axis lock

Benchmade 530 / 531 Review

Last Updated: July 28, 2019
Shopping on Amazon for knives is a dangerous endeavor. Not only can you find a nearly endless variety of blades, but your account also has a nasty habit of learning your interests. You might not notice it at first. A simple suggestion, “I noticed you like Spyderco. Have you heard of Benchmade?” and suddenly your limited understanding of quality production knives enters a larger world.

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It was during the earliest stages of my newfound fanaticism for knives that Amazon did its now dreaded, “get yourself a little something,” and I saw it: The Benchmade 530. It had come up in my searches before. Like an expert hypnotist, the online shopping site had long implanted it in my psyche. I was drawn to the clean lines, the spear-point blade, and the overall symmetry. Benchmade’s Axis lock system and sparkling online reputation caught my attention. Also, I had been really good lately. So I succumbed to the siren’s call: I “got myself a little something.” I purchased the Benchmade 530 and fell one more step down the rabbit hole.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Benchmade 530 sports a 3.25” blade and an overall length of 7.42”. The knife is designed by Benchmade’s champion Mel Pardue. Those familiar with Pardue will recognize him as the designer of the Griptilian. Under the hood this knife shares some similar design traits with the Griptilian: reinforced plastic handles, partial liners, and the use of 154CM steel. I tend to view the 530 as a sort of companion piece to the Griptilian; a more elegant and svelte cousin to the rough-and-tumble Grip.

The 530’s blade is a satin-finished or black coated spear point with a long flat edge that terminates in a short and narrow belly. There is also the option to add a semi-serrated blade if it is your preference. The thin blade is ground into a dagger profile with a huge swedge dividing the blade evenly down the middle. This style is very similar to the stiletto style found on some of Mel Pardue’s custom offerings.

To the unfamiliar this blade may appear to be double-edged, but one side has been left unsharpened as a faux edge. Just as well, because a double edge would be illegal to carry in many states. The shape has led many uninitiated people to refer to the 530 as a switchblade, a comparison that is figuratively double-edged. On one hand the knife is probably intimidating enough to repel a would be mugger. On the other, flicking the blade to open a bag of beef jerky might raise some eyebrows at the mall. Just something to consider.

On paper this blade may look impractical for every-day-carry purposes due to the small belly and dagger grind, but in practice the performance is pleasing. 154CM steel is a staple of Benchmade’s, and for good reason. It is an American mid-range steel that is a good all around performer. The blade’s dagger shape serves several purposes. The deep swedge softens the feel of the back of the knife allowing you to rest your thumb more comfortably on the spine. If you have handled a Spyderco Dragonfly you will have a pretty good idea of how a swedge can bring a little more comfort.

The blade stock is already very thin at 2.29mm, but the grind on this knife makes the blade even more narrow and light while maintaining a strong tip. Because of this, it is a good slicer and excellent piercer. One thing to note about the blade is that it is so thin that it is possible to flex it ever so slightly, but not enough to be troubling for your every day tasks like opening packages or breaking down boxes. That said, I would be cautious to use this knife for hard use activities and it certainly wouldn’t be the only knife I’d bring along on a serious camping trip. While knives with swedges tend to slice a little more poorly than a full flat grind this knife is ground so thin that it seldom has any issue. Still, if a dagger grind isn’t your cup of tea, Benchmade also makes the 531 which sports a full flat ground drop point instead.

All in all, I like the 530’s style. It is what drew me to the knife in the first place and it has proven to be far more practical in practice than one would think.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The handle on the 530 is a fiberglass-reinforced nylon called Grivory. Benchmade has received both praise and criticism for similar handle materials in the past. Some people find the plastic cheap and flimsy. I happen to find most FRN handles to be lightweight and deceptively durable, the 530 being no exception. If you aren’t like me and you dislike plastic handles Benchmade again has your solution in the 531, which has handsome gray G10 handles. The 531 weighs a little more than the 530 because of this, but I would think hardly enough to be noticed.

The handle is coffin-shaped; meaning the blade of this knife is relatively straight and nearly symmetrical. Again, like the blade, the handle is deceptively functional. The plastic handles are hollow, but reinforced by bands of plastic segmenting the inner spaces. The back of the handle is mostly of closed construction with only a little bit of flow through where the frame peeks out. It is quite spacious; I can get a four-finger hold on the knife and still have room to spare. I wear a medium sized glove, so I think all but the very largest of hands will be accommodated in full. The plastic handle flares out on every corner, creating a convenient guard that locks the hand in place. These flares create a short finger ramp for exerting more pressure on the blade if required. Because the knife is flared on both ends, it is equally comfortable and functional in a reverse grip.

Some gently notched jimping is cut into the partial frame that is exposed almost exactly like on Pardue’s Griptilian, and like the Griptilian this jimping is appreciated but not particularly effective. There are also grooves set into the handle, light contouring to improve grip, and a very small divot where the thumb stud protrudes when closed that functions as a tiny choil when open. There was some gritty texture on the handle of my example around the chamfered edges. I am not sure if this is to make the knife more grippy or if it was a flaw, but I didn’t like it. Eventually I took some light grit sandpaper to it and it smoothed out easily. This leads me to believe that it probably would have smoothed out with time anyway.

Overall, the handle is functional and comfortable, but do not expect Spyderco or Griptilian-level ergonomics. Honestly, I don’t think anyone would consider this knife if they were just looking for good ergos. Rather, this knife’s charm lies in the thinness and lightness of its construction. This is achieved with a partial steel liner that only extends halfway down the hollowed handle and by the lightness of the blade. This guy is seriously svelte at 1.88 ounces, and with a handle of a mere 0.37th of an inch. You barely even feel it, yet it has a full-length intimidating blade.

By comparison, a Victorinox Alox Cadet is only 0.28 ounces lighter and shares roughly the same width. That being said, one of my favorite uses for this knife is when I go out for a run. I can clip it to my basketball shorts pocket and it doesn’t affect me, nor does it threaten to come loose and fall out. I imagine this knife would also be useful to pack-weight conscious hikers and climbers as well as for those looking for an unobtrusive defensive/practical tool to slip into a purse or pocket.

