Folding Knives

Benchmade 950 Rift Review

Last Updated: July 28, 2019
Ah, the Benchmade 950 Rift. What a sweet piece of steel. The Rift originally came out in 2008 as part of Benchmade’s “black class” which are designed to be military and police grade blades built for extreme duty. Designed by famed knifemaker Warren Osborne, the 950 Rift certainly is extreme and it took the knife world by storm gaining critical acclaim by reviewers and enthusiasts alike.

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Today the 950 Rift is still available with it’s very distinct reverse tanto blade and is available in a variety of configurations; including the ultra cool black and gray G10 handled version shown here. I would say that this knife is appealing as a large EDC knife, a small emergency defense knife, or even a collectors item. Lets take a closer look at this unique and exciting knife.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Osborne 950 Rift is a fairly big folding EDC knife with a 3.7″ blade, a total length of 8.27″ and a weight of 4.8 ounces. The weight is perhaps one of my biggest criticisms, but really that is me grasping for straws. If you don’t like heavier knives then this won’t be the folder for you, but many, myself included, enjoy carrying a larger knife and the weight won’t be an issue. For a lighter Benchmade with about the same length, consider the Benchmade Griptilian.

As I mentioned before, the blade shape is classified as a “reverse tanto” which gives the knife excellent tip strength and the large sweeping belly of a drop point blade. I love the way this blade looks and it’s a super practical design for tactical and utility work. The blade is given a nice flat grind making it a very good slicer.

You have the option of getting the blade in a satin, blasted, or coated finish (blasted shown here). I really like the look of the coated version, Benchmade’s coating is very tough and I think the black blade with black hardware is a handsome combo.

The blade material is 154CM, a stainless steel that Benchmade uses in a lot of their knives. Benchmade knows how to heat treat 154CM and I think it was an excellent choice for the Rift. 154CM is a very durable steel that holds an edge very well and is easy to sharpen. In my experience corrosion resistance is very good but 154CM will rust if left in a damp environment so it’s important to keep the blade clean and to cover it with oil if you live in a humid area (I have no problems in South and Central FL).

Handle Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

The handle of the 950 is arguably cooler than the blade itself, which is a pretty tough feat considering. The handle scales are made of sculpted G10. My G10 came in layered black and dark gray, but you can also get black G10. The Rift has full stainless steel liners that, like the rest of the hardware, has been blackened. I wish Benchmade skeletonized these scales as I think they could really drop some weight off this knife. But all in all, the handle construction is very solid and I love the look of the scales.

The ergonomics on the Rift are pretty good. It’s a large and comfortable handle and I really like the way the butt end has been formed – it creates a good “catch” for your pinky and really lets you get some leverage on the blade. There isn’t a ton of jimping, which will turn off some. For me, I don’t mind the absence of jimping and actually prefer that in a work knife. I know some people say that there are some rough edges that they needed to sand down on the handle. If you plan on using the knife for heavy carving, then you may very well want a thicker knife.

The clip of the 950 Rift is Benchmade’s classic “arrow” clip and is among my favorite pocket clip designs. I like the blackened clip, it really helps with concealing the knife in your pocket. The clip will wear, but it wears gracefully and in my opinion, is one of those clips that gets cooler with use. Retention is great and the clip is mounted so that it rides low in the pocket. Benchmade tapped the handles so you have the option of tip up ambidextrous carry.

Deployment and Lock

Deployment on the Rift is very nice. As you would expect on any Benchmade knife, the Rift uses high quality, low friction, phosphor bronze bushings. The bushings are combined with large ambidextrous thumb studs to deploy the Rift’s blade quickly and easily. I really like the thumb studs, there are nicely milled out, have a unique design and have been either anodized or given a DLC coating – it’s been very durable and hasn’t rubbed off at all after a LOT of opening.

As you can see in the pictures, the Rift uses Benchmade’s Axis Lock. For those unfamiliar with the Axis Lock, is is a very intelligently designed lock that Benchmade uses on a lot of their knives. It is very strong and very easy to use ambidextrously. I love the axis lock, it’s among my favorites because it is so smooth reliable and easy to use. One hand opening and closing with this knife is a breeze.

