just submerging the metal parts won't do as much since the metal needs air to react, better spray everything with salt water and repeat as soon as the water evaporates.
@TH-cam-Censorship-Police except being sprayed with saltwater multiple times isn't a real life scenario. Way higher probability of submersion in my opinion.
_In theory, you should be able to take an entire "Can/Pour style salt" containers.. dump the entire thing into boiling water, then submerge the knife into it for 24 hours.. take it out.. let it sit... it will come out flawless! What will get F'd up? That'd be the bronze washers!_ _ANY of the Spyderco's from their salt line will do this, and pass with flying colors!_ _(Yes.. salt equivalent to 1000X what sea salt water is!🤣🤣)_
@@robertm9848 if you fish chances are you have knives and tools that touches saltwater and gets dumped into a toolbox without getting dried. Essentially getting wet and left in the air just like getting sprayed.
I appreciate the shout out from a well respected reviewer such as yourself! As I researched Dr. Thomas’s articles in regards to Magnacut’s properties, it wasn’t readily apparent that the best corrosion resistance is achieved at lower austenetizing temperatures 1800-1850 F. At these temperatures it is impossible to hit higher hardness without a very deep cryogenic treatment. So for a water bound knife I’m kinda with Benchmade regarding the heat treatment.
Magnacut is a very good steel, the best all-round steel that is currently available. 62 HRC should be the minimum hardness for Magnacut, below 62 hrc no significant toughness is achieved. Magnacut reaches the most balanced properties at 63-64 hrc and the maximum hardness is so much I known at 65.5 hrc. I like Magnacut and thanks to the relatively high corrosion resistance, you hardly have to think about the application. However, there are better alternatives for sea water use, such as Terravantium, which is a super alloy and no steel. Personally I tend more to tool steels like: A2, Sleipner, 3V, 4V, Vanadis 4 Extra, Cruwear, M4, K490, K390, 10V, 15V, etc. My favorite steel is currently K390 at 64-65 hrc.
Walked into my local REI today and heavens to Betsy, there was one in the knife case and I had 62 doll hairs in rewards. Just breaking it in. Great content!
I used to think it made sense for magnacut to be 60-62 for fixed blades. Ans I agree it makes sense for the filled knife. But after seeing the performance of 65hrc magnacut from UG tools I can't help but want something closer to the 62.5 inflection point. 62-63 feels ideal for me. I think only spyderco and Hogue are getting there atm.
There’s just no reason for the mini to be $56 more than the Manix 2 LW in magnacut or $40-$50 than the Ritter RSK in magnacut. Especially since both of those knives have a better heat treat and the Ritter has far more premium handle scales. Benchmade has just lost their mind on pricing
Relating to corrosion on your steel: you can always sponge on a little CLR house cleaning product for a minute or so then brush off with brass wire / steel wool, rinse with warm water, dry off with towel and use some mineral oil with a cheese cloth to keep your steel in working condition
Hopefully they come out with some different coloured scales. A black would look really nice or a more natural coloured micarta. It would've also been nice if the heat treated to at least 61-63 if not 62-64 where the properties of magnacut really seem to shine.
@@Laurarium You're right, most people probably wouldn't notice a practical different in the steel at 62-64 vs 60-62 (me included) However, it still seems a shame not to heat treat it in manner that, according to the inventor of magnacut, optimizes it's properties.
G'day Aaron, I'm really pleased to see a focus on a "water sports" knife, yeah there is the Spydy Salt and others, but not that many out there. Having said that, with ya, plenty of handle real estate, (on the full size), good stainless, slicey and bronze washers, .... though there's not really anything that specifically makes it a "sea, or freshwater, faring" job. Some would argue for fully, or partially, serrated ....... though I'm not one of them ; ) However, a marlinspike or fid is a must and the only time I'd advocate for a slot on a knife .... i.e "shackle tool" for when there's no hole in the tightening tab. ...... think, wet and cold hands. Also, for the application, forget the axis lock altogether, go with a backlock IMO. Re; hardness, bottom line, .... I'm quite happy to sharpen more .... rather than have any risk of chipping ; ) Cheers Duke.
Owned a Benchmade 940 and EDC’d for a few years. Took it to the beach and spent a week or so in and out of the surf. A week later, the omega spring broke. Benchmade replaced it but for salt water use, I would be wary of their crossbar folders in that environment.
I think that maybe the hardness is associated with a heat treatment that is optimized to give the steel a higher resistance to corrosion. However, I trust Soyderco's meticulousness (and their prices), that's why I bought a PM2 salt with Magnacut! As for the Magnacut, I notice that with very sharp edges (17 degrees), despite its toughness, the edge bends easily... at least on the PM2 and the Deka.
$325 in Canadian dollars for the full sized right now.. In comparison, the new Manix LW Salt is $100 cheaper. In that $300+ price range, they running into brands like Lion Steel and GiantMouse.. Brands that seem to offer far more value for the price tag. Kershaw even offers the Blur in Magnacut, and they're not charging an ultra premium for the steel. Benchmade is starting to want ZT prices for SOG products (Not a dig at SOG. Ive enjoyed their stuff since the rebranding. Its just making a point). It's truly insane
Aaron, very thoughtful of you to release this video to coincide with the online retailers releasing the actual knives. I was very curious about both of these knives. I was unaware that the larger one is nearly the same size as the the larger Adamas folder. ... I've had a bias against grivory and frn used as scales in the past. I bought a Benchmade Redoubt primarily to checkout CPM-D2. The grivory scales were just covered with a plethora of tiny hotspots. Generous use of emeryboards, intended for fingernails transformed the Redoubt into a useable, backup hunting knife. So I've learned to tolerate grivory. ... I also snagged several Spydercos with blue FRN on a great, unexpected sale, last summer and found I rather like it as a utilitarian handle scale. ... Great video Aaron, thanks. There's probably one of those larger folding knives in my future - as well as the 7" fillet model.
