One of the most anticipated knifes in the 2009 line up (for me) was the Benchmade 760. Although this knife is not really “new” it does has quite a few enhancements that make the newer Benchmade version a must see. As you may know, this knife was originally sold by Blackwater Gear, and manufactured by Benchmade. This knife is one of the last production designs created by the late Bob Lum. Bob was a well respected member of the knife making fraternity and Bob is more of less the “father” of the tanto blade profile in America, so it is fitting that one of his last production designs would be a tanto. The design of the Benchmade 760, should look familiar to many knife fans as it looks very similar to the earlier Spyderco C46. In saying, this knife is a classic Lum design.



The Benchmade 760 is a high end folder. The specs are available on the Benchmade site, so I will not rehash them here. Apparently there is some confusion as to what “class” the 760 resides in. The first productions come in a black box, while the webpage has them listed as blue. Adjust your search accordingly. The knife comes with a 4 inch slab of CPM -M4, and a considerable amount of titanium. It is set up to be carried tip down, and sorry lefty’s this is a right-hander's knife. The thumb stud is set up for a right hander also. As noted the blade is a tanto, however you have to understand that a Bob Lum tanto is much closer to the traditional Japanese pattern than many of the more angular designs you see today. It does has a sharper angle from forward to main cutting edge, than a traditional Japanese pattern, but it is more subtle than many other designs. It should work better for folks who don’t like the radical angles of the tanto. Much is currently being written about the performance of M4, as more of it hits the market. You can also search for such reviews of the steel itself. Remember M4 is not stainless, however it comes from the factory with Benchmade’s BK coating, so rust should not be an issue.








To understand this knife, you have to compare it to the earlier Blackwater version. When I looked at the Blackwater version I was very excited to get my hands on this knife. Sadly, I feel the Blackwater was rushed into production with some glaring design flaws. For one, the clip placement was flawed. The low ride clip mounted above the pivot meant you had to remove the clip to adjust the pivot. Also, the head of the Torx screw did not allow fabric to pass by it, negating the benefit of the low ride clip. Sure, you could take the clip off to adjust the pivot, and you could bend the clip out to allow it to ride deeper in the pocket, however these are not things I don’t need to do to a near $200 knife. Also, on most frame locks, the clip is used to limit the travel of the lock bar. You can over spring the lock bar, thus ruining your knife. Most knives use the clip to prevent this (Strider uses a lock bar stabilizer). On the Blackwater, the clip ran parallel to the lock bar and did nothing to limit its travel. All these things together meant I liked the knife, but always wondered… “What if?” Because if this, I never carried this knife.



I am happy to say the 760 fixes the issues. The clip has been moved, and the lock cut out has been redesigned (from straight to thumb looking addition). There are some who feel that the clip went from bad to worse. Yes, the knife rides higher in the pocket, and pretty high in the pocket. That might be an issue for some. I don’t mind. I have many knives that ride high, and in some situations I prefer it. Low ride knives are harder to get out of the pocket, and in my state, if you cannot see it is a concealed weapon (and our “permits” only cover handguns in Ohio). The 760 is a big knife, and it is not the kind of knife you are going to carry in an office. I don’t see this high ride issue as a deal breaker for me. Along with the clip and lock bar changes, there are a few cosmetic changes. The Blackwater bear paw is gone from blade and handle. The Bob Lum “logo” has been added to the reverse side of the blade. Also the divots of the Blackwater are now holes.
So how is the knife? The 760 is everything I wanted the original to be. Sure I would have loved the low ride clip to work out, but I can live with things the way they are. The 760 is a big knife, however it is a big knife that rides pretty well in the pocket. That being said, if sales warrant it (which I believe they might, I had a BEAR of a time getting a first production, they are selling pretty fast) this is really a candidate for a “mini.” Lop an inch off the handle and blade and you still have a full sized knife, however one some might feel a bit more comfortable carrying.
When I handle the 760, I think of two words… “Blade Heavy!!!” This is one serious slab of steel. It flicks open with authority. The thumb stud is oversized and works great (as long as you are a right hander) and the thumb ramp with aggressive jimping is a plus. The jimping is aggressive enough that heavy use might get annoying on the thumb (ie cutting for a long time). Lock up is solid and no issues. The knife opens smoothly and the added weight of the blade makes for a very enjoyable opening experience.
I was sad to see the Skirmish go from the Benchmade line up. However I will trade it for the 760. The 760 will run you close to $200 on the street. Now that may sound like a lot, however consider that you are getting a a lot of high end materials for a very reasonable price. Most makers would charge at least $100 to $200 more for a similar knife. The Bob Lum legacy alone makes this knife desirable, add to that the high end materials, and world class manufacturing… We have a winner.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mark G.,

Great Review!!

Excellent Review .......I bet you could sell an Eskimo a Ice box

Nice review.

quote:

Originally posted by dj:
Excellent Review .......I bet you could sell an Eskimo a Ice box

dj you probably read this and ordered 2 more right? jk

Good review Mark.

I believe I would appreciate this model more if it had any other blade shape other than a tanto. However, learning the history of Lum and the design, it is fitting that the model is produced this way.

Thanks for this review, Mark. I wasn't even aware of the Blackwater model. I must say that this is the knife that reignited my interest in Benchmade collecting (along with the prospect of replacing my old 806D2 that I lost in the woods...I know). I love everything about the 760. It's a super piece and one that I can't ever imagine letting go of.

I enjoyed that review and the great pix!

Thanks
-fj

Thanks Mark, great review. Now I REALLY want one...in good time, I've never been good at the patience part...!

quote:

this is really a candidate for a “mini.” Lop an inch off the handle and blade and you still have a full sized knife, however one some might feel a bit more comfortable carrying.

Now you're talkin.

BTW, great review. Everything you said made perfect sense. Unfortunately, the reasons for me wanting knives a certain way don't always...

Eric.