First Impressions of Flytanium Mini Osborne Green Canvas
The Flytanium Mini Osborne Green Canvas scales promise to breathe new life into a classic EDC knife, the Benchmade 945 Mini Osborne. Flytanium is known for their quality aftermarket parts, so I was eager to see if these scales lived up to the hype. This review will cover everything from initial impressions to real-world performance, helping you decide if these scales are the right upgrade for your Mini Osborne.
My Benchmade Mini Osborne has been a constant companion, but I wanted to personalize it and improve the grip. The factory aluminum scales, while durable, felt a bit slick and lacked character. The Flytanium scales seemed like the perfect solution, offering both enhanced grip and a unique aesthetic.
The Flytanium Mini Osborne Green Canvas scales arrived bulk packed, as advertised. My initial impression was positive; the green canvas micarta felt substantial and well-textured. The color was a pleasing, earthy green, and the canvas texture promised a much-improved grip compared to the stock aluminum scales.
I considered other aftermarket scale options, including titanium and G10. However, the canvas micarta appealed to me because of its unique look and feel, and its reputation for developing a beautiful patina over time. I was also drawn to Flytanium’s reputation for precision and quality, making them my top choice. My first impression was excitement; these scales felt like a significant upgrade, ready to transform my Mini Osborne into something truly special.
Real-World Testing: Putting Flytanium Mini Osborne Green Canvas to the Test
First Use Experience
I installed the Flytanium Mini Osborne Green Canvas scales immediately upon receiving them. The installation process was straightforward, utilizing the hardware from the stock knife. After a quick and easy swap, I took my Mini Osborne, now sporting its new green canvas scales, on a weekend camping trip.
The improved grip was immediately noticeable, especially in damp conditions. During a light rain, the canvas micarta provided a secure and confident hold, a significant improvement over the slick aluminum. There were no initial issues; the scales fit perfectly, and the knife felt more secure and comfortable in my hand.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Flytanium Mini Osborne Green Canvas scales have held up remarkably well. The canvas micarta has developed a subtle, attractive patina, adding to its character. There are no signs of significant wear and tear; the scales remain solid and securely attached.
Maintaining the scales is simple. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to remove dirt and grime. My previous experience with aftermarket scales has been mixed, but the Flytanium scales have exceeded my expectations, offering both durability and enhanced grip in a stylish package.
Breaking Down the Features of Flytanium Mini Osborne Green Canvas
Specifications
The Flytanium Mini Osborne Green Canvas scales are specifically designed to fit the Benchmade 945 Mini Osborne knife. They are constructed from green canvas micarta, known for its durability and excellent grip. The weight of the scales is listed at 0.04 lb, which is comparable to the stock aluminum scales.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the knife’s ergonomics and overall feel. The canvas micarta provides a more secure grip, enhancing control and safety during use. The similar weight ensures that the knife’s balance is not significantly altered, maintaining its familiar feel in hand.
Performance & Functionality
The Flytanium Mini Osborne Green Canvas scales significantly enhance the functionality of the Mini Osborne. The improved grip provides better control during cutting tasks, making it safer and more efficient to use. The scales’ only drawback is the limited color options; other than that, these are a perfect performance upgrade.
The Flytanium scales meet and exceed expectations, transforming the Mini Osborne into a more capable and comfortable tool. The enhanced grip and unique aesthetic make it a worthwhile upgrade for any Mini Osborne owner.
Design & Ergonomics
The Flytanium Mini Osborne Green Canvas scales are exceptionally well-designed, with a focus on both aesthetics and ergonomics. The canvas micarta provides a comfortable and secure grip, even in wet conditions. The scales feel substantial and well-made, enhancing the overall feel of the knife.
The installation is straightforward, requiring no special tools or modifications. There’s virtually no learning curve; the scales fit perfectly, and the knife feels immediately familiar and comfortable in hand.
Durability & Maintenance
The canvas micarta construction of the Flytanium Mini Osborne Green Canvas scales ensures long-lasting durability. The material is resistant to wear and tear, and the scales are securely attached to the knife frame. The knife will last many years with these scales installed.
Maintaining the scales is simple; a quick wipe with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to remove dirt and grime. The canvas micarta will develop a beautiful patina over time, adding to its character and appeal.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Flytanium Mini Osborne Green Canvas scales do not come with any additional accessories, as they are designed to utilize the hardware from the stock knife. However, they open up a range of customization options, allowing users to personalize their Mini Osborne with different pocket clips, lanyards, and other accessories. Flytanium sells Titanium screws to further customize your knife.
The scales are compatible with most aftermarket pocket clips designed for the Benchmade Mini Osborne. This allows users to tailor the knife to their specific needs and preferences, creating a truly unique and personalized EDC tool.
Pros and Cons of Flytanium Mini Osborne Green Canvas
Pros
- Enhanced Grip: The canvas micarta provides a significantly better grip than the stock aluminum scales, especially in wet conditions.
- Improved Aesthetics: The green canvas micarta adds a unique and stylish look to the Mini Osborne.
- Durable Construction: The scales are made from high-quality materials and are built to last.
- Easy Installation: The scales utilize the hardware from the stock knife, making installation quick and easy.
- Develops Patina: The canvas micarta will develop a beautiful patina over time, adding to its character.
Cons
- Limited Color Options: The scales are currently only available in green canvas micarta.
- Bulk Packaging: The scales come bulk packed, so no fancy packaging.
Who Should Buy Flytanium Mini Osborne Green Canvas?
The Flytanium Mini Osborne Green Canvas scales are perfect for anyone looking to improve the grip and aesthetics of their Benchmade 945 Mini Osborne. They are ideal for EDC enthusiasts, outdoorsmen, and anyone who values a secure and comfortable grip. The scales are also great for those who appreciate the unique look and feel of canvas micarta.
Those who are primarily concerned with weight savings or prefer a more modern aesthetic might want to consider other options. If you prefer different colors, these scales may not be for you. A must-have modification to go along with the scales would be a deep carry pocket clip.
Conclusion on Flytanium Mini Osborne Green Canvas
The Flytanium Mini Osborne Green Canvas scales are a worthwhile upgrade for any Benchmade 945 Mini Osborne owner. The enhanced grip, improved aesthetics, and durable construction make them a standout product in the aftermarket knife parts market. Flytanium has delivered a product that lives up to its reputation for quality and precision.
At $41.59, the price is justified, considering the quality of the materials and the significant improvement in performance. I would personally recommend these scales to anyone looking to personalize and upgrade their Mini Osborne. Upgrade your Mini Osborne today!