Its definitely an entry level of magnacut, which is still good but as you say could always be better. But I wouldnt sweat it too much. I doubt the end user would notice enough to regret it too much. I would say its a batch issue - probably want to use the same stuff in the pocket knife as in the bendy knife rather tha send two or more lots of steel off for different protocols.
Ordered one yesterday. I own A LOT of knives and work in agriculture so I use them hard. I find myself mostly edc’ing the adamas. I have the new and original version. The original adamas was much beefier than the remake. This knife fits for me on the lower end of these 3 knives. Same size just a little more slim and light. The adamas is a little too big to carry in short pockets. This seems like it should do the trick. I ordered the full size yesterday. Love the look the size and the steel.
I agree with the omega spring topic. I've had a dozen Benchmades over the years and so has my Dad. I've given Benchmades out as gifts to friends as well. No one I know has ever had any Benchmade knife break or an omega spring break. They're fantastic to me.
Currently own 18 Benchmade knives. I've been carrying the "Freak" in M-4 recently. Never had an Omega spring break on me either. I know it can happen, but, in roughly a decade it hasn't happened to me.
A small quibble: most divers don't use oxygen. It's toxic below 20-25 feet. If used in a closed circuit you could stay under for a lot longer than one hour.
Thanks for the review. Contemplating purchasing for my Dad for Father’s Day. Was 50/50 on going with mini versus full size. The ergo problems you mentioned with the mini helped me make the decision to go with full size. Thank you
Thanks for this Aaron. I have a couple of Spyderco Magnacut knives, which I believe are hardened to aabout 62. I've not used them hard, just EDC, but I will note that I have not had to so much as strop in a month. But the real beauty for me, in my always hot, always humid environment, is the stain resistance - wipe and go.
@@FudgyTheWhale_ if you sell a product that can be used in the WATER it should be used in the water. And yes if magnacut is heat treated as it should like Spyderco does it’s rustproof as you could have seen in the test. If you spend your hard earned money and it rust would you be happy? So what you say is hmmm I’ll buy a waterproof knife which I know it will rust but who cares than I will replace it because it’s bad and that’s free. 😂 give me a break. Good luck. 👍🏼
60-62 Rch seems to be a bit of a family tradition at Benchmade. From the ATS-34 CQC7 and AFCK onward through 154CM, D2, M2, you name it. The reason expressed was always for edge toughness. They hated anyone going on forums, groups, god forbid a knife magazine and say the edges chip. I get it. I was always happy with the performance of Benchmade ATS-34 and 154CM. Whether that is still a thing with Magnacut, I couldn't say. BTW, just FYI, the back spacer is aluminum. Looking forward to trying this one. I really love the Taggedout with its thin scalpel blade.
I'm glad to see reasonably priced solid Benchmade designs. Who wasn't expecting $300 and $320 for the prices? I've been saying it since the fad began, mini= bad. With the exception of the Buck 112, it doesn't work.
Would rather have the white river backpacker in magnacut. $100 cheaper and a better design for everyday or water work. They do a great heat treat at 63-64HRC
Yep looks good like the color! Can’t afford it….but a guy can dream. Would always go for the full size don’t like small knives. Thanks again Aaron. God bless!
I think I would really enjoy those. I live in a super humid place, and in the summer I often am near water. I think that one of those would be a perfect fit for my summer rotation.
I like Benchmade, and I like cross bar locks, and I like fully saltwater proof knives since I live less than 3 miles from the waters edge. I don’t know if all those elements are compatible. I’ve had good success with the Spyderco salt series in various steels, and one major characteristic of that like is the rugged simplicity. That helps not only with corrosion resistance but also functionality when gunked up with sand or fishy bits. Only time will tell if all the complexity in a cross bar lock (washer interface, omega springs, stop pins and blade interface) will hold up to the challenges of the sea (or the great salt lake, for the Utahnians out there) 👍
I had an omega spring break on my Freek I got for Christmas. It's actually at Benchmade right now getting repaired. Hadn't really carried it that much. I do have two other Benchmades that I've had zero issues so I'm hoping this is a one off. Didn't know about the new omega springs.....wonder if they will fix mine with the new ones.......
@@LrdwEDC Well my Freek is on it's way back to me so I'll see. Truth is the blade was slightly off center when I got the knife ( always something nice to see on a $250 dollar knife lol) and I tried to take it apart to center it but I damaged one T6 bit and decided not to risk stripping it. When the spring broke I decided to just send it back and let them deal with it. Hoping it comes back centered, hoping their service department has better QC than the production department haha.
I don’t think they will have a chance when Spyderco launches their new Salt line in MagnaCut. Most of them will be under $250. I’ll go to the Salt Stretch 2 XL.
Good points and review as usual sir. I think the new line is a good idea, with a twist. It demonstrated to consumers and other manufacturers what materials make a good water knife. I give Benchmade a hard time and no money, but I do like Magnacut so my money is up for grabs for the competition. I wear XL to XXL gloves, so no bird beaks for me either. Tops is bad about that too. I swear no one at Tops has a man sized hand
The difference in toughness from 60-62 hrc vs 61-63 appears to be negligible. I’d like to heard their rationale. I don’t see a good reason….. it doesn’t really seem to affect corrosion resistance like some other steels. 🤷🏼♂️
I would be pretty concerned about how well those springs handle salt water. They are not likely to be cleaned, as I doubt any divers would take the knife apart and clean the internals after every use. Getting those springs wet frequently and not properly cleaned and/or oiled would, I think, inevitably result in corrosion and frequent breaking. Besides that issue, there's also just nothing about these that interests me beyond the big Magnacut blade; but they ran it soft so that kinda kills that for me, too. I appreciate the review, though!
