Hey everyone, David C. Andersen here coming at you from the KnifeCenter.
And today we're looking at the top 10 benchmade knives you can get right now in 2020.
Let's check them out.
Benchmade is one of those quintessential modern knife companies.
They're based here in the USA.
And although they flirted with outsourcing some of their manufacturing overseas in the
past, all of their lineup is American made today.
Now when talking about benchmade, there's no getting around the AXIS Lock.
This ambidextrous crossbar lock was originally invented by Bill McHenry and Jason Williams.
And they originally licensed it to Benchmade and it has become a core element of their
lineup.
Now, although they've no longer got the exclusive on the patent anymore, Today, Benchmade is
still the lock that everyone else is chasing.
And their success with the AXIS Lock is undeniable.
Now to show the AXIS Lock in the start the list, the obvious choice would definitely
be the Griptilian to fantastic knife, and it's been sort of a workhorse backbone of
the lineup for years.
But I'm actually going to leave it off this list.
Instead, we're going with the Presidio to with CF elite handle scales, because in my
opinion, this is actually the best Griptilian you can get today.
And I say that because a lot of the things that make the Griptilian work so well even
today can be found on this knife.
I also love the new handle materials, and the blade shape is even more up my alley.
They're only slightly more expensive to this one right here I'm holding is only $131.75
for the full size, and that's just a little bit higher than the full size standard Griptilian.
Now this knife is a little bit heavier than the Griptilian but it feels heavier duty as
a result to we've got full liner skeletonised a little bit that right underneath the CF
elite handle material.
This is basically a nylon that uses carbon fiber as a reinforcing material.
So rather than GRN or glass reinforced nylon, we actually have carbon fiber reinforced nylon.
This material manages to be both lighter and stronger at the same time and the color is
pretty cool too.
It's black, but not quite.
It's kind of got a graphite shimmer to it.
That looks very nice.
I like the Griptilian it also has a very neutral shape to the handle.
It makes it a really good option for lots of different hand sizes.
It's not prescriptive and it's not going to pinch your grip at all.
The blade is s 30 v and the small Presidio sits in between the large and small Griptilian
with a 3.2 inch blade, whereas the full size is a bit bigger coming in at over 3.7 inches.
This drop point profile to the blade is going to cover all your bases got a flat grind for
a good mix of strength and slicing, and a long swedge along the spine for efficiency.
It removes the point of drag when you're moving through materials.
And of course, you've got the goodness of that AXIS Lock.
It's easily accessed from either side of the handle.
benchmade also pretty much always includes a reversible pocket clip to on their access
models, which makes them great for left hand options.
This one is their deep carry clip and it comes with a black oxide finish so there's no paint
to chip off over time, it's going to look great, the more you use it, you can open this
knife with the thumb studs and then close easily one handed, it has the inherent advantage
of not needing to move your thumb across the path of the blade.
It's a little bit of extra safety that you don't even have to think about.
Plus, if you got the trick that everyone loves, you can pull that bar back and wrist flick
the blade open or closed.
Now for something lighter and easier to carry, we've got to talk about the bugout definitely
made a name for itself because of the miniature weight just 1.85 ounces with a decidedly non
miniature blade length.
The three and a quarter inch length here is more than enough for most folks who don't
need a large blade.
They started about 127 right now, but many versions with a sub three inch blade started
just one night.
We've got s 30 v again on this blade plus a profile that is all about slicing efficiency.
The blade itself starts very thin with a nearly full flat grind means the blade stays out
of the way as much as possible.
It can just let the sharp edge do the cutting.
We've got Grivory for the handles, few different colors are available and this one is actually
from my personal EDC rotation.
So the KnifeCenter exclusive red battle wash with the satin blade actually has a slight
stonewashed texture to it.
Now the Grivory is nice and lightweight and it just disappears in the pocket really stays
out of the way until you need it.
And that's extra thanks to that small mini deep carry pocket clip that comes with a black
oxide finish as well.
But even despite all those considerations for weight, I can still get a full four finger
grip on this knife which is pretty impressive and making the weight reduction even further.
They even use titanium for the AXIS Lock bar itself because it's definitely lighter than
steel.
Then they applied a DLC coating to it so it's going to be durable as it locks up against
the blade.
So far the AXIS Lock has done duty on a manual workhorse and a lightweight etc.
