Benchmade Nitrous Assist Folders? - Page 2

Mo · September 26th, 2009, 12:18 AM

I handled the 3" and 4" Nitrous Strykers several times over the course of about a month trying to decide if I wanted one. The 3" was fast and positive, like opening a Kershaw Leek. The 4" was slower and more laggy. It still opened fine, but the torque on the spring was not enough for the larger blade in my opinion.

When it came down to it, I liked the 3" version and would have bought it if they made a plain-edge spearpoint model. Surprisingly, they only offer the smaller spearpoint one in a partially- serrated edge. (After owning and sharpening knives for a couple decades, I won't buy tanto points or serrated knives anymore unless they're dedicated for a specific purpose - the Spyderco Harpy, for instance, is a dedicated SD knife for me and not a utility EDC...)

Anyway, I ended up spending 1/2 the price on the Benchmade Vex (plain spearpoint of course) and the Spyderco-like hole lets me flick it open just as fast as an assisted-opening knife. I use the exact same motion as if I'm flipping a quarter, using my thumb to flick open the blade.

So, for me, the Nitrous didn't offer the blade design I liked in the size that worked the best. I'm completely happy with my chinese Vex. Benchmade is keeping a good lock on QC and the CrMoV is good blade steel. Plus, it's the first knife I've found that has the really high-quality construction at a price point where I don't have to reach for a boxcutter when I want to rip something open that might scratch a blade or dull an edge.

jowgafist · September 28th, 2009, 09:36 AM

YouTube - Benchmade 890 Torrent: Tournament Level EDC'er

YouTube - nutnfancy's Channel

Mo · September 28th, 2009, 11:06 PM

Here's a group shot for comparison on the Vex.

Clockwise from top:
BM Vex
Spyderco Harpy
Cold Steel Ti-Lite
Kershaw Leek

The 4" Nitrous Stryker is a little larger than the Vex, and the 3" is somewhat smaller.

September 28th, 2009, 09:36 AM	#12
jowgafist Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 435	YouTube - Benchmade 890 Torrent: Tournament Level EDC'er YouTube - nutnfancy's Channel __________________ Stay informed, Join VA-Alert NRA Certified Instructor Jow Ga Kung Fu "Gun on, Pride off." ~John Murphy

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September 26th, 2009, 12:18 AM	#11
Mo Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Missouri, USA Posts: 243	I handled the 3" and 4" Nitrous Strykers several times over the course of about a month trying to decide if I wanted one. The 3" was fast and positive, like opening a Kershaw Leek. The 4" was slower and more laggy. It still opened fine, but the torque on the spring was not enough for the larger blade in my opinion. When it came down to it, I liked the 3" version and would have bought it if they made a plain-edge spearpoint model. Surprisingly, they only offer the smaller spearpoint one in a partially- serrated edge. (After owning and sharpening knives for a couple decades, I won't buy tanto points or serrated knives anymore unless they're dedicated for a specific purpose - the Spyderco Harpy, for instance, is a dedicated SD knife for me and not a utility EDC...) Anyway, I ended up spending 1/2 the price on the Benchmade Vex (plain spearpoint of course) and the Spyderco-like hole lets me flick it open just as fast as an assisted-opening knife. I use the exact same motion as if I'm flipping a quarter, using my thumb to flick open the blade. So, for me, the Nitrous didn't offer the blade design I liked in the size that worked the best. I'm completely happy with my chinese Vex. Benchmade is keeping a good lock on QC and the CrMoV is good blade steel. Plus, it's the first knife I've found that has the really high-quality construction at a price point where I don't have to reach for a boxcutter when I want to rip something open that might scratch a blade or dull an edge.

September 28th, 2009, 11:06 PM	#13
Mo Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Missouri, USA Posts: 243	Here's a group shot for comparison on the Vex. Clockwise from top: BM Vex Spyderco Harpy Cold Steel Ti-Lite Kershaw Leek The 4" Nitrous Stryker is a little larger than the Vex, and the 3" is somewhat smaller.