@@adamimberti6948 I take my Spyderco salt 2 in LC200n in the water all the time. It is an amazing water knife. I wouldn’t replace it with the Benchmade Adria for that purpose.
@DamionJR4923 Yeah, that's an actual knife that is actually designed for its intended purpose. These are essentially just knives in magnacut with blue handles and the word water attached.
@@adamimberti6948not to mention I’d want a saltwater test on Benchmade’s hardware before ever considering it a water knife. Spyderco Salt knives have the hardware designed for saltwater too and are proven to hold up to the craziest conditions for the H1/2 and LC200N models.
Yea gonna stick with benchmades neighbors over at kershaw, especially now that you can get the Link from kershaw in magnacut and kershaw is doing a higher HRC range now.
I've just recently bought the full size Adamas. (thanks in part to your knife review on it.-thank you) Love the knife but one thing that I wish most all knife companies these would either ease up on or completely do away with is JIMPING! The Adamas is for sure one of them. Darn jimping creates hot spots on the hands that shouldn't be there! The only company that I know that does jimping right is Spyderco. Sadly, I see the Adria has that jimping like the Adamas does. "Dear Benchmade...you don't need all that aggressive jimping!!
High HRC = brittle blade that will break I prefer a tough blade that hopefully won’t or don’t break. Be careful for what you wish for, because there is “Cause & Effect” in every engineered design detail.
HRC, yes a definitive and arguementative threshold!! I don't understand the "Folder" craze! I pocket carry the strongest foldind knife in the World! A Balisong. Rockwell should be less for smaller knives for ease of sharpening as they will be used more often(much more often), so 56-58. Larger blades(used much less often) should be 58-62 as you will almost never have to re-sharpen them. Rust is just a surface blemish, so if you can't cope, use Obsidian!😉
Benchmade is crushing it. Everyone is sick of the “bUtTeUr fLy tAX” comments. BM 100% USA made, designs and mfg. the market is saturated with Chinese garbage. Big respect to the De Asis’ for holding their morals, work ethic and commitment to the USA.
Wouldn't those bronze washers corrode much faster in salt water? Spyderco uses teflon washers in their Salt series of knives. Could be wrong I'm no expert on this.
Toughness is quite important for working knives probably getting a bit of abuse. Would the higher HRC be harder to sharpen? Most people using these won’t be knife nuts, just something that works ( cutting gritty old ropes, forgotten in a buoyancy aid or fishing tackle box etc) and easily maintained.
IF they didn't change the material and make the axis lock spring out of titanium then its all for naught that little spring will rust out asap with some salt water exposure
I have owned both since May and bought them in Portland at the showroom in Oregon city. I was able to try them both out and I couldn’t decide so I bought both. I also did not feel the birds beak and our hands measure the same. (One of the reasons I watch your videos and take your advice). After owning both I considered them and carried them both. I landed on the mini Adira because of how handy it was. In fact, after I saw your video I gripped it the way you did in the video and I felt the pinky pinch you talked about. Now I can’t stop feeling it and I am considering grinding the beak smoother with some sand paper until the hit spot disappears. What do you think about that?
Ive asked alot of people and nobody ever has an answer...when people say "I wish..." who are they wishing to? Those look neat but wouldnt be for me unless it was given or picked up at a really good deal, just not something I would buy but I do like that it has magnacut.
@gideonstactical right but it is worth thinking about lol even tho it's not knife related, if you believe your words have power and are a believer in the lord (which I know you are and that's why I asked this question lol) this could really matter cuz we're not told to wish to God we're told to pray to him. So if you're not talking to God when making such a wish there is only one other entity one could be talking to, not targeting you or anything like that lol I just wanted your opinion cuz ive been thinking about this for a while now.
Very different from the 980. 980 has full stainless liners, G10 scales, generally heavier, thicker construction, different handle profile. Thanks for reminding me of the Turret, though. Cool knife.
Ok, this offering from Benchmade seems like a nice product line extension, and the pricing actually does not seem to be outrageous (this time). I can see the value justified in some ways. Possibly coming back down to earth a little, that's good.
Nice blades but until Benchmade comes to their senses on their pricing, I won't touch them. I can get an almost new CRK or a new ZT, Microtech, or Heretic for the price of some of BM's stuff or I could get a custom like my RMOR Knives Babayaga (64 HRC Magnacut) for the price of their Gold Class. Also, running their Magnacut soft for "toughness" is bull. My RMOR Knives Babayaga is at 64 HRC and thinner stock than those two and I guarantee I could break the latch of a car door without hurting the knife. Magnacut is crazy tough even at really high HRC
Honestly I see almost zero difference in ANY high end blade steels in edge retention. They all get dull/chipped/rolled within a week or so with my use. Edge retention is literally a myth and sales tactic. Unless you’re just cutting cardboard and paper with zero obstructions on a perfect surface.
FYI I asked BM about the springs (and whether the internal hardware is corrosion resistant) and they responded: “The internal components of the Adiras are all stainless, including the springs. The AXIS lock is the original design, but we made sure the springs and all other metal components would hold up.”
Excellent review. Really skeptical of a lot of benchmades but i carry my mini adamas and taggedout pretty frequently. This looks like a solid mix just still not sure how i feel about the blue
I recently purchased the undercurrent, and I LOVE this knife. It’s kinda like a bushcrafter but for the sea. Wish there was instructions on how they tend for us to wrap/carry with its sheath. W knife review and would love to see you do a review on the undercurrent. ❤ 💪🏾
First off, I admit I'm weird. Ive never been impressed by Benchmade, mainly because of their prices (Im a sub $75 guy) but these knives i like! The blade shape, the steel, even the handle all are really appealing!
