What makes a knife more than just a tool? Think about the satisfying click of a perfectly engineered blade opening. For over a century, Benchmade has been building knives that feel just right in your hand. They are famous for quality and sharp edges that last a long time. But when you look at their catalog, you might feel a little lost.
Benchmade offers everything from small everyday carry knives to tough rescue tools. Finding the perfect model that matches your needs—whether for work, hiking, or just daily tasks—can feel overwhelming. You want reliability, but there are so many steel types and handle materials to consider!
This post cuts through the confusion. We will break down the best Benchmade models available today. You will learn what sets their famous AXIS lock apart and how to match a specific knife to your lifestyle. By the end, you will know exactly which Benchmade belongs in your pocket. Let’s dive into the world of precision cutting and discover your next favorite knife.
Top Benchmade Knife Recommendations
- LIGHT AS A FEATHER: And incredibly tough; Ideal for hiking, camping, and backpacking, and made for everyday use; A lightweight, go-anywhere tool.
- AXIS LOCKING MECHANISM: Ensures safety and a smooth open and easy close; Reversible clip; Lanyard hole for versatile carry options. the perfect addition to your EDC collection, backpack, survival kit, tackle box, and more.
- FULLY AMBIDEXTROUS GRIVORY HANDLE: Has an ergonomic textured grip and is molded from glass-filled nylon for superior durability.
- AXIS LOCKING MECHANISM: Ensures safety and a smooth open and easy close; Reversible clip; Lanyard hole for versatile carry options. the perfect addition to your EDC collection, backpack, survival kit, tackle box, and more.
- YOURS, FOR LIFE: Benchmade will re-sharpen your knife to a factory edge for free, for the life of the knife. Benchmade LifeSharp services includes cleaning, oiling, adjustments, and re-sharpening.
- LIGHT AS A FEATHER: And incredibly tough; Ideal for hiking, camping, and backpacking, and made for everyday use; A lightweight, go-anywhere tool.
- AMERICAN MADE CPM-S30V STEEL: For first-rate edge retention and corrosion resistance; Precision drop-point construction for strength and versatility.
- FULLY AMBIDEXTROUS GRIVORY HANDLE: Has an ergonomic textured grip and is molded from glass-filled nylon for superior durability.
- AXIS LOCKING MECHANISM: Ensures safety and a smooth open and easy close; Reversible clip; Lanyard hole for versatile carry options.
- YOURS, FOR LIFE: Benchmade will re-sharpen your knife to a factory edge for free, for the life of the knife. Benchmade LifeSharp services includes cleaning, oiling, adjustments, and re-sharpening.
- HIGH-QUALITY: The CPM-S30V stainless steel blade is extremely well-balanced, offering superb edge qualities and rust resistance. The glass-filled nylon handle is tough yet attractive, making it ideal for hard jobs and everyday carry.
- WELL-DESIGNED: Benchmade's AXIS lock is exceptionally strong and fully ambidextrous. The Griptilian 551 is a manual knife that can be opened and closed single-handedly.
- COMFORTABLE: The 551's lightweight design and handle grips make it comfortable to hold and use. The reversible pocket clip offers ultimate accessibility.
- VERSATILE: The Griptilian 551's drop-point utility blade style and all-around functionality make it ideal for everyday use, outdoor activities and even tactical applications.
- YOURS, FOR LIFE: Benchmade will re-sharpen your knife to a factory edge for free, for the life of the knife. Benchmade LifeSharp services includes cleaning, oiling, adjustments, and re-sharpening.
- ULTRALIGHT DESIGN: A slim, sleek stealth knife that adds confidence to your kit; Lightweight, durable design for optimal strength-to-weight ratio
- CPM-S30V STAINLESS STEEL: First of its kind steel designed specifically for use in knife blades. Excelled balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and durability for a variety of applications. Factory in Oregon City, Oregon.
- CPM-S30V Blade Steel with a Cerakote graphite black finish for superb edge qualities and corrosion resistance, black oxide hardware
- AXIS LOCKING MECHANISM: Ensures safety and a smooth open and easy close; Mini tip-up reversible deep-carry pocket clip for ultimate accessibility
- ALL-AROUND UTILITY: A quintessential EDC tool that combines simplicity with unmatched function, no matter the application; Ideal for pretty much everything.