It can also do tactical stuff very well.
Next on this list is the latest generation of the bailout which is actually an offshoot
of the bugout family.
This 2020 reversion responded to some feedback from the original three the Grivory versions
that started Just under 150 bucks, they've updated it with aluminum handles and M for
blade steel for more strength.
And it starts at just over 210.
I actually really liked the choice of M four here, because they've kept the blades back
nice and thin.
So it's still going to be a good cutter just like the bug out.
But tactical uses may demand a bit more durability, so they've offset that by going with the M
four which is incredibly tough stuff.
In my opinion, it's a really good compromise.
And the Tonto shape on this knife still feels EDC friendly with some gentle curves and that
high flat grind and switch.
We've got a great cerakote finish to protect the blade because m four is not stainless,
but kept it smooth enough to avoid too much extra drag when you're cutting.
The aluminum for the handles is a great upgrade.
It fills the hand a bit better.
It's got a little bit of contour to it and it feels rock solid in your grip.
And then on the end you've got some added utility in the form of the protruding aluminum
pommel.
The original version just had this in the form of a wide Bale, hence the name bailout.
These new versions bring with that hole down to almost half the length of the handle itself,
but they add a glass breaker to make up for that the AXIS Lock has a very modern feeling
knife and hence it feels right at home at some of these real modern designs.
But this lot can also cater to the traditionalist out there thanks to Benchmade's hunt series
of folders, my favorites, those are the crooked river knives doesn't get much more classic
than this just a glance.
And you can tell that's their riff on the famous folding hunter archetype.
You can get it into different sizes and then does have s 30 vs standard full size offers
a four inch blade for about 221 bucks, but the Mini is still plenty big with nearly three
and a half inches of steel and a price tag of 204 got this classic clip point profile
long been a favorite of hunters out there, but it's also proven itself as an EDC staple
as well.
Now the handle scales here are made from diamond wood, which is a stabilized material, you're
not gonna have to worry so much about warping or cracking as you would with something that
was right off the tree.
They've got aluminum bolsters that house the AXIS Lock itself, you get a nice pop of orange
with the pivot ring as well as that g 10 Backspacer.
Now for me personally, I think the Mini is definitely the one to get, it's still got
plenty of reach, and I can still get a full grip on it.
As you can see, despite having slightly larger than average hands.
The full size option though maybe even better for hunting or heavier outdoor needs because
you've got even more room on the handle, especially if you're wearing work gloves.
That's definitely a nice consideration.
The AXIS Lock is versatile beyond just the manual opening knives we've seen so far.
They've used it on both assisted openers through the years as well as some automatics.
Representing the running the rescue knives for this year, I've got the triage automatic,
which comes in about 263.
Right now, although you can get standard non auto versions for less, you actually get two
tools with the tree house you got the main blade here, which I'm gonna fold up now, you've
also got a rescue hook and both of the blades are spring loaded, you've got this switch
on the back of the aluminum bedrock of the handle, pull that back and the rescue blade
pops open from the spy.
We've got 440 steel steel, it's pretty good jumping here for some thumb placement when
you're using it.
This will allow you to safely cut away straps or remove clothing from around an injury.
You've also got at the back a carbide glass breaker built in.
Now the switch here does preclude a reversible pocketclip.
Unfortunately, celebrities definitely keep that in mind.
Now as for the main blade, you've got a spine mounted safety here for some extra security.
pull that back and it's ready to fire.
And one of the advantages of the AXIS Lock automatic compared to other kind of push button
designs is that it maintains the fully ambidextrous nature of the AXIS Lock, you just pull back
on the crossbar.
And the blade flies out.
Got about 3.6 inches of insects at steel for solid performance and a very high degree of
corrosion resistance which is especially important I think for first responders.
That coating helps that fact out even more.
Now there's a variety of different blade shapes available on the manual versions, but the
automatic only gets this modified drop point, especially kind of a hunting type of profile
in my mind.
Got some good belly here with a bit of a hump right behind the tip.
So you can go in upside down and lift the tip up.
That's certainly a feature that hunters likes so they can avoid piercing gut when they're
skining.
But it's just as important for rescue needs because you can get under things without piercing
the skin of whoever you're trying to save.
And then serrations are of course important for a lot of rescue personnel.
