I think a Dessert Warrior Elementum, Banter or Elementum is the PERFECT EDC knife for some environments. I had a coworker in an office environment almost freak out once when I pulled out a simple Buck Nano in Blaze Camo. It was a TRUCKING company for God's sake, yet she threatened to call HR on me. The combination of pointy/sharp and OMG camouflage was too much for her mouse brain. Donut Pink with sprinkles? I think she could have handled that much better. btw, I essentially told her to pound sand, I was a contractor and didn't answer to her HR.

I love my mini adamas. I have the burgundy handled limited edition but I use it and plan to use it for years to come.

Civivi Elementum (fixed) - I have this in black D2. I honestly love it. It's a great beater knife and they did a good job on their D2. I notice so many people ignore the fixed blade version of it though, it's seriously great, I use it frequently and it sharpens up REALLY well. I do not recommend avoiding this as a fixed blade EDC. I can't speak about like hard outdoor/survival use, but I work a job that has no issues with me having a fixed blade (I'm actually, "the knife guy" at work) and I use it break down cardboard boxes non-stop. Banter - Have this as well. Blacked out, carbon fibre handles. I admit I purchased it almost entirely as just a thing because I missed the old BladeHQ knife videos with Ben. It's okay, but surprisingly doesn't sharpen up as well as I thought it would, even on my Edge Pro... I feel it's overpriced. Dessert Warrior - Own this too, only got it because I like the entire collection. I never use it, it's just a thing to have for me. It didn't break the bank, but those knives as a whole DO hold up very well. Adamas - This is BY FAR my favourite EDC of all time... Remember, at first this knife was only available in its (current) larger size. It was designed entirely to be as rugged as possible. I once read that it was designed, "to be a fixed blade that happens to fold" meaning that when it is deployed it should feel as sturdy as a solid piece of steel... I got my original one a few years ago (the D2 version) and it has held up through every possible thing I've ever done to it. It's a tank, period, it's fantastic... The D2 version took a demon like edge in terms of sharpness. It's so sharp I honestly was afraid to use it at one point, and after the D2 version disappeared I put it for storage only. Today you have the option to get it in a smaller version (I have a mini as well)... I noticed that the main point you complained about is the price and not the build quality. To me price is a non-issue if I am purchasing a hard use tool that, barring being stolen or lost, will literally last me forever.

Spyderco Para2 is still my favorite pocket knife of all time. The only thing about the Para2 that sucked was the pocket clip. I ended up breaking mine and bought a titanium deep pocket clip for it as a replacement and now it is 100% awesome now.

I got the Mini Adamas for a steal at $156, I dont regret it one bit.

I think the biggest error here is the assumption that the Adamas series is an EDC knife at all. None of the Black Class knives (except autos maybe) from Benchmade are designed to be carried everywhere. Black Class knives designed for serious use in professions such as military, law enforcement, EMT, Fire Fighting, etc. That's not to say someone who isn't one of those types of professionals shouldn't carry a black class, but you can't take an issue with the "avacado" hype train if this knife was designed in this color for a specific reason outside of EDC. This video is based entirely on the idea that some knives are doing things to cash in on EDC trends (which is true for most companies), but fails to recognize that even Benchmade isn't pushing the average citizen to pick up the Adamas. They're pushing blue class like the Bugout and Osborne. If you notice, their color schemes are much more muted with the bold colors having more to do with visibility than making a social statement. Overall, what you're saying is correct. The Adamas family isn't great for EDC because it wasn't designed for it. That doesn't mean that it's "overhyped," because the people I usually sell them to are professionals who need a tough steel that won't outright break when they would otherwise snap a Bugout or Osborne.

The big reason i bought two landers was because of the open nature of some of the parts and the fact that i can get so many of the parts easily. Most knife manufacturers it’s like pulling teeth to get small parts. I have a crkt in pieces because i can’t get replacement screws.

I agree some of these knife companies are capitalizing on the price gouging and hiking up the prices up I understand the price for material and other things but 200 even up to 500 hundred dollars for a pocket knife is just ridiculous and the dessert pattern people are going crazy for is just annoying

This video only shows you're young and care to much of what others think.