The 530 uses a standard Benchmade split arrow style pocket clip that is painted black. The handle is tapped for tip up, right or left side carry. The clip holds the knife on the pocket, but beyond that I do not like it. It does not bury the knife deeply in the pocket at all. I’d say that roughly ¾ of an inch of the handle sticks out over the edge of the pocket. Deep carry isn’t a huge issue when I pick a knife, but on this one it seems inappropriately shallow. I don’t like that it is simply painted either. It tends to chip and look tacky fairly quickly. The arrow shape is also problematic in my eye. It kept catching the hem threads on my T-shirts and tearing them out as well as slipping into the loops of my pocket stitches and loosening them. On my knife I felt the clip held too tight.

Ultimately, I didn’t want to let a knife I loved be brought down by a clip I didn’t. I contacted Benchmade through email and they immediately sent me a new polished deep-carry pocket clip without charge. I have to commend them on their great customer service. The new clip arrived in a couple of days and I popped it right on. Some slight adjustments later (ie, squishing it between two 2×4’s) and it was 100% perfect. Every issue I had with the old clip was resolved and I have never looked back.

Lastly, I will mention that this knife has a lanyard hole. It is situated on the corner of the butt closest to the closed side of the handle. It appears to be functional (I have never personally seen a need for a lanyard on this knife) and capable of fitting a single run of 550 paracord.

The handle on the 530 is light, relatively tough, and functional. I’d say that it is fairly no nonsense while still complimenting the same overall feel of the blade. That said, I don’t think that this is a knife that would be comfortable for long periods of hard use, but that falls in line with design intent anyway. And it sure looks nice.

Deployment and Lockup

The Benchmade 530 makes use of the company’s proprietary Axis Lock system with dual thumb studs and bronze phosphor washers. The axis lock is quite possibly my favorite design of locking mechanism for a lot of reasons. It is strong, reliable, fast, smooth, completely ambidexterous and incredibly elegant. It keeps one’s fingers free of the blade’s path during closing, which is great for the absent-minded fiddling I tend to do with it. I will note that unlike a lot of Benchmade’s axis locks, the lock bar studs on the 530 are a kind of concave cupped design as opposed to a more convex stacked shape. Unfortunately I have noticed that the cup style is less comfortable, having more of an edge to dig into the fingers. Fortunately, if this is an issue for you, the 531 has you covered, having the standard design. I think that the cupped studs are an attempt to keep the knife profile low and they don’t really bother me, even if I wish they were more standard.

Another thing of note is the so-called “landing gear” style of thumb studs. These reflect the overarching goal of this knife to be slim, as they are only about as wide as the handle at its thickest point. Some people have complained that the thumb studs make this knife hard to flick open. I had issues with this at first as well, but through use I found that if I used the groove leading up to the stud as a guide as I flicked my thumb I could deploy the blade quickly every time. If you can do that, this knife will be a smooth operator for you as well.

Benchmade 530 – Final Thoughts

The 530 is a knife not without its quirks. It is an ultra light, ultra thin EDC option that could easily be pressed into an emergency defensive role if needed. The knife is sturdy enough for regular use, but not quite as robust as some other offerings. If a harder use blade is your preference I could easily recommend better Benchmade models for the task, but I feel like the 530 fills a nice role in their line and for one of the most moderate prices in their catalogue: just under 100 dollars on Amazon.

I really love the 530 because it fills that same unique role in my collection and it has some killer good looks, but in all honesty the 531 is probably a better knife. It seems like it addresses most issues customers may have perceived in the 530. Still, I am not at all disappointed in my purchase and I would easily recommend the Benchmade 530 for anyone looking for a lean, mean knife.

Benchmade 531 Axis

HIGH-QUALITY: The 154CM stainless steel blade is tough, rust resistant, and holds an edge well. The G10 handle is durable, impervious to moisture, and stable under extreme temperatures.
WELL-DESIGNED: Benchmade's AXIS lock is exceptionally strong and fully ambidextrous. The 531 is a manual knife that can be opened and closed with either hand.
ALWAYS READY: The 531's lightweight design and one-handed opening make it easy to hold and use. The reversible pocket clip offers ultimate accessibility.
VERSATILE: The 531's drop-point, utility blade style and all-around functionality make it ideal for everyday carry.
SERVICES AND BENEFITS: For information and terms regarding Benchmade's Limited Warranty and LifeSharp Service, please visit Benchmade's website.

I recommend purchasing the Benchmade 530 at 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.

This was a guest review by Jacob Vandenberg. Jacob is a regular reader and all around good guy.

Benchmade 15080-2 Crooked River Review

by Dan Jackson 33 Comments

Last Updated: July 19, 2019

It’s no secret that I think the creative team at Benchmade has been adrift for the past few years. This is perhaps best evidenced by the fact that the company’s most exciting new offerings are actually re-issues of old models: the 940-1 and 551-1. These rockstar designs are interspersed among more puzzling offerings like the 808 Loco and 300 Axis Flipper.

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But Benchmade does seem to be cobbling together a theme. They seem to be taking this “old school, meet new school” approach not only to their classic designs, but also by melding traditional designs with modern manufacturing in their “Hunt” lineup. I thought the Small Summit Lake was a successful mashup of traditional lockback folder with modern materials, beefy construction, and precision manufacturing. The 15080 Crooked River is a knife cut from that same cloth.

