I have been EDC'ing my 522bk Ultra Presidio for nearly a month now and I thought I'd punch up a quick review for those looking to add one to their collection.

First off, this is perhaps one of the sharpest BMs out of the box I have ever had... my 806-901 was really sharp too (maybe all our whining has paid off and BM is listening and responding! Good job BM!).

Here are my quick pro's of this knife:

1. It came very sharp.
2. I got mine for like 65 bucks! This is a high value knife in todays market!
3. I love the looks/feel of the 520 handle shape.
4. The scales offer grip without eating up my pants!
5. Lighter than a 520.
6. I personally LOVE the hollow grind.
7. The BK coating on this was the nicest I have ever seen.
8. Full steel liners.

Con's:
1. The scales give a "cheaper" feel to the knife.
2. 440c isn't my first choice but for the price it is a great steel.


I think for the entry knife guys out there, this is even a better knife than a Grip... and I love grips! Full steel liners and non of the "Clack" of a griptilian opening and closing.

There is something about having, what is essentially a 520, for under 70 bucks! I don't get the "ultra" label, ultra to me would be an upgraded version not a stripped down version, but on my list of EDC travel knife (read losing or TSA theft) this one is here to stay.

If you have a friend looking for his first "good" knife this is it.

Hope it helps anyone looking for a good less expensive knife.

Good review Drew.

My follow up question, as always with the 522, how durable do you think the hollow ground blade is on the Presidio Ultra? What tasks have you put before it? The hollow grind on this model just seems too thin to me.

Nice Drew. 522/527 are great buys for the money spent.

Thanks for a great review Drew!

And I think the Ultra in the name refers to the knife being ultra lite, but it's just my guess

quote:

Originally posted by Chang:
Good review Drew.

My follow up question, as always with the 522, how durable do you think the hollow ground blade is on the Presidio Ultra? What tasks have you put before it? The hollow grind on this model just seems too thin to me.

Chang

I agree the 522 HG is uber thin, but I like that. I think that lots of people have come to expect too much from a knife in terms of multi-tasking. Now, the 522 wouldn't be my first choice for a work knife, nor will it spend many days in my garage with me... but for a slicing knife, I feel it is plenty strong. One the 522 leaves the confines of slicing, I think its strength would be tested quickly. It has however, broken down boxes, opened packages, sliced open a sack of pistachio nuts and other EDC type chores, with cutting pleasure!

It is one of the few knives my wife has used and said "WOW! that one is sharp" I tried to explain the HG to her but it didn't seem to help, she just thought it was a "sharper" knife, and with the thin edge... it is!

quote:

Originally posted by RxEnergy:
Thanks for a great review Drew!

And I think the Ultra in the name refers to the knife being ultra lite, but it's just my guess

RX- I agree, its the only way it is a "better" knife.

Thanks for the information Drew. I would only be using the knife for cutting, not what knives aren't meant for. I'm glad to hear that it handles boxes and packages well because that would probably be the toughest task I set before the knife.

Nice review Drew and your pictures have convinced me to add the BT Plain to my two SBT's. I kinda wish Benchmade would have named this the "lite" and made the Ultra with nice Micarta or that great hand finished Carbon Fiber on the 525-81.

One thing to remember is these "Ultra's" were originally designed for military use, and probably why 440C was used over 154cm, and why Valox was added for the handle scales over aluminum. Hard to kill Valox.

Were it me, I'd give the Micarta or CF treatment to a regular 520 instead, more bang for the buck I'd think.

I have a 527 and am liking it a lot, good knife for the money.

these are great knifes...i got one for my brother as a birthday gift and i think it makes a great edc