I have been hunting for this knife for almost 4 years now and every time I thought I got close to getting one, it slipped through my fingers. But I now finally have one!!!! And not only that, I also have #45 of the first 1000 ever made!
First Impressions:
The knife arrived today while I was at work so when I got home I couldn't wait to tear into that box! I bought it off of eBay so it was not completely brand new, but when you are hunting for a discontinued knife you can only get so "new". This one came with the original box, bag and paperwork and a laser etching on the blade saying "First Production 0045/1000". It was very good condition for an eBay purchase and still had a razor sharp blade. The Nitrous assist system is a little sticky but I am confident I can fix it. Other than that, however, nothing seems to be wrong with the knife and I am so excited to finally say "I own a Benchmade Knife".
The knife has a 3.70in D2 Tool Steel Blade, G10 Black Handles, A Modified Spear Point blade, weighs 3.80oz, has an overall length of 8.25in when fully extended and has a Modified Locking Liner lock with the Nitrous Spring Assisted System.
The Nitrous Spring Assist System:
The Nitrous Spring Assist System is similar system to the OutBurst System on the CRKTs I reviewed but with several differences. First, the Nitrous Assist system has two bars instead of one and they are connected in the middle by a small metal round bar. This bar rides along the bottom of the blade and when the blade is moved just a few centimeters the bar catches on a small ledge and flicks the blade out and up. One of the major differences between the two systems (other than having two bars) is that in the CRKTs, the assist bar is a separate piece and is screwed in between the G10 handles. On the Stryker, the bars are actually part of the knife. The Metal liner inside the G10 handles help make up the Nitrous assist bars making them very durable, but no replaceable. I happen to thing the system is quite impressive (what else do you expect from one of the greatest knife companies on the planet) but my particular knife is giving me trouble with the assist not fully launching the knife into the locked position so I will have to tinker with that a little.
The Blade:
The D2 Tool Steel blade is probably the best blade I have ever seen. Now granted, I have never owned any high value knives like this before and I know there are much better blade materials out there but up to this point in my knife collection and my lifetime I have never owned or handled a blade so well made.
The D2 steel is incredibly strong and retains its edge amazing well. The blade is etched with the signature Benchmade Butterfly and (mine) has the straight edge with the Modified Spear Point. it has two thumb studs rather than just one on the left side with makes it slightly ambidextrous. The blade has a thickness of 0.125in and its thickest part is almost in the very center of the blade; this gives the blade a greater durability and greater strength.
The Grip/G10 Handles:
Usually on most of my knives, the handles/grips are nothing special but for the Stryker I really feel it deserves at least a small section for the grips.
The Black G10 Handles on the Stryker appear to be very plain but the design is actually quite useful. The ribs that span the width of the handles from top to bottom allow for a "no slip grip" on the knife at all times and cover both sides of the knife which means no matter how you pick it up, you can keep it where it belongs, in your hand. The handles have a one position pocket clip on the right side like most knives. I have heard/read of several people having problems with the clip and claiming that it is sharp and hurts your hands but I don't see why. The clip is exactly the same as have of my knives and I have never had any issues with any clips I have ever owned.
The Black G10 Handles on the Stryker appear to be very plain but the design is actually quite useful. The ribs that span the width of the handles from top to bottom allow for a "no slip grip" on the knife at all times and cover both sides of the knife which means no matter how you pick it up, you can keep it where it belongs, in your hand. The handles have a one position pocket clip on the right side like most knives. I have heard/read of several people having problems with the clip and claiming that it is sharp and hurts your hands but I don't see why. The clip is exactly the same as have of my knives and I have never had any issues with any clips I have ever owned.
The handles also give the knife a very tactical look. And I say tactical with no reservation. This knife is a Black Class Benchmade, meaning it was designed for the Military and Law Enforcement So yes, this knife is a Tactical Knife!
Overall Impression:
Overall I am proud to say I own this knife. If nothing more, it is now a collectors piece due to it being discontinued and #45 of the first 1000 made. But beyond its rarity it is also just an all around awesome knife! High quality blade, sturdy, sleek handles, light, not too big, not too small and thin enough to fit well in your pocket. I have read several reviews with people complaining about its bulky size and how it is uncomfortable in their pockets. Well, honestly, I think they are review some other knife. This knife is thin, light and a great size for a standard pocket. Granted, I used to carry a MASSIVE S&W Board Guard Knife which has a MASSIVE blade and HUGE handles, not to mention how heavy it was, so this is practically weightless compared to that.
In any case, I am more than happy with my purchase, despite the price tag of $140. It will be a great addition to my collection and I will never get rid of it!
Recommended For:
HEAVY UTILITY USE, EDC AND DEFENSE
Not Recommended For:
A KEYCHAIN OR THROWING KNIFE(haha sorry I couldn't come up with something I wouldn't use it for.)
Recommended For:
HEAVY UTILITY USE, EDC AND DEFENSE
Not Recommended For:
A KEYCHAIN OR THROWING KNIFE(haha sorry I couldn't come up with something I wouldn't use it for.)
EDIT:
I was able to fix the blade so there is now no movement in the blade at all and it now is a perfectly functioning knife! A true Benchmade and a work of art!
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