In fact, the Crooked River takes the juxtoposition even further. This is an even greater departure from tradition to the point where we almost have a caricature of the classic bowie. Yet there is still a timeless quality to the knife. The low slung blade and bolstered handles tug at the heartstrings of traditional knife design, while the finishes and flourishes appeal to this fan of modern folding knives.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Crooked River has an overall length of 9.3″, a 4″ blade, weighs 5.41 ounces, and is made in the USA. This is a big knife, and is far outside the confines of what I would consider to be an every day carry (EDC) piece. If you were to whip this out in public to trim packing tape or open an envelope, most people would hide under their desk. And if a friend offered up a Swiss Army Knife at a campsite, you could go full Crocodile Dundee on the guy with this Crooked River. This is a “knoife”. I wouldn’t mind a smaller, more manageable version for daily carry.

The Crooked River features a long and lean clip point blade. I have always enjoyed a good clip point for it’s practicality, and the Crooked River is no exception. The high flat grind has been nicely executed complete with Benchmade’s 2-tone stonewashed satin finish. The blade is cut from an impressive 3.15mm thick piece of S30V stainless steel, and it carries a significant amount of steel out all the way to the tip. The end result is a blade that has a good tip for piercing, plenty of edge for cutting, and a nice belly for food prep and possibly even skinning.

The choice of S30V stainless steel for the blade is less exciting now then it may have been 5 years ago. These days I prefer S35VN for it’s improved toughness and ease of sharpening over S30V, but in my opinion Benchmade has always done a great job with their S30V. For example, the S30V on the Volli continues to impress me with it’s sharpness, edge holding, and ease of maintenance. I think Benchmade knows how to make the most of this steel.

The blade geometry of the Crooked River is stouter than the Volli, but this is still a functional blade and the S30V performs nicely on this knife. Capable of taking a keen edge, and holding it for an acceptable period of time, the S30V on the Crooked River is still functional despite there being sexier steels on the market. No issues with corrosion either.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The Crooked River has a long curving handle that compliments its long curving blade. The combination of diamond wood, aluminum bolsters, and orange pivot collar is striking, and I am sure that decision alone has sold many 15080-2’s for Benchmade. If resin-injected wood isn’t your thing, then Benchmade also offers the Crooked River with smooth gray G10 handle scales.

Underneath the scales are full stainless steel liners (skeletonized) and a bright orange G-10 backspacer. Holding things together is a large black pivot and blackened steel hardware. Everything is precision fit, and there are a number of nice details to enjoy, like the arced face between handle scale and bolster, the geared backspacer, and of course the snazzy orange pivot collar. Even the lanyard hole is oval and chamfered, adding style to an otherwise mundane feature of a knife.

Despite there being a good deal of weight around the pivot, the balance point on the Crooked River is behind the axis lock, and is close to the “hump” of the finger choil. The hand feels most at home here; set back further on the knife. While this isn’t billed as a tactical folder, I would be curious to get someone like Chad’s take on the Crooked River. I have no doubt that a knife like this could be pressed beyond pure utilitarian purposes if the need arose.

Beyond my comments on the balance of the knife, the Crooked River benefits from a subdued approach to ergonomics and traction. The long handle provides plenty of room, even for extra large hands. The diamond wood scales offers some texture (not much), while a mild run of jimping on the back of the handle indexes the thumb while still allowing the user to cut with the knife for extended periods without significant thumb fatigue. All said, the ergonomics have proven to be adequate for my purposes.

The Crooked River is a big knife. While I don’t think 5.41 ounces is overweight given the build quality and footprint, it’s still substantial, and when closed the knife is pivot heavy. This creates something of a pendulum effect in your pocket. Benchmade has tried to counter this with a stiff pocket clip. This is a good idea, and my Crooked River holds firmly in place.

On the subject of pocket clips, Benchmade went with a black parkerized version of their split arrow clip. I have always liked the split arrow clip, and here it is situated high on the handle for a relatively deep and discrete carry. The handle is also drilled and tapped for ambidextrous tip up use. That said, Benchmade’s deep carry clip will fit on this knife, and if you prefer a more discrete deep carry option Benchmade typically will send you a deep carry clip free of charge if you ask them nicely.

Deployment and Lockup

While some may grow bored with the axis lock, it remains one of my favorite locking mechanisms. I like the easy one handed opening and closing. Plus it’s fully ambidextrous. And I don’t know if I am simply bullshitting myself, but to me it looks like the phosphor bronze washers on these Benchmades have gotten thicker over the years. Much like my new 551-1, this Crooked River is smooth and easy to open. The blade pops into place with a satisfying “snick”, and the ambidextrous thumb studs are easy to get at with either hand.

Unlike some of the axis lock knives that have crossed my path, my Crooked River locks up tightly and without any play. Blade play is a common complaint on axis lock knives, but I have found that most knives can be fixed with a targeted application of Loctite. Here, blade play was a non-issue, and the axis lock remains as practical and easy to use as ever.

Benchmade Crooked River Review – Final Thoughts

Not to get all jingoistic on everyone, but the Crooked River appeals to the red blooded American in me. This knife takes me back to my childhood, handling my dad’s old Buck fixed blade tucked away his closet next to the well worn Swiss army knives, and old harmonicas.

There is an undeniable charm to the Crooked River that strikes at that primal note that has drawn many people to knife collecting in the first place. While not the most practical offering for an erudite urban EDC, the Crooked River is unapologetically bold and beautiful, and I think it is one of the nicer new designs from BM.

The Crooked River is a knife that I would like a smaller version of. As it stands I don’t see it getting a ton of use personally, but perhaps it has a place in your collection. If the Crooked River piques your interest in the same way that it piqued mine, then I am pleased to report that it is a well made and satisfying folder.

Benchmade - Crooked River 15080 EDC Knife with Wood Handle (15080-2)

BUILT FOR THE HUNT: Simplicity and style meets unmatched function, no matter the application; An ideal hunting knife capable of countless tasks in the field.
AMERICAN MADE CPM-S30V STEEL: For first-rate edge retention and corrosion resistance; Clip-point construction for easily controlled cuts.
STABILIZED WOOD HANDLE: Is made from a durable composite material that's been backfilled with resin; Stands up to a range of harsh elements and environments; Stronger than natural wood.
AXIS LOCKING MECHANISM: Ensures safety and a smooth open and easy close; Reversible split arrow clip; Lanyard hole for versatile carry options.

