Benchmade has taken this idea and, in my opinion, refined it to be as handy and as durable as possible given the current steel and knife technology. That is, if the seller is providing real photos of the knife they are selling and not some stock photo or a picture taken from the Benchmade site. Instead, you get ALL the goodies! 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. CPM-S30V, a Benchmade favorite stainless steel to use in their premium blades, is more than strong enough to slide right through bones and will hold an edge for many outdoor adventures. ProHuntingKnife.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Bugout. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay informed! Just be aware of this before you buy. These materials differ in terms of weight and price, and thus offer little in the way of a fair comparison. Blade Style: Drop-Point / Drop-Point With Gut HookBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Resin Filled Wood GrainBlade Length: 3.5Total Length: 7.84Total Weight: 4.76 ounces. Blade Style: WharncliffeBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Slotted G10Blade Length: 1.6Total Length: 4.48Total Weight: 1.8 ounces. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. 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. This will give you more flexibility but lower edge retention. BENCHMADE 15031-2 NORTH FORK FOLDER S30V NEW IN THE BOX Brand New $175.00 Seller: bugsman57 (638) 100% Buy It Now +$12.60 shipping Sponsored Benchmade HUNT North Fork Folding Knife 15031-2 Dymondwood Handle Brand New $198.00 Top Rated Plus Buy It Now Seller: premiumselectsupplies (43,502) 99.8% Free shipping Free returns 31 watchers Sponsored The Fact wont be for everyone but something I noticed is that it would fit very well in a purse or handbag due to how slim it is so perhaps this would be a good way to get your girl into carrying a Benchmade! Your blade must be sharp and stay that way. The Axis Automatic mechanism is a little more aggressive than the Axis Assist and works by ejecting the blade immediately when the Axis tension bar is pressed. :) Built on heavy-duty stainless steel liners, this is a knife to carry into the woods or around town for years to come. The line is built upon a foundation of rigorous testing and research and development for use by real hunters. A flick of the wrist sends the blade out, and it worries me that if I were to drop it by accident, etc. You can sharpen it in the field, but we recommend doing it at home and taking your time. My Review: Oh boy, when I first saw this monstrosity I was pretty intrigued as to what the heck is going on with that blade, then I realized these were designed for aviation use and all I could think about was all the wack stuff Airmen have said to me. Benchmade Anthem 781 3. If youd like to show your support to Les De Asis and the Benchmade family, visit this link and find out how you can become a part of the Benchmade community by contributing to his Makerspace memorial contribution fund that is geared towards educating our youth for further exploration, innovation, and entrepreneurship. I love the bugout but will be upgrading the scales. Which just about always also means pleasantly functional. A quick last note here, the Griptilian sometimes receives a little hate because it doesnt have the G10 or carbon fiber handle. 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 high end Mini Grip is probably too expensive for mainstream folks. I believe this is due to state by state restrictions on double-edged blades and of course, they cant hold inventory that fits each and every states laws independently. Need to do some piercing? Benchmade North Fork Review February 5, 2015 GEAR INSTITUTE RATINGS 98 Construction & Materials 10 Ease of Use Steel Quality & Edge Retention 10 Durability 10 The Good Good value Well made Dymondwood handle scales Works well as back-up or secondary hunting knife The Bad Blade is too small to be a primary hunting tool Feels a bit small in hand The opening notch and serrated thumb-rest are very efficient. The Bugout is available with Grivory, titanium and CF-Elite. Blade Style: Drop-Point|Blade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Dual-Durometer Glass-Filled NylonBlade Length: 3.5Total Length: 7.84Total Weight: 3.77 ounces. Just like the Saddle Mountain series, you can choose whether or not youd like to have a gut hook. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, hiking, running, shooting guns, and reviewing gear. Two thumb studs on either side of the blade allow for fast and easy opening with either hand. The blade is namely made from CPM S30V. Blade Style: TantoBlade Composition: 154CMHandle Composition: Rib Textured 6061-T6 AluminumBlade Length: 4.5Total Length: 9.45Total Weight: 5 ounces. At 60-62 HRC, these knives stay sharp for a long time, however, they also tend to be a little brittle, and difficult to sharpen later on. At first glance, it kind of looks like a silly gimmick, but after closer inspection, youll realize how incredibly helpful and handy having this tiny little tool on you can be. Larger knives (to a point) are easier to use. Blade Style: Spear-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: G10Blade Length: 3.6Total Length: 8.42Total Weight: 4.11 ounces. North Fork. