Benchmade Stryker 910

Concept: 3 out of 5
Execution: 4 out of 5
Yeah, but: It's pretty.

The Long Version: There are plenty of good reasons to buy a knife. Solid construction, quality steel, natural balance, strong lock, great design, reputable maker - those are all valid reasons. Buying it because it's pretty probably isn't one of the better reasons, so it's a good thing that the Benchmade Stryker has those other reasons, too.

The practical stuff is that the Stryker has fiberglass-composite scales and titanium liners, one of which provides the locking mechanism. My pre-2006 blade is 154CM, which is the same as ATS34, and is an excellent steel for working knives. The pocket clip is a darkened steel that attaches at the pivot end of the knife; the 'thumb stud' is actually a disk that's easier to use and doesn't snag the way my Cold Steel studs do. It's beautifully made, opens smoothly, and is comfortable to hold and use. It's also the only work knife that I use that I haven't cut myself with - my 4" Benchmade AFCK is the leader in that particular contest.

Compared to its AFCK sibling, the Stryker has a blunter butt - I've always wanted to say that - which is much friendlier to pockets. I'm still not completely sold on the mis-named 'tanto' blade design, but I do like the secondary point that it provides, and the Stryker still has a very fine point. My only real complaint about the 4" 910 model is that it's four inches long - a touch too large for normal use in front of mixed company. While this is a great size for utility and general work, these days I'm finding that 3" knives are more practical over all. But if I could only have one knife, this would be the one.

And it's easily the prettiest knife I own.