I recommend purchasing the Benchmade Crooked River at 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.

Benchmade G10 Griptilian 551-1 Review

by Dan Jackson 29 Comments

I wasn’t one of those guys that had a big issue with the plastic handles on the original Griptilian. I always thought they were light and durable. Maybe not the sexiest choice of materials, but certainly practical. But for many the plastic handles of the Griptilian were a source of contention at best. At worst they were a deal breaker.

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So for the longest time if you wanted a Griptilian with G-10 handle scales, you had to go to the after market. This market was pioneered by ex-pat Kevin Wilkins. His line of WilkinsGRIP aftermarket scales were the enthusiast’s best choice if you wanted a G10 Griptilian.

Benchmade finally came around in late 2015 and released both the 551-1 Griptilian and 556-1 Mini Griptilian with G-10 handles. This is arguably the most exciting thing Benchmade has done since the 940-1 Osborne.

This knife was provided to me free of charge by the fine folks over at KnifeArt. In no way has this impacted my impressions of the 551-1. I think the people over at KnifeArt are good guys, I think they run a quality website, and I appreciate their letting me check out this 551-1. Now on to the review.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The 551-1 has an overall length of 8.07″, a 3.45″ blade, weighs 4.17 ounces and is made in the USA. The G10 version is almost an ounce heavier than the original Griptilian, but it does not feel heavy for it’s size, and seems significantly lighter than my WilkinsGRIP equipped BM 552 / Ritter Griptilian.

The 551-1 has an identical drop point blade to the original Griptilian and is offered with your choice of thumb stud or thumb oval. I always preferred the look of the thumb stud version of the Griptilian, so that is what I got.

When I compare this blade to my original Griptilian the only difference I can detect is that the blade has been given a bit of a stonewash. Of course, the 551-1 features a new blade steel, and I will talk about that below. But beyond that you have the same excellent blade shape of the original Griptilian, with a saber flat grind, and swedge. This classic drop point shape has served me well for many years now.

Besides the switch to G-10 scales, the biggest news about the 551-1 is change to CPM-20CV blade steel. This is a steel that I was previously unfamiliar with. Manufactured by Crucible Industries, CPM-20CV is advertised as a steel with high corrosion resistance and wear resistance, and good toughness. Chemically it is similar to M390, which is an excellent steel. CPM-20CV has an extremely high chromium content, which results in its corrosion resistant qualities. From what I can gather, this appears to be a good choice for a folding knife. It may not have the toughness of a steel like 3V, but I think the extra corrosion resistance is a nice trade off here. My regular 154CM Griptilian has been through the ringer, and it occasionally shows small spots of rust if I forget to clean it.

My 551-1 came razor sharp from the factory, and this 20CV seems to hold an edge well. So far I have used the knife to break down a few boxes, open mail, etc. I haven’t wailed on this knife like my original Griptilian and so far have only needed to gently strop the knife to maintain its edge. No corrosion or complaints thus far, but I am not 100% convinced that this steel is worth the price premium over regular 154CM to me.

Still, it’s an interesting steel and I intend to keep this knife for long term testing and evaluation. I’ll update this review as I “gather more data points” and use the knife in the coming years. So far so good.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

Obviously the handle is the main event here for the 551-1, and is basically the entire point of this knife. I am pleased to say that this new G10 handle has been beautifully executed. It is fully 3-D machined, and features bright blue liners and anodized blue backspacers beneath gray overlays. I am not sure if the gray-blue combo would have been my first choice, but the blue certainly “pops” here and my handle has been flawlessly executed. I am hoping Benchmade will roll out some other color combos in the future.

Like the original Griptilian the 551-1 features partial nested steel liners. That is about the only similarity with the handle construction of the original Griptilian. Even the hardware has been upgraded on the 551-1. This new handle is a totally different animal and it transforms the look and feel of the knife.

My favorite aspect of the new handle is how they shaped it to match the contours of the original Griptilian. If you handle aftermarket scales for a Griptilian, they are usually very big and boxy. These aftermarket handles change the ergonomics substantially and add additional weight. That is not the case for the 551-1. Here you get a feel in hand that is very faithful to the original FRN Grip. Of course there is a little extra weight, and the G-10 does feel slightly different, but the overall profile and hand filling nature of the original model has not been lost in translation. Benchmade did away with some of the extra texturing on the handle, and the diamond pattern here isn’t quite as grippy as on the original knife, but there is plenty of grip here for me and I’d go so far as to say that this is an improvement over the original knife from an ergonomics perspective.

Benchmade decided to include a deep carry pocket clip on the new 551-1 rather than their original spoon clip. I like this deep carry clip. It makes for a discrete knife that I have actually worn with slacks at work a few times now. This is a proven clip design. I think the 551-1 carries well for what it is. This is a larger knife, and it is heavier than it’s FRN predecessor, but this is still something that normal guys can carry and use and I think this is a viable EDC option (although admittedly the mini-551-1 is really all you will need for 99% of your EDC tasks).

Deployment and Lockup

Benchmade has equipped the 551-1 with an impressively beefy set of phosphor bronze washers. Because you have an open back design, the washers are very prominent on this knife. The blade flicks open effortlessly. This is a satisfying knife to open and close. Whether you decide on the thumb stud version or the thumb hole version I don’t think you will have a problem accessing the blade.

Of course for lock up you have an axis lock here. I have discussed the axis lock for years now. It remains one of my favorite locks as it is fully ambidextrous and allows you to easily open and close the knife with one hand. I find that the use of G10 handle scales adds a lot of structural rigidity to an axis lock knife and the 551-1 is no exception. It feels solid, and may inspire more confidence in the end user than FRN.

Blade centering is perfect on my knife, as I would expect from a nearly $200 folder.

