The handle also has a lanyard hole at one end. r/Knife_Swap. All of them are pretty durable, and grip depends on the shape or finish more than the material, so go for whatever youre comfortable with. This particular steel is especially strong in terms of tensile strength which allows this knife to be heavily abused and put through the wringer whether youre a camper, fisherman, or using the knife to work. I only have had my mini crooked river for a week and so far it is on top. 154CM was a tad surprising to me at first, but I think Benchmade is trying to reach a wide audience with this blade without sacrificing its menacing appearance and experience. With the Benchmades limited Lifetime Warranty, Benchmade North Fork 1503 is meticulously built for lifetime use.With the tactical knife also comes a LifeSharp Service keep , a service offered purposely to keep the knife in good working condition all the time. I will say this, I do love assisted knives simply for the experience and although this knife is a manual two-handed opener, the blade is super heavy and the opening mechanism is so smooth that it delivers a very unique opening experience I have yet to see replicated by any other knife. The manual axis lock can also be released one-handedly. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. My Review: The Benchmade Griptilian is one of the most well-known multi-purpose folders in their lineup and this is due to its versatility-first approach. The Bugout is a really great knife, but pocket jewelry it ain't. The Benchmade Bugout is pure 100% utilitarian practicality, and there wasn't any room to pack on the flash. However, we cannot call it a great value. The attribute that dubs it a hunting knife is the modified drop point blade. On the back its straight for about half its blade length then curves gently down to give a fine, slim tip. The best Benchmade knife isnt the one with the most ratings or reviews, or the one thats the most pricey. Its a bit harsh on the hand. Yeah, you do, because this knife is so sharp and the way its designed will slice right through even thick and tough leather in no time at all. Benchmade Knives Custom Handle Scales Custom Bugout Scales Custom Bugout Scales These custom scales fit any version of the 535 Bugout from Benchmade. Youre paying some of that price tag as a royalty for them being well known and well respected within the knife community. Theyre generally stronger, because theres more metal at the spine, and you can push on the back of the blade if more force is needed. That reason is the Benchmade Lifesharp program. The very name Puukko simply stands for a small Finnish full-tang belt knife that hosts a single elegantly curved edge and a mostly flat spine. Moreover, while some might scorn the Spydie hole, its a good replacement for the thumb stud. The Infidel is absolutely not an EDC knife nor is it for the untrained user. Score: 4/10. Just like the Saddle Mountain series, you can choose whether or not youd like to have a gut hook. Blade Style: Modified Reverse-TantoBlade Composition: CPM-M4Handle Composition: Heavily Cross Textured G10Blade Length: 3.98Total Length: 9.28Total Weight: 5.92 ounces. The first thing you might notice is the lack of scales. You must log in or register to reply here. That means although it has a natural wood base it wont swell or warp its just as stable as the G10 version. Three tapped holes left and right just beside the lanyard hole mean the clip can be mounted on either side. You are using an out of date browser. Where the blade meets the handles on the inside is covered by steel liners, ensuring the handles cant bow or bend and eliminating the flex you see in cheaper plastic-based handles. We put this ultralight folding knife to the test for this review. Its most reliable when you use your finger and thumb to pull back both studs together, but it can also be easily operated with one stud. There are no other features on the Benchmade North Fork. These knives appear basic and simple but are extremely over-engineered and will serve you well for many years to come. If its an understated EDC youre looking for, pick one of their lighter, folded pocket knives. Disclosure. We can be brief when it comes to the similarities: the handles of both knives look alike. Traditional hunting knives have been a lot larger, but short blades like this are becoming a lot more popular. But the way it was added is different. If you dont have a good sharpener, I recommend you buy one alongside your purchase as you will undoubtedly need one. The Ridges handle is accented with hunters orange so that if you ever lose your grip and drop it, you wont lose sight of it in the brush. My Review: As with many self-defense situations, sometimes a little deterrence in the form of striking the fear of death in someones eyes is all you need and I think thats what Benchmade was going for when they designed the ominous-looking Contego. The Aller 380 is a multi-purpose Wharncliffe knife that encompasses a screwdriver, pry tip, micro bit slot, money clip, bottle opener, and of course, that handy slicing Wharncliffe blade. Wrapping it all together is a very well built polymer sheath with a snap lock and that coveted Benchmade butterfly stamped on it. The Fact is everything I love about slender pocket knives while still being one lean mean little