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If you’re in the market for a high-quality, efficient knife, Benchmade, based in Oregon City, USA, is a brand you should definitely consider. Their knives, particularly those designed for everyday carry (EDC), have gained a reputation for being top-notch. But what sets Benchmade apart from other knife makers? One unique feature is their LifeSharp service. This allows customers to send their Benchmade knives back to the factory for sharpening, honing, or repairs at any time, with the cost of the service covered under the lifetime warranty.
Additionally, modifications can be made to the knife for a reasonable fee. Given the exceptional quality and convenient maintenance options, it’s easy to see why many people are willing to pay a bit extra for a Benchmade knife.
If you’re trying to decide which Benchmade knife is the best fit for you, here are a few of the latest models that are particularly impressive.
Top 7 Best Benchmade Knife Reviews 2023
Benchmade 940 EDC Folding Knife
The Benchmade EDC knife with a Tanto point blade is a slim and functional option that is appreciated for its sturdy, capable tip and ability to handle piercing and prying tasks with ease. The satin-finished 6061-T6 aluminum handle is ambidextrous and anodized, providing a luxurious grip, although some users may find it lacks texturing for added grip.
The manual opening action and perfectly centered blade have received praise from customers, and the knife comes sharp out of the box for excellent cutting, piercing, and prying performance.
However, some users have reported that the axis locking mechanism on this model may require some adjustment. Overall, the Benchmade EDC knife with a Tanto point blade is a simple yet beautiful design that is highly functional for its size.
Pros
- Simple and elegant design
- Tanto point blade is sturdy and functional for piercing and prying tasks
- 6061-T6 aluminum handle is strong and comfortable to hold
- Blade is perfectly centered in a folded position and does not wobble
- Comes sharp out of the box for excellent cutting performance
Cons
- Axis locking mechanism may require adjustment according to some users
- Handle may lack texturing for enhanced grip
Benchmade North Fork Knife
The Benchmade North Fork Knife is a versatile option that is recommended for hunting, but also excels as an everyday carry (EDC) knife due to its excellent edge retention and sharpness straight out of the box. The manual axis lock can be easily released with one hand, and the modified drop point blade is both functional and well-suited for hunting purposes. The Dymondwood handle is textured and comfortable to hold, although it is not waterproof and may expand if exposed to water, rendering it temporarily unusable. Some users have also reported that the clip screws have a tendency to loosen over time. Despite these potential drawbacks, the Benchmade North Fork Knife is a strong choice for its reliable blade, comfortable handle, and one-handed opening action.
Pros
- Excellent edge retention and rust resistance
- Sturdy Dymondwood handle with a comfortable grip
- Modified drop point blade is functional and well-suited for hunting
- One-handed opening action is convenient and smooth
- Cutting edge is fairly long, making it useful in a variety of situations
Cons
- Handle is not waterproof and may expand if exposed to water
- Clip screws may loosen over time
- Wood handle may fade in color with extended use
Benchmade Bugout 535 EDC Knife
The Benchmade Bugout 535 EDC Knife is a highly-rated choice for those in search of a lightweight, pocket-friendly knife that is easy to use. It features an axis locking mechanism and is made of CPM-s30v American steel, a high-quality and durable choice for a folding pocket knife.
The Grivory handle is fully ambidextrous and provides a reliable grip, even when wet. It also has a lanyard hold for added portability. However, some customers have noted that the name “Bugout” may be misleading, as a true bugout knife would likely be a fixed blade designed for survival situations. This knife may not be suitable for heavy-duty work.
Pros
- Exceptionally lightweight, making it easy to carry in a pocket or bag
- Axis locking mechanism provides added safety and ease of use
- High-quality CPM-s30v American steel used for the blade ensures durability and strength
- Grivory handle is fully ambidextrous and offers a reliable grip in any condition
- Lanyard hold allows for convenient carrying options
- Deep carry clip keeps the knife securely in place
Cons
- May not be suitable for heavy-duty tasks or survival situations
- Some customers may find the name “Bugout” misleading as it suggests a different type of knife
- Some may consider the price of the Benchmade Bugout 535 EDC Knife to be higher than other comparable options on the market
Benchmade Crooked River EDC Knife
The Benchmade Crooked River EDC Knife is a compact yet versatile option that is well-suited for camping, hiking, and backpacking due to its comfortable grip and ease of sharpening with an ordinary knife sharpener. It features a long clip point blade that is suitable for a variety of tasks, including everyday carry (EDC) work, hunting, and camping. Customers have reported that the blade is resistant to rust and corrosion, even when used in wet or humid weather conditions. However, the wooden handle may start to look beaten up over time and is prone to chipping. Overall, the Benchmade Crooked River EDC Knife is an insanely sharp and easy to maintain pocket-sized hunting knife that folds and unfolds easily as needed.