Benchmade 551-1 Review – Final Thoughts

I must admit I was somewhat skeptical about this knife given the enormous price premium over the regular FRN verion, but the 551-1 has been beautifully executed, and I can see where the extra money went. They didn’t just slap some G10 on this thing and call it a day – every single facet of the original Griptilian has been re-considered and in someway upgraded. It’s clear Benchmade spent a lot of time and effort to dial in the 551-1.

Compared to its FRN predecessor, this new 551-1 is simply a superior tool. If the original FRN scales drove you up the wall, then the 551-1 cures that ill handily, and if you are a Griptilian fan I’d say this is basically a “must buy”. I was skeptical at first, especially given the price point, but the 551-1 has exceeded my expectations.

Benchmade - Griptilian 551-1 Knife, Drop-Point Blade, Plain Edge, Satin Finish, Gray Handle G10 Handle, Made in the USA

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.

I recommend buying the 551-1 at Amazon, or BladeHQ, KnifeArt.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.

Benchmade 300-1 Axis Flipper Review

by Dan Jackson 6 Comments

Last Updated: August 2, 2019
The Benchmade 300 is a knife that I originally passed on reviewing. This wasn’t an easy decision. As Benchmade’s first flipper, this is an important knife. But initial reports said that the flipping action was weak, and the knife seemed chunky. I was turned off for those reasons. Rather than going through the motions of reviewing a knife that I did not want to review, I decided to focus my efforts elsewhere.

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I think it was a mistake to ignore the 300. In a sea of somewhat boring and predictable Benchmade offerings, this knife offered a glimpse of something different for the company; even if it’s simply hitching on to the flipper wagon.

As I review some of Benchmade’s 2016 models, I see a few more flippers in the mix. I can’t help but wonder how the 300 has informed these new flippers, and future knives for Benchmade. That is what really drew me to examine the 300.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The 300 has an overall length of 7.36″, a 3.18″ blade, weighs 4.85 ounces, and is made in the U.S.A. Technically, my knife with the black and blue G-10 handle scales is referred to as the 300-1. The original 300 comes with sand colored peel-ply G-10 handle scales and satin hardware. Beyond the scales and hardware you have the same knife. I am going to refer to my 300-1 as simply a “300” throughout this review.

The 300 knife is designed by Butch Ball, a nice man that I had the pleasure of meeting at the 2015 Blade Show. The 300 is aimed at the Every Day Carry (EDC) market. It is on the large side for my style of daily carry, although it makes for a nice “nights and weekends” knife when I can dress a little more casually. I have used it in an EDC capacity, and can see how others might do the same.

The 300 features a wide clip point blade. This is a dramatic blade that juts from the handle with a pronounced thumb ramp, deep belly, and large flipper. The high flat grind and bright satin finish contrast sharply with the dark handle and black hardware. There is a thin swedge that terminates with a fine tip.

In practice the 300 proved itself to be a capable slicer. Although the blade stock is relatively thick, this is a wide blade, and the high flat grind gets thin behind the edge. Standard fare like cardboard, rope, and apples are easily cleaved by the 300. A deep belly and strong tip are hallmarks of clip point blades, and these features aid the 300 in food prep and penetrating cuts. This versatile blade shape is well rounded and the 300 should handle most EDC chores without complaint.

Benchmade decided on 154CM for the blade steel. Knife fans will already know that this is a proven stainless steel, although it is now considered a mid range steel. Personally, I remain a big fan of 154CM. It takes a beautiful edge, holds it well, and is easy to sharpen. Like all steels (even stainless steels) you will need to keep the knife clean to avoid corrosion, but if adequately maintained this is an excellent working steel ideally suited for daily use.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

My 300 came with 3-d machined layered blue and black G10 handle scales over blackened stainless steel liners (again, technically this is considered the 300-1 in Benchmade’s catalog). The knife is held together with torx-head fasteners and 2 blackened stand offs. The 300 originally is offered in sand colored peel ply G10 with odd grooves cut into it. It was different, and I appreciate that, but it did not appeal to me. The blue/black G10 is a little more toned down, but it still offers the end user something besides a plain black handle. The steel liners have been skeletonized extensively. The fit and finish is excellent on my knife.

The entire knife looks wide and unwieldy, but it all makes sense in hand. There are a series of finger grooves, that I typically am not a huge fan of, but I was pleasantly surprised with how natural the 300 fit my fingers (I take a “large” glove for reference). The thumb ramp features 3 shallow notches (jimping) that more index your thumb than hold it in place. This is a stark contrast from the toothy jimping on the Griptilian.

The machined G10 handle scales offer traction, but the texture is not aggressive like peel ply G-10. The texture is similar to the handles of the Volli or the Bedlam. If you prefer the traction and feel of a peel ply G-10 handle, then check out the tan colored version of this knife.

In practice this is a comfortable work knife. It stayed in my hand and did not irritate me in use. The finger grooves actually worked here for my hand.

Benchmade chose a black parkerized deep carry pocket clip, and situated the 300 for ambidextrous tip up carry. I like the deep carry clip and clip placement. The 300 buries deep into the pocket and carries well considering this is a larger knife. And I do consider the 300 to be a larger knife. Despite having a sub 3.5″ blade it is still a wide and thick knife. For what it is, I think the 300 carries pretty well.

Deployment and Lockup

The big draw to the 300 is that it is Benchmade’s first flipper, and that this is an axis lock flipper. In a perfect world we would get exceptional flipping action combined with the safety and convenience of the axis lock.

I am here to report that this knife does not flip like a traditional liner lock or frame lock flipper. The axis lock simply does not provide enough resistance (or “detent strength” if you were to compare it to a traditional detent driven flipper) to provide snappy flipping action. However, my knife was not a total flipper fail. If you use a strong lightswitch flick it is possible to flip the knife completely open without using your wrist. It takes some practice, and doesn’t compare to a ball detent driven flipper, but the knife does flip open this way. On a “1 to 10” scale, I’d say this is a 3. It still flips better than my 3” XM-18 did, but this isn’t a Shirogorov by any means.