Benchmade 950 Rift Review – Final Thoughts

Well, what is there to say? The combination of great blade design, 154CM steel, G10 handle, and reliable Axis lock mean there is a lot going for this knife. If you are in the market for a larger EDC knife or a folding tactical knife, the 950 Rift has a lot to offer. Build quality is very sturdy, the knife cuts well, it’s comfortable in hand, and 154CM steel is very serviceable. I also like the fact that the Rift is made in the USA.

As far as potential negatives are concerned, my main gripe is the weight of the knife. This is a bigger offering from Benchmade, and you definitely feel that in hand and in pocket. This may not be an issue for some, but for folks that appreciate a lightweight EDC knife, I might recommend the Benchmade 940 or Griptilian instead. I think Benchmade could have mitigated this slightly by drilling holes in the thick steel liners.

If size and weight aren’t a terrible concern, and you want a reliable and well made work or tactical knife, then the Rift could be an excellent choice.

Benchmade Osbourne Design Rift Knife with Black G10 Handle and AXIS Lock

Patented AXIS Mechanics
One-Hand Ambidextrous Function
Heavily Milled G10 for Tactile Grip
Tough 154CM Reverse Tanto Blade

I recommend purchasing the Benchmade Rift from Amazon or BladeHQ. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Kershaw Scallion Review

by Dan Jackson 5 Comments

Last Updated: August 30, 2019
The Kershaw Scallion is another one of those timeless EDC knives that should be considered by collectors and enthusiasts alike. The Scallion is a remarkable little blade that shares some great similarities to the Kershaw Skyline, but is very much it’s own animal. Designed by custom knifemaker Ken Onion, the Scallion is a slim, lightweight knife with very fast blade deployment and superb fit and finish. If you are in the market for a high quality and affordable EDC knife, the Scallion is a blade that you may want to consider.

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General Dimensions and Blade Properties

The Scallion has an overall length of 5.57″, a 2.4″ blade, weighs 2.9 ounces and is made in the USA. This is a great size for Every Day Carry (EDC). It’s very unobtrusive in the pocket and it won’t weigh you down – excellent for urban or suburban carry.

The blade is a modified drop point with a hollow grind and a recurve to the edge of the blade. The recurve is good for slicing although it makes the knife more difficult to sharpen. Ken Onion is known for designing curvy (“organic”) looking knives, and the Scallion fights right in to that theme. With that said, I would not recommend a recurved blade to a first time knife buyer. There is a slight swedge that concludes at a capable tip. This blade shape is capable for EDC tasks like breaking down boxes, opening mail, and food preparation. Because the knife is so small, I would not push the Scallion much further than that.

The blade is made of 420HC stainless steel. 420HC is regarded as a low end steel, although if it is heat treated properly, it can perform fine for daily tasks. 420HC has great corrosion resistance although the edge retention is not going to be on par with something like 440C. Kershaw does a good job with their heat treat, however, I would like to see them upgrade the steel on this. If they used a Sandvik 12C28 like they do on the Leek, I think that would be an excellent upgrade.

Handle and Pocket Clip

The Scallion typically comes with an anodized aluminum handle. The aluminum is 6000 series aircraft aluminum and it keeps the knife lightweight and strong. The great part about the Scallion is that there are a variety of different colors and handle configurations to choose from. This knife comes in everything from a standard satin finished blade with a black handle to a rainbow colored version that is very unique looking and everything in between. There have also been a lot of limited edition versions of the knife so if there is a particular color configuration you are looking for, it is probably available commercially or on the secondary market.

The handle is comfortable and ergonomic. There is a short run of jimping on the thumb ramp of the blade, and the finger choil which helps provide good grip. Depending on the handle materials you select, there will be additional traction. This knife is easy to use and feels good in the hand.

