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Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None
Exceeded Expectations!
Researched the heck out of OTF knives and actually bought a couple of Chinese knockoffs due to price. Took a couple of years to get the nerve to buy such an expensive knife at this Benchmade Phaeton. I have the Flat Dark Earth with Satin Blade. Knife came crazy sharp and perfectly profiled. LOVE this knife. Lightweight, quick deployment/retraction and keeps an edge very well. I have heard all the worry about "blade play" regarding all the OTF knives and frankly, its just a bunch of sillyness. I can make fine slices when cutting garlic cloves, cut hard cheeses and everything else without serious blade play. Don't let that noise regarding "blade play" stop you from getting an OTF. Also, don't let the worry about knife blade profile bother you. Benchmade really makes a beautiful knife. I learned quickly that I did not like how the "Microtech" version operates, how the glass ruins the pockets of my pants and that I need a special tool to open the knife. I preferred Benchmande's unlimited warrantee, lifetime free sharpening and ease with which I can open the knife when needed to clean. Was not sure I would like how narrow the blade is as I was coming from daily carry of a SOG Spec Elite II auto opening knife which is a big and wide blade. This Phaeton has exceeded all of my knife cutting needs and is so much fun to deploy/retract and use. Knifecenter.com was easy to order from, pay and get delivery. This was not my first or last purchase from them. In fact, I may buy a second Benchmade Phaeton in the future as I know now that this is one tool I will not be without. Hope this review helps those who have been "on the fence" as to your question of should you buy an OTF or not. Be well.