In a private discussion with MCM, we were discussing the forum knife, and he suggested I put my thoughts in public forum, so here are some thoughts and musings about the forum knife...

We welcome new members, we are glad you are a part of our community, and we hope you stay a long time and enjoy the fellowship. I have made some good friends on this forum, and have enjoyed the 8 or so years I have been around here, there are some good people here.

For those who are new and for even those who have not been around all that long, there is a history to the forum knife. The Benchmade Forum knife took on an almost "mystical" quality, why? Only one was made, and it was made over 10 years ago. For a decade or more, the subject would come up, and it never went anywhere. Benchmade was just not in a place to make one, or just did not make one again for reason never discussed publicly. Us old timers are flat out shocked this project is happening, and the fact that Benchmade is allowing us to choose the knife to represent our forum. Many forums have a forum knife every year or two. For those of you who are part of those knife forums, realize this is something special around these parts.

The forum knife is many things, and there are many things it is not. A forum knife is not a special LE we get to cook up that meets a hole in our collection or EDC rotation. It is a special knife that has meaning for members of this community. It represents being a part of this place. Frankly, it could be a Zytel handled 480, with 420 steel... And I would buy it.

For those with limited resources (and who these days does not) I understand buying a knife you may not love or even want to use is hard to justify. I get it, and I fully understand. But for some, this is a once in a decade chance to have a forum knife, this is something special. I know MCM is trying to guide us to make something special but to keep the price within reason. It is a tight rope, and I think we are all doing a good job of understanding that. This knife is not going to be a Gold Class knife, but it is not going to be a budget knife either. We don't get many forum knives around here it is not going to be a budget model either. Expect to pony up $150-200. I think everyone understand we want something special, but we also don't want to break the bank. If you can't afford the end product, I feel your pain, and have been there from time to time.

For you newcomers, if the knife is not what you want to use... So be it. For you old timers, if the knife is not what you envisioned... So be it. This knife represents this forum, at this moment. Let's all vote with respect for each other. Let the votes speak, and support the end product.

Thanks to MCM, for pulling off something most thought would never happen again. You rock. Thanks to Benchmade, who is really trying to let this forum make a knife special to them. Thanks guy.

Let's enjoy the process, and enjoy the knife.

Carry on.

Well said, Mark!

+1

Great post Mark. I been having fun with this whole thing and there is so much good content to read. We will get one hell of a knife when all is said and done. I'll be happy which every way the votes goes down.

Thanks for spearheading this MCM

quote:

Originally posted by RxEnergy:
Well said, Mark!

+1

+2

quote:

Only one was made, and it was made over 10 years ago

Think about,vote wise.

That was deep dude.

Good post Mark, well said.

When Papa Mark G speaks everyone listens...
All kiddin aside..great post..well said
I'm glad this is finally happening and thanks to all who made it happen.

Good post, Mark.
I never had the chance at the first forum knife, and look forward with gratitude at finally getting one.

that was a great post and what I have thought from the start. thanks Mark.

Good thoughts Mark! Thank you.