The pocket clip is rather large and only allows for right hand tip down carry. I like the option to move the clip around, and I prefer tip up carry for faster deployment so this is something of a disappointment for me, however, I wouldn’t call it a deal breaker. For an EDC knife, tip down carry is still acceptable and you will get the job done with this knife.

Deployment and Lock

The Scallion is a flipper, equipped with Kershaw’s Speed Safe assisted opening mechanism. The Speed Safe system was developed by Ken Onion as well, and is a very common assisted opening mechanism found on Kershaw knives. The action on the Scallion is snappy and reliable. The flipper works well, and there are phosphor bronze washers inside (although you don’t really notice with the assist).

The Scallion uses a either a steel frame lock, or steel liner lock to lock the knife open. The liner lock is sturdy and more than adequate for every day carry type tasks. My lock engaged early, and there was no blade play or stick in the lock. Kershaw has their liner locks and steel frame locks dialed in pretty well, and the lock on my Scallion is no exception.

Kershaw Scallion Review – Final Thoughts

The Kershaw Scallion is a capable budget EDC knife, but not without its quirks. It’s a great size for EDC, the materials are decent given the price point, the knife is well executed, is comfortable to use, made in the USA, and retails for under $50. Certainly there are some high points. On the flip side, the recurve blade makes the knife tough to sharpen, and 420HC stainless steel is on the low end of the spectrum, even at this budget price point. If you can get past those two points, then the Scallion could be a great EDC option.

Personally, if I was in the market for a Ken Onion / Kershaw EDC knife, I’d go with the Leek, but the Scallion has stood the test of time and continues to be a viable daily carry option that won’t break the bank.

Sale

Kershaw Scallion Pocket Knife (1620FL); 2.4 420HC Stainless Steel Blade and 410 Steel Handle, Featuring SpeedSafe Assisted Opening, Flipper, Lanyard Hole, Secure Frame Lock and Tip Lock; 2.9 OZ.,Small

KERSHAW SCALLION STAINLESS POCKETKNIFE: One of our most popular knives, the Scallion is a perfect knife that makes a great pocket or purse carry, ready to handle just about any task you’d ask of it. Compact, sharp, and made in the USA.
DROP POINT PLAIN EDGE BLADE: Made from tough, 420HC blade steel with extra carbon and chromium to boost hardenability and corrosion resistance. A bead-blasted finish adds a clean, matte look.
410 STAINLESS STEEL HANDLE provides a smooth, comfortable grip while in use. Silver with a bead-blasted finish to match the blade. Includes single-position pocketclip for right, tip-down carry.
DUAL LOCK SYSTEM: Equipped with Kershaw’s SpeedSafe assisted opening for easy one-handed release with flipper. Frame lock secures blade open while in use and Tip-lock slider keeps blade locked closed when folded.
SIZE SPECIFICATIONS: Blade Length: 2.4in. Closed Length: 3.5in. Overall Length: 5.75in. Weighing in at 2.9oz. Backed by Kershaw’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

I recommend purchasing the Scallion at Amazon.com or BladeHQ. Thanks for reading.

Spyderco Tenacious Review

by Dan Jackson 19 Comments

Last Updated: December 1, 2019
I found the Spyderco Tenacious when I was looking for a good sized EDC knife on a budget. I did some research and saw that the Tenacious ticked a lot of my boxes.

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At the time I was interested in a knife with a full flat grind, a large plain edge, G10 handle scales and pillar construction. The Tenacious had that and more – all for under $50. So I ordered the knife and had it at my door a couple days later. The following are my thoughts on the Tenacious after using it as a daily carry for several months.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Tenacious has an overall length of 7-3/4″, a 3 3/8″ blade, weighs 4.0 oz, and is made in China. The blade is not only long but it is fairly wide (from edge to spine) at almost an 1.5″ inches. This is a large knife for EDC (Every Day Carry), and people contemplating the Tenacious for that use may prefer it’s smaller brother, the Persistence or the Ambitious. Here is a size comparison with the Mini Griptilian and Kershaw Skyline so you can see what I mean:

It’s a big knife. Not so much how long it is, but the combination of how long and wide it is. It’s a little more at home next to a full size Benchmade Griptilian and a Spyderco Paramilitary 2:

For this reason, the Tenacious is more of a large utility knife than a true EDC. Sure, it can be carried every day, but it’s a good size knife.

