knife deals?

Try bladeforums.com

you might also try the benchmade forum they have a fairly active buy/sell section

Perhaps REI will have a 20% coupon soon? There seem to be some out there for $97-$99 or so.

Put a watch on eBay with email updates.

Thanks guys. There are so many knife forums, that I'm not really sure which are trustworthy/active/etc. So a push in the right direction is definitely helpful.

I was going to just wait until I got my dividend and 20% off coupon, but rei only carries the combo blade, and I'm after the plain version. I feel like an idiot for not using the campsaver 20% coupon when it floated around a couple weeks ago. I guess I'll check the forums and hopefully get lucky.

As far as forums go, I've bought from the following and had good luck:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/746-For-Sale-Production-Knives-%28Individual%29
http://www.knifeforums.com/forums/showforum.php?fid/99/fp/1/
http://www.jerzeedevil.com/forums/forum.php
http://edcforums.com/forum.php
http://glocktalk.com/classifieds/index.php

My only caveat is that it depends on the seller, and I think most of the forums above have a section for seller feedback.

If you want a good deal and have your heart set on Benchmade, here are the best deals I've found:
http://www.moontrail.com/home.php?cat=475 (plain edge 530 = $82+ship)
http://www.cutleryshoppe.com/search.aspx?manufacturer=56
http://www.knifeworks.com/benchmadefolders.aspx

The 2nd and 3rd choice used to have a 25% discount code for Benchmade, but I don't see it now. You may want to call and ask if it's still available.

Joseph:

REI may only carry one Benchmade item, but they can order ANY item that one of their suppliers makes. You just have to ask and wait for it to arrive.

Could you use the %20 off coupon at REI on items not normally kept in stock? I feel like they wouldn't honor the coupon on special order items. Seems every year they increase sales restrictions.

Joseph, I don't know if you're aware of it, but Benchmade has a new version of the 530, numbered 531. Instead of the dagger type blade, it has a spear point blade with a single flat grind (see below). The handle is G10 instead of fiber-filled nylon. I think this model is much better suited to backpacking light than the 530 dagger-shaped blade, which some law enforcement folk might find questionable.

It's available at the site below, as well as at other knife shops. It also comes in a black blade, and a partially serrated blade. Since it is brand new, and in a limited first production run, I really doubt you'll be able to find it at a discount, unless you get real lucky!.

http://www.knifeworks.com/benchmade531pardueblackandgreyg10handle154cmbladesteel.aspx

I’ve found theknifecenter.com to usually have good prices on Benchmades

The 530

Hey Stephen,

….I actually bought a 531 last week (#149!) from a local shop. Paid full retail price, but I really liked it. I went in to look at the 530, walked out with the 531, but still want a 530, so I'm turning to the internet to (hopefully) get the original for a bit cheaper.

I know, I know, I totally don't NEED it, but if you're on this site, I feel its safe to assume that you know where I'm coming from.

"I know, I know, I totally don't NEED it, but if you're on this site, I feel its safe to assume that you know where I'm coming from."

Ha! Two minds in the same gutter!

Now if I could find a 531 in S30V, or better yet, M390…..!

How much were you hoping to pay? They're on eBay for $74, or perhaps cheaper on auction.

Direct from Benchmade they are $88 shipped if you use the code NRALOD2014