I’m so through with Benchmade! Thank you, though for all the homework you do for your vids! It was an EXCELLENT presentation! Thank you! I’m, ‘Like’ and, ‘Subscribed!’
Only thing that is really stopping me from purchasing one of these is the cheapy looking blue plastic. And why would you use blue color knives around blue water and orange hunting kives in woods with orange/red leaves? Then promote it as easy to find? What's next, fde for the desert areas and od green for pastures?
Just because it is a Benchmade does not justify their price point on their knives. It bugs me just as much as Harley Davidson bugs me with their pricing on their bikes. The spring on my mini barrage malfunctioned a few years ago and it struck a nerve with me. I’m completely okay black listing a brand for whatever reason. Benchmade made that list. I’m not cheap as I have a few dozen folders above the $350 mark. The full size Adira looks pretty interesting. I want to hold one in hand. I’m okay with $250. Maybe it’s time I get over my grudge.
I have 7 pairs of the apex pants 😂😂😂. First I’ve heard of anyone else with them. 2 shades of brown, grey, and green with a black pair. My everything pants from backpacking in backcountry to putting on a collared shirt to church. Holds 4 30rd mags or 8 packages of Mambas 😂😎🤙
how well does the spring in the axis lock resist rust ? how about the pivot ? I mean I like both knives , but I bet the spring will rust quick in saltwater !
They look pretty cool. I'm curious why they went with blue handles for a knife you'd potentially use underwater. Must be a reason, but it escapes me. I kinda hope they make an 'EDC' version like they did with the Taggedout. Different scale options and/or blade steel. Thanks for the look at these Aaron! 😎👍
The blue is to signify water 💧 im guessing, I think that's why they went with that color. I like it because if you drop its easy to find unless it's in a lake or ocean lol. I'm definitely getting the full size. I wanted the full size adamas, but this one is slicier, much lighter, and still strong enough.
They release a colour that doesn't make sense first and when they've sold as many of them as they can they'll start releasing colours people want and colours that make sense for water use. And they'll probably charge a premium for it. It's marketing 101.
possibly redo the salt water test submerging the whole knife to test the corrosion resistant of the internals, body screws, pivot, etc as well?
just submerging the metal parts won't do as much since the metal needs air to react, better spray everything with salt water and repeat as soon as the water evaporates.
@TH-cam-Censorship-Police except being sprayed with saltwater multiple times isn't a real life scenario. Way higher probability of submersion in my opinion.
_In theory, you should be able to take an entire "Can/Pour style salt" containers.. dump the entire thing into boiling water, then submerge the knife into it for 24 hours.. take it out.. let it sit... it will come out flawless! What will get F'd up? That'd be the bronze washers!_ _ANY of the Spyderco's from their salt line will do this, and pass with flying colors!_ _(Yes.. salt equivalent to 1000X what sea salt water is!🤣🤣)_
@@robertm9848 if you fish chances are you have knives and tools that touches saltwater and gets dumped into a toolbox without getting dried. Essentially getting wet and left in the air just like getting sprayed.
I'm more curious about how the axis lock and pivot hold up against salt water than the blade itself. I already know what magnacut is capable of.
I appreciate the shout out from a well respected reviewer such as yourself!
As I researched Dr. Thomas’s articles in regards to Magnacut’s properties, it wasn’t readily apparent that the best corrosion resistance is achieved at lower austenetizing temperatures 1800-1850 F. At these temperatures it is impossible to hit higher hardness without a very deep cryogenic treatment. So for a water bound knife I’m kinda with Benchmade regarding the heat treatment.
Totally agree on more washers. bearings just let manufacturers be lazy with their tolerances and actions
For sure! Hope more companies go back to them
Bearings are great.
Magnacut is a very good steel, the best all-round steel that is currently available. 62 HRC should be the minimum hardness for Magnacut, below 62 hrc no significant toughness is achieved. Magnacut reaches the most balanced properties at 63-64 hrc and the maximum hardness is so much I known at 65.5 hrc.
I like Magnacut and thanks to the relatively high corrosion resistance, you hardly have to think about the application. However, there are better alternatives for sea water use, such as Terravantium, which is a super alloy and no steel. Personally I tend more to tool steels like: A2, Sleipner, 3V, 4V, Vanadis 4 Extra, Cruwear, M4, K490, K390, 10V, 15V, etc. My favorite steel is currently K390 at 64-65 hrc.
Walked into my local REI today and heavens to Betsy, there was one in the knife case and I had 62 doll hairs in rewards. Just breaking it in. Great content!
I used to think it made sense for magnacut to be 60-62 for fixed blades. Ans I agree it makes sense for the filled knife. But after seeing the performance of 65hrc magnacut from UG tools I can't help but want something closer to the 62.5 inflection point. 62-63 feels ideal for me. I think only spyderco and Hogue are getting there atm.
Ya, I think unless it’s a huge knife these 62-64 is my preferred MagnaCut rockwell
The hardware isn’t corrosion resistant. Rust will bleed all over the blade from the internals
Show me!
@@harperexplores9349 take the knife around salt water and you’ll see. I can speak from personal experience.
There’s just no reason for the mini to be $56 more than the Manix 2 LW in magnacut or $40-$50 than the Ritter RSK in magnacut. Especially since both of those knives have a better heat treat and the Ritter has far more premium handle scales. Benchmade has just lost their mind on pricing
Relating to corrosion on your steel: you can always sponge on a little CLR house cleaning product for a minute or so then brush off with brass wire / steel wool, rinse with warm water, dry off with towel and use some mineral oil with a cheese cloth to keep your steel in working condition
Hopefully they come out with some different coloured scales. A black would look really nice or a more natural coloured micarta. It would've also been nice if the heat treated to at least 61-63 if not 62-64 where the properties of magnacut really seem to shine.
