Best Benchmade Knife: Top Reviews for Tactical, EDC, and More

Since Benchmade Knife Company began in 1979 as Bali-Song, it has continued to be an innovative and effective knife producer. Benchmade was initially known for producing butterfly knives, which it still manufactures to date.

And over the last 4 decades, they have introduced some of the best knives in the market. Currently, Benchmade produces knives for several markets, including outdoor sporting, and EDC.

The company’s quality control is well-known, and the passion of Benchmade’s knife designers is expressed in each product. The company has won over 6 accolades for product design and innovations in the last decade.

In fact, millions of people use Benchmade knives every day, making it an internationally recognized and trusted brand for EDC.

But, you already know the reputation of Benchmade knives?

What you might not know is the different Benchmade knives models in the market and which one is perfect for you.

Let’s take a look at some of the Benchmade knife reviews and see what you should get for hunting, hiking, camping, and EDC.

The 9 Best Benchmade Knives Are…

Product	Details
1. Griptilian 551 Benchmade Knife	Top Pick	Partially serrated cutting edge 3.45 inches long blade Glass-filled Noryl GTX handle Drop point blade style Reversible pocket clip	Check Current Price
2. Benchmade-Grizzly ridge15061 EDC		3.5 inches long blade Plain drop point blade design CPM-30V steel blade Versaflex and grivory handle Reversible pocket clip	Check Current Price
3. Benchmade 940 EDC		G-10 handle scales 3.4 inches CPM-S30V steel blade Axis locking mechanism Anodized aluminum handle	Check Current Price
4. Benchmade Anthem 781 EDC		An axis locking system Anodized billet-titanium handle 3.5 inches CPM-20CV steel blade Reversible pocket clip Drop point blade design	Check Current Price
5. Benchmade Bugout 535 EDC		Lanyard hole Reversible pocket clip Drop point blade style 3.24 inches long blade A reliable axis locking mechanism	Check Current Price
6. Benchmade Barrage 583 Knife		Ambidextrous design Axis locking mechanism plus an assist One-handed opening 3.6-in blade Lifetime warranty	Check Current Price
7. Mini-Crooked River 15085-2 Benchmade Knife		Ambidextrous axis locking system Lanyard hole and reversible pocket clip CPM-30V clip point blade One-handed opening	Check Current Price
8. Adamas 275 Benchmade Knife		Open length of about 8.75 inches Drop point blade featuring a serrated spine Reversible pocket clip Cordura sheath that weighs approximately 1.5 ounce Skeletonized handle	Check Current Price
9. Benchmade Bushcrafter 162		Leather sheath with a belt loop Durable G10 handle Precision drop point blade style 4.4 inches CPM-S30V blade	Check Current Price

1. Griptilian 551 Benchmade Knife — The Best Benchmade Knife Overall

Griptilian 551 is arguably one of the best everyday carry folding knives from Benchmade. It is a full-sized, high-quality pocket knife that can be closed and opened single-handedly. Its axis lock mechanism is quite robust and reliable.

Its glass-filled Noryl GTX handle is attractive and robust, making it a perfect knife for EDC and hard jobs. And thanks to its excellent grip, you will never have to worry about this pocketknife slipping from your hand.

Griptilian 551’s blade is made from 154CM stainless steel, which can hold an edge very well. The 154CM steel blade is rust-resistant and tough. The knife’s lightweight design and the great handle makes it comfortable to use and hold.

For easy carry, Griptilian 551 comes with a reversible pocket clip. The knife’s all-round functionality and drop-point blade-style make it an ideal tool for EDC and tactical applications.

Griptillian 551 comes with a lifetime warranty that can help keep your knife in excellent condition. In fact, Benchmade promises to sharpen or repair all Griptillian 551 bought from authorized dealers. For a perfect everyday carry knife, this pocket knife can be quite bulky thanks to its 0.64 inches thick handle.

Overall rating – 4.4 out of 5

Conclusion

Griptilian 551 is a full-sized pocket knife that comes with a sharp, partially serrated blade.

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2. Benchmade-Grizzly ridge15061 EDC — Best Budget Benchmade Knife

Grizzly ridge 15061 might not be much good against a grizzly bear, but it can handle everything else perfectly. This Benchmade hunting knife comes with a 3.5 inches blade that can slice through almost everything.

The blade has a drop point construction for flexibility and power. It is made from CPM-530V steel, which means it has very high corrosion-resistance and edge-retention levels.

