As we delve into the world of knives and explore the pinnacle of craftsmanship and quality – Benchmade knives. As avid collectors and enthusiasts, we've done the research and tested numerous models to bring you not only a comprehensive guide but a testament to why Benchmade knives are considered the epitome of excellence in the industry.
Through their dedication to precision, innovation, and unwavering perseverance, Benchmade has revolutionized the concept of a quintessential cutting tool. We will provide an in-depth analysis of the best Benchmade knife, taking into account various factors such as ergonomics, blade materials, tactical functionality, and everyday practicality.
Born in 1987, Benchmade has become a revered brand for professionals and connoisseurs alike. Renowned for crafting knives with an ideal balance of quality and affordability, the company has garnered a loyal following, with everyone from law enforcement personnel to outdoor enthusiasts. Amongst its superior product lines, the brand produces a unique range of knives featuring the AXIS lock mechanism, which speaks volumes about its innovative mindset.
While we will explore the rich history and expert craftsmanship behind Benchmade knives, shedding light on what sets this brand apart from the rest. Additionally, we will delve into the internals of their manufacturing process and highlight some of the most significant factors that contribute to the creation of the finest Benchmade knives.
Understanding the significance of exceptional materials and techniques is a pivotal aspect of our review. As a result, we will touch upon some of their core philosophies, including the zero-tolerance policy for substandard craftsmanship, which establishes Benchmade as the standard-bearer in the industry. Also, with sustainability in mind, Benchmade ensures that its impact on the environment is minimized.
In pursuit of finding the best Benchmade knife, we'll closely examine some of the most iconic pieces in their portfolio, like the Griptilian, Bugout, and Osborne 940. These knives exemplify the true essence of what makes Benchmade special. Our detailed analysis is designed to help you make the right choice for your specific needs, whether you're seeking an everyday carry companion or a reliable survival tool.
We are confident that you'll have garnered a newfound appreciation for these masterpieces and better insight into what makes the best Benchmade knife. So, sharpen your senses and buckle up as we embark on a cutting-edge journey that celebrates the art and precision of these remarkable tools.
How We Choose
We've reviewed the best Benchmade knives to help you find the perfect blade for your needs. Whether you're looking for a tactical knife, a folding knife, or a general EDC partially serrated blade, we've got you covered.
We know that finding the right knife can be overwhelming, so we've broken down our picks to make things easier for you. We've also looked at hundreds of customer reviews to see what people are saying about their experiences with these blades so that you can get an idea of what they're really like in real-life usage scenarios.
Benchmade - 535 Bugout Knife
The Benchmade Bugout is a premium knife that offers both quality and affordability. The blade is made from Sandvik 14C28N steel, which is known for its razor-sharp edge retention and resistance to corrosion.
The handle is made from Glass Reinforced Nylon, which provides excellent grip even in wet conditions. It also has a satin finish on the blade that makes it easy to maintain a good grip when holding the knife. The only downside of this knife is its weight – it's not particularly light compared to other options on our list of best Benchmade knives, but it's still very manageable for most people.
The sheath included with the knife can hold up to three knives, making it great for group trips or hikes where multiple people want to bring their own knives. Overall, if you're looking for an affordable option that still offers high-quality performance, then this may be right up your alley.
Benchmade - 940 EDC Manual Open, Green Handle
The Benchmade 940 is a fantastic choice for any outdoors enthusiast. This knife was designed with functionality in mind, making it an ideal choice for everyday carry (EDC).
The lightweight aluminum handle and reversible clip make it easy to carry around, while the durable 6061-T6 anodized aluminum is both lightweight and strong. The satin finish on the blade provides excellent grip and corrosion resistance, while the nimble reverse tanto blade allows you to tackle a variety of tasks.
This knife also has a wide range of uses beyond just camping or hiking. It's great for hunting or fishing trips as well as general outdoor activities such as gardening or pruning. Overall this is one of the best knives you can buy if you're looking for something that's versatile and functional all at once.
Benchmade 560BK-1 - Freek
The Benchmade Freek is an impressive knife that features a unique blade shape and manual-opening mechanism. The drop-point blade is partially serrated, making it ideal for tasks like cutting rope or branches.
