Best Benchmade Knife 2023

Love for knives originated many centuries ago. The knife is the most versatile tool of our ancestors, which helped to survive in the wild and helped to conquer it. Therefore, in different eras, it was just a faithful helper from a piece of stone, bone, or metal, and sometimes – an attribute of a hunter and a warrior, endowed with faith in its magical properties. Nowadays, folding knives can be both cult things and unified devices for solving various kinds of tasks. In today’s review, we will look at various universal Benchmade models suitable for both: survival in the wild and for solving small domestic tasks.

The Benchmade Knife Company is an American knife manufacturer run by Roberta and Les de Asis in Oregon City, Oregon. Its products are sold to numerous markets, such as everyday carry, outdoor sporting, cutlery, rescue, law-enforcement, martial-arts, and military. The company has collaborated with a number of custom knife makers since its inception. It is said to be one of the best knife companies in the world (source – Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benchmade). Official website: https://www.benchmade.com/.

Note: We advise you to pay attention to those models in which not only a knife is included in the kit, but also a cover for its safe storage and transportation.

Best Benchmade Knife | Best Benchmade Pocket Knife | Best Benchmade Folding Knives

Image	Product	Brand
	Benchmade 940 Blue Class Folding Knife	Benchmade
	Benchmade Barrage Knife by Osborne Design	Benchmade
	Benchmade Mini-Barrage Folding Knife	Benchmade
	Benchmade Adamas Folding Knife	Benchmade
	Benchmade Boost, DR PT, AXS Assist 590 Blade	Benchmade
	Benchmade 175 Adamas Push Dagger Concealed Backup Knife	Benchmade
	Benchmade 162 Bushcrafter 9.20" Fixed Blade Knife	Benchmade
	Benchmade Amicus AXIS Assist Fold Knife 490 Blade	Benchmade
	Benchmade 1000001 Volli Axis Assist Folding Knife	Benchmade
	Benchmade 950 Rift Knife by Osborne Design	Benchmade
	Benchmade - Bugout 535 EDC	Benchmade
	Benchmade - 940 EDC Manual Open Folding	Benchmade
	Benchmade - Mini Griptilian 556 Knife, Drop-Point Blade	Benchmade
	Benchmade - Contego 810	Benchmade
	Benchmade Emissary Knife by Osborne Design	Benchmade

#1 Benchmade 940 Blue Class Folding Knife

The Benchmade 940 Blue Class folding knife is so compact that you can carry it in your pocket. The single-sided sharp Tanto blade has been refined by the manufacturer and uses S30V stainless-steel as its material (the best and most durable knife models are made from this type of steel). Opening the knife on purpose is very simple: you need to press the side shutter with your thumb. If you want to feel safe when the knife is not in use, remember that the manufacturer has provided for the installation of the AXIS locking mechanism. It holds the blade securely in the handle when the knife is in the closed position. If you look closely, you can see a black clip on the side of the green handle. It is designed to hook the folding knife to the cloth when closed. This way, you won’t have to mess it up in your pocket or bag and can quickly get it out when needed. The handle itself combines three materials that were used in its manufacture: stainless steel, titanium gasket, and anodized aluminum.

#2 Benchmade Barrage Knife by Osborne Design

If we tried to describe the Benchmade 583 Barrage Tanto folding knife model in one word, it would sound like «classic». It combines amazing compactness (blade length is 3.6 inches) and, at the same time, the efficiency and durability of stainless steel. Such a knife will be an excellent assistant both at home and in the field. With one movement of your two fingers, you can open this knife. Its instant opening speed is due to the installation of Benchmade’s patented AXIS Assist mechanism with a spring system, which reliably locks the knife when closed. This is done for your own safety. The second safety condition is the anti-slip and easy to grip handle. This is the handle that this manufacturer presents to us. With its help, it is possible to perfectly maintain balance and deliver precise and sharp punctures and cuts.

#3 Benchmade Mini-Barrage Folding Knife

The Benchmade Mini-Barrage folding knife comes in handy for both hiking and household chores for men. You can carry it anywhere because its size is so compact that it can fit in any pocket. A special feature of this knife model is its extremely thin stainless-steel blade, which is only 0.1″ thick. To activate this model, a patented opening mechanism is also used with the help of double-sided latches, which can be pressed with just one thumb. This same system saves people from unexpected openings of the knife when not in use. This holds the blade securely inside the handle. Holding the knife in your hands is quite a pleasant thing because the texture of the handle is thought out to the smallest detail. It has indentations for each finger so you can grip the knife comfortably for work.

