Benchmade

Benchmade is a popular knife brand that was founded in 1987 in America by Les deAsis. Before that, Benchmade only made Custom Balisongs under the name Bali-song inc. This resulted in the first production of the Bali-Song 68.

From here, Benchmade became one of the largest players in the American market. The brand focuses 100% on quality, customer relationships and innovation to this day.

Benchmade started small in a shop in California in 1980. After the success of the first Bali-song model: The 68, the company grew over the next 8 years into a complete knife manufacturer. In addition to the successful Bali songs, he also started selling fixed knives and pocket knives.

Lee thought it was time for a new name, this name should encompass the drive for quality and passion for handmade knives. The new name Benchmade was introduced in 1987, the name expressed exactly what the company stood for.

In 1990, Benchmade moved its operation to Oregon, where the epicenter of knife production lies. Here, the brand gained access to new technologies, such as a high-power laser cutter.

To this day, Benchmade continues to grow into an increasingly strong player in the knife world. And that makes sense, because after all these years the brand has never let go of its core values, the focus on quality, innovation, customer relationships and responsible business ethics.

Benchmade Knife Styles and Materials

Benchmade has a wide range of different knife styles and materials. Benchmade has dozens of different types of knife styles with the following highlights: -

• The Clip-Point, a knife with a sharp beak, for the center point.
• The Trailing Point, the back curls upwards so that the point is higher than the handle
• The Tanto: can be recognized by the straight lines
• Opposing Order
• Reverse Tanto
• Spear Point

The samples

The type of steel used in making a knife can be the difference between a knife being sharp for a day or years. Benchmade often uses CPM-S90V Steel, this type of steel retains its sharpness for a long period of time and is known for its resistance to corrosion. Benchmade also uses CPM-Cruwear steel, this type of steel is not stainless but is stronger than D2 steel. CPM-Cruwear uses vanadium to create an extremely hard layer that retains the edge of the knife. In addition to this, Benchmade also uses CPM-M4.

The Benchmade Bugout Series

The Benchmade Bugout is an impressive knife. It is lightweight, compact, but very capable in cutting performance. The handle features very small internal liners, which support the pivot point and locking mechanism. This way, Benchmade was able to minimize the liners to reduce weight, without sacrificing stability

The bugout has an AXIS locking mechanism. This is a lock that is reliable and easy to use, even for left-handed people. It's also one of the more fun locks to use, due to the smoothness of the opening and closing action, giving it "the fidget factor." We handed them over to people who had never seen a premium pocket knife, but could operate them instinctively. The Benchmade bugout has been out for a few years now and there are several options available. Different colors, but also dealing with materials and sheet steel. You have the Benchmade Mini Bugout White or the blue Bugout 535.

On the original Bugout, the handle shells are made of Grivory, a very durable, yet lightweight injection molded thermoplastic. Grivory is more than suitable for pocket knife handles. The blade steel is S30V, a premium powder metallurgical steel, known for its good edge retention and corrosion resistance. S30V is a favorite of many knife makers and users. The pocket clip can be worn deep out of the box. It can be reversed for left-handed people, but it can be folded anyway. The blade has a nice and thin drop point shape, making it a more general tool than a tactical knife. Logical, because it was originally designed for walkers. That also explains all the weight reduction that has gone into this knife.

It weighs just 52 grams, making it an incredibly light knife. Now there is a lot of variety. Such as models with carbon fiber, CF Elite or aluminum shells. There are versions with coated blades (cerakote), smooth or partially serrated blades and even the Mini Bugout; a smaller version.

Benchmade Hunters (Benchmade Fixed Knives)

Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter & Steep Country Hunter

Benchmade, a knife brand that is deeply rooted in the knife community.

What is Benchamde famous for?

They are best known for their butterfly and pocket knives, such as the 42, Griptillian, Osborn and more recently the Bugout. Their knives have served many in a wide range of situations around the world and enjoy a loyal fan base.

Perhaps slightly less known, but certainly not of inferior quality and practical use, are their fixed knives. In this case we would like to highlight two of their fixed hunting knives that embody an ancient practice in a modern world. Look and see the Hidden Canyon Hunter and his cousin, the Steep Country Hunter Hunter.

What are the Benchmade Hunters made of?

Both rock a CPM-S30V full-tang powder steel blade, which stays sharp for quite some time when used for skinning, while also having the benefit of good regrinding capabilities. These essential properties aid in the maintenance and sharpening of the field. To add even more functionality, both knives are equipped with distinct grooves on the spine of the handle to add comfort and control. Two specifically placed jimping areas on the spine of the blades help with precise cuts, for example against bone. Looking at the bigger picture, this feature will help you get the most out of your harvest and ensure nothing goes to waste.

What is the handle made of?

The handle shells are made from stabilized wood, wood that has undergone an industrial process to ensure it is harder, denser, stronger and more resistant to water and warping than its original shape. It is a very suitable handle shell material for knives that will experience moisture or fluctuations in humidity. Circumstances that may sound familiar to hunters.

Do the knives come with a sheath?

To top it all off, both knives come in their own matching leather sheath with belt loops that match the color of the brown handle scales. Unlike many leather sheaths, these sheaths are slim and compact in design, reducing bulk and getting stuck in bushes. The inside is molded around the shape of the blades to ensure a tight fit when sheathed. For added security, they are also equipped with a snap retention strap.

Both knives are as practical as they are beautiful. True workhorses optimized for performance, whether as your faithful hunting partner.

Which Benchmade Knife is right for me?

For Outdoor Adventurers: If you are an avid outdoor enthusiast and often find yourself in nature, then a Benchmade knife from the Hunt or Bushcrafter series will probably suit you well, such as the Benchmade Taggedout or the Benchmade Hidden Canyon . Specially designed for outdoor activities, these blades offer durability, reliability and excellent cutting performance, even in demanding conditions. With their high-quality materials and ergonomic designs, they are perfect for hunting, bushcraft and other adventure activities.

For EDC Use : If you're looking for an everyday use (EDC) knife, Benchmade has a wide range of models to suit your needs. The Griptilian or Mini Griptilian series are popular choices among EDC users due to their compact size, reliability and versatility. Not to be forgotten are the Benchmade Bugouts and Benchmade Osborne . These knives are easy to carry, offer excellent cutting performance and have a convenient locking system for extra safety.

For Tactical Use: If you are a law enforcement professional, military personnel or security professional, Benchmade has an extensive collection of knives designed for tactical use. The Infidel or Benchmade SOCP series are some of the popular options. These knives offer fast, smooth deployment, superior grip and durability, making them perfect for demanding tactical situations.

For Collectors and Knife Enthusiasts: If you have a passion for high-quality knives and enjoy collecting exclusive pieces, Benchmade also has a number of limited edition models that will certainly appeal to you. These rare and sought-after knives, such as the Gold Class models or the Collector's Editions, are true showpieces for every collector. With their unique designs, high-quality materials and craftsmanship, they are an asset to any knife collection.

A suggestion from The Old Man Knives & Tools:If we can make a suggestion, we will send you to the Benchmade Mini Crooked River. A beautiful hunting knife, with wooden inlays and shiny orange bearings. This knife feels great in the hand, is beautiful to look at and is extremely useful for hunting or as a showpiece.