The knife's unique design makes it stand out from other pocket knives on the market. It has a straight handle with a fiberglass reinforcement insert, which provides excellent durability while remaining lightweight and comfortable to hold. The Axis locking mechanism adds another layer of safety to the Freek, ensuring that the blade won't accidentally close during use.
The Benchmade Freek is made from high-quality materials, including steel alloy and glass-reinforced nylon resin. This combination results in a durable knife that will last for years without compromising its performance or appearance. Although it does have some higher priced components - such as ceramic bearings - the price point of this knife is still quite reasonable considering its high-quality construction materials and performance capabilities.
Benchmade - 275FE-2 Adamas Knife
The Benchmade Adamas 275 is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality knife that can handle any task. This model features a D2 stainless steel blade that holds an edge exceptionally well. The G10 handle is durable and offers a comfortable grip, making this an ideal knife for everyday use.
The AXIS lock is also extremely secure, ensuring the blade doesn't open accidentally. The sheath provides convenient access to the knife when needed, allowing you to draw it quickly without having to remove it from your belt or pocket first. The only downside of this knife is its weight – at just under nine ounces, it's on the lighter end of the average compared to other knives in this price range. However, the lightweight nature of this model makes it ideal for those who want a tactical knife but don't necessarily need heavy-duty performance all the time.
Overall, the Benchmade Adamas 275 is one of the best utility knives available today - whether you're looking for a reliable everyday carry knife or something with more specialized uses like hunting or camping, this will serve you well no matter what you need it for!
Benchmade - Griptilian 551
The Benchmade Griptilian 551 is a reliable, well-designed, and durable pocketknife that's perfect for everyday use. It features a 3.45-inch CPM-S30V blade made from high carbon steel that holds its edge well thanks to the AXIS locking mechanism.
The knife also has an eight-inch long, 0.115-inch thick handle made from glass-reinforced nylon which provides excellent grip and durability while remaining lightweight and comfortable to hold. The handle is coated in a black finish with a plain edge so you can easily slice through anything you need to cut without worrying about damaging your knife or hurting your hand.
Benchmade includes a reversible tip-up clip for easy access to your knife when it's needed most, and the entire construction of the knife is built using high-quality materials ensuring this will last for years without any issues. With such great performance at such low cost, there's no reason why anyone shouldn't have one of these handy around whenever they need it!
Benchmade - 940-1 EDC Knife
The Benchmade 940-1 is an exceptional knife that is designed for everyday carry. The blade is a reverse tanto style that features a serrated edge and a plain edge.
The handle of the knife is made from carbon fiber and it's lightweight, making it easy to carry around all day long. The ergonomics of the knife are also designed well, with a slim profile and an overbuilt grip pattern that provides secure handling. The Axis locking mechanism ensures safety during use and the knife has a standard clip so you can easily take it on your adventures without worrying about losing any parts.
Overall, this is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable everyday carry knife. It's built to last with its high-end CPM-S90V steel construction and its featherweight feel makes it comfortable to use as well.
Benchmade - Crooked River 15080-2, Drop-Point, Wood Handle
The Benchmade CPM-S30V is a fantastic knife that's perfect for any type of hunting or outdoor activity. These folding-blade knives feature a black composite handle and a clip-point blade that's made from CPM-S30V steel, so you know it will hold an edge well.
The handle is also stabilized wood, which means it's been backfilled with resin to give the knife added durability and resistance to wear and tear. The AXIS locking mechanism ensures safety while the reversible split arrow clip allows for easy carry options.
This knife is built for the hunt, so whether you're stalking game or just out on a walk this knife will help you stay safe and prepared in any situation.
Benchmade - Triage 916SBK
The Benchmade Triage 916 is a unique folder that has an Axis lock and a blunt tip blade style black coated blade. This makes it ideal for rescue work, as it can be opened with one hand and closed with the other.
The knife also has a glass breaker on the spine of the blade, which is great if you need to break a car window in an emergency. The reversible deep carry pocket clip offers ultimate accessibility, while the fiberglass handle provides excellent durability and imperviousness to moisture.
This is not a cheap option by any means, but if you want top-of-the-line performance then this will do everything you need it to without faltering.
Benchmade - Proper 318 Knife
The Benchmade Proprietary 318 is a slip-joint knife that has been designed to be an everyday carry knife. It's made out of CPM-S30V steel, which is a high-quality stainless steel that holds its edge well and resists rust.
