Mater Dei, I see when you go after something, you don't mess around
. Nice collection! Is that a Mini-Grip with a Spyderco hole? I like that. Also curious to hear what you think about the Rift and 940 now that you have both.
I got my 950 Rift today as well. Mater Dei already did great pictures, so I'll just pontificate. The blade on the Rift is very nice. The shape lends itself well to Michael Janich's philosophies on fighting with a 3.5" knife, with some compromise made to style/having a thrusting point. The blade has a high flat grind (around 11 deg) that comes down to a 15 deg bevel (30 inclusive). Since I've got a Wicked Edge, I thought the bevel looked a little rough (probably finished to 600 or 800 grit) but with that high angle it was plenty capable of shaving your arm bald right out of the box.
Reading around the Internet, it seems as though 15 deg may be a bit optimistic for Benchmade 154CM, thought it certainly leaves it sharp. Apparently the Lifesharp service does 30 deg inclusive (which makes more sense). However, I may decide to put a secondary micro bevel on that to make that edge a little more sturdy... Still haven't decided.
Although it is hardly a fair comparison, I couldn't help but compare the Rift to my Kershaw Groove, which was half the price, even with the steep discount on the Rift. One thing many people have commented on is the size/weight of the Rift; but it is actually lighter than my Groove, albeit the G10 scales make it a little thicker and bulkier. I'll do a quick run down of pros and cons as I see them:
Pros:
1. The blade is great. Rift has a more practical blade shape. The high flat grind makes it a better slicer, where my Groove, even though it has a similar thickness, splits apples like an axe instead of slicing due to the blade geometry. The Rift also has more belly for slicing as well. Finally, the 154CM is reputed to be superior to the Sandivik 14C28N used in the Groove - time will tell on that; but I doubt the Groove would survive unmarked at a more acute angle than 20 deg based on my past usage.
2. The Axis lock is rock-solid. It gives a much better sense of security than the Groove's frame lock.
3. The all G10 scales provide for a very secure grip over the steel frame with a thin G10 covering that the Groove has.
Cons:
1. Although the Rift action is very smooth and easy to open (like my past Benchmades), the thumbstuds are harder to hit than a Spyderco hole or a flipper. The flipper is still much preferable to me, although I do appreciate being able to sharpen the whole cutting edge without also grinding on the flipper. The Groove is still fastest for me though (and smoother).
2. The Rift is lighter (4.8oz); but noticeably more bulky. Both are within the range of what I consider acceptable for carry though.
3. Rift is tip-down carry only; but clip can be on either side. Groove is tip up or down; but only on one side. However, since you are using the flipper, it is fairly ambidextrous despite that.
4. I miss the jimping on the spine of the Groove when I use the Rift; but I can probably get used to it being gone.
All in all, I was surprised how well the much cheaper Groove compared to the Rift. Of course, the Rift has a noticeable edge in the blade and lock, which are kind of big parts of a folding, locking knife
I am looking forward to seeing how the 154CM holds up, especially if I leave that 15 deg bevel on it.