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Mr.LaBella
06-09-2010, 05:44 PM
http://www.benchmade.com/news/pr.aspx?id=208


For Immediate Release:

Benchmade Partners With Custom Knife Maker Charles Marlowe

June 8, 2010, OREGON CITY, Ore. - Benchmade Knife Company is proud to announce a partnership with custom knife maker Charles Marlowe. Mr. Marlowe has a great passion for knives and began designing his own models eighteen years ago.

"I've really enjoyed developing a relationship with Benchmade," says Mr. Marlowe. "Their attention to detail and respect for the integrity of the original custom design are what excited me about working with the company."

The first Marlowe-Benchmade design is expected to be released in the coming weeks.

"We are thrilled to be collaborating with such a talented knife designer," says Rob Morrison, Benchmade's Director of Marketing and Strategic Planning. "Through our association with world's best custom knife makers, we continue to bring innovative and functional designs to market. This partnership with Charles will help Benchmade continue in our mission of manufacturing superior edged tools."


http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt180/wardamneagle11/cm.jpg
http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt180/wardamneagle11/cm1.jpg
http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt180/wardamneagle11/cm2.jpg

dtp3347
06-09-2010, 06:03 PM
This might be a noob question but considering that there is no mention of Balisong in that release and considering that Marlowe makes folders aswell, is there any indication that their intent is to design balisongs?

JohnnyBmore
06-09-2010, 06:38 PM
This might be a noob question but considering that there is no mention of Balisong in that release and considering that Marlowe makes folders aswell, is there any indication that their intent is to design balisongs?

Yeah I knew he made Balis & Folders ... so Im not sure ..

But I will say I think BM needs another Bali in the line up .. :ross:

jimmer_5
06-09-2010, 06:47 PM
This might be a noob question but considering that there is no mention of Balisong in that release and considering that Marlowe makes folders aswell, is there any indication that their intent is to design balisongs?

There was a new Bali at Blade, but somehow no one (and I mean NO ONE - I've been looking) got a picture of it. It's based on one of Marlowe's designs and the construction should be similar to the Morpho.

Takeiteazy3
06-09-2010, 07:41 PM
Yeah I knew he made Balis & Folders ... so Im not sure ..

But I will say I think BM needs another Bali in the line up .. :ross:


seriously, the 51 is a nice edc, & little flipper for once in a while but a lil heavier bali would be nice.

JohnnyBmore
06-09-2010, 07:45 PM
seriously, the 51 is a nice edc, & little flipper for once in a while but a lil heavier bali would be nice.

yeah I feel that ..

Frstr8
06-09-2010, 10:27 PM
Marlowe Benchmade Badger PLEASE! :devil1:

MoreBeef
06-09-2010, 10:43 PM
There was a new Bali at Blade, but somehow no one (and I mean NO ONE - I've been looking) got a picture of it. It's based on one of Marlowe's designs and the construction should be similar to the Morpho.
I was wondering...I've heard about the goddam thing for a few days now. How is it that thre are no pictures, I mean the fuckin thing was @ the fuckin blade show for fucks sake?!?!?

I've heard it was going to be similar in design to the Mayhem, bent/assymetrical handles. I wanna see it before I pass judgement.

Frstr8
06-09-2010, 10:53 PM
I was wondering...I've heard about the goddam thing for a few days now. How is it that thre are no pictures, I mean the fuckin thing was @ the fuckin blade show for fucks sake?!?!?

I've heard it was going to be similar in design to the Mayhem, bent/assymetrical handles. I wanna see it before I pass judgement.

Seriously? That sounds like it may be the Badger. One of the baddest bali's made IMO. Don't know how they flip, but like the mayhem it would make an awesome EDC!


http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/6761/p1050833x.jpg

Les George
06-09-2010, 10:55 PM
I handled the knife at Blade :)

MoreBeef
06-09-2010, 11:04 PM
I handled the knife at Blade :)


OK Les, stop being a prick tease and spill it LOL

Billy Rosewood
06-09-2010, 11:13 PM
I would be down for a production badger or two :)

nixHunter
06-09-2010, 11:38 PM
I handled the knife at Blade :)

pics or it never happened :P LOL :bwah:

Takeiteazy3
06-10-2010, 12:52 AM
I handled the knife at Blade :)

Some pics please :madaddy::devil1::ross:

BennytheBlade
06-10-2010, 01:23 AM
It was plain, had green g10/micarta handles and needed a part or 2 before it goes into production. Hope they dont screw up a great design.