- CPM-S30V STEEL: For first-rate edge retention and corrosion resistance; Reverse tanto blade is nimble, versatile, and made for the outdoors. Factory in Oregon City, Oregon.
- DURABLE 6061-T6 ALUMINUM HANDLE: Is anodized, fully ambidextrous, has a smooth satin grip, and is suitable for just about any environment that requires a blade.
- AXIS LOCKING MECHANISM: Ensures safety and a smooth open and easy close; Standard reversible clip; Light as a feather for easy carrying and a comfortable grip.
- EVERYDAY CARRY: With its slim profile and lightweight design, the 940 is the perfect addition to your EDC collection, backpack, survival kit, tackle box, and more.
- LIGHT AS A FEATHER: And incredibly tough; Ideal for hiking, camping, and backpacking, and made for everyday use; A lightweight, go-anywhere tool
- CPM-S30V STEEL: For first-rate edge retention and corrosion resistance; Precision drop-point construction for strength and versatility. Factory in Oregon City, Oregon.
- FULLY AMBIDEXTROUS GRIVORY HANDLE: Has an ergonomic textured grip and is molded from glass-filled nylon for superior durability.
- AXIS LOCKING MECHANISM: Ensures safety and a smooth open and easy close; Reversible clip; Lanyard hole for versatile carry options.
- YOURS, FOR LIFE: Benchmade will re-sharpen your knife to a factory edge for free, for the life of the knife. Benchmade LifeSharp services includes cleaning, oiling, adjustments, and re-sharpening.
- LIGHT AS A FEATHER: And incredibly tough; Ideal for hiking, camping, and backpacking, and made for everyday use; A lightweight, go-anywhere tool.
- AXIS LOCKING MECHANISM: Ensures safety and a smooth open and easy close; Reversible clip; Lanyard hole for versatile carry options. the perfect addition to your EDC collection, backpack, survival kit, tackle box, and more.
- FULLY AMBIDEXTROUS GRIVORY HANDLE: Has an ergonomic textured grip and is molded from glass-filled nylon for superior durability.
- AXIS LOCKING MECHANISM: Ensures safety and a smooth open and easy close; Reversible clip; Lanyard hole for versatile carry options. the perfect addition to your EDC collection, backpack, survival kit, tackle box, and more.
- YOURS, FOR LIFE: Benchmade will re-sharpen your knife to a factory edge for free, for the life of the knife. Benchmade LifeSharp services includes cleaning, oiling, adjustments, and re-sharpening.
- QUALITY: CPM-S30V stainless steel drop point blade, maple stabilized wood handle scales, and hunt-ready orange accents
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing Your Perfect Benchmade Knife
Benchmade knives are famous for being super sharp and strong. They make tools for everyone, from everyday carriers to serious outdoor adventurers. Buying your first one can feel tricky because there are so many cool options. This guide helps you pick the best one for you.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at a Benchmade knife, check these important parts first:
1. Locking Mechanism
The lock keeps the blade open so it won’t accidentally close on your hand. Benchmade uses several great locks. The AXIS® lock is one of their most famous. It’s easy to open and close with one hand, even if you are wearing gloves. Other locks like the sturdy Frame Lock or the simple Liner Lock also work well. Always pick a lock you feel comfortable using quickly.
2. Blade Style and Edge
The shape of the blade matters for what you plan to do.
- Drop Point: This is an all-around great shape. It has a strong tip for piercing and a good belly for slicing.
- Clip Point: The spine curves down to the tip, making the tip very sharp for fine work.
- Plain Edge: This edge is smooth. It cuts cleanly and is easy to sharpen.
- Serrated Edge: This edge has little teeth. It works best for cutting rope or tough fabrics.
3. Opening Action
How fast can you get the blade out? Benchmade offers thumb studs (small knobs you push) or the popular AXIS Assist (a spring helps push the blade open after you start it). Think about how quickly you need the knife ready.