The leaf shaped blade of the Tenacious is made of 8Cr13Mov Stainless steel. 8Cr13Mov is a more inexpensive steel that is comparable with Aus 8. However, Spyderco does an excellent job with the heat treat on this steel and my experiences have found that 8Cr13Mov sharpens well and holds a good edge. That said, compared to harder, more expensive steels you will have to sharpen the knife more frequently.

Also, I really like the full flat grind on this knife. It is like a small kitchen knife and is great for slicing, especially through cardboard. That full flat grind just zips through cardboard. The shape is fairly generic, but there is enough belly for EDC tasks

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

The handle is a of pillar construction, which I really like because it makes the knife easy to clean. The handle is layers of steel with G10 scales. The steel has been milled out to reduce the weight, which is a great touch that I love to see on a cheaper knife. The G10 is lightly textured and feels good. It isn’t super abrasive so your pockets will be spared, but it offers nice tactile feedback. I haven’t had any problems with the knife slipping out of my hand, probably because the ergonomics are so good. The G10 has been contoured around the liner lock and there is very good jimping on the thumb ramp and the lock, this makes the knife very easy and comfortable to use.

The ergonomics on the Tenacious are quite good. It has a pretty big handle and it has been well designed. My palm fits nicely and the corners have been rounded slightly for comfort. Also the knife is designed to provide the user good traction, which I find to be important for a mid sized folding EDC knife like this. Since it is a cheap knife, I have a tendency to have it do my “dirty work” that I wouldn’t subject some of my more expensive knives too. The large thumb ramp and jimping really helps keep your thumb in place and maintain control when putting some power behind the blade. I’ve used this knife pretty hard and “Tenacious” is an apt name because it keeps on ticking.

Pocket clips can be a problem with expensive knives, let alone cheap ones, so I was really pleased with the clip on the Tenacious. It’s a signature Spyderco Hourglass shaped clip that provides good pocket retention without shredding your pants up. Also the clip is mountable on all 4 corners of the knife, so you can carry this knife in your left or right pocket, tip up or tip down. As a lefty on a budget, I loved this feature. The knife rides pretty low in your pocket.

I will say that my clip had a tendency to come loose until I hit it with some lock-tite. My guess is that you are going to want to do the same.

Deployment and Lock Up

The deployment on this knife is very nice. The thumb hole (“Spyderhole”) makes it easy to access the blade with bare hands or gloves – in rain or shine. The action is smooth, thanks in part to phosphor bronze bushings. The bushings on this knife are apparently pretty thin, but I’ve been flicking this knife open for months and it still deploys very smoothly.

Also, the lock on this knife is solid. The Tenacious uses a thick liner lock that bites deep into the blade. I detect zero up and down movement when the knife is locked and a tiny amount of side to side movement.

Here is a parting size comparison with the Delica and Endura:

Overall Fit and Finish

So one thing that kind of concerned me about this knife was that it was made in China. At the time the Tenacious originally came out, there was a lot of stigma regarding Chinese manufacturing and Chinese knives. Today, with the advent of high end Chinese knife manufacturers like Reate, there is less of a concern, although certainly some of that original stigma still exists.

I will say that the build quality of the Tenacious is impressive considering the price. I am pleased with the fit and finish and whoever manufactured this for Spyderco did a good job.

Spyderco Tenacious Review – Final Thoughts

As I turn to my final remarks on the Tenacious, I think we should consider the topic of “value” – as that often plays in to the commentary on the Tenacious, and many consider this to be a “value” knife. To be honest, I think the knife is well priced right around $30. It’s a good amount of knife for the money, it’s well designed, the materials are adequate, the fit and finish is adequate – I really cant complain. That said, I would likely not pay $50, or $75 for this knife, and think it is priced appropriately for what it is.