Looseyfur
06-10-2010, 09:07 AM
not what flippers want again.

:(


when oh when will they listen...

JohnnyBmore
06-10-2010, 10:18 AM
not what flippers want again.

:(


when oh when will they listen...

yeah bummer :ssad:

DaBird
06-10-2010, 12:31 PM
NO fucking pictures ?????:pissedevil:

Frstr8
06-10-2010, 12:40 PM
NO fucking pictures ?????:pissedevil:

Not even in ultra hott. It's that penis rule. :bwah:

Looseyfur
06-10-2010, 12:53 PM
NO fucking pictures ?????:pissedevil:

not a one so far has surfaced.

but I think I am already half past give as shit from what I have heard about it...
I hope they prove me wrong, but it sounds like an EDC over a flipper... so for me... PASS.

knifezoid
06-10-2010, 03:39 PM
I'm excited about it, but not as excited as I would be if it were a newer
version of the 42. I still have hope they will bring back a channel style
bali.

beflipped
06-11-2010, 04:55 AM
I am very curious about a production bali with IKBS
flipper or EDC, I am into balis. Period
Keep em comming! :devil1:

jimmer_5
06-11-2010, 09:18 PM
Hey all,

Here are some real images, fresh from Charles Marlowe's forum. As you can see, the knife features a full flat grind, and for the leftires out there the pocket clip is reversible! (I am totally stoked about this) I also really love the green G-10. The knife is supposed to use IKBS, so I think I will have to have one!

Now let;s hope that the MSRP is really kept to $180......



http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x242/jimmer_5/Knives/a-4.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x242/jimmer_5/Knives/b-4.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x242/jimmer_5/Knives/c-4.jpg

MoreBeef
06-11-2010, 09:24 PM
FINALLY some pictures of the goddam thing. I kinda dig it from an EDC kinda perspective. I'm gonna say the blade is about 3.5 inches?? Good luck on it being inexpensive. this IS Benchmade we are talking about here...

jimmer_5
06-11-2010, 09:28 PM
FINALLY some pictures of the goddam thing. I kinda dig it from an EDC kinda perspective. I'm gonna say the blade is about 3.5 inches?? Good luck on it being inexpensive. this IS Benchmade we are talking about here...

$180 MSRP is just waht I heard a number of other people saying. I think that's what Benchmade was telling people at BLADE. It would be nice if someone could confirm that.

As for size, it looked like it had a shorter blade than 3.5 inches. I'd say 3.25 inches max - look at it in comparison to the Morpho in this pic:


http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x242/jimmer_5/Knives/MarloweBali.jpg

MoreBeef
06-11-2010, 09:31 PM
Hmmm....could be bigger IMO... but again it does look sweet regardless. And BM working with Marlow can't be a bad thing.

jimmer_5
06-11-2010, 09:34 PM
Hmmm....could be bigger IMO... but again it does look sweet regardless. And BM working with Marlow can't be a bad thing.

Amen to everything you said. I'm hoping it's 3.5 inches - I suppose it is hard to tell from that pic, but I have handled Morphos, and they are pretty small.

Parker
06-11-2010, 10:16 PM
Hey all,

Here are some real images, fresh from Charles Marlowe's forum. As you can see, the knife features a full flat grind, and for the leftires out there the pocket clip is reversible! (I am totally stoked about this) I also really love the green G-10. The knife is supposed to use IKBS, so I think I will have to have one!

Now let;s hope that the MSRP is really kept to $180......



http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x242/jimmer_5/Knives/a-4.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x242/jimmer_5/Knives/b-4.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x242/jimmer_5/Knives/c-4.jpg

Benchmade once again is finally building a balisong which may actually be a KNIFE instead of a toy. Lose the D2, go back to their roots of 12C27 and they will really have something worthwhile there. So long as the latch can be popped ala a quick flick against your pocket without squeezing the handles. (and if those handles have some weight to them....)