blade. how to pass the achiever test; macavity: the mystery cat analysis We are a granola-eating, Birkenstock-wearing, bug spray-carrying group of hiking enthusiastswho specialize in finding the latest gear for outdoor adventures. From my selection, youve seen how Benchmade tends to make either straight, plain edged EDC knives or ones with a partial serration. Spyderco folding knives tend to come with a thumb hole in the spine instead of a thumb stud to open the blade, and thats called a Spydie hole. Marine Approved is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program. This is one knife that even a Marine wouldnt stand much chance against. Spyderco vs Benchmade Which Should You Choose? Because everyone is different, Benchmade includes offerings for both the OTF (Out the Front) and OTS (Out the Side) lovers. These work by pinning two angled torsion bars against the tang of the knife that creates more tension on the blade as its closed. However, if you keep it dry, these beautiful handles remain perfectly serviceable. It is ideal for skinning and for making precision cuts. There are a couple of really good versions of the Freek. Types of Rifles Every Shooter Should Know About, Rifle Vs. This puts the tang of the blade between the steel stopping pin and the AXIS spring-loaded bar, ensuring its fully locked and isnt able to retract in any manner under any usage without using the thumb button to move the tensioner bar out of the way. Blade Style: TantoBlade Composition: 154CMHandle Composition: Rib Textured 6061-T6 AluminumBlade Length: 4.5Total Length: 9.45Total Weight: 5 ounces. My Review: First and foremost, the Saddle Mountain is more of a lineup of knives that just a single knife itself. So, we talked a bit why you should take special notice of the buy once cry once mentality when shopping for a new knife and we mentioned the outstanding craftsmanship, quality, materials, and designs youll find in each and every Benchmade knife, but there is one more extremely important key to why the prices seem expensive versus their competitors. Because often I need to use my EDC for piercing or prying, and this sturdy, capable tip means I can do that without worrying about the tip snapping off. You have an outdated webbrowser. Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-20CVHandle Composition: Slightly Textured G10Blade Length: 3.22Total Length: 7.34Total Weight: 3.46 ounces. As Ive already waxed poetic about the Griptilian, you know thats one of the best EDC knives from the house of Benchmade. Most people likely end up with a drop-point shaped blade when searching for an EDC and that makes sense, considering the drop-point is one of the most versatile blade shapes, however, the reverse-tanto can be just as versatile and when done correctly, as it is on the EDC 940. The Benchmade Bugout is a useful, versatile folding knife that weighs less than 2 ounces. Blade Style: Drop-Point|Blade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Dual-Durometer Glass-Filled NylonBlade Length: 3.5Total Length: 7.84Total Weight: 3.77 ounces. A: Their amazing quality is what made Benchmade knives stand apart from other kinds of knives. If theres anything better than the blade on this knife, its the glass-filled nylon handle. My Review: The North Fork is sold as a folding hunting knife and although it certainly fits the bill, I also think many people can benefit from the overall versatility and toughness this knife provides in an EDC role. I'm going to revisit this and will update the post with our findings (and your concerns). The Axis Assist is a friendly fellow that takes the effort youve put into opening the blade and multiplies it tenfold springing the blade out the rest of the way and making for a quick and easy deployment that is still largely controlled by you. Benchmade has wisely kept the Mini Bugout's clip plain and simple. With the added strength from this treatment, theres no need to worry about the wood chipping, drying out, or getting wet. You need something with a cutting edge long enough to be useful, but it also needs to be a size you can carry anywhere. Both models use a full stainless steel liner to protect against wear, and if the blade does loosen at all you can tighten it back up with the bolt. Blade Style: TantoBlade Composition: CPM-3VHandle Composition: GrivoryBlade Length: 3.38Total Length: 8.07Total Weight: 2.05 ounces. It has a wide belly, so you can tackle heavier utility tasks without worries. Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Diamond Textured GrivoryBlade Length: 3.24Total Length: 7.46Total Weight: 1.85 ounces. With that said, buy the heck out of this thing. This program is designed to provide a way for websites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon. It's always handy this way, and largely unobtrusive except in the most formal of situations. You can think of the Benchmade North Fork knife as a special edition of the Benchmade Mini-Barrage 585. Notable differences include fewer customizable options, the wooden handle, and the lack of assisted opening. Aside from the blade, the handle is another thing that demands attention. No, its not elegant, its not stylish, its not unique, but it is a solid workhorse that Id be incredibly surprised if it ever failed you. The pocket clipped North Fork. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. A steeper angle may very well be sharp, but it doesn't cut very well because the faces must force the material apart further after making the initial cut. It is easy to make a heavy, sturdy knife. A: You can purchase it from an authorized seller on Amazon. Home Knives 30 Best Benchmade Knives in 2023 (Ranked by Category). I have all 3. If you are ok with the blade steel of the North Fork (the Mini Barrage offers choices, the North Fork does not) and do not want the assisted opening function of the Barrage, the wooden handle of the North Fork may appeal to you. When it comes to the handles ergonomics, this knife beats all the rest. Youd be amazed at how this knife would start to feel like an extension of your arm. Check out the Benchmades official page for more information on the Lifesharp program here. North Fork. The Arvensis is an excellent all-around general use camp knife with a rather ominous feel to it and I think youll agree! Another big factor here is that CPM-20CV is slightly easier to sharpen than other premium steels like S30V or M390 which makes this knife a bit easier to maintain for those of you that are new to the premium knife world. Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-3VHandle Composition: Diamond Textured Rubber SantopreneBlade Length: 3.75Total Length: 8.25Total Weight: 4.51 ounces. A much smaller blade, somewhere not too far from three inches long, is the right size for most tasks. The North Fork's handle is made from wood that's been vacuum-impregnated with resin to increase durability. Now you have a good idea of what sort of knife you should be looking for, but theres still a huge choice. Q: Does a Benchmade Knife Have a Lifetime Warranty? It has a blade length that measures in at 3.24 inches long, and the handle measures in at 4.22 inches long That brings the overall length on the Bugout to 7.46 inches when the blade is fully locked out. All images on our website are the property of their respective owners. Benchmade 15031 North Fork is a compact hunting knife thats also perfect for everyday carry. I will note, when these do go dull (after ridiculous amounts of use) they can be a bit tricky to sharpen, but as with everything, patience is a virtue and so long as you keep these knives in tip-top shape, theyll glide right through anything you hunt. Free shipping for many products! This makes the knife practical for everyday use. The 440HC steel is not like the typical premium hard to sharpen steels that Benchmade usually uses and can be sharpened relatively easily in a short amount of time. The price of a Benchmade is primarily based on three things. The Axis Lock comes integrated with three different action flavors: Axis Assist, Axis Automatic, and Axis Dual-Action Automatic. Benchmade Aller 380 Tiny But Mighty. On the Mini-Barrage, the blade is spring-loaded so that the user just needs to start the process of opening it, and the spring pulls it the rest of the way. It might remind you of Morakniv or Mora knives with the roundish handle and stubby blade. For the aluminium versions of the Bailout the backspacer is also enhanced with a glass breaker. These knives are exceptionally dangerous and have very little utility value. Plain finish, satin finish, matte finish, coated finish, Damascus: there isnt a shortage in types of knife finishes. I have the north fork, bugout, and gifted a mini grip. You can brush up on your blade shape terminology by visiting the Marine Approved knife blade shapes guide here and you can learn all about the steel used to craft your favorite blades in the Marine Approved knife blade steels guide here. Lighter, more blade length, and better slicer. My Review: Oh boy Benchmade does not normally make large blades but when they do, you get something capable of fighting off the Taliban all by yourself. Though the blade itself is short, the cutting edge is quite long, so its going to be useful in a lot of situations. The purpose The Benchmade Bugout was originally designed as a lightweight pocket knife for hikers and others who prefer ultra-light knives. Its sturdy G10 handle offers excellent grip when making your cuts and its 7.85-inch blade is perfectly suited for cutting through hard materials.Overall, the knife is a formidable rescue and hunting tool. The knife is made for hunting, but it can still be utilized for other tasks and in various outdoor activities.Unlike other Benchmade knives, the folding knife is crafted to deliver great performance coupled with enhanced durability.Even some of the most popular folding knives cant match the degree of versatility offered by Benchmade North Fork-1503.Again, even the market leaders cannot tackle as many tasks as the ones this folding knife can tackle. Pick a Tanto tip, but remember its not good for prying. On the other hand, if you want a hard steel knife that you wouldnt twist or rock too much, you can pick a higher HRC. If extra goodies are what you want, the Tactical Triage is worth a look. I wont lie, it is a little heavy for those of you forgoing long treks, however, that weight is due to how solid and reliable the crooked river is while providing premium attributes such as that beautifully sealed wood grain handle and its ultra-strong AXIS lock. Usually, Id error on the side of an automatic knife to fit the bill of a tactical rescue