Benchmade - legal?

[SmokeTheClay]

I have two questions.

1) is this thing legal to carry in my pocket?

2) is it a good option to carry in my pocket?

https://www.benchmade.com/griptilian-family.html

[Master_Prestige]

In b4 benchmade haters bash.

[Garv]

Which knife?
Link is for griptilian family of knives

[SmokeTheClay]

Originally Posted by Garv

Which knife?
Link is for griptilian family of knives

benchmade mel pardue design 154cm (I think model 551)

[Librarian]

This one? http://bmknives.com/benchmadeparudel...comboedge.aspx

Thumb stud opener. Doesn't seem to be a switchblade.

[SmokeTheClay]

Originally Posted by Librarian

This one? http://bmknives.com/benchmadeparudel...comboedge.aspx


Thumb stud opener. Doesn't seem to be a switchblade.

thank you.

That looks like it. I think it’s this: https://www.benchmade.com/551-s30v.html

I know zero about knife laws. I am able to open it by flicking my wrist and not pressing on anything.

Also is it safe in my pocket? Won’t open if I reach in my pocket easily?

[Librarian]

Originally Posted by SmokeTheClay

thank you.

That looks like it. I think it’s this: https://www.benchmade.com/551-s30v.html

I know zero about knife laws. I am able to open it by flicking my wrist and not pressing on anything.

Also is it safe in my pocket? Won’t open if I reach in my pocket easily?

Try closing it slowly. Does the blade reach a point where it finishes closing by itself?

If so, that's the 'bias towards closure', and that's the important characteristic. PC 17235

"Switchblade knife" does not
include a knife that opens with one hand utilizing thumb pressure
applied solely to the blade of the knife or a thumb stud attached to
the blade, provided that the knife has a detent or other mechanism
that provides resistance that must be overcome in opening the blade,
or that biases the blade back toward its closed position.

I lost my Benchmade (different model), but it never opened in my pocket; neither my current Kershaw nor my Spyderco have ever opened without my intention.

Umm, I have found for myself that if I try to be too 'stealthy' and do not use the pocket clip, I lose knives. YMMV

[SmokeTheClay]

Originally Posted by Librarian

Try closing it slowly. Does the blade reach a point where it finishes closing by itself?

If so, that's the 'bias towards closure', and that's the important characteristic. PC 17235

I lost my Benchmade (different model), but it never opened in my pocket; neither my current Kershaw nor my Spyderco have ever opened without my intention.

Umm, I have found for myself that if I try to be too 'stealthy' and do not use the pocket clip, I lose knives. YMMV

That’s pretty great info. Appreciate you providing the rules and experiences.

It does in fact bias toward closing so looks like I’m good to go.

I bought this thing for camping many years back and have recently considered carrying a knife.

[snacks]

Depending on where you live. Some cities won't allow you to openly carry a blade length longer than 3 inches. I believe in LA county and city of commerce a 3" blade is max. For an assisted knife no longer than 2.5" is allowed. Granted you can carry these knives folded but once open would not be legal depending where you may be. I don't think anyone will be checking unless you bring suspicion to yourself.

The mini griptilian would be about 3" in blade length when deployed. A Bugout is about 3-3.5" i believe the standard griptilian is about 3.5" as well. I have the mini grip and serves me well for most tasks.


The 551 that was linked is a great size for edc. Also with the Axis lock that they use it stays put until you deploy the blade. If your right handed and carry tip up with the back of the blade facing the seam of your pocket you won't have any accidental deployments.

I think once you have it in hand you will find your preferred way of carry. Some people refer tip down. I prefer tip up (no pun intended).

[Librarian]

Both City and County of LA have the 'no exposed > 3 inches' rule - see the sticky, post 7: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...54&postcount=7

Kind of a tossup whether an exposed pocket clip means an exposed knife.

[jeffrice6]

Originally Posted by Master_Prestige

In b4 benchmade haters bash.

F - bm!

[Mr.Cip]

My current EDC is the Benchmade mini Bugout. Definitely legal length and affordable. I also own a Griptilian along with other Benchmade and Spyderco knives.
I’m still Benchmade fan even with all the controversies.


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[AdamVIP]

Originally Posted by Mr.Cip

My current EDC is the Benchmade mini Bugout. Definitely legal length and affordable. I also own a Griptilian along with other Benchmade and Spyderco knives.
I’m still Benchmade fan even with all the controversies.


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OOO are those shipping now? Did you go white or orange? I like the look but wonder if its worth switching from a mini grip that I already carry. It looks cooler but I don't want to spend just to spend. I've also been eyeing picking up a Valet though.

[Mr.Cip]

Originally Posted by AdamVIP

OOO are those shipping now? Did you go white or orange? I like the look but wonder if its worth switching from a mini grip that I already carry. It looks cooler but I don't want to spend just to spend. I've also been eyeing picking up a Valet though.

I got the orange. At my age I “spend just to spend” on things that I like. Many of things I buy I don’t actually need.
I have a lot of knives, most of them I’ve never carried.


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[M76]

Originally Posted by jeffrice6

F - bm!

^^^what he said^^^

[GeeBee49]

I carry a Benchmade 495 Vector. It has a 3.6" blade and is flip assisted so it can be opened with one hand. When closing, the blade never reaches a point where it closes itself. There is a blade lock that prevents accidental opening in your pocket.

As far as legal goes I posted this quote about California laws on another thread:
After researching the law, we certainly understood why confusion exists as to what is legal to carry and what isn’t: there are over a dozen statutes on the subject, as well as numerous municipal codes, and inconsistent court decisions that further muddy the water.

[Blademan21]

I carry most of the time a Benchmade Mel Pardue designed auto, I live in a free state, with a lock to keep the blade closed until activated. In the year I have carried it I have not had it open in my pocket accidentally. I don’t even engage the lock. OP I don’t think you will have issues as long as you use your bugger picker like you should.

[BigPimping]

This one is completely legal. I've had one for years. Excellent knife.

[BigPimping]

I love all those benchmades and spider codes. I just can't bring myself to carry a very expensive knife like that everyday. I stick with the cheap Kershaw ones. That way if I lose one I'm not going to break my heart.

[GeeBee49]

Originally Posted by BigPimping

I love all those benchmades and spider codes. I just can't bring myself to carry a very expensive knife like that everyday. I stick with the cheap Kershaw ones. That way if I lose one I'm not going to break my heart.

I hear what you're saying. The Benchmade Vector is not cheap but as long as I keep it clipped inside my pocket I shouldn't lose it. I have a black one now but I'm considering the OD green version.

[n8vrmind]

The infamous non-apologizing apology from Benchmade's Les de AS$. Buy other brands

https://youtu.be/SRleLfBosBE

[1911RONIN]

Originally Posted by n8vrmind

The infamous non-apologizing apology from Benchmade's Les de AS$. Buy other brands

https://youtu.be/SRleLfBosBE

Yeah, not great. It’s like he felt it necessary to throw in an added bit about the 2a. He’s a knife guy who wants to make money. That’s all.


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[EliteCorp]

Great knife and company. I’ve been carrying a mini and I love it.

[anthonyca]

Originally Posted by SmokeTheClay

thank you.

That looks like it. I think it’s this: https://www.benchmade.com/551-s30v.html

I know zero about knife laws. I am able to open it by flicking my wrist and not pressing on anything.

Also is it safe in my pocket? Won’t open if I reach in my pocket easily?

https://kniferights.org/resources/legal-blade/

Please consider joining knife rights. Theblegal blade app is very helpful and free.