Agreed some more colors soon will be great
I doubt you would see a difference
@@Laurarium You're right, most people probably wouldn't notice a practical different in the steel at 62-64 vs 60-62 (me included) However, it still seems a shame not to heat treat it in manner that, according to the inventor of magnacut, optimizes it's properties.
You can dye them with Ritt dye. It's fun and easy, works fine, lasts a long time. Especially black. I may do that to mine.
The model already seems successful. I’m sure they will trickle out some new colors.
G'day Aaron, I'm really pleased to see a focus on a "water sports" knife, yeah there is the Spydy Salt and others, but not that many out there. Having said that, with ya, plenty of handle real estate, (on the full size), good stainless, slicey and bronze washers, .... though there's not really anything that specifically makes it a "sea, or freshwater, faring" job.
Some would argue for fully, or partially, serrated ....... though I'm not one of them ; )
However, a marlinspike or fid is a must and the only time I'd advocate for a slot on a knife .... i.e "shackle tool" for when there's no hole in the tightening tab. ...... think, wet and cold hands.
Also, for the application, forget the axis lock altogether, go with a backlock IMO.
Re; hardness, bottom line, .... I'm quite happy to sharpen more .... rather than have any risk of chipping ; )
Cheers Duke.
Owned a Benchmade 940 and EDC’d for a few years. Took it to the beach and spent a week or so in and out of the surf. A week later, the omega spring broke. Benchmade replaced it but for salt water use, I would be wary of their crossbar folders in that environment.
Will it strike a ferry rod?
I think that maybe the hardness is associated with a heat treatment that is optimized to give the steel a higher resistance to corrosion.
However, I trust Soyderco's meticulousness (and their prices), that's why I bought a PM2 salt with Magnacut!
As for the Magnacut, I notice that with very sharp edges (17 degrees), despite its toughness, the edge bends easily... at least on the PM2 and the Deka.
$325 in Canadian dollars for the full sized right now.. In comparison, the new Manix LW Salt is $100 cheaper. In that $300+ price range, they running into brands like Lion Steel and GiantMouse.. Brands that seem to offer far more value for the price tag. Kershaw even offers the Blur in Magnacut, and they're not charging an ultra premium for the steel. Benchmade is starting to want ZT prices for SOG products (Not a dig at SOG. Ive enjoyed their stuff since the rebranding. Its just making a point). It's truly insane
Im getting the fixed blade one. Need it for Hawaii fishing.
Nice!!
Aaron, very thoughtful of you to release this video to coincide with the online retailers releasing the actual knives. I was very curious about both of these knives. I was unaware that the larger one is nearly the same size as the the larger Adamas folder. ... I've had a bias against grivory and frn used as scales in the past. I bought a Benchmade Redoubt primarily to checkout CPM-D2. The grivory scales were just covered with a plethora of tiny hotspots. Generous use of emeryboards, intended for fingernails transformed the Redoubt into a useable, backup hunting knife. So I've learned to tolerate grivory. ... I also snagged several Spydercos with blue FRN on a great, unexpected sale, last summer and found I rather like it as a utilitarian handle scale. ... Great video Aaron, thanks. There's probably one of those larger folding knives in my future - as well as the 7" fillet model.
my goodness aaron that scuba mask on the thumbnail 😂😂 amazing
Haha!! Glad you liked that. This was a fun one to make, what do you think about the lower Rockwell on the Benchmade MagnaCut
Its definitely an entry level of magnacut, which is still good but as you say could always be better. But I wouldnt sweat it too much. I doubt the end user would notice enough to regret it too much. I would say its a batch issue - probably want to use the same stuff in the pocket knife as in the bendy knife rather tha send two or more lots of steel off for different protocols.
Ordered one yesterday. I own A LOT of knives and work in agriculture so I use them hard. I find myself mostly edc’ing the adamas. I have the new and original version. The original adamas was much beefier than the remake. This knife fits for me on the lower end of these 3 knives. Same size just a little more slim and light. The adamas is a little too big to carry in short pockets. This seems like it should do the trick. I ordered the full size yesterday. Love the look the size and the steel.
I agree with the omega spring topic. I've had a dozen Benchmades over the years and so has my Dad. I've given Benchmades out as gifts to friends as well. No one I know has ever had any Benchmade knife break or an omega spring break. They're fantastic to me.
I heard that the corrosion resistance of Magnacut would benefit from a lower hardness of 61 HRC max.
Never had an Omega spring break & I’ve had dozens of BM knives with this lock.
I’ve had one break before but only once so nonetheless it is possible and no I don’t abuse my tools there was no reason it should’ve broken
Currently own 18 Benchmade knives. I've been carrying the "Freak" in M-4 recently. Never had an Omega spring break on me either. I know it can happen, but, in roughly a decade it hasn't happened to me.
It happened to me with a mini Griptilian after two years of using it awhile back.
A small quibble: most divers don't use oxygen. It's toxic below 20-25 feet. If used in a closed circuit you could stay under for a lot longer than one hour.
Thanks for the review. Contemplating purchasing for my Dad for Father’s Day. Was 50/50 on going with mini versus full size. The ergo problems you mentioned with the mini helped me make the decision to go with full size.
Thank you
Glad I could help!
Yaaaay! I’m totally excited to see a great review on these Benchmade offerings!
Right on! Hope you enjoy
I agree with testing the internals. Great vid.
Thanks for this Aaron. I have a couple of Spyderco Magnacut knives, which I believe are hardened to aabout 62. I've not used them hard, just EDC, but I will note that I have not had to so much as strop in a month. But the real beauty for me, in my always hot, always humid environment, is the stain resistance - wipe and go.
