How to choose your BENCHMADE knife or pocket knife
A knife can serve many purposes, and some models are better suited than others to certain activities. This is precisely where Benchmade stands out: a Benchmade knife or pocket knife for every use. We introduce the product families in which Benchmade specialises and explain how to choose the right model from the available Benchmade knives and pocket knives. When choosing a Benchmade knife or pocket knife, the first step is to determine what it will be used for according to the activity you practise.
TACTICAL Designed for intensive and immediate use, these highly durable knives feature robust mechanisms suited to situations in which reliable performance is essential.
RESCUE For critical situations. The need to operate the knife while wearing gloves and cut through soft materials is taken into account when designing these knives.
EVERYDAY CARRY They are neither awkward nor uncomfortable when carried in trousers or shorts; they are simply practical and perfectly suited to everyday needs.
OUTDOOR From the water to the woods, backpacking and car camping to kayaking and fly fishing, these versatile cutting tools can be used for many different tasks.
HUNTING Knives are essential tools during a day of hunting. Benchmade offers models designed for different tasks in the field, from precise cuts to processing game.
SURVIVAL Unexpected events can happen to any adventurer. These knives have been designed to deal with the unforeseen.
If you have not yet chosen the brand or type of blade you need, you can also compare other options in our knives and pocket knives category for hunting, professional use, outdoor activities and everyday needs.
Main features of Benchmade knives and pocket knives
Among the main features of Benchmade knives and pocket knives, we provide a glossary of concepts and technologies that will help you understand the characteristics of each product and the reasons for their high quality.
AXIS The AXIS lock is fully ambidextrous and extremely strong.
OPTION lock When versatility is essential, the patent-pending OPTION lock provides the advantage of having two different blades that use the same mechanism without compromising lock strength or ease of use.
Ambidextrous Can be operated just as easily with the right hand as with the left.
Reversible clip The pocket clip can be removed and installed in different positions on the handle.
MOLLE compatible A versatile attachment system designed for mounting military equipment.
LifeSharp: maintenance service Benchmade offers a maintenance programme for its authentic knives, subject to the conditions established by the manufacturer.
Opening mechanisms of Benchmade knives and pocket knives
The mechanism used to open and close a pocket knife is essential to its operation. This is why Benchmade pocket knives are available with different opening systems. Try them and choose the one you prefer!
MANUAL OPENING The knife must be opened entirely by the user, from the closed position to the open position.
ASSISTED OPENING Assisted-opening models feature a spring that helps move the blade into the open position once the user has manually pushed it beyond a certain point.
AUTOMATIC OPENING Automatic-opening models feature a button or another device that mechanically opens the blade without the user having to manipulate it directly.
Important: in Spain, automatic pocket knives are considered prohibited weapons. Before purchasing or carrying a pocket knife with an opening system, you should check the exact characteristics of the model and the applicable regulations.
FIXED BLADE These knives remain permanently open and are almost always supplied with a sheath to protect the cutting edge.
BALI-SONG, “Bali” or “butterfly knives” They are opened and closed using two handle sections that pivot around the front and back of the blade.
For example:
- If you practise mountaineering, you can choose an assisted-opening model.
- If you are an athlete, a fixed-blade knife may be the right choice.
In every case, determine which type of mechanism is best suited to your needs.
Benchmade uses its AXIS locking system on different manual, assisted and automatic-opening models. The type of opening depends on the specific configuration of each pocket knife and not solely on the locking system.
Other systems, such as the Monolock, are only available with manual opening.
Knives made from the finest materials
To produce the best products, it is necessary to use the finest raw materials. This is why Benchmade selects high-quality steels and combines them with aerospace-grade handle materials, creating knives and pocket knives of the highest quality that offer excellent value to their users.
Blade shapes available on Benchmade knives and pocket knives
It is important to understand that each cutting edge performs differently on a cutting surface depending on the shape of the blade.
CLIP POINT A clip-point blade has a sharp point, usually positioned ahead of the midpoint, as though the end of the blade had been “clipped” off. One example is the Benchmade 119 Arvensis, available in two versions: with a combination edge or a completely plain edge.
DROP POINT A drop-point blade slopes gradually from the spine towards the tip. The tip is generally positioned below the blade’s centre line. This category includes the Steep Country knife and our remarkable Benchmade 486 Saibu pocket knife.
TANTO This blade shape is easily recognised by its angular lines. The cutting edge is flat and features a pronounced change of angle between the tip and the main cutting edge.
REVERSE TANTO This shape is defined by a bevel that creates a reverse tanto profile, adding more material towards the front of the blade. We particularly like the Benchmade 940 pocket knife with these characteristics.
OPPOSING BEVEL The opposing-bevel design features an asymmetrical blade geometry that creates an offset tip suited to prying while maintaining a consistent chisel grind along the cutting edge.
SHEEPSFOOT On a sheepsfoot blade, the spine curves down towards the tip to create a less pointed end and reduce the risk of puncturing. The Benchmade Griptilian is an excellent example of this type of blade.
WHARNCLIFFE This shape is similar to the sheepsfoot profile, with a spine that gradually slopes towards the tip. However, the blade has a completely straight cutting edge. The Benchmade 380 Aller is a good example and can be carried in many situations, subject to the applicable regulations.
SPEAR POINT A spear-point blade must have a symmetrical profile.
*Traditionally, spear-point blades have two cutting edges, but the corresponding knives are more accurately described as daggers.
WEEHAWK This design features a broad cutting edge and a curve along the spine that gradually narrows towards the tip and handle.
- Blade shapes with more pronounced curves can be particularly suitable for hunting.
- Blade shapes with pronounced angles, such as the tanto blade, may be better suited to tactical applications.
Now that we understand the different blade shapes available on Benchmade knives and pocket knives, let us examine some of their configuration codes.
How should certain Benchmade model codes be interpreted?
The following table shows some of the configuration codes corresponding to the different blade and handle options offered by the brand.
Why is the type of blade steel so important?
The composition of the steel can make the difference between an edge that only makes a few cuts and one capable of making thousands. There are many types of steel, along with different factors that help determine which is best suited to each use.
The way certain steels are heat-treated also plays an essential role in a knife’s performance.
Main properties of steel blades
EDGE RETENTION
Edge retention: the length of time a blade can retain a sharp cutting edge.
STRENGTH
Strength: the maximum amount of stress a blade can withstand before breaking or deforming.
CORROSION RESISTANCE
Corrosion resistance: a blade’s ability to resist oxidation and chemical damage.
TOUGHNESS
Toughness: the blade’s ability to withstand impacts, fractures and chipping.
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