#4 Benchmade Adamas Folding Knife

Why this folding knife got exactly that name could be told by Shane Sibert (read more here: https://blog.benchmade.com/shane-sibert-designer-story/). It was inspired by the American army, after which he named the blade. With this knife, there are no difficulties when opening and closing, since the special locking mechanism AXIS allows you to do this as quickly as possible. You can open the knife with one thumb, which presses on the pins installed on both sides of the blade. Do not worry that the blade may fall out of your hands and thereby cause injury. The 0.73 ” thick aluminum handle with a round perforation design fits well in the hand and is controlled. When you are not using the blade, it can be stored in a special bag that is sold in the kit. If we talk about the parameters in more detail, the thickness of the knife blade is 0.16 inches, the length is 3.82 inches, and the hardness is 60-62 HRC. The D2 tool steel blade is powder-coated in black for a very stylish look. This material is considered anti-corrosion, which allows you to use it countless times in any weather conditions, without worrying that its quality will deteriorate. I would like to pay special attention to the fact that the manufacturer wins a part of its profits from the sale of this model for the charity fund to help the rangers.

#5 Benchmade Boost, DR PT, AXS Assist 590 Blade

This universal knife model can be used every day – it is easy to carry with you as it weighs 4.59 ounces. As for the blade, it is made of CPM-S30V corrosion-resistant stainless steel with a satin finish. Its length is 3.7 inches open and 4.83 inches closed. In this case, the total length of the knife including the blade and handle is 8.52 inches. If we talk about the handle of the knife, then it is worth starting with its stylish silver color, because the manufacturer has chosen a successful material for its production – silver.

#6 Benchmade 175 Adamas Push Dagger Concealed Backup Knife

Are you still looking for a knife that will last you a long time, right? Then choose the Benchmade 175 Adamas Push Dagger with a double-pointed blade and a ground blade that’s 2.50 “long and 0.125” thick. It is made of high-quality high-chromium stainless steel 440C (58-60HRC). It is renowned for its corrosion resistance and hardness (58-60), which ensures long and reliable knife use. This type of steel can be easily sharpened so that the tool always remains in good condition. The Benchmade Adamas Push Dagger is vinyl coated and measures 0.250 inches thick. The handle has a unique and most comfortable grip because here you can use all your fingers and position them as you like. It can be attached to the pocket or belt of a special work suit for easy portability while you don’t need a knife.

#7 Benchmade 162 Bushcrafter 9.20″ Fixed Blade Knife

Whether you’re on an unexpected wilderness adventure or a planned hunt, you’ll need the Benchmade 162 Bushcrafter Knife for all conditions. This knife is equipped with a fixed blade. The blade is made of S30V stainless steel and has a polished finish. Considering its thickness, which is 58-60 HRC, it will last a very long time, unlike those blades that are made of less durable materials. It is 4.43 inches long and 0.164 inches thick. You don’t have to store the knife anywhere, worrying about not injuring yourself or losing it at all. The set also includes a stylish leather case made of natural sheepskin. The case is decorated with a ring and loop and a retaining strap. Pay attention to the not unusual design of the Benchmade 162 Bushcrafter Knife handle: a light shade of green with titanium inlays and underlining red stripes. This handle is 0.920 inches thick.

#8 Benchmade Amicus AXIS Assist Fold Knife 490 Blade

Benchmade Amicus AXIS Assist Fold Knife is the best model for tactical and everyday use and safe transport. It is light and thin enough, so it does not take up much space and does not weigh down your luggage. You can be sure of the speed of reaction of this knife to your one-touch because it opens quickly and closes just as quickly. This is why the manufacturer has equipped this invention with a reliable AXIS Assist locking mechanism. The blade is made of satin finish CPM-S90V powder tool steel and the handle is made of 7075-T6 aluminum. Unfortunately, the manufacturer chose to release this model for sale with only one handle color option (the classic – black).

#9 Benchmade 1000001 Volli Axis Assist Folding Knife

The reliable locking mechanism «AXIS Lock» quickly responds when you need to close the knife completely to ensure your own safety. The blade is 3.18″ long and 0.130″ thick. It is made of high quality 154 cm S30V stainless steel. This material provides a blade hardness of 58-60 HRC. This thickness and material mean that there is much less need for sharpening the knife. Even in rainy weather and the absence of anti-slip gloves, you will be able to hold the knife firmly in your hands. This is thanks to its G10 grip, which is 0.590 inches thick. It also has double-sided recesses on which you can comfortably place your thumb and hold the knife. For the convenience of carrying the knife while it is not in use, a silver pocket clip is used. It is made from two sides.