Benchmade wisely chose to include ambidextrous thumb studs on the 300. This is a more reliable means of opening the blade, and provides the user some options in how they want to manipulate their 300. The thumb studs deploy the blade as easily as a Griptilian or any other axis lock knife with thumb studs. And of course you can use the axis lock to flick the knife open as well.

Speaking of axis locks, the axis lock on my 300 is excellent. My knife is rock solid and devoid of any horizontal or vertical blade play. I remain a big fan of the axis lock because it is strong, easy to use, is fully ambidextrous, and you do not need to put your fingers in the path of the blade to close the knife.

Blade centering is near perfect on my 300.

Benchmade 300 Review – Final Thoughts

I am glad I finally bought a 300. This is an interesting and important knife for Benchmade, and I was pleasantly surprised by it. The big question is “How well does it flip?” I am here to confirm that the flipping action is nothing to write home about. It works, but requires practice and a strong index finger.

If we examine the other aspects of the 300 it reveals a thoughtful and well made knife. The fit and finish is good, the knife cuts well, the steel is good, the handle is comfortable, and the 300 carries decently given its size.

It’s a thick and larger knife, so don’t expect this to carry like a Valet, but for a sturdy working knife this fits the bill. If you are a fan of knives like the Rift, then I think you would appreciate the 300.

This is an interesting first attempt at an axis lock flipper from BM. I wouldn’t call it a home run, but I am glad I picked one up. I am curious to see how Benchmade’s new 2016 flippers stack up against the 300, and plan to review at least one of them in the not so distant future.

In closing, don’t buy the 300 if you are expecting a Zero Tolerance grade flipper with an axis lock. The flipping action is simply not up to par with a ZT. Buy the 300 if you are a Benchmade fan that likes larger EDC knives, and wants to try something a little different.

Benchmade - AXIS Flipper 300 Knife, Plain Drop-Point, Satin Finish, Sand Handle

HIGH-QUALITY: The 154CM stainless steel blade is tough, rust resistant, and holds an edge well. The G10 handle is durable, impervious to moisture, and stable under extreme temperatures, making it great for outdoor use.
WELL-DESIGNED: The AXIS Flipper 300 offers the speed and function of AXIS Assist, with the convenience of a flipper. The 300 can be opened and closed quickly and single-handedly.
COMFORTABLE: The 300's contoured handle is attractive and comfortable to use and hold. The reversible pocket clip offers ultimate accessibility.
VERSATILE: The AXIS Flipper 300's drop-point, utility blade style and all-around functionality make it ideal for everyday carry.

I recommend purchasing the Benchmade 300 at 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.

Benchmade 940-1 Review

by Benjamin Schwartz 22 Comments

Last Updated: July 13, 2019
Benchmade is a company that prefers iteration over innovation. Most of the new knives fall comfortably, and somewhat uninspiringly, within the boundaries of its recognizable, slow-to-change design language. Even really good new Benchmade knives, like the Valet, aren’t that differently from the Benchmades of five, even ten years ago.

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I can understand Benchmade’s adherence to its own unchanging vision to a certain extent. When the stars align it results in some unforgettable knives. To my mind there are few knives under $100 that compare to the Mini-Griptilian as an all-purpose EDC knife, and I’ve always thought the 710 looked like an incredible large folder.

But, for a lot of folks, the Warren Osborne-designed 940 is the Benchmade knife, and one that I was long overdue in trying out – partly because I prefer smaller knives, and partly because in the gleeful, dizzying descent that is the first few years of knife collecting, you’re bound to miss a few standbys in all that whirl and headiness.

Once the honeymoon phase of my collecting was over, I wanted to settle down with a nice, mid-sized Benchmade, and started to consider the 940 seriously. By the time I was ready to pull the trigger the Benchmade 940-1, a ‘premium’ rendition of the beloved blade, had released.

‘Premium’ doesn’t always mean ‘better,’ (unless there are performance benefits to Damasteel I am unaware of), and, with Benchmade’s Gold Class models it also means a 100+% increase in price. Thankfully Benchmade kept the 940-1 in their Blue Class line – the standard line for knives intended to be used. And while there is an increase in price over the vanilla 940, all of the changes Benchmade made – the carbon fiber scales and the slightly retooled handle, S90V steel – are performance-oriented. In short, while the 940 was already a classic, and I would’ve adored owning it, the 940-1 is, to my mind, the ideal version of an already incredible knife.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The 940-1 has a blade length of 3 7/16”, a handle length of 4 ¾”, and an overall length of 7 7/8”. The weight is the first indication that the 940-1’s premium materials were chosen with performance in mind: this medium-sized folder weighs just 2.44 oz. To put that in perspective: the Spyderco Paramilitary 2, a knife that is widely lauded for the way it crams a lot of blade into a fairly lightweight package, is more than an ounce heavier (still a wonderful knife though).

The 940-1 features the iconic Osborne modified reverse tanto blade shape. Normally when I hear ‘reverse tanto’ I roll my eyes and expect tacticool sub-par performance, but thankfully that is not the case here. As a mid-sized knife, the 940-1 does everything I would expect it to do well. Punching through cardboard, whittling, even slicing an apple – it’s versatile and accommodating. Like all the best blade shapes, you feel like it was designed to do specifically whatever task you’re currently performing. I don’t love it for fine or delicate cutting tasks, but really there’s only one larger folder I know of that works well in those roles (smooches, PM2, sorry I called you fat earlier).

This good all-around performance can be attributed partly to the grind. When it comes to blade grinding, Benchmade has a lot of bad habits – swedges, facets, that sort of thing. Indeed, on paper, this grind is a mess: big swedge, the thinning-and-then-thickening out of the blade, the somewhat bulbous tip. You’d think there would be no way to make this a good slicer, but the bladesmiths at Benchmade pulled it off – if only just.

