It’s no secret that Benchmade knives are among the most expensive in the market for mass-produced (non-custom) knives.
But are they worth it? Before you skip over Benchmade for Spyderco or Buck or one of its other competitors, hear out these reasons that Benchmade knives are well worth the sticker price.
The AXIS Lock
This is the most copied knife lock in the history of folding knives, and the design is all Benchmade’s.
Pioneered in 1998, the AXIS lock is so simple it’s almost offensive. It consists of a cylindrical bar that can slide forward and backwards in a channel or slot cut into the knife’s handle, through the liners and side plates, held under tension by a U-shaped spring.
When the knife is closed, the bar is pressed forward; when it is opened and engaged, the bar slides forward and engages a notch in the base of the knife blade stock.
It is exceptionally strong, probably the strongest knife lock ever devised, and it is also extremely easy to engage and disengage, for both right and left-handed users. It can also be operated with one hand.
Just as importantly, engaging and disengaging the lock does not require the operator to put his or her hands in the blade’s path – improving safety.
The AXIS lock, which native to the Benchmade brand, has been copied ad infinitum by other knife manufacturers who call it all sorts of things. That’s how good it is, and it alone warrants the high price of a Benchmade – but there are other reasons to love them too.
The Utilitarian Designs
By and large, Benchmade knives are utilitarian designs with simply, appropriately sized drop point blades. They’re not designed for pageants, but for purpose, and the hard truth is that they will perform in a wide range of applications.
Build, Quality Control and Custom Service
Benchmade is infamous for its customer service as well as for the fit and finish of its knives. They exhibit excellent quality and will not disappoint.
Benchmade also backs its knives and offers free “LifeSharp” sharpening services for the life of its knives – two other testaments to its peerless customer service.
Casual Use of Super Steels
Just look at Benchmade’s collection of everyday carry knives and see what sorts of super steels they are just casually using. The Bugout and Griptilian, two of Benchmade’s flagship models, are both readily available with CPM-S30V, which is renowned for both toughness and edge retention.
This is just a snapshot. Benchmade knives are also made with CPM Cru-Wear, CPM-154CM, D2, and many others which balance the desirable attributes of corrosion-resistance, edge retention and general durability.
Explore Benchmade Knives and More at BudK
Want to explore a broad catalog of Benchmade knives? Check out what BudK has in stock. They represent a wide range of the industry’s best brands in knives and tools and Benchmade is just one of them. Visit their website for more information and get in touch with them if you have any questions before buying.