#10 Benchmade 950 Rift Knife by Osborne Design

This Benchmade 950 Rift Knife by Osborne Design is notable for its folding mechanism: a 154 cm hardened stainless steel blade is placed in a thin slot between the stainless steel sleeves. The hardness of this blade is 58-61 HRC. Accordingly, you do not have to devote a lot of time to sharpen your knife frequently. It will always be sharp, unlike those blades made of lower quality steel. In terms of parameters, the blade is 3.67 inches long and 0.114 inches thick. As for the thickness of the handle – it is 0.560 inches. The total length of the knife when open is 8.27 inches and when closed it is 4.60 inches. The robust AXIS locking mechanism responds quickly and efficiently when the knife needs to be fully closed for personal safety. Beyond the technical specifications, aesthetics lovers should pay attention to the sophisticated symmetry of the design.

#11 Benchmade – Bugout 535 EDC

Bugout 535 EDC is a great option both for those who like active and even extreme recreation and for everyday needs. It is very easy to carry it with you, because it weighs very little, even though the knife itself is very durable. It is made of powder unique CPM-S30V tool steel, which has a high level of corrosion resistance. The handle of the knife has a certain ribbed texture that simply decorates the product. For its manufacture, the manufacturer used glass-filled nylon. It provides an increased level of product strength. The blade closes and opens very quickly and at the same time smoothly, thanks to a high-quality locking mechanism and a reversible clamp.

#12 Benchmade – 940 EDC Manual Open Folding

Looking at this simple design, at first, it is impossible to even think about how high-quality and functional this knife is. It is so versatile that it can be used in absolutely any area of life to solve problems of different levels and under any weather conditions. Its quality is due to the material from which the blade is made — from wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant CPM-S30V steel. The smooth handle is made of anodized aluminum on both sides. The blade closes and opens very quickly and at the same time smoothly, thanks to the high-quality locking mechanism and a reversible clamp.

#13 Benchmade – Mini Griptilian 556 Knife, Drop-Point Blade

If you were looking for a utility knife that is suitable for both everyday life and outdoor activities, hunting or hiking, then you have finally found it. Here is the ideal Benchmade model – Mini Griptilian 556 Knife which can be easily transported to any location. Its quality is due to the material from which the blade is made — from wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant steel 154 cm. The handle in this model is made absolutely symmetrical and textured. It is made of nylon with fiberglass. This material makes the tool particularly durable. The blade closes and opens very quickly and at the same time smoothly, thanks to the high-quality locking mechanism and a reversible clamp.

#14 Benchmade – Contego 810

What is special about Benchmade Contego 810? Its durable blade is made of excellent powder-coated high-speed steel CPM-M4, which is also corrosion-resistant. Accordingly, the knife can be used in all weather conditions without worrying about rust. In addition to the blade, the G10 handle also boasts of its durability, which is waterproof and resistant to extreme high and low temperatures. The blade closes and opens very quickly and at the same time smoothly thanks to the high-quality locking mechanism, which is located on both sides and allows you to open and close the knife with one hand. Despite its rather large size, this knife is quite easy and comfortable to hold in your hand.

#15 Benchmade Emissary Knife by Osborne Design

The Benchmade Emissary Knife by Osborne Design is a relative classic among the tactical pocket knife models presented in this review. It has a smooth Clip Point blade that is 3″ long and 0.090″ wide. The blade is made of the best wear-resistant and premium stainless steel S30V. Thanks to this material, the blade has a special strength and hardness — 58-60HRC. You can open the blade by pressing your thumb on the pins that are located on both sides of the knife. They also help to reliably lock the blade in the closed state between the steel sleeves thanks to the auxiliary mechanism AXIS.

FAQ

Yury Alexeev

Gun and Hunting Expert

The author of analytical top articles on firearms and accessories — a recognized expert in the field of survival in the wild, the author of many articles on quality camping and hunting equipment, and a firearms enthusiast. Due to many years of experience in hunting trips and studying the technical side of collecting firearms — both for hunting and for clay pigeon shooting — the author has many valuable tips to harmonize the passion for hunting and bring to it exceptional quality in terms of equipment and outfit.

My articles are precisely analyzed technical information and equipment specifications that allow a real hunter to assemble a decent set of weapons for multi-day outings in the wild. From the tents to the well-oiled gun, everything should meet the demands of the extreme entertainment enthusiast. Technically perfect weapons can greatly facilitate hunting even in the wilderness — choosing only the most qualitative, modern optics and other accessories for weapons, hunting efficiency will be maximum.

When choosing a weapon for hunting, pay attention to its specifications, and, above all, to the convenience for yourself — using high-quality equipment, you will discover the wonderful world of accurate shooting and successful hunting even in those weather conditions that don’t imply hope for the shooter's eyes. Yury Alexeev - weapon and hunting expert, CEO of Silencer.Systems

Read more about our team of expert authors.