Pros
- Insanely sharp blade is suitable for a variety of tasks
- Easy to maintain with regular oiling and sharpening
- Compact size makes it convenient for camping, hiking, and backpacking
- Folds and unfolds easily for convenient carrying and use
Cons
- Wooden handle may start to look beaten up and is prone to chipping
Benchmade Grizzly Creek Knife
The Benchmade Grizzly Creek Knife is a great choice for those who appreciate Benchmade’s assisted opening mechanisms and stunning wood handles. It features a durable Dymondwood handle and a tough drop point blade with a serrated spine that is made of CPM-s30v stainless steel. This blade is built to withstand heavy duty use and is resistant to rust and corrosion, retaining its razor-sharp edge even after extended use. These features make it a top choice for hunting, but it is also suitable for tackling utility tasks and serves well as a cord cutter. The folding gut hook is a handy feature that can be easily deployed and is useful for a variety of tasks, including hunting and cutting cord. The Dymondwood handle is more durable and weather-resistant than a regular wooden handle and provides a secure grip. However, it should be noted that the Benchmade Grizzly Creek Knife may qualify as a gravity knife in some states, which could potentially make it illegal to carry in those locations.
Pros
- Comes equipped with a handy tip-up pocket clip for convenient carrying
- Tough stainless steel drop point blade is built to withstand heavy duty use
- Folding gut hook offers versatile use and is easy to deploy
- Weather-resistant Dymondwood handle provides a secure grip and adds to the visual appeal of the knife
Cons
- May qualify as a gravity knife in some states, which could potentially make it illegal to carry in those locations
Benchmade Barrage 583 Tanto Blade Knife
The Benchmade Barrage 583 knife is a great choice for those who prefer a matte, understated knife for everyday carry (EDC) purposes. It features an assisted opening mechanism that can be easily accessed with one hand, making it ambidextrous and convenient to use.
The 3.6 inch, partially serrated blade is made of 154cm stainless steel, providing excellent edge retention and a sharp Tanto profile that is well-suited for piercing and self-defense. However, it may not be ideal for prying tasks due to the risk of snapping the tip. The Valox handle is grippy and helps to keep the weight of the knife down, although some may find it gives the knife a “cheap” feeling.
To get the most out of the Barrage 583, it is recommended to properly break it in by lubricating the opening mechanism and using it for a few hours to allow it to feel like an extension of the arm. Some users may find the price of the Benchmade Barrage 583 to be a little high.
Pros
- Valox handle keeps the knife lightweight and portable
- Smooth assisted opening mechanism is easy to use with one hand
- Excellent edge retention and sharp Tanto tip
- Partially serrated cutting edge adds versatility
- Comes with a reversible pocket clip for convenient carrying options
Cons
- Some may find the price to be a little high
- Valox handle may give the knife a “cheap” feeling to some users
- Tanto tip may not be ideal for prying tasks due to the risk of snapping
Benchmade Griptilian 551 Knife
The Benchmade Griptilian 551 Knife is widely considered the best selling Benchmade knife for everyday carry (EDC) purposes, and for good reason. Its drop-point utility blade is made of s30v steel, a material known for its sharpness and ability to retain its edge for extended periods of time. The blade is also resistant to rust and corrosion, making it a reliable choice for everyday use. The glass-filled nylon handle is designed to provide a secure grip, and while it may feel lightweight and flimsy at first, it is actually quite durable and efficient. The assisted opening thumb stud may be a bit stiff at first, but this can be easily overcome with use or when wearing work gloves. Overall, the Benchmade Griptilian 551 Knife is a versatile and reliable choice for any and all EDC tasks.
Pros
- Immensely sharp s30v stainless steel blade is suitable for a variety of tasks
- Utility drop point on the blade is useful for a wide range of EDC work
- Textured handle offers excellent grip and control
- Blade resists rust and corrosion better than most options
Cons
- Assisted opening lock may be a bit stiff at first, but becomes easier with use
How To Choose The Best Benchmade Knife For Any Purpose?
Here are a few things to consider when getting a Benchmade Knife for all purposes
Edge Type
When it comes to choosing the best Benchmade knife, one factor to consider is the type of edge you need. Benchmade offers both straight, plain edged knives and those with partial serrations. Straight edges are great for versatile utility work and are easy to sharpen, while serrated edges stay sharp for longer but are more difficult to re-sharpen. Consider your intended use and choose the edge type that is best suited to your needs.
Blade Finish
Another factor to consider is the blade finish. Options include plain finish, satin finish, matte finish, coated finish, and Damascus. If you want to minimize the appearance of nicks and dings, a plain or brushed finish may be the best choice. Alternatively, you may prefer a matte or black coated blade for its low visibility.
Blade Point
The blade point is also important to consider. Tanto tips are great for piercing, while clip points are best for slicing. Drop point blades are versatile for utility work, and sheepsfoot tips are good for tasks that don’t require piercing power.
Folding vs Fixed
When deciding between a folding and fixed blade knife, consider your needs and preferences. Folding knives are more discreet, but fixed blade knives are generally stronger.
Blade Steel
Blade steel is another important consideration. If you need a knife that can withstand twisting and rocking, choose a steel with a lower HRC rating, as it will be more flexible but have lower edge retention. These knives are also easier to sharpen. If you want a harder steel that won’t be subjected to as much twisting and rocking, opt for a higher HRC rating. Keep in mind that higher HRC steel is more brittle and more difficult to sharpen.
Handle
A sturdy, ergonomic, and grippy handle can make a big difference in the performance of your knife. Benchmade invests heavily in making their handles top-quality, so you can feel confident that any knife you choose will have a satisfactory handle. Consider the material of the handle, as well. If you’ll be using the knife in damp or wet conditions, avoid wood or Dymondwood handles, as moisture can make them unusable for a while. Alternatively, G10, glass-filled nylon, or Santoprene handles are good choices for wet environments. Just make sure the handle is well-textured for a secure grip.
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