Benchmade 3300 Infidel: Overpriced Coolness

Why are out the front (OTF) autos so expensive? Nutnfancy says their inner workings though more complex simply don't justify the price of most models...there's just no way. They are just price gouging us for the perceived coolness and exclusivity. Just like the Microtech OTFs, the cool but hyper-expensive Benchmade Infidel will set you back about four plus cool ones in 2008. For that indeed you get a well-engineered double-action OTF knife: two compression springs work in tandem to provide extreme reliability (patented), SS liners increase design strength, locking mechanism has 4 heat-treated latches to ensure strength, multiple locking latches increase strength, has Presidio-style directional handle milling, a high traction actuation button, nice deep and strong clip, sharp, the laser-cut 4" D2 dagger blade is ground well, and a blowout hole is provided for cleaning purposes (helps de-lint the mechanism). All this engineering results in a fast, reliable OTF auto that I believe would be on par with the Halo from Microtech. But it remains impractical: it's a heavier 5.0 oz, it's an inherently a weaker design than a heavy duty tactical folder (which is almost as fast too), the thick handle is necessary to encase mechanism, it's complexity can lead to failure no matter how quality made it is, it has a very limited purpose and short dagger blade, and it's a very low value knife. So many better tactical knife options exist for hundreds less than the Infidel. So on terms of practicality the Infidel loses out big time. The current Blackhawk catalog puts it well in regards to their Triton OTF: "[they are] primarily intended as an expression of knife engineering and craftsmanship as well as a light-duty tool and backup weapon." I agree. But as is often the case with high end items, it's another aspect to this knife: intrinsic attraction. In terms of collectibility and specialness the Infidel really is a winner. It is an impressive and cool blade that is seldom seen and will provide you with years of enjoyment, no doubt. Some just want and appreciate such a high quality OTF auto and it what turns them on. I can never fault that intangible attraction to such a blade and I understand it... I can just get it from blades costing a lot less. Nutnfancy Likeability Scale: 4 out of 10 (price considered); if $180: 6 out of 10 15 US 1244 (2-4): "Switchblade knives can be shipped by common carrier, that sale, transportation or distribution, possession or introduction into interstate commerce of switchblade knives is authorized if it is pursuant to a contract with the armed forces or any member or employee thereof acting in the performance of his duty may possess switchblade knives and may have them shipped and sold to him."

Channel: Science & Technology
Uploaded: November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am
Author: nutnfancy

Length: 10:17
Rating: 4.7384615
Views: 171690

Tags: benchmade  double  action  otf  microtech  halo  protech  tr3  auto  knives  mini  socom  elite  lone  wolf  T2  T3  tactical  knife  review  stilleto  switchblade  blackhawk  harkins  triton  D2  154cm  boker  

Video Comments