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Flipping this open with one hand quickly becomes second nature and is, in my opinion, more satisfying than even some of the best assisted-opening knives. Id argue that this is an excellent knife for someone looking in the premium folding Tanto section. Hold this thing in real life before you judge! Spyderco vs Benchmade Which Should You Choose? We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. 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. And the same thing always ends up happening. However, this one is my favorite since this is the so-called Super Freek, due to the upgraded CPM-M4 steel and handle material. Features 3D-machined handle texture Contoured for comfort Increased grip and rigidity with only a 0.1 ounce difference in weight Refine by No filters applied Benchmade North Fork 15031-2 8. They are one of the widely recognized brands in the knife industry across the country. You would be hard-pressed to find a good EDC of this level that can perform utility tasks this well. Naturally, a question arises: what is the best Benchmade knife? A massive 9.1cm CPM M4 blade is hidden within a smooth and click G10 handle that's got loads of size to give you maximum power. My Review: Before we get started its important to note that the Infidel 133 was originally an out the front automatic knife (OTF) whereas the knife I am reviewing is a fixed blade. We can be brief when it comes to the similarities: the handles of both knives look alike. My Review: The Anthem 781, to many, is just a pretty piece of expensive metal and thats unfortunate because I think this knife is far better than most people realize. It finally made sense. I REALLY appreciate all the thoughts and opinions. Benchmade Foray 698 6. My Review: Benchmade seems to love making little one-off designed utility tools and this would be the case for the Aller 380. You can actually get the same drop-point attributes with further controllability in tight situations. I do have to say that the North Fork has really caught my eye. However, its not textured so you might not get as much grip as youd expect from other EDC knives. A: Their amazing quality is what made Benchmade knives stand apart from other kinds of knives. The bugout never gets carried. Disclosure : Everyday Carry is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. What kind of knife is Benchmade North Fork Drop-Point? 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. It is light and relatively compact, especially considering that it has a full-size blade, full-function usefulness, and carrying options. The Infidel is absolutely not an EDC knife nor is it for the untrained user. That is until you get a hold on the Valox handles it comes with. Lets talk about some of the best technologies theyve designed and implemented over the years. At A Glance: Our Top 5 Best Benchmade Knives in 2022. This uses an internal sprung bolt that locks into the rear of the blade when its opened. Check out our benchmade scales north fork selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. If that 4 blade is a tad too much for ya, you can give the 15085-2 Mini Crooked River a look here at this link which sports a 3.4 blade and shaves off about 2 ounces of weight! We are pocket knife experts that understand that you don't Pocket knife shopping is daunting. cpm3v is the steel used to craft the plain drop point blade. Benchmade Nakamura 484 7. But not completely stainless. 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. The pocket clipped North Fork. (0.090" Bugout / 0.115" 940) As a slicer, the Bugout is fine, but IMHO, a daily carry knife should be able to handle all kinds of tasks from cutting to prying, and the ever most important, to shotgun that beer! I have linked out to the version with only one edge, which is also the serrated version. I have the north fork, bugout, and gifted a mini grip. As I mentioned before, Benchmade has released this knife in tons of different colors and styles and if that 3.24 blade is a little too long for your Bugout loadout, Id strongly recommend giving the Mini Bugout 533 a look as well which can be found here. It will cut well for years and years, and Benchmade will sharpen it in a process that is also, well, smooth. Top 10 Best Benchmade Knife Reviews in 2023, Benchmade Mini Griptilian Sheepsfoot knife. The blade shape is specifically designed to cause a lot of damage in one fell swoop. Standard, because it is great for daily tasks. 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. While pondering this, your knifes intended use is a good place to start. The 15003-1 comes with a black molded Kydex style sheath that, in my opinion, would last longer and likely give you a bit more value. Clayton - Thanks for the comment. Thats not a major drawback though, and for most people, its going to be more than made up for by the overall comfort and usability of the knife. There are a few factors to look at there. The Bugout has a fairly standard drop-point blade. 