I'm liking it. Lots. Flatground, no goofy horns or flashy bullshit.

Hell, they could even just give it steel bearings and be done with it, in case someone actually used it in the sand or dirt.

At $180, this will be a winner for them.

JohnnyBmore
06-11-2010, 10:25 PM
Yeah I'm not sue if I'm feeling it .. But Ill keep my mind open till I Handle one .

jimmer_5
06-11-2010, 11:55 PM
Amen to everything you said. I'm hoping it's 3.5 inches - I suppose it is hard to tell from that pic, but I have handled Morphos, and they are pretty small.


Ok, I asked Charles Marlowe over at his forum, and he says that the knife has a blade just under 3.25" long, and the handles are 4.25" long. Sounds like a great size for EDC. Here's the direct quote from him:

"from the front of the forward tang pin to the tip of the blade is just a hair under 3.25 inches. the handles are 4.25 inches long. last I heard was about a month for shipping them out.

thanks guys - charles ^_^"

Piet.S
06-12-2010, 04:57 AM
I like it, it looks to be a real nice EDC.
No problem with the D-2, with the Morpho it holds up very nice too.

Parker
06-12-2010, 08:14 AM
I like it, it looks to be a real nice EDC.
No problem with the D-2, with the Morpho it holds up very nice too.

Maybe I'm just hard on knives. (or Rich will tell you I'm stubborn and refuse to stop harassing a certain maker to dump the chump and go back to the star steel)

FaultyPly
06-12-2010, 02:54 PM
Yeah, I'm not too excited...

Will it be a nice knife? Undoubtedly. Marlowe and BM together almost promises that.

But since I already have my 3" D2 balisong from Benchmade that promises to be a delightful EDC and overall knife, I could really care less.

I don't mean to be a turd, but if you already have a very similar knife in your product line, why spend money to make another? Oh, I forgot, it is Benchmade we are talking about.

Here is an idea. How about a 3.75" balisong with SS handles? I know, I know. I am original. :roll:

Glenn
06-12-2010, 03:20 PM
I was waiting to see images before posting, first impressions would be a fantastic EDC knife. I love the full flat grind as well as the smaller blade handle combo. This looks like it will be a great "user". I would definably buy one when they hit the market for sale.

And thoughts would be that it will help expand the market of the Bali knife to the masses, which in turn opens the avenue for more involvement and awarness of the sport of flipping.

Notice I used the word flipping last :ross: reason being Benchmade already has the 51 in circulation at the current time that caters to the new flipper, granted it's not a 4X but is a good quality Bali in it's class.

I have hopes Benchmade would continue to look at the needs of the "flippers" in their eyes as a company and somewhere down the line make a "throw back" Bali style that would be similar to the the 4X series IE Metal handles etc.

Where do I sign up ?:semper:

Parker
06-12-2010, 08:01 PM
As a crazy thought, they could get between everyone and reintroduce the 45 and the 10/ 35 and really, the 68.

The design's already done. They just have to build them again.

reaper7.62
06-12-2010, 09:33 PM
I'm just not feelin it....blade is a bit on the wide side for me.........



Hey all,

Here are some real images, fresh from Charles Marlowe's forum. As you can see, the knife features a full flat grind, and for the leftires out there the pocket clip is reversible! (I am totally stoked about this) I also really love the green G-10. The knife is supposed to use IKBS, so I think I will have to have one!

Now let;s hope that the MSRP is really kept to $180......



http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x242/jimmer_5/Knives/a-4.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x242/jimmer_5/Knives/b-4.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x242/jimmer_5/Knives/c-4.jpg

Mr.LaBella
06-14-2010, 06:47 PM
http://www.benchmade.com/news/pr.aspx?id=208


For Immediate Release:

Benchmade Partners With Custom Knife Maker Charles Marlowe

June 8, 2010, OREGON CITY, Ore. - Benchmade Knife Company is proud to announce a partnership with custom knife maker Charles Marlowe. Mr. Marlowe has a great passion for knives and began designing his own models eighteen years ago.

