tbenedict

I've been looking at the BM 530 or 531 for a slim EDC where I'm most often in an office. Anyone had experience with these models? I need another knife like a whole in the head, but I like the design. The 531 looks like it has a more practical blade design.

How long is that blade? I really like the design.

I took a somewhat calculated risk a few years ago on a CS tanto (at the same show) that turned out to be fake. Still seemed like a decent magnetic steel that holds a decent edge...so I've been using it as a brush pruner.

Also, I heard BM will send replacement clips for either free or shipping, i.e. I could get a deep carry clip for that 943 for practically nothing.   In comparison, I have a Cold Steel Voyager about ten years old with a broken clip (not as robust).  Their CS told me it would be $7-8 for a new one.  SMKW has the new design on sale for $25, but I'm not going to support that.  The clip on my $10 SRM-763 is better and the knife has better overall functionality anyhow.

I'm not sure where the frustration is.  I have four Benchmades and they are my favorite.  My first was an older lockback that I never use, but does have the AT-34 steel.  My second was an Osbourne 943 that is still my favorite non-collectible....uber smooth.  It's so nice, I just can't make myself use it.     And I have one of their outsourced mini-Ambush knives.  I think it is AUS-8.  For the money, it is a great knife, but not in the same league.  I would probably carry it more if the pocket clip was wider/more pants friendly.   Remember Spyderco is in an similar league and has their outsourced Byrd line.  Again, great knives for the money, but not in the same league.  Also, FWIW, the Byrd line used to be made by Sanrenmu, which has a cult following for their value.  I have 3 of the SRM's and they do great (function/edge holding) and don't break the heart if you lose them.   I'm all for quality, but I also don't turn my nose up if the functionality meets the purpose.

I stop in every time I'm in the area. Got to meet Lee Ermey there a few years ago. Not sure I like the gun section.... but Bud's is next door now.

Let's hope. Hoarders/gougers cost me time and gas searching for some to use, so my sympathy is nill. I slowly built up stock to use for less than 8 cents a round. If I pay more than that, it will be for a bigger caliber.

I have several expensive knives and like the fancy steels, but I've really laid off buying knives since I found the Sanrenmu line. As I understand it, they made the Spyderco Byrd line. The SRM-763 is by far my favorite, but I think they quit making it with their version of the axis lock. The 710 is quite good for the cost as well. I believe the steel is close to 440, but they actually hold an edge for an economy blade. The tang on the 763 doubles as a bottle opener.

I agree that is a little high. I was in there a month ago and they had 333 packs for ~30, which is higher than I wanted to pay, but I didn't consider it gouging. On the flip side, I picked a 150 round box of AE 5.56 for 60, which was 10-13 less than Bass Pro and Academy.

VDSL

I have no experience, but it seems that if the first shot didn't work, you probably wouldn't be prone for long....and the intruder would probably be running poopless out the door...

I've been watching this post as well thinking along the same lines that a shotgun would have more knockdown and less penetration for home defense use. That said, I keep a 38 revolver loaded with fancy hollow points since I can access and secure it more easily.

Nice looking gun. The Garand and an AR are about the only high powered rifles I hope to acquire at some point. Never had a need, but those are two HP rifles I'd like to pick up at some point.

marital arts? I'm still at white belt on that one with only 13 years... Let me know if there is a good instruction manual. Sorry.... couldn't help it

Nice, I always wanted a Recon Tanto and a few others in the Carbon V.

Good discussion, I've questioned myself on this several times. After hearing the legal stuff in the class, I'm less likely to carry when I'm alone since I think I could get myself out the door in places I go to (where I would have a choice anyway). Now it becomes a different situation when with the wife and kids.

I've had better luck with Cabela's than Midway as far as ammo. Particularly 22s.

Just don't use stainless, the evidence should disappear in a month. Funny stuff.

I've seen a Rossi Circuit Judge in a few places that really sparked my curiosity. 410 (or 45) with a little more leverage than a pistol but still short for moving in tight quarters. I haven't shot one, but if anyone has a strong opinion on it....

I have both..and I really like both. The TCP is perfect for pocket carry. The 709 is more for IWB carry. I think they are both great for defensive purposes. The 709s trigger isn't marksmen oriented, but that's not what I bought it for. The TCP is hard to beat for the money. Long smooth trigger with no external safety. It has an internal hammer.

I wish I could find one around here.

Cabelas is about the only place I have found affordable (below 8 cent) 22 since their shipping is reasonable.

I'm pretty sure they are connected to SMKW. I remember a joint advertisement once. On a separate, but related note, I heard Cabela's might be coming to NE TN somewhere between Blountville and Bristol....so we'll probably have tax from them too.

Never had a 40, but I always thought a hollow point would even things out a bit as far as takedown.

Interesting, I got the same spill that they haven't seen bulk in a while last time I was in there. I can't believe there are enough people still paying crazy prices to drive the demand.