Good point on the lander and I certainly noticed it with the SMKW exclusive lander. S35VN with carbon fiber scales for $160 is pretty steep for a Chinese made knife. Hogue is still making USA made knives with premium materials for less.

That’s probably the weirdest knife review of the Adamas I’ve ever heard! When I buy a knife, I’m interested in material, workmanship, ergo, and American made. Seems like you dwelled on the color combo, (which to my eyes is awesome, but secondary to the overall things that actually matter). After obtaining, collecting, and using knives for over half a century, I’ll save you some time, trouble, and money. If you are using your knife as a tool that needs to be tough and dependable, Benchmade makes the best. If you have big enough pockets, the Freek is the best, followed by the Adamas. You can go with the mini’s if need be, they are just as tough, just a little easier to carry. No, I don’ work for the company, I’ve had many, many of their products, and I love them! Personally, I wouldn’t be interested in commie products, even if they were free, but of course that’s just me.

I think people buy the Banter and Lander because they like Ben.

Mini adamas stands up to my bs and is my second best edc folder. Strong, smooth action, tough steel, great aesthetic. I recommend it, got mine in black though.

So your gripe about a knife is its colors. Well shit 🙄🙄.

So wait, you're saying you don't like the Benchmade Mini Adamas just because people are buying to resell or collect them rather than use them? You know, that's not the knife's fault ... You should clarify that your critique is not about the Mini Adamas per se; it's about the people who are buying it.

I’m going to kinda go on a rant here, but I do have a serious question also… I’m looking for a top quality knife that I can use and abuse and it’s going to put up with it and not show much signs of usage, like a Sebenza that I think the handle being titanium will not get all scarred up and the blade tolerances will keep it tight and safe for long time. I’m also thinking of a Hinderer… I love how they look and availability of replacement (not aftermarket) parts to keep it looking and functioning well and properly. My problem is, They’re not handmade custom built knives. There IS hand built custom knives that are more available than the two I just mentioned. And that’s my rant… I believe they’re not making more of them and having them available to falsely inflate their value. Like the increase in prices from CRK!!! I’m sick of looking at them and their ALWAYS being out of stock. Nowadays, it’s risky buying second hand because the counterfeit knockoffs are sometimes just as good as, and in some cases better than the original. When I’m purchasing something that expensive, I want to KNOW what I’m getting. I have told myself that I’m never going to buy a knife that expensive without actually feeling it in my hand first and the next time I’m out traveling I was going to get myself to one of them there high faluting society places that stock several different brands… but I’m getting rammy!!! I just bought an I’ll never… but again, I digress… I’m looking for something like the Sebenza, I’m thinking Raptor V2??? And in place of the Hinderer, I’m thinking Jake Hobak??? I believe I saw he came out with a slim version of the huge hulking behemoth of a knife, forget it’s name off the cuff… but I’m asking for and open to suggestions. One more small rant… these companies think that us as a community should and will snap up whatever they throw at us and at whatever price they throw it at us at. We need to remember, they can only charge what the buyers will bear. Thus the inflated valuation of non stocked items!!!!

I bought a Civivi Elementum flipper button lock and the fixed blade. The G-10 handles are garbage. Mine got scuffs on it from rubbing against my belt. The knife is nice, but the plastic is cheap plastic. I couldn't believe it lol. For 70 bucks the plastic should be able to withstand rubbing against a leather belt literally just a couple of times. I don't even want to use the fixed blade because I don't want to fuck it up. I have knives to use for work purposes that I pay 20 bucks or less for them. If they break or get fucked up I don't care nearly as much. I can't justify tearing up a knife that costa 200-400 bucks. I don't have money like that.

The gp knives native Rex45 knives are cool af, and the t-Rex stickers are very neat 😊

I'm a loser, only cheap knives in the field for me!

