spartian knives cqb tool vs benchmade socp

[cofi]

Is there any reason to pay double for the spartian knives version?

I'm a buy once cry once guy but it looks like the same knife and benchmade a good company

[Mick-Boy]

[Backstory] Greg Thompson (of SOCP fame) designed the CQB tool at the request of a special mission unit that had gotten into a couple of scuffles where the shit-heads tried to grab knife handles when they saw them on the kit of the barrel chested freedom fighters who were in the process of relieving them of existence. Greg approached Curtis and Mark (both retired Army SF types) at Spartan Blades to make the design. They all came to an agreement and Spartan Blades made the knives. Because Spartan Blades is a smaller, semi-custom shop they couldn't get the price/volume to where Greg wanted it. This and a couple of other (minor) disagreements led to Greg taking his design to Benchmade. As far as I know there is no bad blood on either side. [/Backstory]

I've owned a CQB tool since 2009. Greg (who runs the combatives program where I work) gave me a couple of the SOCP knives (serrated and non-serrated) about two years ago. They are both specialty tools that fill a very specific nitch.

I like to support Spartan Blades (I worked with Curtis a few years back). I own several of their knives and they're all great. If you don't have cash to burn, I don't think you'd be disappointed with the Benchmade product. Either way you go, get the trainer too.

[Mick-Boy]

If you want to hold off for a minute I can bring them both to whatever range trip we get set up.

[Ah Pook]

Interesting design.

The CS Bird & Trout is somewhat similar design. Not sure the handle section would be long enough for "grab and go". Nice little trout splitter though.

[ray1970]

That's an interesting piece. I imagine there is quite a bit of training and technique involved to use it effectively.

[Fentonite]

I recently bought the Spartan. I didn't even know there was a Benchmade equivalent. The Spartan is nicely done, but I still need to order a belt clip for the sheath (didn't come with one). The Benchmade sheath already has a clip, and looks a little more sleek and comfortable for IWB carry, but that's just speculation... Mick-Boy could probably give better insight.

[Mick-Boy]

That's an interesting piece. I imagine there is quite a bit of training and technique involved to use it effectively.

Yes and no. The techniques for the CQB tool/SOCP dagger are very complimentary to a lot of the empty hand techniques that are trained in the SOCP program. Of course training to deploy the knife and deploy other tools with the knife in your hand takes practice, but the actual use of the knife is very similar to any other knife techniques using an ice-pick grip. So I guess it depends on your training background. Here's a short video where Greg demonstrates a few techniques.

I recently bought the Spartan. I didn't even know there was a Benchmade equivalent. The Spartan is nicely done, but I still need to order a belt clip for the sheath (didn't come with one). The Benchmade sheath already has a clip, and looks a little more sleek and comfortable for IWB carry, but that's just speculation... Mick-Boy could probably give better insight.

I've been carrying the CQB tool for several years in a couple of places. It's behind the magazine pouches on the chest rig in this picture from '09 or so. You can just see the ring in the top photo (red circle). I like the Spartan sheath better for this method because it tends to be a little flatter. I've also worn it horizontally on the belt for low-profile stuff (opposite the TQ). I'm not a big fan of tucking the Benchmade sheath IWB at the 12 o'clock. Keeping it in place and being able to move around comfortably are both problem areas when it's worn near vertically IWB.

[cofi]

Would you recommend running this centerline only or would I be ok weakside behind a rifle mag or something?

[spongejosh]

DSG Arms has the Benchmade on sale right now for under 80 bucks. You have to login to see the discount price.

actually that is the 178^

the 176 is under 70 bucks. With the trainer it's 95.

[Mick-Boy]

Would you recommend running this centerline only or would I be ok weakside behind a rifle mag or something?

I don't want to insult your intelligence but I'm going to answer in a little longer winded fashion than maybe I need to. Sorry if I'm repeating things you already know.

This knife was designed for a specific purpose. It is used to create space in order for the user to access more efficient tools. This assumes that deadly force is necessary but your ability to use that level of force is impeded by the proximity of the threat.

i.e. You've got someone climbing all over you trying to eat your lunch but you can't (or don't want to) get a pistol into the fight.

I try to run it close to center line because there's no telling how the fight is going to go down. If I'm framed out with my left arm and need to get the knife into the game I have to be able to reach it with my right. If you train to access another tool (a folder or something) from your strong side then having this blade on your weak (other strong) side might make sense. It's all about trying to keep your bases covered.