I was looking though the new Benchmade catalog and it got me thinking. I saw the TiPika II and the Nagara and I was thinking that with a couple of changes these could easily be changed to a Blue Class knife.

The TiPika II could easily be changed just by improving the blade steel to 154CM or D2. It already comes with titanium handles and a reliable lock mechanism.

The Nagara would require a more substantial change. I would change the blade steel to s30v or D2 and I would change the lock mechanism to an AXIS lock. This is a very sleek looking folder but I have read some things that say the Nak-Loc may have some issues.

These two knives just seem to be underachievers in my opinion. I guess the titanium handles are what push these to be more than Red Class knives.

What do you think?

Hi Bob,

Yeah, the TiPika II is a great looking knife. Has a good feel to it, and all needed would be replacing the 9Cr13 with 154cm or D2. The locks' solid and reliable.

We've talked about the Nagara plenty expressing concerns about both reliability and safety in using the Nak-Lok. I had the passaround and worried some about the way it locked, it felt like it was unsure of itself and I wouldn't trust it with my fingers in mind.

Make it either modified locking liner, or even better, Axis and it would be a hot Blue class knife. And while at it, PLEASE tone down the gleaming silver clip, make it match the Ti scales.

The TiPika II is the perfect size, like the Pika II (plastic). The Pika series has that great low rider clip design but it gets lost when in tip up carry because it's position is way to low on the scales and about 1/2" of the scales sticks out beyond the clip. The TiPika only allows for tip up, so you have that whole shinny clip and scales jetting out your pocket.

It also has small purple lines on the back spacer for a nice touch. Only you really have to look to find them.

I like the Pika II and I don't care who knows it.

As for Red Class wanting to be Blue. I consider the Rant (fixed blade) blue class in a red box. It's made in USA, 440C steel sandoprine (spelling?) handle nice sheeth. Well made American knife. Why is it red?

I like the Rant and I don't care who knows it.

The Vex is a good knife, don't care where it's made.

the vex would be a great blue class if the switch the steel to s30v or d2

quote:

Originally posted by Korzs30v:
the vex would be a great blue class if the switch the steel to s30v or d2

Turn that into a frame lock and you got a very good knife.

quote:

Originally posted by darrenmh:

quote:

Originally posted by Korzs30v:
the vex would be a great blue class if the switch the steel to s30v or d2

Turn that into a frame lock and you got a very good knife.

Absolutely... If that were the case I might actually carry my Vex as opposed to letting just sit idle in a drawer .

If someone took a Vex and ran Ti scales it might look like this 740 I found pics of a while ago. Dunno the tech, but it came out great!

Now that's an awesome knife! Lets get that puppy into production. Would be a great seller I think...maybe a mini version aswell w/ tip up carry!

+1 on 740 ti. nice find joe