tool, however, with how easy and buttery smooth Benchmades single-handed opening actions are, I have absolutely no doubt in having this as a manual rescue knife. That point is very strong and plenty capable of penetration while the belly has a ton of slashing real-estate along with a very nasty serration near the handle that is open and easily utilized against an assailant. He started this website while transitioning out of the Marines, and since has recruited several other Marines to help him work on the Marine Approved website. This site contains affiliate links. Think of this as a smiles per gallon as opposed to a miles per gallon type of purchase, its a Lambo and not a Honda. Sure, youre still getting a very high-end blade consisting of premium CPM-S30V so it certainly is no joke of a knife, but the handles are purpose-built to be grippy and functional while maintaining a light overall package. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. My Review: This knife isnt for everybody, thats for sure, however, if youre an avid hunter who would rather expend energy on the actual hunt itself as opposed to getting to your stomping grounds, this may be an alternative worth considering. Built on heavy-duty stainless steel liners, this is a knife to carry into the woods or around town for years to come. My Review: The Benchmade Bugout is a classic and has been around for quite some time. The blades are crafted from the same ultra high-quality CPM-S30V and have the same versatile drop-point design but the Ridge encompasses a synthetic handle called a Dual-Durometer handle while the Creek has an old school nylon filled wooden handle. - All Outdoors Guide, [] Benchmade North Fork: With a shorter but sturdier 2.7 inch blade the North Fork is a better solution if you want to give your knife some serious abuse, but it doesnt match the 1660 for sheer cutting power. Shop around the Knife Exchange or Fleabay and you can easily find a slightly used CPM-20CV 555/556-1 with G10 scales for not much more than a new Bugout and less than a new North Fork with some patience. I personally chose the gut hook version of this knife because I think there are tons of other drop-point fixed blades from Benchmade and the gut hook makes this one stand out. Of course, this doesnt exactly cover you if you snap a blade trying to pry open a locker or a knife youve ground a divet in using a power grinder, but in the event that sort of thing accidentally happens, you can still send the knife in and they will repair whatever necessary for a relatively fair price. As a result, you need to thank the handle for this knifes superb portability. To no ones surprise, the Arvensis is probably one of the most well balanced 6-7 combat-focused fixed blades on the market that is affordable to the average person, and Im using affordable loosely, of course. Many of the Benchmade knives they sell the most are extremely high quality and made with rare or challenging materials and as such, are more than worth the hassle to send in and have serviced to increase their life span and usefulness. Any outdoor memories you plan to make should include this knife and hey, perhaps those memories can be passed down through generations alongside the knife, as itll probably outlast your trekking legs. However, the wooden handle might start to look a bit beaten up. benchmade north fork vs bugout. How To Make A Switchblade Learn With Five Steps, How to Hone a Straight Razor Use for Silky Smooth Shaving. My Review: This knife was designed to get down and dirty outdoors and survive just about any environmental situation. We are pocket knife experts that understand that you don't Pocket knife shopping is daunting. The Freek was purpose-built to be a heavily abused EDC style knife. Its extremely lightweight for a knife this capable, and due to the axis locking mechanism, its very user friendly as well. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. I love the bugout but will be upgrading the scales. Benchmade Anthem 781 3. Id argue that this is an excellent knife for someone looking in the premium folding Tanto section. D2 tool steel is specifically engineered to survive a beating and thats what this blade is capable of doing. The Bailout, however, is enhanced with a tanto blade. Some of our team have accomplished amazing feats like climbing 6000 feet to the top of mountains, others have explored every dirt trail they could find and we even have some people that have backpacked solo on various continents. If you like the frn handles of the Grip you have, you will like the g10 even more. These materials differ in terms of weight and price, and thus offer little in the way of a fair comparison. Theres a lanyard hole at the pommel end, which is drilled through the liner and exposed by cutouts in the scales. These knives come in two colors, Forest Green or Sand Tan, although if youre the type of person looking for this kind of knife, I doubt you care much about what color it is. If you want to spend even more money on some of the worlds finest custom blades, check out Benchmades Gold Class custom built blades here. I would say northfork. We like this size compromise. Blade Style: Spear-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Skeletonized 6061-T6 Billet AluminumBlade Length: 3.95Total Length: 8.72Total Weight: 3.24 ounces.