I noticed there is no review of the 520, and I felt the need to brag on mine for a bit.

I have the 520BK with 154CM steel, I use it almost everyday, and I'm not always nice to it. I have not sharpened it in over 5 months, and it is still sharper than most knives I have ever had. It still shaves my fingernail into long solid strips without any pressure applied.
Also, the coating on it is holding up pretty well; I don't know which coating it is, but with the work I put it through, any other manufacturer's coating would be gone by now. It's only fading on the tip and the top corners. I absolutely love this knife and everything about it.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: knifestudent,

That's good to hear that your 520 is holding up so well and that you're enjoying the knife. It's not really a surprise because the think is built like a tank.

quote:

Originally posted by Chang:
That's good to hear that your 520 is holding up so well and that you're enjoying the knife. It's not really a surprise because the think is built like a tank.

+1 ...I have bought 5 of the Presidio models in a month's time (520, 525, 522BK, 527BK, and 527). I love this design and like Chang stated "Built Like A Tank". Sweet design ...my favorite along with the 14205 . Take Good Care and Be Safe Always.


-RAVEN-

quote:

Originally posted by RAVEN:

quote:

Originally posted by Chang:
That's good to hear that your 520 is holding up so well and that you're enjoying the knife. It's not really a surprise because the think is built like a tank.

+1 ...I have bought 5 of the Presidio models in a month's time (520, 525, 522BK, 527BK, and 527). I love this design and like Chang stated "Built Like A Tank". Sweet design ...my favorite along with the 14205 . Take Good Care and Be Safe Always.


-RAVEN-

What? No 523?

I like the 523, it makes me "different."

No 523 yet ...That'll be this year .


-RAVEN-

no review? here we go...



Since I do not qualify for the auto model, I have purchased a Benchmade 520 Presidio w/ manual opening. At 186 gr, this is no EDC (al least not in my office environment) - but it fits nicely the most demanding requirements for camping/outdoor usage.

First of all, the darn thing is build like a Humvee: no sloppiness at all and great attention paid to details. The bi-directional tread design on the aluminum handle provides superior grip and allows you to apply lots of pressure/torque for real work. The twin 420J liners are ramped and reasonably deeply patterned at the pommel area in order to increase maneuvrability; the round cutouts contribute to weight reduction without compromising the strength.

The wide & thick 154CM blade has no play at all, not even in motion (when not secured with the Axis lock). Dual thumbstuds contribute to easy manual opening, but you can rely on the Axis mechanism to open the knife with a flick of the wrist. Due to the phosphorous bronze bushings, this knife opens like a charm: just pull the Axis bar backwards, swing the blade and let inertia do the rest. I’ve read opinions that, due to the fact that autos use single coil springs (which will wear in time), the Axis system (consisting of dual omega-shaped springs which provide functional redundancy) is much more reliable while comparable as speed of deployment. Well, I wouldn’t put it quite that way but this knife certainly opens quicker than some assisted openers I own.

The axis lock also offers the huge advantage of improvisation: when confronted with a failure of the system in a survival situation, all you have to do is grab a stick and push it from side to side behind the axis bar and you’ve got yourself a fixed blade. No other system (compression, liner or lock back) can match this potentially saving life capacity.

Out of the box, the cutting edge had some minor burrs I couldn’t correct only by stropping so I had to use a fine gritting stone. The blade is almoust perfectly centered and the grind is even. The stonewashed finish is not breath taking, but at least you get a blade free of fingerprints.

The handle is simply bolted with Torx screws, permitting the owner to disassemble his knife if required, to replace broken components or just for „fine tuning”. Other manufacturers use to grind flush the liners & scales in order to mask production flaws. This is not the case with Benchmade folders: pieces are made to such tight tolerances that no polishing or other hand fitting is required.

The only thing I dislike is the plastic backspacer, I would have rather preffered an open type of back.

Now, let’s go for the likes: the Axis system is IMO the strongest lock on the market and yet the action is remarcably smooth. The handle has a distinctive, very grippable pattern. The steel used is 154CM, which offers good corrosion resistance with excellent toughness and edge quality. The adequate dimensions-to-weight ratio provides a perfect balance. The blade has a high enough grind to make it a good slicer, lots of belly and a sharp (yet not weak) point for penetration. When opened & locked, the knife feels like a fixed blade. All in all, the 520 Presidio has become one of my favourite folders.

Nice review BRJ - thanks!

Excellent review, Brj.

I'm surprised shytbyrd hasn't added anything to this thread yet...

Nice review. I should be getting my 520 in the mail either today or tomorrow. I'm wicked excited.

Great Review ...Thanks for sharing. I knew I was onto something becoming a Presidio Fiend !!! Take Good Care and Be Safe Always.


-RAVEN-