Benchmade H&K Ascender knives: High Speed Value

It's no picnic finding high quality blades that impress me for around $40. Yes the variety and quality of all blades has expanded exponentially in the last few years. But I still don't like making compromises on the big things: steel, deployment speed, lockup, ergonomics, and looks. Few make the cut at this restrictive price point. I also, just like you, I have my preferences. But here's two that make the list: the Benchmade H&K (BM) Ascender Mdl 14352BT and its smaller brother the H&K Mini-Ascender Mdl 14301BT. These knives feature drop point blades, non-serrated variety, which I prefer. There is a lot to like for such affordable blades. First off, these knifes are fast and that makes them fun. Their design is perfectly balanced for wicked quick deployment, both blades leap into the deployed position with a satisfying, authoritative snap. Great knife fondling blades if you ask me for that exact reason alone! Both utilize Chinese-made 9Cr13 blade steel that Benchmade says offers good edge retention and corrosion resistance. Other upsides include: preferable open pillar construction, solid lockup, excellent blade shapes, good looks, good thumbstuds, deep carry pocket clips, VERY FLAT in carry, G10 handle scales (good value addition), and outstanding value for price paid. The large drop point Ascender could provide adequate emergency defensive use. Of course at this price point some downsides will exist: substantially heavier than many competitors (Large Ascender is 5.8 oz, Small 3.0 oz; mainly due to solid steel liners that are not skeletonized), smooth jimping with shallow thumramp, tip down carry with no provision to accommodate lefties. But for around $35 to $45 US dollars (subject to change and variance), these blades offer impressive value and enjoyment to the user. Well done Benchmade./////////////Nutnfancy Likeability Scale: 8 out of 10 (price considered)

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[Orthrus]

Flash, H&K is a full blown separate top-notch gun company. They have nothing to do with Benchmade, and certainly aren't a sub-company.

Benchmade is separate from H&K, they just used H&Ks logo on this knife for advertisement purposes.

[Cutlerylover7]

for two companies like H&K(German) & Benchmade (USA) to go and make a chinese knife is a shame

[eas26]

@Shankb777 Heckler and Koch? Dont you think its pretty understandable to say it as H&K?

[heywoodjublome1]

@Shankb777 Well the company is "Helckler and Koch" not "Heckler Koch" so I think H and K works...

[Shankb777]

Sorry to be pedantic but it is just HK not H and K, pet peeve of mine. However your prowess and knowledge when it comes to knives and tool steel, for that matter makes up for it. I am an armorer/gunsmith and an ABS journeyman and your knowledge is ,well, intimidating. I just stumbled upon your videos and I am impressed

P.S.One way to maintain product exclusivity is to overprice it.

[p666pav]

after watching xxxM85xxx video called Knife Lock Test (CS, Kershaw, Benchmade,Gerber, Spyderco) i real don't trust liner locks any more

[SirJabsAlot]

I miss these old classic table top reviews

[azntranc3951]

@Orthrus

Ah. I was wondering why HK had their logo on a Benchmade knife. Thanks!

[GunShotWound308]

I respect that some guys can't afford a $200 benchmade but as for me I just like to buy american but I do have a cold steel recon 1 that was made in taiwan and that is an amazing knife so the quality is out there you just have to look

[jekostas]

@LedZeppelin13k7 Not *all* of Spyderco's Chinese knives are made by SanRenMu, but a number of models are. They also OEM for CRKT (Drifter) and Buck (Nobleman)

[LedZeppelin13k7]

Want to know something funny? The tenacious and this knife are made in the same exact factory...Sanrenmu makes all chinese knives for Benchmade and Spyderco.

[SuperRip7]

I like the shape of the German blades.