Backup100BLK

A belated Happy New Year, and Gong Xi Fa Cai to everyone. Going into 2012, I'm happy to see Spyderco continuing to offer two versions of the Chinese Folders as part of their Ethnic Series. The C65CF, Medium Chinese Folder in Glass Fiber, and the C143G, the Large Chinese Folder in Black G10. Benchmade is also continuing to offer the two Dejavoo models. 741 and 746. And missing from the reporting front was the special run of the Spyderco Medium Chinese Folder with Pink Amalite handles. Perfect for the ladies.

A little late, but for 2011 Benchmade has discontinued both models of the Dejavoo folders; the 740 Dejavoo, and the 745 Mini-Dejavoo.

Benchmade announced a new smaller model of the Onslaught in their 2011 Catalog, the Model 746. It will have a 3.45" blade as has a MSRP of $160. The catalog also lists that it will be available in the same four variations that mirrors those of the larger Onslaught; Plain, Serrated, Plain Black, and Serrated Black.

Here are the comparison pictures promised of the new LFTi as compared to the previous iteration, the Blackwater Folding Tanto II. I was able to obtain one of the R&D Prototypes to judge the development of the knife to it's current release. As you can see, aside from the hole treatment/pattern in the handle, the three major changes made to the LFTi are 1) a new lock bar, 2) change of placement of the clip, and 3) the addition of the Lum Chop logo. Otherwise, the folders are identical. Interesting item to note is the shape of the tanto tip from the R&D Proto to the released BW Folding Tanto II. The tip became more angular. Not sure what prompted the change. However, the tip, just like Spyderco's Lum Folding Tanto, lacks the Appleseed grind commonly found on the custom models. For the Spyderco model, the cause was a lack of manufacturing ability to replicate it. I suspect that may be one of the reasons that also limited the Benchmade models.

Benchmade has released two new versions of the Onslaught. BM 741BK with a black blade. BM 741BKS with a serrated black blade. With the regular bladed 741, and the serrated 741S, this make a total of 4 models of the Onslaught released to date.

Below are some comparison pictures of the Benchmade Production Onslaught and a custom Forrester by Bob. Bob had always admired the AxisLock designed by Benchmade, and wanted to license it for use. He even went as far as producing a Stalker blade to fit into an existing AxisLock handle. There are some slight differences: * The handles are set up for ambidextrous opening with the hole cutout, and the Pinkie slot in the lower handle, in both sides of the handle. Yet, the clip can only be installed on the right side. * The clip is based on Bob's version. But whereas Bob hand form each one to match the folder, the Benchmade clips are stamped. * The swedge on the custom is beautifully hollow ground, as compared to the flat ground swedge on the Benchmade. * The Benchmade is slightly longer. Most likely due to changing the pivot geometry to accommodate the AxisLock. Overall, the execution is outstanding, and I think Bob would have been pleased with the result. Except for the choice of mode...

For 2010, Benchmade is releasing a folding knife based on Bob's Forrester model, called the Onslaught. This is good news for Forrester fans who really fancy the saber-tip leaf shaped blade. It will come with Benchmade's Axis lock. A locking system that Bob really appreciated. Link to the Onslaught on Benchmade's website is: http://www.benchmade.com/products/741 When it is released, I'll post a comparison between it and the custom Forrester.

Benchmade released a version of the Lum Folding Tanto II for 2009. The model is 760BK LFTi. This is a Benchmade branded variation of the Blackwater Folding Tanto. When I obtain one of the Blackwater versions, I'll post a comparison.

Bob's most recent factory collabration was with Benchmade Knives in Oregon. They decided to produce two models based on his Custom All-Rounder Folder. The smaller model, the 745 Mini-Dejavoo is a faithful reproduction of his Medium All-Rounder. The larger version, the 740 Dejavoo, is not as faithful. When compared to the Custom Large All-Rounder, distinct differences in the lines of the handle and the blade can be seen. Both are very well made pieces, and has helped allowed Bob's designs to be enjoyed by the general public. Special thanks to Les and Roberta DeAsis for permission to use Benchmade's photos of the DejaVoo.