I've been thinking for awhile about what I would do if I had lost all my BMs, for whatever reason, and had to acquire them all over again. I keep asking myself what models would I get. With my current situation, my funds are less expendable than they were previously, so I would probably have to be selective in what I chose.

My BM essentials would consist of 5 models. My list would include the 950SBK-1, 14205S, 14210S, 556S, and 707S. I need one large folder for heavy work and I would also like to have a backup. I would need one sub 3" folder for those times I go to areas with more restrictive laws and again a backup. The additional sub 3" folder, being the 707S, is for those times I wear a suit or slacks, which lately has become more frequent. I have handled and played with a large number of BM models and I feel that those selected are among the top in production and would satisfy my needs.

So I thought it would be interesting to hear what your BM essentials are. Would you narrow your collection down to a select few? Would you rebuild your extensive collection? What do you personally find to be essential?

See the list in my sigline. Now leave off the ones for sale and the duplicates. That IS my pared-down list.

If you are only talking current production mine is very very close to yours just swap a 42 for the 707.

If funds are *not* an issue... I would love to just stick with the basic 42, 420, 630, 710D2, 740 and the beloved 806D2.

If funds are an issue, then only the 42 and the 806D2.

It'll probably be a real pain to reacquire the AFCK's though...

950
520
525
556
32

My list

2 520's - plain edge, black coated blades. One for use, the other for backup. The rest that I have I wouldn't buy again as they have proven to just be a waste of money - I never carry them.

Assuming money and availability weren't an issue, I suppose my list would be something like:

710HSSR
941
552-600
527
520BK

quote:

Originally posted by djsportland:
If you are only talking current production mine is very very close to yours just swap a 42 for the 707.

Your list does not have to consist of current production models only. Even though models are no longer in production, doesn't mean that they are no longer available. You just might have to pay a price for those discontinued models that would make you weigh the issue of whether you do consider them essential or not.

Hmm, I would probably get the 440 Opportunist, as it's slim, lightweight, and very sheeple friendly (and classy, gotta love the wood handles).

One of the Presidios as well, as the shape and size is just perfect. I'm partial to my 525-81, as the carbon fiber keeps the weight down (plus it's dead-sexeh).

Finally the 950-1 Rift, as the slimness of the handles makes it easy to carry, even with suit pants (have one clipped to my suit pants as we speak) and it's one of the largest AXIS folders Benchmade makes. (correct me if I'm wrong, but the Rukus is the largest folder in the Benchmade catalog).

Cameron

If I lost them all, this is what I would have to get first:

710HS or 710M4
806D2

I like many more, but they could all wait.

-fj