Spot on

I’m a big fan of your channel, and also have a bunch of Benchmades. And am the first to admit that many are overpriced and overhyped, especially when they have entry level materials but premier prices. But the Benchmade Adamas (don’t have the mini) is built like a brick outhouse, and is as indestructible a knife as I own. I have the auto version and it fires harder than anything I’ve ever felt. Also, you picked a bad example because the Cruwear is super tough. I just think in that one instance it’s worth the price (I paid $275 for mine). Other than the “camo commando” color scheme, I’m not sure why you picked this model as the Benchmade Redoubt is a way better example to avoid IMO with D2 at nearly $200. I didn’t buy my Adamas for the color scheme. Also, sorry to say I love my Elementum button lock, and the WE Banter is a great small office carry blade which is why I think it’s so popular. At the same time, totally agree on the REC versions, especially the Shaman which is so overpriced if you can find one used. By the way, as I recall it may have been ProTech that started the Desert Warrior trend about 3-4 years ago? Thanks for another interesting video and perspective. 👍🙏

When regular non-knife people hear that I spent more than $30 on a pocket knife, they look at me like I'm insane. And when I try to rationalize/explain why it costs more than $30, I realize they're right... I mean, I just dropped $160 on a sheep's foot serrated Spyderco Caribbean because it was "on sale." I think we've all been influenced and taken advantage of, lol.

And i thought i was a knife nerd.

I agree on most of your points about sprinkles and silly looks on a knives. I also get annoyed by the people making a complete joke out of EDC when they are influencing the views of newcomers or just outsiders altogether (one of the reasons I despise demolition ranch) but I also think that the utility is not the only end all be all of knife collecting. I own way more guns and knives than what I can reasonably say is utilitarian (I use pretty much all of them but I could last the rest of my life on just a handful of the knives I own). Some people could argue that I don’t need any more that 3-5 guns and a few knives and it’s just wastefulness but that’s really up for the individual to decide. The issue with making laws or else creating social limitations on what people can/should own is it is an impediment to the freedoms we have. At some point in being a responsible gun owner, it clicked to me that there is any number of good lawful reasons for why you should be able to own or use a firearm (hunting, self defense, defense from foreign invaders, competition, recreation, collection, etc.). But the reason should not be needed/provided based on the constitutional rights we have. The slippery slope with determining that you need to have s specific reason to own a weapon will end as Canadas gun rights ended. They banned the lawful reasons to own a firearm even outlawing using it to save your own life while some one is actively trying to murder you. And then finally they just decided to ban handguns altogether. The same applies to knives, California compliant knives will never grow in length, they can only get shorter. California will always have a 10 round or less magazine capacity (I would love to eat my own words and be wrong on that but I doubt it). Government regulation generally only goes in one direction so while I disagree with certain peoples approach to collecting knives and which knives they own, I don’t want to be one of the knowledgable people within the community creating walls within the knife community of what is acceptable. Because there is a class of ignorant people watching that don’t know anything about knives or guns but they will use what we say should be restricted or looked down upon and use that as leverage to ban more stuff. And banning stuff is the ultimate wall to newcomers where they just don’t have the option anymore to enjoy/own what people did in the past.

Buy a Spyderco native lw salt in cpm magnacut with serrated edge you won’t regret it 👍🏻

Is that the mini adamas? If so its quite large for a mini.

Benchmade makes great knives but their pricing is from another planet. The omega springs suck it’s not reliable. But the designs are cool and their steels are great. If they land back on earth with their pricing maybe they can make a comeback and earn some respect again in the community

So you are saying to avoid the mini adams because you don't like the color? this is the strangest knife review i have ever seen anyone do. that is 19 minutes of my life i will never get back.

The Adamas is a fantastic blade made of fantastic materials. The only drawback is the price.

The mini grip was really pushed as well! Some people like the grip, Tilian and the mini grip Tilian personally, I don’t really like them. I think they’re cheap. If you’re gonna buy a Benchmade, get a benchmade. Or go with offerings by Spyderco the Tacious has also been very pushed So I really don’t get your argument on the whole being pushed thing. Period. The benchmade bugout has also been really pushed. It seems like everybody has a bugout. Which is a good knife, but so is the civivi elementum.