The blade length on the Benchmade Proprietary 318 is 2.82 inches long.
This makes it easy to conceal and perfect for an everyday carry knife. The blade on this model features a clip point design with a serrated edge, so you can use it for various cutting tasks without any problems.
One unique feature about this knife is the handle material - it's made out of Micarta wood, which provides a good amount of grip while still being lightweight enough to not affect the balance or feel of the knife when in use. The handle also has some nice color variations available if you want something other than standard black or brown options - there are several different colors available including green and blue as well as pink and purple options.
Benchmade Proper Gold Class, 2.82" Damasteel, Mokume Bolster, Burgundy/Black Linen Micarta Handle
The Benchmade 561 Mini Griptilian is a small but mighty knife that packs a huge amount of cutting power into such a compact design. It's perfect for those who want the performance of an assisted opening knife, but don't need the bulk of full sized knives.
The handle on this model is made from mokume g10 and black linen micarta, which provides excellent grip while still feeling lightweight in your hand. The blade is made from Damascus steel and features a plain edge which makes it easy to maintain and sharpen. The knife also includes an integrated thumb stud which makes one-handed opening even easier.
This model comes with Benchmade's famous quality you expect from their knives, making it great for anyone looking to get into pocket knives or those who want something they can take hiking or camping with them without worrying about breaking it if they drop it in the dirt.
Best Benchmade Knife FAQs
Where Are Benchmade Knives Made?
Benchmade makes knives in its Oregon factory, along with a few specialty models that are made in other locations.
Is Benchmade A Good Brand?
Benchmade is one of the most well-known knife manufacturers, and for good reason. They make high-quality knives that are built to last. While all of their models are very reliable, some of the more popular options include the: 585 Mini-Apache2, 6P II, 940 Osborne XL Framelock, 840BK Pardue Xtreme Performance Edition Knife, 915SBK Stretch Bladeprofiler Edition Knife. These knives come in a range of sizes and styles so there will be something for every type of user.
Benchmade has been making knives since 1988 and they have an excellent reputation in the industry thanks to their commitment to quality materials and dependable products. Not only do they make excellent folding pocket knives but they also specialize in fixed-blade hunting and utility knives too. If you're looking for a new everyday carry knife or special occasion gift then Benchmade should be at the top of your list when comparing brands online.
Do Benchmade Knives Have A Guarantee
Benchmade knives have a no-hassle lifetime guarantee. If your knife breaks due to a material or workmanship defect, you can send it back and get an exact replacement. They also have a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so if you're not happy with your Benchmade purchase for any reason, you can return it for a refund within 30 days of purchase.
Other than the warranty issue, there are few a reasons not to buy a Benchmade knife. Some users said that they wished the handles were made of something other than plastic (most of their knives use anodized aluminum). A few others voiced concern that the company doesn't make knives in countries outside of North America and Europe; however, many felt this was actually a good thing because it ensured high-quality control and gave them confidence that the product would last over time.
Overall, customers who left reviews on Amazon seemed very pleased with their purchases and said they'd highly recommend purchasing one of these top-notch blades from this reputable manufacturer.
Conclusion
Benchmade Knife Company is a top-notch manufacturer of EDC knives that are made with quality materials and craftsmanship. Their blades come in different sizes, styles, and steel options so you can find the perfect knife for your needs. They also offer a no-hassle lifetime guarantee on all their products as well as a 100% satisfaction guarantee if you're not happy with your purchase within 30 days.
Benchmade Knives offer lots of blade shapes and both fixed, folding knives that use stainless steel liners and the Axis Lock. A fun fact that most people don't know is that Benchmade started out making Butterfly knives and is considered to be an industry leader and the Benchmade knife reviews confirm that.
With such an excellent reputation in the industry, Benchmade Knives are sure to provide years of reliable service at home or out on the trail. Typically known for EDC knives, Benchmade fixed blade knives are developing a following in the knife community for EDC tasks. Take a look at our article on the Benchmade Fixed Blade Knives ("Benchmade Is Fixed! 11 Benchmade Knives")
Whether you’re looking for something small enough to fit into your pocket or need something more robust for heavier tasks, there’s sure to be a model and blade steel you love from this brand that fits your requirements perfectly!
