tbenedict

How is the grip on these in general? I like the design, it just looks slippery if wet.

Definitely send it back for repair. I sent my auto back through a local dealer just to avoid the legal stuff.

If anything motorized, be careful not to overheat it. Same with chainsaws...

Very nice.

Nice!

Spot on OS. Great to peruse though.

What type of wood is that? I'm interested in fashioning a blue handle I picked up. Already have stain from another project.

I went to SMKW again today. I have found some crazy deals there before, but not lately. The 530 there was $11 higher than about any normal place including Greens. The also had the Protech TR4 (wanted to see size) and noticed the price was well over $400. Love the place, but you have to watch the prices.

Very nice.  How does the size compare to the TR-4?

Not familiar with middle TN in that regard. Green's Military in Knoxville is a great BM dealer. Bought several there and most recently sent a 3550 back for tuning/sharpening (found a deal on Craigslist). Of coarse SMKW has a bunch, have to watch the prices though. Green's also has plenty of BM on display.

Very nice and I like the blue handles.

Very strange since there is redundancy/rings built into networks anymore....but I remember a fiber cut taking down internet for a bunch of folks a few years ago....

I like the lines of those.

We like our toys. I picked up a BM 3550 just because the deal was too good to pass. Like the size and auto, but I can draw others like my 530 faster/smoother. I still have a similar addiction to flashlights too.

Darn that two tone looks good.

Very nice.

I really want one, but I'm afraid it would just sit in the safe since I have an office job. Really, really like the design though..

When trying to change the bevel, I use a DMT Aligner kit. Think it was around $45 and I added the extra fine stone. For touch up I'll just use the medium/fine stone. Slowly adding a strop in the mix which seems to greatly reduce the frequency on stones.

That TR-4 really looks interesting.  Wish I could see/feel one.   Any idea what ballpark they would run?     I've been carrying my BM 530 since I got it and have plenty of others, but that is a nice looking design for all purpose use.

The shooting part is ridiculously easy. I thought the legality/situation review was very enlightening. It made me rethink when I would actually use one vs martial art training/running. Having a family with you is a different perspective...

I like my Taurus TCP for pocket carry, but I couldn't imagine anything much bigger if you were trying to conceal and be able to draw quickly without snags. My pockets must be small.

I heard Cold Steel was coming out with the Master Hunter in a fancy steel soon for under 100. There has been a few big threads on other forums about "deal of the century". I know they in general are not in the same league, but....I have had good luck with some of their fixed blades. http://www.bladehq.com/item--Cold-Steel-Master-Hunter-Fixed--29665 '> http://www.bladehq.com/item--Cold-Steel-Master-Hunter-Fixed--29665

I've been keeping one of the Mora light my fire knives in my truck. Not big, but light and simple....and has a pretty good edge. I also keep multi-tool in each vehicle.... Heard good things about the others mentioned though. Think about what it would most likely be used for.

West Knox here

Thanks for the opinions. I like the plain 530, but the flatter grind of the 531 seems less flashy and more practical. Sounds like a good knife if I can make up my mind.