on that number, huh? Kinda recalls the kuk. Have you ever handled a spyderco Barong or Kukri? They are a neat concept in folders. I wish there were more traditionally influenced folders available. Something about g10 with a traditional style blade in a big heavy package of a folder is cool!

 

[JShirley]

Yeah, Ed showed me both of those a few years ago. Neat knives, but I was more interested in the Persian and the Rock Salt. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to pick up the Rock Salt.

 

[The Highlander]

I'm not all that big on ed's kuk and barong, but with the krein regrind they look sick.