"I've really enjoyed developing a relationship with Benchmade," says Mr. Marlowe. "Their attention to detail and respect for the integrity of the original custom design are what excited me about working with the company."

The first Marlowe-Benchmade design is expected to be released in the coming weeks.

"We are thrilled to be collaborating with such a talented knife designer," says Rob Morrison, Benchmade's Director of Marketing and Strategic Planning. "Through our association with world's best custom knife makers, we continue to bring innovative and functional designs to market. This partnership with Charles will help Benchmade continue in our mission of manufacturing superior edged tools."


http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt180/wardamneagle11/cm.jpg
http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt180/wardamneagle11/cm1.jpg
http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt180/wardamneagle11/cm2.jpg

Pics borrowed from someone on Benchmade Forums who borrowed them from The USN :bwah: (or some shit)

Looseyfur
06-15-2010, 03:20 PM
blah...

non-event for me.


sorry BM.


wheres the SS production balisong every flipper would lose their mind over...

oh yeah ...

non-existent.


yeah I am being critical but whatever.


Loosey

MoreBeef
06-15-2010, 03:51 PM
blah...

non-event for me.


sorry BM.


wheres the SS production balisong every flipper would lose their mind over...

oh yeah ...

non-existent.


yeah I am being critical but whatever.


Loosey


You're right on point man. I mean I had such high hopes for this sucker, and it's a gramma green mini knife? Meh. As for everyone saying it's a great edc, that may be true, but then so is my Kimura, and my RainbowFly. I guess I should quit expecting something great for me from BM, I mean there's only a couple of (long out of production) models I like, and the 51 is sure purty, but for me, the company that really got the bali-ball rolling has lost its way. Sad really.

RRGF
09-01-2010, 07:13 PM
For those of you who care, BM is bringing out a new Morpho. Size is about
the same as the 32 but somewhat less expensive. I wasn't paying a whole
lot of attention but I think the blade is a tad shorter than the 32 & the
handle is a little longer. Don't ask what the blade material is or the handle
because I didn't ask.

FREDERICKRAMOS
09-01-2010, 07:19 PM
Are you referring to the one with Marlowe inspired balisong with curved green G10 handles and a utility shaped blade?

If so, there was recently a great JD poll (with pictures) referring to that blade and comparing it with another Marlowe design.

Out of curiosity, I emailed a benchmade representative and he said it should be coming out in the next few months.

If you are referring to a different blade.. then please enlighten us with words and pictures.

Fred

Helix
09-01-2010, 07:21 PM
For those of you who care, BM is bringing out a new Morpho. Size is about
the same as the 32 but somewhat less expensive. I wasn't paying a whole
lot of attention but I think the blade is a tad shorter than the 32 & the
handle is a little longer. Don't ask what the blade material is or the handle
because I didn't ask.


see Marlowe + Benchmade poll a couple threads down:
http://www.jerzeedevil.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81928

The 53 is example #1 with the snot green g10 handles designed by Charles Marlowe. I put up the poll to see how people like it compared to a different Marlowe design. Cast your vote. :ssmile:

hot.soapy
09-01-2010, 08:43 PM
-1 for snot green anything.

Wolfgang
09-01-2010, 10:01 PM
Why snot green... C'mon there's forest green, lime green, neon green, od green... WHY SNOT GREEN...

RazorSharp
09-01-2010, 10:12 PM
Why snot green... C'mon there's forest green, lime green, neon green, od green... WHY SNOT GREEN...


It's for better grip

DaBird
09-01-2010, 10:16 PM
Why snot green... C'mon there's forest green, lime green, neon green, od green... WHY SNOT GREEN...

And then there is the " I think there is something wrong with my dick dripping green" also :devilzeek

hot.soapy
09-01-2010, 10:22 PM
And then there is the " I think there is something wrong with my dick dripping green" also :devilzeek
belongs in the yeast forum. thank you.

hot.soapy
09-01-2010, 10:28 PM
hey Bird your screws are on the way. can you believe 64 cents for a effing stamp?
shoulda got in on those forever stamps.