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. Benchmade 535 Bugout drop-point fine-edge knife was designed with modern outdoor adventurers in mind, incorporating lightweight, robust materials in an extremely slim, yet ergonomic package. I like the low visibility these EDC blades offer. I'm going to revisit this and will update the post with our findings (and your concerns). The knife is of a Sheepsfoot blade, and its quite useful in daily utility works. With a high quality CPMS30V stainless steel blade, the folding knife is exceptionally well-balanced. See our Privacy Policy for more details. The price is pretty dang high, you could get value and use out of much lower-priced Benchmade knives, however, the Anthem is one of a kind and truly is a piece of incredible engineering that, if its your flavor, is well worth the money. No matter what our readers want to learn and do, our team is here to help them accomplish those goals. Anyway, on to the design of the North Fork. For steller cutting, piercing, and prying tasks, this is the best Benchmade knife you can hope to find. With the purchase of a Benchmade knife, you have the option to mail in your knife when it gets dull or requires maintenance and Benchmade will have it back to you in less than two weeks looking and performing as if it was brand new. The one way in which these two are different is in the assisted opening function. Some recommended products may use affiliate links. Home Knives 30 Best Benchmade Knives in 2023 (Ranked by Category). 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. There is no AXIS lock or AXIS assisted opening but instead, the blade is held in place via friction from the frame. We will explain! In torture tests, it outperforms any knife who dares to compete and in comfort, the textured G10 handles are perfect for medium to large size hands. 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 greatly appreciate that this slim and functional knife features a Tanto point blade. We are a granola-eating, Birkenstock-wearing, bug spray-carrying group of hiking enthusiastswho specialize in finding the latest gear for outdoor adventures. And they share the same opening and locking mechanisms. Particularly, if youre going to swim, camp, or go backpacking, dont pick wood or Dymondwood handle as moisture will make it unsuitable for a while. In many cases the answer is an unequivocal yes, however, Id say it really depends on your situation and what you need a knife for. It also comes super sharp out of the box, boasting a full flat grind. The folding knife isnt just built for hunting, but also suitable for other uses as well.This Benchmade North Fork 1503 review explains everything about this versatile, tactical knife. Byrd Robin 2 Produced by Spyderco, this is a tiny folding knife with a 2.4-inch blade and back lock. . Evaluate whether the Benchmade North Fork-1503 you intend to get is engineered for high-quality.For instance, check whether the knife has a CPM-S30V stainless steel blade and a balanced handle among other key features associated with high quality. Today many EDC enthusiasts have also embraced this great pocket knife. Based out of Oregon City, USA, Benchmade has truly made a name for itself when it comes to crafting small and insanely efficient knives. A large knife pretty much needs to be fixed blade, but with the size, were looking at theres a choice. How to Choose the Best Benchmade Knife for All Purposes? Blade Style: Trailing Clip-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Resin Filled Wood GrainBlade Length: 4Total Length: 9.3Total Weight: 5.41. A Review of the Benchmade North Fork Knife: Is it Right for You? Although designed for hunting this is also an excellent general-purpose blade. The manufacturing is based out of Oregon City, Oregon ever since the company moved to the place in 2010. Kizer Knives V4423A1- this quality folding knife is reasonably affordable than Benchmade North Fork-1503. The cutting edge is about as long as its possible to fit on a 2.7-inch blade theres no wasted space, with the sharpened edge starting right at the pivot. Marine Approved is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program. This program is designed to provide a way for websites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon. On the entire continuum of pocket knife size, the North Fork is near the top. The gut hook is exceptionally sharp and perfectly angled so that it slides right through skin and hair like youre slicing paper. The Adamas is certainly no knife for a beginner, however, to a trained fighter or someone looking for an ominous way to defend themselves, the Adamas is a strong go-to. While this boasts a Dymondwood handle and a tough drop point blade with a serrated spine, the shining point of this knife is the folding gut hook that comes along. The Bugout's blade is extremely thin when compared to the 940. I would like to hear your thoughts and Im sure other readers would as well! All you might think you care about, as it pertains to a knife's edge, is "is it sharp?" They look about as tactically cool as you can make a knife and the fixed blade variant of the original OTF is solid. Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Glass-Filled NylonBlade Length: 3.45Total Length: 8.07Total Weight: 3.88 ounces. Usually, pocket-friendly knives make use of less sturdy steel, but that is not so in this knife. Benchmade is comparable to Bentley in the knife world and a brand like that is simply going to come with a premium for the name. Lifetime guarantee Knife manufacturers are always trying to change the game and expand upon existing designs and Benchmade does this often, however, in terms of the Puukko, we get a form factor that really couldnt be any simpler paired up with some of the finest materials you can craft a knife out of. Whatever outdoor activity youre planning, the first item on your kit list should always be a knife. Its topnotch features combined with high performance ensure the folding knife suits your everyday needs.Overall, North Fork 1503 takes pride in being a product of a respectable brand and it is specially built for tackling multiple tasks.Whether you want a reliable hunting knife, a reliable outdoor companion or you want something to use for making precision cuts, this tactical folding knife is your best bet. Customize your 535 Bugout knife with a plain drop-point or serrated drop-point blade, coupled with a CF Elite or Grivory handle. No ads. The S30V steel takes an excellent edge, almost as good as traditional carbon steel, and it doesnt need a lot of maintenance. These knives do not require a lot of attention or maintenance, they dont whimper in the face of harsh elements or heavy usage, and they simply get the job done every single time. Its long and slender with a very high-class elegant finish that really exudes craftsmanship without being over-engineered or snarky in appearance. Whether you are planning to go hiking, camping, or a backpacking trip, the Benchmade Bugout 535 7.46-Inch Folding Knife is a great knife for EDC purposes. The first thing you might notice is the lack of scales. You can refer to the reviews there to check if the seller is authorized or not. Suggested Alternatives to the Benchmade North Fork, Black Friday / Cyber Monday Camping Deals: Gear, Hiking, Survival, Outdoor Deals. Are you 'simply' looking for a good and lightweight EDC pocket knife? For carrying, of course, smaller like this is better. The handle is available in two variants, both made up of scales attached to a steel frame; the 15031-1 has scales made from G10 composite, while the 15031-2 uses Dymondwood. No wonder users call it the best Benchmade knife for hunting. Check for Signs of Poor Workmanship and Defects. However, this is the biggest Benchmade folder and has a long clip point blade that will suit not only EDC tasks but also tasks during hunting and camping. The. This website is not affiliated with the United States Marine Corps, and the information on this website does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Marine Corps as a whole. If you want a light slicer to disappear into the pocket then the bug out is probably the way to go. Blade Style: Drop-Point With Saw-Tooth SpineBlade Composition: D2Handle Composition: Bare Skeletonized and SlottedBlade Length: 4.2Total Length: 9.03Total Weight: 5.6 ounces. In this respect the Bugout is a little more user-friendly for 'normal' users. For the handle, you have a choice between traditional materials like wood or horn, modern composites, or even an all-metal handle. The differences are namely quite clear. The knifes drop-point blade is ideal for the avid hunter. The Freek was purpose-built to be a heavily abused EDC style knife. How to Sharpen a Machete Most Effective & Easy Way at Home. Unlike cheap friction held blades, this one actually does hold in place quite well and despite having an amazing grip on the blade, its very easy to deploy. Understanding the shape and the steel of your future blade will be the largest deciding factor of how the blade behaves when used in your specific environment and situations! No, not you, youve chosen the Altitude because you have attitude. My Review: The Benchmade Bugout is a classic and has been around for quite some time. The lock ensures the knife opens and closes single-handedly. For the price, you get great quality and lasting design. If you just want one knife and one knife only that exudes quality and is as versatile as it gets, the Benchmade Turret should be at the top of your list. Benchmade Knife Company, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veterans, age, disability or genetics. Typically, I wouldnt ever recommend something like this to someone new to handling knives but this little kit is an excellent way to introduce a dagger style knife for self-defense. Slicing? Step 3 Shape:Blade shape is a very personal choice. But the way it was added is different. The best Benchmade knife isnt the one with the most ratings or reviews, or the one thats the most pricey. BUT. it may be knocked off the throne by my mini crooked river. If that 3.45 blade is a tad too much and you prefer something a little more compact, you can check out the Benchmade Griptilian Mini 556 here. It is ideal for skinning and for making precision cuts. These knives appear basic and simple but are extremely over-engineered and will serve you well for many years to come. 