So you can get this in the plain edge I've got here or partially serrated, but I think
this blade reaches beyond just those specialized needs.
It's still a great overall working shape for EDC
as well.
Of course in addition to the AXIS
Lock autos benchmade has a strong automatic game going across a range of different mechanisms
including a push button mechanism as well.
So now we've got one of their all time classics, perhaps the flagship of the benchmade lineup,
the 940 Osborne and it was just updated this year with a push button automatic option coming
in at 238 right now, no manual versions of this knife can be had with either clip point
or reverse Tonto blades and they prove that the actual This makes a great gentleman's
knife two.
So far only the reverse tanto has made it to the push button version.
He's got 3.4 inches of s 30 v steel with either a black or satin finish, but the real star
of the 940 series is the handle.
We've got anodized aluminum for a good cross section of strength and lightweight without
the added cost of titanium.
We've got a green finish on this one comes with a nice thin, rigid purple Backspacer
just like the classic manual version.
And the push button action is stellar.
We've got a spine mounted safety again and once disengaged, press the buttons and the
results speak for themselves with a sculpted in good looking shape.
This design is seen a number of great variants in the manual series as well from the 940
dash one with premium carbon fiber handles and s 90 v super steel to the more work today
940 dash two with G 10 and s 30 v. There's a lot of different versions of this knife
for every occasion out there.
Now we've got to show the auto that they're probably most famous for the benchmade infidel,
this OTF are out the front design features aluminum handles with a cover mounted switch
and a four inch double edged blade and typical Benchmade fashion though you can also get
the mini infidel with a blade just over three inches,
and there's fixed blade versions available to for that matter,
you get your choice of black or satin finish on the blade with D two steel and black aluminum
handles.
Right now though in 2020.
The one to get is this blue handled limited edition version features s 30 v steel with
a black DLC coating for a more premium cutting experience.
Plus, with that double edge profile, you've got nearly eight inches of sharpened edge
to work with which is plenty to get you through just about anything out there that I could
think of.
On the handles, you've got prominent ridges to provide grip and the switch is very satisfying
to operate both when opening and closing the knife.
So design that certainly makes an impression.
But it's actually pretty discreet to thanks to a nice deep carry pocket clip.
That's not technically reversible, but that's because this whole design is a mirror image
of itself so it works just fine for both lefties or righties.
Now with great materials and really good action, the infidels a knife that can give just about
any auto out there a run for its money.
Now of course, we've got to talk about butterfly knives or balisong.
Now benchmade might be most thought of these days for their AXIS Lock knives, but they
actually got their start making just balisong they still make some highly sought after versions
today, albeit they make up a smaller percentage of their lineup overall.
Now there's plenty of highly premium options but narrowing it down to just one and putting
the 51 morpho on this list which comes in just under 300.
Now, why the morpho you ask?
Well, because for one thing, I'm personally not really a flipper and secondly, this is
an incredibly EDC friendly design if you can carry a butterfly knife where you live.
Thanks for a light overall weight and a titanium pocket clip.
I find it refreshing to see a balance on this actually made to be used as an actual knife.
Since the flipping capability often takes center stage with a lot of other manufacturers,
the 51 morphos certainly good as a flipper, don't get me wrong.
It's just that I love the dual nature of this knife.
And a balisong in general actually has some things inherent to their design that make
them really great options for user knives.
For one thing, they're not likely to close on your fingers.
Since the blade doesn't even fold in that direction.
You can also get a lot of handle to blade ratio.
The 51 morpho gives us nearly four and a quarter inches of D to steel but it still folds up
nice and easy for pocket carry.
For the blade shape.
We've got a nice utility spearpoint profile, it's still got that nice crown spine which
is good not just for tricks, but also for comfort when you're choking up.
The handles themselves are black g 10 that has been drilled and milled to remove some
weight offer plenty of grip and reveal what's underneath.
Because right there we've got the thing that sets this design apart, blue anodized and
jeweled titanium liners for a very distinctive look.
Finally at the back we've got that one other feature we always appreciate about Benchmade's
balisong their spring loaded latch, very satisfying to pull the knife out squeeze to operate the
latch and slick the blade.
I saved the best for last or at least my favorites because I am a fixed blade guy after all.
Benchmade has some great tactical options in their lineup like that in ravis, the Adamas
the socp dagger and more, but I'm actually going to share a few fixed designs that are
great for those who are inclined to spend some time outdoors.