FkeSpydrFly
09-01-2010, 11:23 PM
looks like the mayhem sneezed and that came out.

knifezoid
09-02-2010, 03:03 PM
looks like the mayhem sneezed and that came out.

lol!

It's the Mayhem with AIDS.

Uz4u
09-02-2010, 05:18 PM
^funny shit



Why snot green... C'mon there's forest green, lime green, neon green, od green... WHY SNOT GREEN...

The same reason the Spyderco Matriarch comes only in Shit Brown

Helix
09-02-2010, 06:44 PM
Benchmade just put the 53 on their site today.

msrp: $180

The handle color looks different in this picture than the previously released image. Not quite as hideous imo, but I'm still not in love with the knife yet.

http://www.benchmade.com/products/53

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v411/illustr8r/Balisongs/4jmrere9.jpg

FREDERICKRAMOS
09-02-2010, 07:03 PM
Benchmade just put the 53 on their site today.

msrp: $180

The handle color looks different in this picture than the previously released image. Not quite as hideous imo, but I'm still not in love with the knife yet.

http://www.benchmade.com/products/53

http://www.benchmade.com/images/model_blowup/53.jpg

Yup, I saw that they released it. I like the blade shape and material but not the handle material. However, I'm still going to get it when the online stores start selling it. :devil1:

Oh and I read that the BM51 is lighter than the BM53.

Fred

Helix
09-02-2010, 07:08 PM
Yup, I saw that they released it. I like the blade shape and material but not the handle material. However, I'm still going to get it when the online stores start selling it. :devil1:

Oh and I read that the BM51 is lighter than the BM53.

Fred

53 is labeled as 3.5oz
51 is 3.2oz
..so the 51 is barely lighter. I'd classify them both as feather weight balis though.

chintofong
09-03-2010, 08:28 PM
If the model 53 is good enough, I might be tempted to trade my EDC model 68 balisong for a 53. Will be waiting for any future input about the 53 before making a decision whether to trade or not.

Uz4u
09-04-2010, 10:58 AM
3.5oz ? goddammit.

so they've moved from "snot green" to "poop green" I'm thrilled

I am surprised that they put D2 in a knife that will probably sell for less than $140 +1 benchmade

But why aluminum spacers? If they'd put steel in the ends of the handles like the basilisk it'd flip like a dream.

And whats in the handles? don't tell me they're solid g-10

maybe I'm just to picky

Glenn
09-04-2010, 12:48 PM
Ok I will be the odd man out (not unusual) But anyway, I love it ! It will match my GREEN Manix 2 ! At first glance at the Manix before I bought it I thought I would hate the color in hand, well guess what it's my favorite EDC away from a Bali I love the color in hand, aslo love the full flat grind. Once these hit other vendors with a realistic price I'm game...

Manix 2 And other goodies pic:

http://www.jerzeedevil.com/gallery/files/8/3/6/4/edc_416806.jpg

Parker
09-04-2010, 01:32 PM
3.5oz ? goddammit.

so they've moved from "snot green" to "poop green" I'm thrilled

I am surprised that they put D2 in a knife that will probably sell for less than $140 +1 benchmade

But why aluminum spacers? If they'd put steel in the ends of the handles like the basilisk it'd flip like a dream.

And whats in the handles? don't tell me they're solid g-10

maybe I'm just to picky

I decided Lime Green would be better for ya than snot green. Getcha a mojito and an aloha shirt, you'll be all set :bwah:

I agree with you 100% on the steel spacers, but what the hell, it's not like we don't have a few machinist/ knifemaker guys around who could maybe be talked into building such a thing.

Does anyone have an idea about the RC on this D2 blade? The handle and blade configuration mean it could actually be a usable knife as well as a toy, and if I can reliably spin open one of the Mora balis, this will be easy. If that D2 is done right, it could be a real winner with knife guys as much as bali guys, or moreso.

It may not be a king-hell trick spinner for you fellas, but it may be a usable knife, which is something BM has sorta gotten away from in a lot of their designs.

Sure, I'd love to see them do a steel-handled skeletonized bali again, but this may be an interesting enough knife to snag one.

FREDERICKRAMOS
09-04-2010, 01:43 PM
Bladehq.com priced it as $153 ($shipped).