The Tenacious rounds out Spyderco’s product line nicely and is an affordable knife that has all of the design elements and features Spyderco is known for. I like the Tenacious and recommend it for someone seeking an affordable larger EDC knife, or a hearty utility knife that can be used hard guilt free.

Spyderco Tenacious Folding Utility Pocket Knife with 3.39" 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel Blade and Durable Non-Slip G-10 Handle - Everyday Carry - PlainEdge - C122GP

Game Changer: Being tenacious means you are persistent and cohesive. It's being tough and tireless in achieving your best performance; all worthy descriptive words for a hard-use knife
Superior Blade Steel: The 3.39" 8Cr13Mov stainless blade is leaf-shaped and ground flat from spine to cutting edge for non-stop cutting performance.
A Secure Grip: It has a black G-10 laminate handle, Ergonomically milled with prolonged fatigue-free cutting in mind.
Easy-To-Use: The blade's shape coupled with an oversized Spyderco Round Hole and textured spine jimping allows you to open the blade and position your thumb on the spine in slip-proof confidence ready for work.
Pocket-Friendly: The Tenacious includes a Walker Linerlock and a 4-way pocket clip lets the folder be set in a variety of carry and draw positions: Tip-up/tip-down left-hand/right-hand.

I recommend buying the Spyderco Tenacious at Amazon or BladeHQ. Buying anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com and keeps the website going. Any support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Smith and Wesson SWBG2TS BORDER GUARD Rescue Knife

by Dan Jackson 19 Comments

The Smith and Wesson SWBG2TS Border Guard Rescue Knife is one mean SOB. I’ve been wanting to review this knife for a while now, and now that I’ve carried it I can finally do a review.

Basic Information

This knife has a large 4.4″ blade of 440C stainless steel and an overall length of 10″. Combine the big blade with a heavy glass breaker and solid steel liners and this knife sits right around 9 ounces. No doubt, it’s a heavy knife for heavy duty tasks. Don’t let the weight fool you, the deployment on this blade is fast, very fast. It has teflon washers that help flick out the blade with authority. The sound of the deployment alone is quite impressive. Its got a nice “crack” sound to it, faintly reminiscent of cambering a round in my S&W 1012.

Blade Details

This is a tanto blade with a saber grind. It’s coated in black teflon and has a couple reliefs / blood grooves cut into it. A tanto blade is great for piercing and thrust movements because of the heavily reinforced tip. This knife is designed for heavy, tactical use and the “border control” designation triggers in my mind visions of heavy duty tactical situations against Mexican drug lords; extreme defensive counters, slicing open large packages of black tar heroin, and conducting complicated field surgeries in addition to more mundane EDC tasks around the office like opening dossiers and spreading extra butter on your Texas toast – your mileage may vary.

Handle

The handle is made of 2 slabs of machined aircraft aluminum. It’s textured for grip and feels good in the hand. It’s anodized a jet black and has a deep glossy finish. Inside is a blackened steel liner lock that holds the blade very securely. The knife is a pillar construction, which I prefer because it makes it easy to clean.

The pocket clip is held in place by 3 allen screws and allows for right handed tip up carry only. Tip up carry is good for these knives but I would have preferred to see an ambidextrous option.

Glass Breaker and Seatbelt Cutter

The glass breaker is a big chunk of steel in the back of the handle. I think this knife would work very well in this capacity although I haven’t had a chance to break any glass yet. As I said before, the knife is heavy so you will have a lot of weight coming down on that point. Also, there is a seat belt / cord cutter. This is handy and helps give the knife it’s rescue designation. The blade on this is like a razor and easily slices through clothing and cord.

Smith and Wesson Border Guard – Final Thoughts

The Border Guard is a fairly ridiculous knife, but given the price point, I wouldn’t completely dismiss it. With aluminum handles and a 440C blade, this is an inexpensive beater blade, and is not something I would recommend to true knife enthusiasts. Fans of the Smith and Wesson brand may also be disappointed to learn that this knife is made in China, and S&W sold the right to use the Smith and Wesson name to Taylor Brands. So this is not actually made by Smith and Wesson.