These next two actually go together.
It's the 200 pouco and the 202 Luke, both of these were inspired by classic Finnish
bushcraft knife patterns, they're actually a pretty nice bargain to the poucos just about
127 running up to about 140 for the week.
Now we've got full tank blades on both of these knives made from three v steel which
is one of the best all around outdoors the knife steels In my opinion, because it's got
a really great cross section of very high toughness and edge retention.
And there's certainly Steel's that are tougher and Steel's that can have a longer lasting
edge, but few bring them together in a way that three v does.
Now they've gone with saber grinds on both of these knives with the flat geometry going
roughly halfway up the blade so that it keeps plenty of thickness at the spine for lateral
strength.
It's about point one four of an inch thick, by the way, just a little bit over an eighth
of an inch with a blade length of three and three quarters of an inch.
The poucos got a very controllable length to it.
It's big enough to feel that you aren't exactly lacking, but it's still very nimble.
nearly five and a quarter inches of reach the liuqiu offers even more confidence, it's
got better length for bigger jobs like splitting wood.
It's also got more belly too which make it a little bit better and skinning rolls and
they've even swept the grind a little higher out there so you've got a more efficient cutting
profile at the tip.
While the puco has that narrower tip for the more delicate tasks like notching and fine
carving that's going to be required by certain bushcraft and survival traps and that sort
of thing.
The handles on these knives are both identical and to keep costs down they use santapreen
which is injection molded over the full tank.
It's got a really nice and comfortable shape to it and it's got tons of grip to thanks
to the hard rubber texture.
Plus, you don't actually have to touch the steel when you're gripping the knife keeps
the knife warmer when the air outside gets colder.
Now rounding both of these designs out we've got leather shields with danglers with a nice
snap on the back
as well as a fire steel loop which is everything you want in your bushcraft.
Lastly, we've got what I think is the crown jewel of Benchmade's modern fixed blade lineup,
the top end version of the saddle mountain Skinner which sells for just over 210 this
knife has some significant updates over previous generations of the saddle mountain series
all centered on increasing the outright performance.
The materials are certainly impressive.
We've got richlite handles which is similar to paper micarta creates a very silky feel
in the hand and listen swells and just the right places it really locks into your grip.
And then the steel itself is s 90 v so you've got an absolute ton of edge retention.
Got just over four inches of length with a high flat grind.
Some nice touches for more control as well, including some jumping out on front for your
index finger and a nice set of thumb scouts for a good pinch grip.
Now they've ditched the recurve profile of previous generations, which makes this new
one easier to sharpen and probably better for some woodcarvings stuff too.
Now, the most appreciated thing for me is they've gone with a thinner blade steel with
this model, it's roughly an eighth of an inch thick versus the roughly 530 seconds of the
old which makes it a better slicer overall, this s 90 v version also gets the Select edge
treatment and all that really means is they've sharpened each side at a 14 degree angle which
is steeper than typical for them.
So you get an even sharper feel and you can really get the most out of that s 90 v material.
Now it should be noted that the s 30 v with diamond wood handle versions are still available
and apart from the Select edge they get all the same updates as this model.
Now this knife isn't quite perfect.
I do have a few little niggles but they are pretty easily remedied.
The bolts are on sheath while it does hold the knife nice nice and securely doesn't actually
come with any belt attachment hardware.
It's a bit disappointing, but a standard Tek-Lok attachment will at least fit and the diamond
wood versions come with a leather sheath so you're not gonna have to worry about it with
that version.
Secondly, if this were my knife, I'd actually take some really fine sandpaper to some of
the edges on the inside of the scales right here.
I do get a little bit of a hotspot when I'm gripping things, but other than that I can't
really think of anything that would improve on a nearly perfect hunting.
Alright, that's it for my top 10 list of the best benchmade knives you can get right now
in 2020.
Make sure to let me know your thoughts down in the comments and let me know if I left
out your favorite as well.
I'd love to know what you guys are liking right now to meantime, if you want to get
your hands on any of these knives, we will leave links in the description to take you
over to knifecenter.com make sure you sign up for a knife rewards program while you're
there.
If you're gonna buy one of these cool knives you might as well earn some free money to
spend on your next one.
David C. Andersen from the KnifeCenter signing off.
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already.
See you next
time.