I pre ordered the Mini. Can't wait until it comes in! Great review
Thanks for watching, hope to fits your hand well.
@@gideonstactical I've got a thicker hand so your review made me a little nervous 😂. But I'm sure it'll be fine for me. I hope... Haha
@@thechugdude did it end up fitting in your hand?
@@RHenney18 I like it. I see what he means but I'm using it to punch holes in beer cans on the boat and beach. Different applications 😂
I just ordered a full size Adira and it is a pretty son of a gun. Real Quality
Yet again Benchmade hits a home run. Thanks for sharing GT. Take care.
No problem!
You really should watch the CBRx review on the adira. It didn’t pass the rust test so it’s absolutely not rust proof. No homerun at all.
@@jordy703no steel is rust proof. And who cares if it rusts. Benchmade will replace it for free
@@FudgyTheWhale_ if you sell a product that can be used in the WATER it should be used in the water. And yes if magnacut is heat treated as it should like Spyderco does it’s rustproof as you could have seen in the test. If you spend your hard earned money and it rust would you be happy? So what you say is hmmm I’ll buy a waterproof knife which I know it will rust but who cares than I will replace it because it’s bad and that’s free. 😂 give me a break. Good luck. 👍🏼
I preordered mine last week, just started the video hopefully I won't regret my purchase
Great addition to their lineup. Love the full size
60-62 Rch seems to be a bit of a family tradition at Benchmade. From the ATS-34 CQC7 and AFCK onward through 154CM, D2, M2, you name it. The reason expressed was always for edge toughness. They hated anyone going on forums, groups, god forbid a knife magazine and say the edges chip. I get it. I was always happy with the performance of Benchmade ATS-34 and 154CM. Whether that is still a thing with Magnacut, I couldn't say. BTW, just FYI, the back spacer is aluminum. Looking forward to trying this one. I really love the Taggedout with its thin scalpel blade.
I wish they would bring ATS-34 back.
Still carry my very old Benchmade 720 Mel Pardue in ATS-34, great knife. Gets razor sharp, one of my favorite steels.
I'm glad to see reasonably priced solid Benchmade designs. Who wasn't expecting $300 and $320 for the prices? I've been saying it since the fad began, mini= bad. With the exception of the Buck 112, it doesn't work.
Would rather have the white river backpacker in magnacut. $100 cheaper and a better design for everyday or water work. They do a great heat treat at 63-64HRC
Yep looks good like the color! Can’t afford it….but a guy can dream. Would always go for the full size don’t like small knives. Thanks again Aaron. God bless!
I am with you minis rarely work for me!
I think I would really enjoy those. I live in a super humid place, and in the summer I often am near water. I think that one of those would be a perfect fit for my summer rotation.
I like Benchmade, and I like cross bar locks, and I like fully saltwater proof knives since I live less than 3 miles from the waters edge.
I don’t know if all those elements are compatible. I’ve had good success with the Spyderco salt series in various steels, and one major characteristic of that like is the rugged simplicity. That helps not only with corrosion resistance but also functionality when gunked up with sand or fishy bits.
Only time will tell if all the complexity in a cross bar lock (washer interface, omega springs, stop pins and blade interface) will hold up to the challenges of the sea (or the great salt lake, for the Utahnians out there) 👍
I had an omega spring break on my Freek I got for Christmas. It's actually at Benchmade right now getting repaired. Hadn't really carried it that much. I do have two other Benchmades that I've had zero issues so I'm hoping this is a one off. Didn't know about the new omega springs.....wonder if they will fix mine with the new ones.......
I would love to know where i could get the new flat springs. FYI, with the Flytanium pivot tool, it is fairly easy to replace the spings at home.
@@LrdwEDC Well my Freek is on it's way back to me so I'll see. Truth is the blade was slightly off center when I got the knife ( always something nice to see on a $250 dollar knife lol) and I tried to take it apart to center it but I damaged one T6 bit and decided not to risk stripping it. When the spring broke I decided to just send it back and let them deal with it. Hoping it comes back centered, hoping their service department has better QC than the production department haha.
Thanks for the presentation.
Is the Adira mechanism (screws, pivot, springs, etc.) also stainless ?
I don’t think they will have a chance when Spyderco launches their new Salt line in MagnaCut. Most of them will be under $250. I’ll go to the Salt Stretch 2 XL.
Yes stretch 2
Just got my Spyderco PM3 in Magnacut. Love it.
@@KnifeFanatic nice!
I preordered the Native Chief Salt in magnacut for about $180. Waiting impatiently 😕
@@imgadgetmanjim yeah that’s the worst part of ordering, the wait.
Good points and review as usual sir. I think the new line is a good idea, with a twist. It demonstrated to consumers and other manufacturers what materials make a good water knife. I give Benchmade a hard time and no money, but I do like Magnacut so my money is up for grabs for the competition. I wear XL to XXL gloves, so no bird beaks for me either. Tops is bad about that too. I swear no one at Tops has a man sized hand
The difference in toughness from 60-62 hrc vs 61-63 appears to be negligible. I’d like to heard their rationale. I don’t see a good reason….. it doesn’t really seem to affect corrosion resistance like some other steels. 🤷🏼♂️
Benchmades always come at a premium, but I am interested in the Intersect. I have a weakness for compact pocket fixed blades.
Got myself the mini for $184 at REI. Great knife so far. Used it canoeing with cold fingers without cutting myself 🎉
Does REI have them in store? I'd like to get my hands on one before I buy one.
