I’ve owned 3 of these Benhmade 690 knives, and still have two of them in my posession and I have to say that it is one of the nicest Benchmade knives they ever made. It has been produced in several variations, all of which are very well made. I’ve owned one of the blue-dyed wood models as well, which was a beautiful piece.
The Phil Boguszewski designed Benchmade Spike is one of the most iconic early models in Benchmade’s history, available in both an automatic and manual version. The Benchmade Spike was a simply designed knife with a thin spearpoint almost dagger-like blade.
I remember the day the BM940 came out very well. At that time, Benchmades were very much in my budget range, and I had no customs. Times have changed, but the BM940 remains one of my favourite production knives. If it weren’t for bordem and always needing to get something new, this knife would probably be my EDC.
This 921 Switchback knife from Benchmade is probably one of my favourite Benchmade knives of all time. Designed by Warren Osborne, a famous custom knifemaker from Australia, the Switchback is unique in that it offers 2 knives for the price of one. In addition to the main blade which features an axis-lock, it has a secondary slip joint blade that folds out of the back.
For many years, Benchmade was my favourite knife company, and I aspired to collect as many as I could afford. So when this Mini Skirmish came out, based on Neil Blackwoods design, I jumped on it, unable to afford Neil’s custom version which proabably sells in the thousands.
The Griptillian I am reviewing is the D2 steel model. It has a Molded rubbery gripped handle. I believe it is some sort of Polycarbonate handle with Rubber Inserts. It has REALLY good retention because of this, even in water. Also it fits the hand nicely. I have small hands so this might not be the case for people with bigger hands.. you may want to try the full size.