The reverse tanto can slice, pull cut, pierce, everything. It’s hardy without feeling bulky. I can cut up plastic or wood but when I slice up an apple with it I don’t get that ‘driving a railroad spike’ feeling I do from my Strider PT CC. My 940-1 is adequately thin behind the edge, but with such a small primary bevel I can see (and have heard of) unnecessary thickness before the edge bevel. In short, it’s a fine line, but, on my 940-1, they managed to walk it and make a good performer out of a very flamboyant design.

The other half of the equation is the steel: S90V. This is an exotic steel. I use the word ‘exotic’ purposefully because, even more so than something like ZDP-189 or M390, S90V feels very different from your standard steels. Its edge retention is totally singular – not in terms of how long, but rather in what manner it holds an edge.

I’ve written at length about my preference for ‘clean’ edge retention, and S90V flies in the face of my predilection: even when very sharp I found its edge quite toothy. For a long time I thought I didn’t like S90V. I didn’t expect such vicious-feeling edge from a super steel.

But when I started testing the 940-1 for review, I came to appreciate it. Again, the 940-1 is a mid-sized knife, and for mid-sized tasks that toothiness is a boon: this thing chews through wood, cardboard, plastic, and other materials, with no appreciable diminishment in its cutting capabilities. S90V is aggressive, and I approve. Don’t let the classiness of the CF fool you: the 940-1 is a barbarian in a tuxedo.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Carry

The 940-1’s handle is a textbook example of the grip-neutral handle, and I love it. A straightforward, clean-lined handle that lets you hold it however you need to – more of this please, knife makers.

Whereas the vanilla 940’s handle is composed of two aluminum scales with a titanium spacer between them, the 940-1’s carbon fiber scales are separated by two gorgeous blue standoffs. There are nested partial liners, and everything feels sturdy and durable in the hand. The carbon fiber isn’t slick, and all the edges are rounded to avoid hotspots. The knife is slim and narrow: you will barely noticed this medium-sized knife in your pocket. The clip stays nice and low and doesn’t muck up your grip.

That clip is the standard Benchmade number, the same you see on the Mini-Griptilian – although here it appears to be Parkerized instead of painted. It’s a real B+ of a clip: better than adequate, less than stellar. I like the way at looks, and I like that it’s tough, because I’m pretty hard on clips, but in a perfect world the deep-carry butterfly clip from the Contego would come standard on the 940-1.

At least, if they can get the fit just right. I know Everyday Commentary did the swap and it worked great, but when I gave the Contego clip a try, it didn’t sit flush against the scales, and clacked obnoxiously every time I held the knife, so I went back to the default clip – which, lest we forget, is good at worst.

All of these good things come together and make the 940-1 a top-tier carry in-pocket. Narrow, thin, easy to retrieve, and totally unnoticeable in carry. Wonderful. Better even than my beloved PM2 (I’m sorry baby, come back!).

Deployment and Lockup

When you’re talking about an Axis Lock, deployment and lockup are intertwined, to the extent that the nature of the Axis Lock allows for a very recognizable, friction-free deployment. Once you break in an Axis Lock you have a glass-smooth deployment for years and years. I only own one other Blue Class Benchmade knife, a Mini-Griptilian, and as good as that feels to deploy, the 940-1 is even better: this thing closes on its own if I disengage the lock and it is at any kind of angle. This is a classic Benchmade-ism I wouldn’t change.

Here is a shot of the 940-1 next to the Spyderco Para 2:

The only downside to this super-smooth deployment is a modicum of side-to-side bladeplay. Not enough to worry me on my pass/fail system for bladeplay, but definitely noticeable. But I’ve personally never had a larger knife that didn’t have a little play. It doesn’t make cutting any harder, and it doesn’t signify a weak lock. If I were using this knife for hard-use tasks it might bother me more (and I also wouldn’t want an Axis Lock for true hard use), but in the sort of things this knife is designed to do, it’s great.

And here is a parting shot of the 940-1 next to the Benchmade 551-1 G-10 Griptilian:

Benchmade 940-1 Review – Final Thoughts

When I first picked up the 940-1, I was really hoping that it would quickly get discontinued so that it became a collector’s piece and I could flip it for an exorbitant, Hinderer-esque profit. Now that I’ve really thought about the thing, though, I’m glad it’s still around. I’m fairly comfortable calling this the version of the 940 to get: you get a really rad steel and better-looking and lighter scales on top of all the other things that make the 940 a classic, and it deserves to be carried, used, and loved by as many people as possible. And when you consider that, depending on where you shop, you’re only paying about a $70 premium for it, it seems like a no-brainer.

The 940-1 is the best version of one of the best pocket knives ever designed.

Sale

Benchmade - Osborne 940 EDC Knife with Black Carbon Fiber Handle (940-1)

ALL-AROUND UTILITY: A quintessential EDC tool that combines simplicity with unmatched function, no matter the application; Ideal for pretty much everything.
HIGH-END CPM-S90V STEEL: Uniform microstructure gives it a superior edge when it comes to wear and corrosion resistance ; Reverse tanto blade is nimble, versatile, and made for the outdoors.
ULTRALIGHT CARBON FIBER HANDLE: Exceptionally strong with a featherweight feel in the hand and gnarled texture across the board for a sure grip
AXIS LOCKING MECHANISM: Ensures safety and a smooth open and easy close; Standard clip; Light as a feather for easy carrying and a comfortable grip.
EVERYDAY CARRY: With its slim profile and lightweight design, the 940-1 is the perfect addition to your gear collection, backpack, survival kit, tackle box, and more.

I recommend purchasing the Benchmade 940-1 at Amazon and 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.

Benchmade 485 Valet Review

by Dan Jackson 16 Comments

Last Updated: February 2, 2019

2013 and 2014 marked pretty quiet years for Benchmade. Not a whole lot of interesting stuff rolled off their shelves. The Volli was my favorite and has proven itself to be an excellent knife. Beyond that there wasn’t a whole lot to report.