Important Materials That Matter
The steel and the handle material decide how long your knife lasts and how well it holds an edge.
Blade Steel
Benchmade uses high-quality steel. Better steel means the blade stays sharp longer and resists rust.
- S30V or S35VN: These are premium steels. They hold a very sharp edge for a long time. They are great for hard-use knives.
- D2 Steel: This steel is tough and resists wear, but it might rust if you don’t clean it after using it in wet places.
- 154CM: A reliable, good all-around steel that balances sharpness and toughness well.
Handle (Scale) Material
The handle needs to feel good and be strong.
- Grivory or Nylon: These are tough, lightweight plastics. They don’t cost much and are great for everyday carry (EDC).
- Aluminum (like 6061-T6): This metal is strong and looks sharp. It gives the knife a premium, solid feel.
- Carbon Fiber: This material is super light and very strong. It is usually found on their more expensive, fancy models.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Benchmade generally makes high-quality knives, but some things make one model better than another for your needs.
What Boosts Quality:
Look for smooth action. When you open and close the knife, it should feel fluid, not gritty. Good quality means the screws stay tight and the pivot (the screw the blade swings on) is perfectly set. A good finish on the blade also helps prevent corrosion.
What Can Lower “Quality” for Your Use:
A knife might be technically perfect but wrong for you. A very large, heavy knife might seem high quality, but if you carry it in your pocket every day, it will feel too bulky. Also, a knife with super hard steel might be hard to sharpen when it finally gets dull.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about *why* you need the knife. This decides the perfect size and weight.
- Everyday Carry (EDC): For opening boxes, cutting string, or light tasks. Look for a smaller knife (under 3.5 inches blade length) that weighs less than 4 ounces. Models like the Mini Griptilian fit this well.
- Outdoor/Camping: You need something tough that handles moisture. Look for thicker blades and corrosion-resistant steel (like S30V).
- Tactical/Emergency Use: Speed is key here. You want a very fast opening mechanism, like the AXIS Assist, and a comfortable, non-slip grip.
Benchmade Knife Buying Guide FAQ
Q: Are Benchmade knives worth the high price?
A: Yes, most people agree they are worth it. You pay for fantastic U.S. craftsmanship, excellent steel, and their famous, reliable locking systems.
Q: How often should I sharpen my Benchmade knife?
A: This depends on the steel and how much you use it. If you use it daily for tough jobs, you might touch up the edge every few weeks. For light EDC use, sharpening might only be needed a couple of times a year.
Q: What is the difference between a plain edge and a combo edge?
A: A plain edge is smooth and cuts cleanly. A combo edge has a section near the handle that is serrated (like a small saw). The combo edge is good for cutting tough things like seatbelts, but the plain edge is better for most general slicing.
Q: Can I take my Benchmade apart for cleaning?
A: Some models are easier to clean than others. If you take a knife apart, you must know how to put it back together correctly, especially setting the pivot screw tension. Benchmade offers cleaning instructions for many models.
Q: What is the “Blade Play” and is it normal?
A: Blade play means the blade wiggles a tiny bit side-to-side when locked open. A little bit of play can happen, especially on knives with the AXIS lock. Too much play means the pivot might be loose and needs tightening.
Q: Which Benchmade line is best for beginners?
A: The Griptilian or Mini Griptilian lines are excellent starting points. They use the great AXIS lock, are lightweight, and offer great performance for a lower price than some of their premium materials.
Q: Do Benchmade knives come with a warranty?
A: Benchmade offers a strong limited lifetime warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product.
Q: Should I choose a heavier or lighter handle?
A: Lighter handles are better for carrying all day in your pocket. Heavier handles, often made of metal, feel more solid and give you more authority when cutting very tough materials.
Q: Are there legal restrictions on knife size?
A: Yes, knife laws change based on where you live (city, state, country). Always check your local laws about maximum blade length allowed for concealed carry.
Q: What is “Blue Class” versus “Black Class”?
A: Benchmade often uses color coding. “Blue Class” knives are their standard, excellent production models. “Black Class” knives are usually their tougher, more specialized, or tactical models built for heavy duty use.