@@crherniman they did in tualatin, or. Also saw that 511 has them in store
I live around the water and am interested. My favorite color is blue, but I wonder about this color on these knives. Also the price is pretty high
I would be pretty concerned about how well those springs handle salt water. They are not likely to be cleaned, as I doubt any divers would take the knife apart and clean the internals after every use. Getting those springs wet frequently and not properly cleaned and/or oiled would, I think, inevitably result in corrosion and frequent breaking. Besides that issue, there's also just nothing about these that interests me beyond the big Magnacut blade; but they ran it soft so that kinda kills that for me, too. I appreciate the review, though!
Good news is nobody is ever going to use these knives in any water for any reason ever.
@@adamimberti6948 I take my Spyderco salt 2 in LC200n in the water all the time. It is an amazing water knife. I wouldn’t replace it with the Benchmade Adria for that purpose.
@DamionJR4923 Yeah, that's an actual knife that is actually designed for its intended purpose. These are essentially just knives in magnacut with blue handles and the word water attached.
@@adamimberti6948not to mention I’d want a saltwater test on Benchmade’s hardware before ever considering it a water knife. Spyderco Salt knives have the hardware designed for saltwater too and are proven to hold up to the craziest conditions for the H1/2 and LC200N models.
Yea gonna stick with benchmades neighbors over at kershaw, especially now that you can get the Link from kershaw in magnacut and kershaw is doing a higher HRC range now.
Para 3 LW Salt or Native 5 LW Salt for approx. $170? PM2 with G10 scales for same price as mini adira with frn scales? Enough said.
I've just recently bought the full size Adamas. (thanks in part to your knife review on it.-thank you) Love the knife but one thing that I wish most all knife companies these would either ease up on or completely do away with is JIMPING! The Adamas is for sure one of them. Darn jimping creates hot spots on the hands that shouldn't be there! The only company that I know that does jimping right is Spyderco. Sadly, I see the Adria has that jimping like the Adamas does. "Dear Benchmade...you don't need all that aggressive jimping!!
Why did they stonewash a water series blade? Rust faster than say a mirror finish..
High HRC = brittle blade that will break
I prefer a tough blade that hopefully won’t or don’t break. Be careful for what you wish for, because there is “Cause & Effect” in every engineered design detail.
HRC, yes a definitive and arguementative threshold!! I don't understand the "Folder" craze! I pocket carry the strongest foldind knife in the World! A Balisong. Rockwell should be less for smaller knives for ease of sharpening as they will be used more often(much more often), so 56-58. Larger blades(used much less often) should be 58-62 as you will almost never have to re-sharpen them. Rust is just a surface blemish, so if you can't cope, use Obsidian!😉
Waiting for this knive videos . maybe I want one 🤔
Benchmade is crushing it. Everyone is sick of the “bUtTeUr fLy tAX” comments. BM 100% USA made, designs and mfg. the market is saturated with Chinese garbage. Big respect to the De Asis’ for holding their morals, work ethic and commitment to the USA.
I don't think it makes sense to use a crossbar lock in a salt knife...the internals will still rust while the blade will not.
That is definitely possible.
Can’t wait for your white river cub review!!! Loving the content bro! Thanks again! Can’t wait for all the summer stuff!
No problem! Thank you as always video coming Sunday!
@@gideonstacticalAnd if you want to sell that cub😏😉
Wouldn't those bronze washers corrode much faster in salt water? Spyderco uses teflon washers in their Salt series of knives. Could be wrong I'm no expert on this.
Looks interesting ... Like the full size . Good review , thanks for sharing !!
Toughness is quite important for working knives probably getting a bit of abuse. Would the higher HRC be harder to sharpen? Most people using these won’t be knife nuts, just something that works ( cutting gritty old ropes, forgotten in a buoyancy aid or fishing tackle box etc) and easily maintained.
I live at the beach, I Ben waiting forever for these things to drop. Lmao. Fanily can't wait
IF they didn't change the material and make the axis lock spring out of titanium then its all for naught that little spring will rust out asap with some salt water exposure
I have owned both since May and bought them in Portland at the showroom in Oregon city. I was able to try them both out and I couldn’t decide so I bought both. I also did not feel the birds beak and our hands measure the same. (One of the reasons I watch your videos and take your advice). After owning both I considered them and carried them both. I landed on the mini Adira because of how handy it was. In fact, after I saw your video I gripped it the way you did in the video and I felt the pinky pinch you talked about. Now I can’t stop feeling it and I am considering grinding the beak smoother with some sand paper until the hit spot disappears. What do you think about that?
Ive asked alot of people and nobody ever has an answer...when people say "I wish..." who are they wishing to?
Those look neat but wouldnt be for me unless it was given or picked up at a really good deal, just not something I would buy but I do like that it has magnacut.
It’s a good question. I have to think on that.
@gideonstactical right but it is worth thinking about lol even tho it's not knife related, if you believe your words have power and are a believer in the lord (which I know you are and that's why I asked this question lol) this could really matter cuz we're not told to wish to God we're told to pray to him. So if you're not talking to God when making such a wish there is only one other entity one could be talking to, not targeting you or anything like that lol I just wanted your opinion cuz ive been thinking about this for a while now.
A lot like the most underrated Benchmade the turret.
I appreciate you going into handle construction
What are your thoughts on the new benchmade bushcrafter?
Over priced and clunky ergos
Yeah I thought it was a little steep 😂thank you!
So Benchmade just rebooted/tweeked the 980 from a few years ago.
Very different from the 980. 980 has full stainless liners, G10 scales, generally heavier, thicker construction, different handle profile. Thanks for reminding me of the Turret, though. Cool knife.
@@monsterslayer4317 I have both, they are not very different.
Ok, this offering from Benchmade seems like a nice product line extension, and the pricing actually does not seem to be outrageous (this time). I can see the value justified in some ways. Possibly coming back down to earth a little, that's good.