Fred

Glenn
09-04-2010, 02:27 PM
I decided Lime Green would be better for ya than snot green. Getcha a mojito and an aloha shirt, you'll be all set :bwah:


Does anyone have an idea about the RC on this D2 blade? The handle and blade configuration mean it could actually be a usable knife as well as a toy, and if I can reliably spin open one of the Mora balis, this will be easy. If that D2 is done right, it could be a real winner with knife guys as much as bali guys, or moreso.
.


Parker, Here are the stats:



Benchmade Specifications:
Blade Length: 3.15""
Blade Thickness: 0.120"
Blade Material: D2 Tool Steel
Blade Hardness: 60-62HRC
Blade Style: Crowned Modified Spear-Point
Weight: 3.50oz.
Clip: Silver, Tip Up
Lock Mechanism: Machined latch
Overall Length: 7.82"
Closed Length: 4.67"
Sheath Material: Sold Separately
Class: Blue

Benchmade 53 Bali-SongŪ Butterfly Knife w/ Green G-10 (Plain)
Benchmade's new butterfly knife is coming soon! The model 53 Bali-SongŪ knife is designed by Charles Marlowe. The 53 has a D2 tool steel blade and machined textured green G10 handle scales. The 53 Bali-SongŪ has a ball bearing pivot system offering unmatched action and smoothness. A tip up pocket clip is present for easy carry.



Now I know the flippers here at the forum won't like this blade as a flipper, but I believe it will make a good user EDC as I EDC Bali's. Many folks won't be able to do so because of local laws..

ALSO I actually USE my Bali's for other things as perhaps flippers may not :semper:
http://www.jerzeedevil.com/gallery/files/8/3/6/4/m3_297841.jpg

Glenn
09-04-2010, 02:31 PM
Bladehq.com priced it as $153 ($shipped).

Fred
Thanks for the heads up, still not in stock yet though... :madaddy:

Uz4u
09-05-2010, 12:59 PM
yes but machining out steel spacers would add at least $50

I like how you cut a Tropical fruit with your FHM lol

fkasbar
09-05-2010, 02:03 PM
Lol.
Thats the design that lost by 27 votes (out of 35) on the Marlowe + Benchmade thread.
thats a disappointment to me.
Benchmade better have kept the quality in this knife..:ross:

Looseyfur
09-08-2010, 05:29 PM
53 is labeled as 3.5oz
51 is 3.2oz
..so the 51 is barely lighter. I'd classify them both as feather weight balis though.

too light.

53 = too suck...

not interested, not a flipper, and from the looks of the material and its construction may not be that strong of an edc... and seriously no spring latch?

overall in my estimation a complete FAIL by benchmade.

Parker
09-08-2010, 05:47 PM
too light.

53 = too suck...

not interested, not a flipper, and from the looks of the material and its construction may not be that strong of an edc... and seriously no spring latch?

overall in my estimation a complete FAIL by benchmade.

Quoted for most of the usual reasons.

Looseyfur
09-09-2010, 11:12 AM
Quoted for most of the usual reasons.

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:y136HkA9Z-AXnM:http://fpnn.info/retards.jpg&t=1

Ronlad
09-09-2010, 03:43 PM
Quoted for most of the usual reasons.

So you are agreeing with Loosey? I think I do too. Might check one out or buy it for my 12 year old.... He loves his "Morpho" 32 :helix:

knifezoid
09-09-2010, 04:36 PM
Funds permitting, I wouldn't mind picking one up and doing a passaround.
Then people could really speak their mind from handling the knife.
Is it available or just priced for pre-order?

Mr.LaBella
11-07-2010, 08:50 PM
Who got one?:ross:

DaBird
11-07-2010, 09:00 PM
Not me yet --- mines on backorder for $136 shipped --- at that price , what DaHell !!!