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. Overstatement? Stay on point with the latest products, offers and more! When it comes to the handles ergonomics, this knife beats all the rest. The Tanto is specifically designed to be extremely lethal as its point is among the strongest of all blade shapes, giving it superior penetration and stabbing capabilities while also hosting a sharp and straight belly for slashing. Not many knives give off such a premium feel while costing under two Benjamins AND being as rough and tough as the Foray. That rescue hook is mean man, Im telling you, that thing slices seatbelts so easily it makes you second guess how good seatbelts really are. In addition to federal law requirements, Benchmade complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. 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. The Rescue Tool is in the same form factor as the original SOCP dagger but instead of a spear-point blade, youll be getting a belt cutter and pry tool. Start Your Benchmade Career Today. If so the Benchmade Bugout is a great choice. The surgically sharp blade comes perfectly centered. The Bailout is available with fine 'tool steels'. I wouldnt suggest this as an EDC or as a knife for a beginner but more so something youd keep under your pillow or in your truck if youre traveling through a rough neighborhood. Its more durable and weather-resistant than a regular wooden handle, and it also provides great grip and adds to the visual appeal of the knife as a whole. This Scandinavian inspired Puukko knife is a small, light, and nifty tool despite being fixed and needing a sheath. Benchmade 15051 Big Summit Lake Another drop point with a slightly longer blade 2.9 inches and Dymondwood handle, this is ideal for anyone who likes the concept of the North Fork but isnt as keen on the Axis Lock. The Wharncliffe design makes penetration and stabbing virtually impossible which means using this blade around sensitive material and even skin is much safer than a regular blade style. The Bugout doesnt try and do anything fancy. I know carrying a knife this expensive is a bit risky and a little scary but if you gather up the courage to pocket this bad boy, youll be itching to deploy it just for the beautiful mechanical sound it makes and how good it feels to use. From my selection, youve seen how Benchmade tends to make either straight, plain edged EDC knives or ones with a partial serration. A little oiling also makes sure the axis locking joint is smooth as butter. Im a huge fan of small slender blades because they tend to lack the tensile strength required for a rugged lifestyle. Its not much in terms of versatility, although I suppose it is usable across many applications, however, its very clear this knife was designed to perform sustained damage in a combat situation. At the weight (1.9 oz), you won't find a sturdier and more functional pocket knife. This Mini Griptilian also has the same impressive handle as the full-sized Griptilian. We are currently looking for former Marines to join the team who are interested in writing about tactical gear, survival gear, hiking supplies, etc. Benchmade Saddle Mountain 15003-2 or 15003-1, Here Are the Best Tactical Benchmade Knives, Unique Benchmade Knife Designs and Notable Mentions, 30. In terms of ease of carrying and usability, this may just be the knife that sits the most comfortably in between those two attributes found on the market today. I feel like the other two are good options, but the northfork feels like it has a "soul". No self-respecting sailor will ever be without a knife to help with rigging repairs or clearing damaged gear. That interesting texture you see near the spine of the blade is simply laser-etched tacticoolness to help you open it up if you do happen to feel like neglecting the giant hole since it was originally designed to be a two-handed manual opener. Id say if youre torn between the two, dont let strength be the deciding factor, as I believe this knife will most certainly fit the bill no matter the task. george kovach cilka. 4.9 out of 5 stars 23. Its essential for hunters wanting to dress their harvest. These high-grip sections make it easy to control the blade for fine cutting, even when its wet or slimy if you like to hold your index finger along the spine while skinning theyll give you some extra security. This knife is a tad bit heavier for its size than what I would normally carry, however, the classic design is exactly what a lot of people are searching for in an EDC and as I said, its versatility can rival any of the top EDC knives around today. I work at a store that sells Benchmade knives (most of which have the Axis Lock system) and I've never heard anyone say that their knife can just open without using the lock first. This knife is also available with a little pizazz, offering a carbon fiber handle and beautiful accents. Despite the manufacturer recommending this knife for hunting purposes, I actually consider this the best Benchmade knife for EDC due to its superb edge retention and sharpness as it comes out of the box. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. It's been in the box since I bought it. Another difference is that the original Freek came equipped with lower quality handles called Versaflex but the Super Freek comes with those G10 handles we all know and love so much. My current daily carry is the SOG AE24-CP Aegis Mini, and if you are familiar with it or similar products, it is a spring loaded release and takes some thumb effort to get the blade out.