That said, for less than $20 you do get a functioning folding knife with plenty of bells and whistles. It’s not really my thing, but you may find room for it in your collection.

If you would like to buy a S&W Border Guard, I recommend purchasing it at Amazon.com. Please consider that buying anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

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Smith & Wesson SWFRS First Response Knife

by Dan Jackson 2 Comments

Last Updated: August 2, 2019
The Smith & Wesson SWFRS First Response Knife is an emergency knife designed for those situations that you hate to think about but have to consider like a car accident or natural disaster. Smith and Wesson has put together a solid knife that is inexpensive enough to dedicate to your car or truck and nice enough to carry every day.

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First of all, the knife has a drop point, combo edge blade. Typically, I’m not crazy about combo edges, but for an emergency knife where you would potentially be sawing through clothing, rope or a seat belt, a partially serrated blade can be a good choice. The blade measures 3.3″ and is made of 440C high carbon stainless steel, a tough steel that holds it’s edge well. In addition to the primary blade, a seat belt cutter is sunk into the back part of the handle. This cutter is great for cutting seat belts, but also an serve to cut cord and other fibrous material.

In addition to the seat-belt cutter, a glass breaker has been molded into the pommel of the knife. If you were to get into an automobile and your vehicle went into a body of water, it could be difficult, if not impossible to open the doors or windows. That’s where a glass punch like this is essential. It concentrates the entire force of a swing into one tiny point, creating the impact necessary to shatter the tough glass used in modern vehicles.

The handle is a combination of stainless steel and G10 scales to provide a tough and slip resistant grip on the knife. The handle is large and comfortable and the blade rests securely in the hand. The handle compliments the large and heavy blade that you can easily deploy with a flick of the wrist. The primary mode of deployment is a large thumb disk on the top of the blade. This makes the knife easy to open in a variety of conditions, even when you are wearing gloves. When open, the knife locks up tight with a sturdy liner lock. This is a solid chunk of steel and I was impressed by the weight and balance of this inexpensive blade.

Smith and Wesson SWFRS First Response Knife Review – Final Thoughts

The SWFRS is an inexpensive rescue knife that could be a good option for someone looking for an inexpensive beater knife with rescue knife features. At well under $20, this is not the most finely crafted piece of cutlery on the market, but it is bound to appeal to certain buyers and represents decent value for money.

Potential buyers may be disappointed to learn that the SWFRS is not actually made by Smith and Wesson, but is made using the Smith and Wesson brand in China. Still, they say price cures all problems and for around $15 you get a reasonably solid folding knife that you can beat on without feeling guilty.

Sale

Smith & Wesson SWFRS 8in High Carbon S.S. Folding Knife with 3.3in Drop Point Serrated Blade and S.S. with G-10 Inlay Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC

DIMENSIONS: 8 inch (20.3 cm) overall length with a blade length of 3.3 inches (8.4 cm) and a weight of 5.8 ounces
DURABLE: Blade is made of reliable 7Cr17MoV High Carbon Stainless Steel with stainless steel handle with G-10 inlay
DEPENDABLE: Quick and easy access with the convenient pocket clip and ambidextrous thumb plate making it ideal for everyday carry
SECURE: Have confidence that the blade will not slip with the security of the liner lock
BE PREPARED: Knife Features Glass Breaker And Seatbelt Cutter

If you are interested in purchasing the S&W SWFRS I recommend buying it at Amazon.com or BladeHQ.

Schrade 735RPB Mariner’s Knife

by Dan Jackson 2 Comments

Last Updated: August 14, 2019Schrade 735RPB Mariner’s Knife I would land on my desk.

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A Brief History of the Mariner’s Knife

The Mariner or “Sailor’s Knife” often refers to a [Read more…] about Schrade 735RPB Mariner’s Knife