BennytheBlade
11-07-2010, 09:27 PM
115 at knifeworks w/ the coupon code.

crackedskulla
11-07-2010, 09:33 PM
i got one last week.

first impressions were pretty good. it feels really good in the hand. it is a bit smaller than i anticipated.

http://i888.photobucket.com/albums/ac86/gwpruyne/knife/1107102120.jpg

the g10 slabs are super thick. alot thicker than i was expecting, which adds to the ergos.

http://i888.photobucket.com/albums/ac86/gwpruyne/knife/1107102121.jpg

i havent flipped it all that much, but there is already some wear on the g10 down near where the latch hits the safe handle. i feel that this bali could really benefit from a spring latch if for no other reason than to keep the wear on the handles down to a minimum.

http://i888.photobucket.com/albums/ac86/gwpruyne/knife/1107102123.jpg

the latch itself is showing some wear already too. one improvement i would make on this is to round the corners on the latch. they are rather sharp, and they just chip away at the g10 on the safe handle.

http://i888.photobucket.com/albums/ac86/gwpruyne/knife/1107102123a.jpg

the tolerances are really tight on this one. there is almost no handle play, and the pivots are smooth as butter due to the bearing system. it locks up tight closed, but a little light for my taste in the open position

http://i888.photobucket.com/albums/ac86/gwpruyne/knife/1107102124.jpg

overall, i like it. i think the bottom of the handles and the latch area could be improved alot, but it still makes for a good edc.

http://i888.photobucket.com/albums/ac86/gwpruyne/knife/1107102122.jpg

BennytheBlade
11-07-2010, 09:39 PM
good info. thanks for posting.

DaBird
11-07-2010, 10:34 PM
Gage --- Thanks for the info and GREAT Clear pics !! I did not think it would be so damn tiny looking !!! Now they will come out with a 56 or something that will have another 1" or 1 1/2" blade --- the BUYING NEVER STOPS :pissedevil: :bwah::ross:

crackedskulla
11-07-2010, 10:55 PM
Gage --- Thanks for the info and GREAT Clear pics !! I did not think it would be so damn tiny looking !!! Now they will come out with a 56 or something that will have another 1" or 1 1/2" blade --- the BUYING NEVER STOPS :pissedevil: :bwah::ross:

no problem, thanks for the bali's to compare it to :madaddy:

knifezoid
11-08-2010, 03:05 AM
Well I overpaid that's number one, lol.

I have a review processing right now, probably will upload early this week.

Looseyfur
11-08-2010, 10:46 AM
too light.

53 = too suck...

not interested, not a flipper, and from the looks of the material and its construction may not be that strong of an edc... and seriously no spring latch?

overall in my estimation a complete FAIL by benchmade.

YnOcycgXpms

Mr.LaBella
11-08-2010, 05:33 PM
115 at knifeworks w/ the coupon code.

Wha-Wha-WHAT!?!!!:devilzeek

Helix
11-08-2010, 05:41 PM
Well I overpaid that's number one, lol.

I have a review processing right now, probably will upload early this week.

Do you happen to take it apart in your review and check out the bearing system? I'm curious if it at least has metal racers in there between the balls and the g-10. If not I wonder how the g-10 will hold up to the ball wear over time.

Looseyfur
11-08-2010, 05:59 PM
If not I wonder how she will hold up to the ball wear over time.


hehe

Parker
11-08-2010, 06:40 PM
As a guy who can open one of the mora featherweights like a bali, I think this will be a solid improvement. It can be opened like a bali, closed like one, and in the interim do knife stuff.

I don't need a toy, it's supposed to be a knife. Since these are hitting the street at under $120 plus shipping, it will only be a matter of time before they make it to $100 or so on the used market. Ideal, really. Maybe they'll do the same thing the BM42 did when BM pulls it from production.

The G10 wear as shown will not affect lock at all, as the lock notch is considerably down the handle from that dink, and G10 does that - not a big deal unless you want it to look new after playing with it incessantly. For a knife I will use, I don't care if it looks like new. I'd be happy if it stays sharp and does not chip easily.

If it locks tight closed and I can pop the lock with the seam on my pocket, it's all good.

When you guys are tired of this thing, holler at me. I'll want to try one out, and if you bugger up the handle, point or edge tossing it into the floor, I can fix any of that.

Helix
11-08-2010, 08:31 PM
If not I wonder how the g-10 will hold up to the ball wear over time.
hehe

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