I've had this model for about 8 years now and beat on it pretty hard. Only complaint is that the liner lock has worn pretty badly and allowed it to develop a small amount of blade play. Prior to retiring from the military in 2011 I carried another variation of the M16 for several years as a back up to the Benchmade they issued to me. Quite a few people carried them on deployment because 1) they were relatively cheap and 2) they were readily available at the PX/BX. Chain saw files work pretty well for sharpening those serrations btw.
In 2001-2002 I worked in a knife shop in Arizona. CRKT did these promotions where they'd give us 10% of our monthly sales of their products in credit to purchase their knives, kinda like a sales incentive program. They for a short time made "F" models of these designs with carbon fiber scales and AUS 118 steel. I got three M16-14F free of charge from the program. Kept one, and gave two away as gifts. I lost it in the ocean off Coronado Beach. I always wonder if it washed up and someone found it.
@@BladeBench Right?!? Hopefully it washed up quickly and someone found it. It was the same M16-14 pattern as the knife you review in this video, but with an uncoated AUS118 steel and gray carbon fiber scales. You can find a few references and pictures online if you search.
@@BladeBench Don't get me wrong, I've owned several knives from this brand but I was turned off when I broke a blade. So I called them and it was no we will not sell you a replacement blade. So, good knife for the price point. Poor support.
@@BladeBench Exactly, and if you wipe if off and have any type of lubricant just put a bit on and it will be perfect. People always will find something to whine about and yes this is a low end steel but that is such a cool ass knife. Especially because a lot of military use the M-16s.
I actually use a thin diamond sharpener at least for the wider serrations and it works pretty well. Not as easy as a straight edge of course but doable…..ish lol
I've had this model for about 8 years now and beat on it pretty hard. Only complaint is that the liner lock has worn pretty badly and allowed it to develop a small amount of blade play. Prior to retiring from the military in 2011 I carried another variation of the M16 for several years as a back up to the Benchmade they issued to me. Quite a few people carried them on deployment because 1) they were relatively cheap and 2) they were readily available at the PX/BX. Chain saw files work pretty well for sharpening those serrations btw.
Awesome thanks for the info and for watching!
This thing looks so cool!
I think so too!
In 2001-2002 I worked in a knife shop in Arizona. CRKT did these promotions where they'd give us 10% of our monthly sales of their products in credit to purchase their knives, kinda like a sales incentive program. They for a short time made "F" models of these designs with carbon fiber scales and AUS 118 steel. I got three M16-14F free of charge from the program. Kept one, and gave two away as gifts. I lost it in the ocean off Coronado Beach. I always wonder if it washed up and someone found it.
Wow that’s a cool story what blade style did the F models have?? Imagine finding one of those washed up on a beach 🤤
@@BladeBench Right?!? Hopefully it washed up quickly and someone found it. It was the same M16-14 pattern as the knife you review in this video, but with an uncoated AUS118 steel and gray carbon fiber scales. You can find a few references and pictures online if you search.
@@seanchrist9875 that's awesome I'll look that up and see if I can check it out, sounds really cool for sure
Yeah it’s definitely not for everyone but it gives it a unique look that I’ve been happy to add to the collection.
The company will not sell you a replacement blade. Avoid (or never break it).
Oh no really?? Ok I’ll try my best thank you for the heads up!
@@BladeBench Don't get me wrong, I've owned several knives from this brand but I was turned off when I broke a blade. So I called them and it was no we will not sell you a replacement blade.
So, good knife for the price point.
Poor support.
Barely rust resistant. Not recommended
As long as you’re not leaving it outside or keeping it super wet or dirty it should be ok
@@BladeBench Exactly, and if you wipe if off and have any type of lubricant just put a bit on and it will be perfect. People always will find something to whine about and yes this is a low end steel but that is such a cool ass knife. Especially because a lot of military use the M-16s.
@@bullridermusic2054 i totally agree! thank you for watching!
teeth are a immediate no for me. good luck sharpening.
I actually use a thin diamond sharpener at least for the wider serrations and it works pretty well. Not as easy as a straight edge of course but doable…..ish lol
Hate the messed up tanto blade. Blade should be straight across the spine to the point NOT a modified clip/drop point