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Benchmade’s 2015 SHOT Show releases actually looked pretty strong. The 485 Valet was one model that caught my eye. Perhaps most surprising was that the knives became available about a week after the show. Gone are the days of lusting over pre-production tools at SHOT only to find them released sometimes years later. Initially I was going to hold off on acquiring a Valet, but all it took were a couple positive affirmations from Tony regarding his knife and I had a Valet en-route to my office.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Valet has an overall length of 6.69″, a 2.96″ blade, and it weighs 2.18 ounces. The knife compares favorably to the Benchmade Mini Griptilian although it’s much sleeker. The low profile handle and spear point blade were innately appealing. This is a slim every day carry (EDC) piece that easily doubles as a gentleman’s folder with a more modern flair.

The Valet’s packs plenty of cutting edge, a high flat grind, and a sturdy tip all into a sub 3″ blade. The blade is ground thin and it almost cuts like classic slip joint (not a bad thing). I had no trouble zipping through boxes, bags, and all the little stuff that comes across my path. Everything from sliding between the folds of an envelope free a cable bill to de-boning chicken thighs for a stir fry.

Benchmade went with Bohler M390 stainless steel for the Valet. I have been putting M390 through its paces between this Valet and my ZT 0620. Heat treated to 60-62HRc, M390 is a super steel with superior edge holding abilities, yet it is still easy to maintain. I have been putting the Valet through it’s paces, and I’ve been happy with the results. I sliced up a big stack of cardboard in an informal “cut test” and managed to wear the edge down a bit after a while. I ended up sharpening the knife on the fine stones of my Sharpmaker. After just a few passes I could tell the edge was coming back, and I was able to quickly restore the edge to hair shaving, paper slicing performance. M390 is also very corrosion resistant.

M390 is apparently very expensive (on a podcast Tony and I determined that it appears to sell for 3x as much as a more normal steel). Given the option I would have selected a S30V or 154CM version if it meant a substantial reduction in purchase price, but I appreciate that Benchmade is interested in offering a premium product.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The Valet has a sleek gray handle with smooth G10 over milled out stainless steel liners, and a gray G10 backspacer. Handle construction is typical Benchmade quality. The G10 is contoured (3D machined) has been nicely finished. The steel liners are flush, and the backspacer sits solidly in the middle. I like the gray. It’s different, but nothing crazy. This isn’t a big handle, but it’s well made.

The Valet is a small knife and it feels like a small knife. I’m able to get a full grip on it, but there isn’t much room beyond that. It’s perfectly fine for little EDC tasks. There is no jimping, or much in the way of notable ergonomic features. The little knife sits in your hand well enough, and is more than adequate for normal use. I did not find the smooth G10 to be “slippery” and did not have any issues using the knife normally.

The pocket clip is a nice stainless steel deep carry clip. It buries almost completely into the pocket and is discrete. The handle is drilled and tapped for ambidextrous tip up carry. I like this clip and I think it works well.

The Valet also carries really well. At under 3 ounces and you quickly forget the knife is in your pocket. Perfect as either a discrete primary EDC or a lightweight backup knife.

Deployment and Lockup

This is an axis lock knife, with thumb studs. Usually, that would be all I need to hear, but I am concerned that this time Benchmade may have tried to do too much with too little. The positioning of the thumb studs and axis lock feels cramped. The axis lock is smaller than on other axis lock knives, and the thumb studs sit very close to the handle. The knife looks cool, and it certainly works, but it isn’t the most comfortable knife to open and close repeatedly. I’ll be curious to see if anyone shares that opinion with me.

Lockup on my knife is good. Out of the box there was a tiny bit of horizontal blade play, and a little more developed after a month of use. Pretty much all of my axis lock knives have a little play in them unless I tear them down and loctite the pivot. I know some people aren’t fans of the axis lock (too many moving parts and small springs to break), but I have always liked them. This one is smaller than I’m used to, but it still works.

Benchmade Valet Review – Final Thoughts

I am a little divided on the Valet. On one hand, it is a really slick little folder. I have been getting more and more into gents folders for daily carry, and visually this one ticks a lot of boxes for me. I like the smooth G10 handles, and the thin flat grind and spearpoint blade are excellent. My knife came well finished, and I didn’t run into any major QC issues that some folks have reported on first run Benchmades.

But a couple things turn me off on the Valet. The fiddly “landing gear” (small thumb studs placed very close to the knife and small axis lock) is my biggest concern. I would not recommend this knife for people with larger hands. I’m not Andre the Giant, but the position of the lock and thumb studs seems too tight for repeated use (or the mindless flicking open and closed of pocket knives while watching TV). Certainly this could be a “Your Mileage May Vary” thing. This is a beautiful knife, but I think BM leaned a little into far into “form over function” territory on this one.

I also think the price is also worth mentioning. $170 is a large sum for a small knife. I would have loved to see the Valet on the tail end of $150, and not on the tail end of $200. I realize that M390 is expensive material, and I think that folks who really appreciate a premium steel will have an easier time justifying the cost. Personally, I am not convinced this steel is worth the extra money.

But I don’t mean to end this review on a down note. The Valet potentially has a lot to offer. If it fits your hand well then there is little left to complain about. The Mini Griptilian is still my go to small Benchmade, but the Valet could be a worthy upgrade if it fits your hand and budget.

Benchmade - 485 Valet Knife, Drop-Point Blade, Plain Edge, Gray G10 Handle

HIGH-QUALITY: The M390 premium stainless steel blade offers exceptional cutting ability, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. The G10 handle is durable, impervious to moisture, and stable under extreme temperatures.
WELL-DESIGNED: Benchmade's AXIS lock is exceptionally strong and fully ambidextrous. The 485 is a manual knife that can be opened and closed with one hand.
COMFORTABLE: The 485's lightweight design and contoured handle make it comfortable to hold and use. The reversible pocket clip offers ultimate accessibility.
VERSATILE: The Valet 485's drop-point, utility blade style and all-around functionality make it ideal for everyday carry and use.

I recommend purchasing the Valet at Amazon and 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.