Nice blades but until Benchmade comes to their senses on their pricing, I won't touch them. I can get an almost new CRK or a new ZT, Microtech, or Heretic for the price of some of BM's stuff or I could get a custom like my RMOR Knives Babayaga (64 HRC Magnacut) for the price of their Gold Class. Also, running their Magnacut soft for "toughness" is bull. My RMOR Knives Babayaga is at 64 HRC and thinner stock than those two and I guarantee I could break the latch of a car door without hurting the knife. Magnacut is crazy tough even at really high HRC
Are you familiar with Tekto knives?
I was going to order one with a "coated" D2 with hardness of 60-62. I assume it's going to be pretty tough?
I have heard of them, a little interested, but they are made in China
They look cool tbh
Honestly I see almost zero difference in ANY high end blade steels in edge retention. They all get dull/chipped/rolled within a week or so with my use. Edge retention is literally a myth and sales tactic. Unless you’re just cutting cardboard and paper with zero obstructions on a perfect surface.
FYI I asked BM about the springs (and whether the internal hardware is corrosion resistant) and they responded:
“The internal components of the Adiras are all stainless, including the springs. The AXIS lock is the original design, but we made sure the springs and all other metal components would hold up.”
Hi I got the small size of these, and I love the way it feels. But I do love most Benchmade knives. Just something about how they feel and operate.
Does 5.11 still make the 4 banger?
Yes! Check out the link 🔗
Love my adira ! Once u get rid of razor sharp flashing and smooth out the washers along with a blade ( where they rub) its an amazing knife 😅
I use a buffer and jewelry rouge to shine up the moving parts and added light KLP and mine is like glass now
Excellent review. Really skeptical of a lot of benchmades but i carry my mini adamas and taggedout pretty frequently. This looks like a solid mix just still not sure how i feel about the blue
Glad you enjoyed it!
I recently purchased the undercurrent, and I LOVE this knife. It’s kinda like a bushcrafter but for the sea. Wish there was instructions on how they tend for us to wrap/carry with its sheath. W knife review and would love to see you do a review on the undercurrent. ❤ 💪🏾
Great, but benchmade isn't available in Australia.
All sold out.
First off, I admit I'm weird. Ive never been impressed by Benchmade, mainly because of their prices (Im a sub $75 guy) but these knives i like! The blade shape, the steel, even the handle all are really appealing!
Is there a chance you will be reviewing the Benchmade Intersect and Undercurrent?
They should have used ceramic washers. Because doesn’t brass like to tarnish very easily ?
Not these but there are a couple Benchmades im looking to acquire. Excellent review, sir!
Thank!!
Thank you for saving me 😊 a bunch of buyers remourse
Totally!
I’m so through with Benchmade! Thank you, though for all the homework you do for your vids! It was an EXCELLENT presentation! Thank you! I’m, ‘Like’ and, ‘Subscribed!’
Glad to help!
From a test I saw the actual HRC is using is lower around 59 given steel less edge retention than s30v also led HRC higher corrosion resistance
Lower HRC equals more stainless
Only thing that is really stopping me from purchasing one of these is the cheapy looking blue plastic. And why would you use blue color knives around blue water and orange hunting kives in woods with orange/red leaves? Then promote it as easy to find? What's next, fde for the desert areas and od green for pastures?
Just because it is a Benchmade does not justify their price point on their knives. It bugs me just as much as Harley Davidson bugs me with their pricing on their bikes.
The spring on my mini barrage malfunctioned a few years ago and it struck a nerve with me. I’m completely okay black listing a brand for whatever reason. Benchmade made that list.
I’m not cheap as I have a few dozen folders above the $350 mark. The full size Adira looks pretty interesting. I want to hold one in hand. I’m okay with $250. Maybe it’s time I get over my grudge.
They look good !
I have 7 pairs of the apex pants 😂😂😂. First I’ve heard of anyone else with them. 2 shades of brown, grey, and green with a black pair. My everything pants from backpacking in backcountry to putting on a collared shirt to church. Holds 4 30rd mags or 8 packages of Mambas 😂😎🤙
Sink… saw them at blade show and was so disappointed
I like it more than my Griptilian but less than my Adamas
Look the knife is cool but it’s only for fishermen?
Why not a set for coast guard and navy personnel?
I have zero use for those two knives yet I’m watching this and I’m tempted to buy one. I’ll probably just end up picking up a 3rd Osborne 😂
In my opinion, the Griptilian still is the best Benchmade.
how well does the spring in the axis lock resist rust ? how about the pivot ?
I mean I like both knives , but I bet the spring will rust quick in saltwater !
Benchmade makes really good knives, and then prices them $50-$100 over where they should be.
Need to measure my finger span! Best part is the washers! Thanks for the vid, really good.
Glad it was helpful!
i'm shocked at the price i assumed they gonna be $600 each
Ya surprising value
They look pretty cool. I'm curious why they went with blue handles for a knife you'd potentially use underwater. Must be a reason, but it escapes me.
I kinda hope they make an 'EDC' version like they did with the Taggedout. Different scale options and/or blade steel. Thanks for the look at these Aaron! 😎👍
That is totally true
The blue is to signify water 💧 im guessing, I think that's why they went with that color. I like it because if you drop its easy to find unless it's in a lake or ocean lol. I'm definitely getting the full size. I wanted the full size adamas, but this one is slicier, much lighter, and still strong enough.
@@bryand2978 yeah, the blue makes sense since it's a water line, but like you said if you drop it in a lake/ocean...bye bye knife lol.
They release a colour that doesn't make sense first and when they've sold as many of them as they can they'll start releasing colours people want and colours that make sense for water use. And they'll probably charge a premium for it.
It's marketing 101.