Amen!

You're not dumb.. and I mean that as a compliment.

I know that knife reviews are subjective and you did use the caveat at the beginning. I think you are completely wrong about the Banter. I was Meh on the knife when I bought it. I am now completely a fan of this knife . The Banter is a fantastic EDC blade in my opinion.🙂

Absorbadent? Exorbitant. 👍

I always wondered why people want a moraknife? I’d rather have a sog seal pup

MY shoes and MY tools always look cool 😎

Blade hq is pushing out knives that are steels from crusible. It’s like that’s all they’re trying to do

Yeah. Just watched this.. then i had to read some comments. Lol. I expected the hate. All i have to say is typically. Popular knives are tested and liked ....they're popular cause theyre actually good.

This was the strangest most useless knife review ive ever watched. Ur saying dont buy the civivi because people like it? They make things in different colors so people have options and it doesnt take much to open a box

Why worry about what everyone else is spending there hard earned money on , to each is own , most know to get quality for serious use but for the most part for some it's just a hobby and the most they'll cut is paper and maybe some cardboard and seems you'd have a TOPS knife instead of the elementum..to each is own

to be honest your right man tired of these overpriced knives 4 hundred for a cru wear 8 inch folder just cause the colors are some trending BS people are making knives like this trend sneaker game bullshit i agree. like kjnife guys saying i love it as a fidget toy what"? a fidget toy its a tool man your not a child.

I wonder if people from China look to buy Chinese made vs American made.

Facts. 😂

Don’t eat your knives 😂

With all the fake knives and clones out nowadays, I think the certificate of authenticity is ok. I guess that could be faked too.

You completely contradicted yourself. Talking about how stupid the colorways on the knife are instead of talking about how the knife functions and its practical uses are.

A lot of useless hot air.....

I agree. I dislike Ben a lot, as well as the companies he works with. Especially the low performance steel heat treat they use. I especially dont like his clout marketing... Getting all the influencers who know so little to shill his over priced junk.

Can you say OVER ..annunciation...

This video makes zero sense.... no one is pushing those knives. They are popular for a reason😂

Ah yes, Mr. Serious

You could have all this condensed in a 60 second short. If you want to try a different folder, try a Mercator.

It seems like dude just has an issue with "content creators" pushing whatever the current latest releases happen to be and a bigger problem with certain color schemes..... if your recommending knives or telling people to avoid good knives based on what color it is maybe you dont have a good enough understanding of what makes a good knife to be saying anything at all....?

party pooper🤪

The problem I see is you are coming from an EDC social group which you ae turning into an identity. Not everryone is like that. Way befoe this EDC craze there was the military or bushcraft community who carried gear to survive. Deset Warrior schemes cater to that. There are real practical reasons for these colour schemes in those communities just like having bright orange in mountain rescue. It isn't always about EDC and instagam photos.

ben seems to be a super nice dude but i find his designs extremely boring tbh. that said: i had a banter a year back and the knife is an absolutely great edc and capable cutter, but so are other knives in that price range and most of them look simply better. not even gonna start rambling about the donut knives, they are just eye-insulting😂 i disagree on the mini adamas though, that knife is a piece of art (in terms of use and carry😉) and cruwear is simply an awesome steel.

Wtf is the point of this video

Wow, I can’t listen anymore. I made a 3/4 of the way and and I just can’t wrap my arms around why you’re so uptight about this stuff just relax dude enjoy the knife community. Enjoy these times. You may not agree and that’s fine but honestly, you’re taking yourself way too seriously

I don’t buy expensive knives, hey if it cuts what I want I’m happy. If it breaks I’ll buy a new one. I understand tho, I buy guns, but not to collect I like to shoot and compete.

You Have no context or knowledge about knife design. Collect your $200 from KZfaq & just stop talking. Please.

This guy said a whole lot of nothing

You have a lot of crazy nit picks! just relax a little you’re taking yourself way too seriously I mean I’m looking at your video and I’m laughing at you because I can’t believe you’re saying some stuff that you’re saying it’s ridiculous