Benchmade Knives

About Benchmade Knives

The year was 1979. The company's name was Bali-Song. The guy responsible for it? An unemployable California craftsman named Les DeAsis.

If you're no stranger to pocket knives, you likely don't even have to think hard to figure out which type of knife Les offered—the balisong, also known as the butterfly knife. Not long after, the balisong knife gained so much popularity in the U.S. it sparked a subculture.

Then came 1983. Bali-Song, Inc. became Pacific Cutlery Corporation. The goal? To expand to other knife offerings.

Unfortunately, financial woes forced Pacific Cutlery to eventually declare bankruptcy. In 1988, Benchmade Knives was born. Today, Les's son Jon heads Benchmade Knives as CEO.

Where are Benchmade knives manufactured?

Benchmade knives are proudly made in the USA—from the company's Oregon City, Oregon facility.

Which knife types does Benchmade offer?

Benchmade makes different types of knives. The company crafts each knife, from everyday carry (EDC) to limited editions, to meet rigorous excellence and durability standards.

Here's a list of their products:

1. Everyday carry (EDC)

Benchmade EDC knives hit the sweet spot between versatility and performance. Plus, their compact and lightweight design makes them convenient for daily use. Popular models include:

• Bugout 535

• Mini Griptilian 556

• 9400 Osborne

2. Tactical knives

Tactical knives are a type of knife that can be used for self-defense, law enforcement, and military situations. Equipped with a secure grip and quick-draw design, they're built for high-stress, dangerous scenarios but can also be used for various tasks.

Popular Benchmade tactical knife models include:

• 4400 Casbah

• 2750FE-2 Adamas

• 391SBK SOCP Tactical Folder

3. Outdoor knives

Outdoor knives can perform various tasks, from chopping wood to skinning animals, and can withstand tough conditions. Popular Benchmade outdoor knife models include:

• 163-1 Bushcrafter

• 15017 Hidden Canyon Hunter

• 15002-1 Saddle Mountain Skinner

For big-game hunters, a bestselling Benchmade hunting knife is the 15600OR Raghorn.

4. Folding knives

Benchmade folding knives typically feature the AXIS lock mechanism, which was developed by knifemakers Jason Williams and Bill McHenry. Benchmade then bought the rights and renamed it the "AXIS lock."

Popular Benchmade folding knives include:

• 550-S30V Griptilian

• 580 Barrage

• 560BK-1 Freek

5. Fixed blade knives

Benchmade's fixed blade knives can withstand demanding tasks and tough conditions. They can be used indoors, in the wilderness, or in tactical situations.

Popular models include:

• 15201OR Altitude

• 112SBK dive knife

• 185BK-1 SOCP

6. Automatic knives

Also known as switchblades, automatic knives feature a spring-loaded mechanism that allows the knife's blade to quickly deploy with the push of a switch or button.

Popular models include:

• 9101SBK Auto Stryker

• 4300 CLA

• 9051SBK AFO II

7. Rescue knives

These types of knives come with features like seatbelt cutter, glass breaker, and serrated edge to aid in emergency situations. They're perfect for rescue personnel like firefighters, EMTs, and the police.

Popular Benchmade rescue knife models include:

• 916SBK Triage

• 8551BK Mediator

• 179GRY SOCP Dagger

8. Cutlery knives

Benchmade cutlery knives are high-quality knives designed for kitchen use. Popular models include:

• 4010-02 Station

• 15500-3 Meatcrafter

9. Specialty and limited edition knives

Often designed in collaboration with popular knifemakers to commemorate special events, these types of knives are highly collectible.

Popular models include:

• 290-241 Full Immunity

• 945-221 Mini Osborne Gold Class

What materials and mechanisms do Benchmade knives feature?

Attention to detail, commitment to high-quality materials—these are just two of the many reasons Benchmade is such a well-known brand. A few things to expect from Benchmade knifes:

• Rust-resistant, edge-retentive stainless steel blades : Benchmade Damascus blades, CPM-S30V, S90V, CPM-CruWear, M390

• Durable handle materials: G-10, carbon fiber, titanium, Grivory

• State-of-the-art locking and deployment mechanisms: Auto AXIS, AXIS lock

Are Benchmade knives suitable for outdoor activities?

Yes, they are. Designed for adventure, Benchmade outdoor knives are suited for camping, hiking, trekking, hunting, fishing, climbing, bouldering, and bushcrafting activities.

How do I take care of my Benchmade knife?

Benchmade knives are built to last a lifetime. But dust, pocket lint, and general wear and tear can affect their performance over time. So make it a point to perform regular maintenance to keep them in top shape.

Some tips:

• To remove grime, sand, grit, or lint, rinse out your knife with mild dish soap and cool water. Then, thoroughly dry it.

• Once dry, apply light oil—blue lube, gun oil, or suitable alternatives—to the blade, handles, and other parts that can benefit.

• Remember to only handwash your Benchmade cutlery knives. Never put them in the dishwasher—the high temperature and chemicals in detergent can damage or dull them.

• Be careful when resetting blades. Ensure you're in an open area to avoid any injuries.

Can I sharpen my knife from Benchmade at home?

Definitely! Use a quality sharpening stone or system. Or send in your knife to Benchmade for professional sharpening and maintenance.

What is the Benchmade warranty?

All Benchmade knives are covered by a limited lifetime warranty. Included in this warranty are material and manufacturing defects—but not physical damage resulting from normal wear, misuse, or knife modification.

Meanwhile, Benchmade's LifeSharp service offers free sharpening for life.

Are Benchmade knives legal in the US?

Most knives are legal to purchase and carry in the United States. A total of 39 states also allow automatic knives. Benchmade fixed blade knives can be carried in almost any area, but please be sure to check local laws before carrying any type of knife.

What is the Benchmade Custom Knife Builder?

A Benchmade knife tailor-made to your specifications—that's exactly what Benchmade's Custom Knife Builder is about. It's an online tool that lets you customize popular Benchmade models to create a one-of-a-kind Benchmade knife.

Here's how the process works:

1. Pick your knife.

2. Choose your blade.

3. Select your handle.

4. Pick your accents and hardware.

5. Review and purchase.

Benchmade will then make the knife according to your specifications.

Are Benchmade knives worth it?

Benchmade knives are simply some of the most popular within the knife community:

• They're designed for performance.

• They're durable and reliable.

• Their after-sales support is hard to beat.

Where can I buy Benchmade knives?

When it comes to knives, Northwest Knives is a premier online destination, trusted by customers across the U.S. We offer a wide selection of Benchmade knives, including fan favorites like the Griptilian, Bugout, 940 Osborne, Claymore, Shootout, and Meatcrafter.

Benchmade knives for sale at our online shop include folding knives, fixed blades, automatics, kitchen knives, tactical knives, rescue knives, and limited editions.

Got any questions or concerns? Reach out to us via phone or email.