Grizzly ridge 15061 comes with one of the world’s most grippy handle that is made from glass-filled nylon. Grizzly ridge 15061 is on the lighter side as it weighs about 3.84 ounces.

Its weight and slim profile make it a perfect knife for EDC. Plus, its axis locking system guarantees you easy closing and smooth opening. For easy carrying, this hunting knife comes with a reversible pocket clip.

Even though it has an excellent edge retention capability, its recurve blade can be quite challenging to sharpen for some people.

Its reversible pocket clip is effective, but it doesn’t allow for deep carrying. After all, some enthusiasts would prefer to tuck a knife of this price range deep in their pocket.

Overall rating – 4.6 out of 5

Conclusion

Grizzly ridge15061 is the world’s most grippy pocketknife. So you will never have to worry about it slipping from your hand when cutting through tough things.

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3. Benchmade 940 EDC

The Benchmade 940 series is ranked among the top knives from Benchmade. It is an exemplary knife that combines functionality with simplicity. This folding knife comes with a 3.4 inches blade that is made from CPM-S30V Steel.

Therefore, it has a high edge-retention rate and corrosion-resistant levels. Its reverse tanto blade is versatile, quick, and ready for any outdoor activity. Benchmade 940 comes with a durable handle that is made from 6061-T6 aluminum.

Benchmade 940 has a unique locking mechanism that is smooth to close and open. Due to its slim design and lightweight, this knife can be a perfect EDC tool.

Benchmade 940 is a unique tool; however, when new, its blade doesn’t move as freely as it should. Plus, its axis locking mechanism is a little sticky. Even though it is a great EDC tool, some users have complained that the blade isn’t well centered.

Overall rating – 4.6 out of 5

Conclusion

Benchmade 940’s lightweight design and unique blade make it a great addition to your survival kit, backpack, and EDC.

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4. Benchmade Anthem 781 EDC — Best Benchmade Knife for EDC

Anthem 781 isn’t just any other folding knife. It is a unique tool that features the high-end U.S. made CPM-20CV steel blade. This steel has high rust-resistant and edge-retention levels. It can cut through anything with ease.

One of the main reasons why this folding knife is quite costly is the fact that it features a titanium handle. Benchmade merged billet titanium handle with CPM-20CV steel blade to produce this strong EDC tool.

The billet titanium is sturdier than steel, and it is resistant to industrial chemicals and natural elements. Anthem 781 has a unique axis locking system that works perfectly. This knife is quite light, and its toughness is incredible.

Anthem 781 is an expensive Benchmade knife; however, its toughness and reliability can surprise you. Its reversible pocket clip helps secure it in our pockets. But, this deep carry clip doesn’t do well with thin materials. The reversible pocket clip is only compatible with thick materials.

Overall rating – 4.7 out of 5

Conclusion

Weighing about 3.68 ounces, this thin folding knife can fit your hands perfectly, making it an ideal EDC tool.

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5. Benchmade Bugout 535 EDC

The Bugout knife collection has been around for some time now, but Benchmade launched Bugout 535 in 2017. Bugout 535 is one of the lightest folding knives in the market that weighs about 1.85 ounces.

Don’t let its weight fool you! This tool can handle anything that comes up with its durable CPM-S30V steel blade. Its weight makes it an ideal tool for backpacking, camping, and hiking. Its 3.24 inches long blade comes with a drop point blade, and it has a very high edge retention rate.

Bugout 535’s glass-filled nylon handle is designed to be purposefully light and grippy. This tool is very easy to open, plus its reversible clip and lanyard hole provides reliable carrying options.

Being on the lighter side, Bugout 535 is not ideal for people who need a heavy folding knife. Its short clip doesn’t support deep carrying; however, you can link it to your key chain through the lanyard hole.

Overall rating – 4.6 out of 5

Conclusion

Due to its weight and size, Bugout 535 can be a perfect EDC knife. Plus, its sturdy and sharp blade can slice through anything that can come up.

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6. Benchmade Barrage 583 Knife

Barrage 583 is an outstanding everyday carry and self-defense knife that comes with a tough 3.6 inches long blade. It is the first Benchmade tool to come with an axis assist; therefore, it closes and opens very fast with either hand.

The axis assist makes it quite easy to use and hold. Its blade is made from 154CM steel. Barrage 583’s G10 aluminum handle makes it an ultimate everyday carry tool. Plus, it comes with Benchmade’s lifetime warranty. Therefore you don’t have to worry when it gets damaged, or its blade becomes blunt.

Weighing around 4.5 ounces with a maximum open length or approximately 8.5 inches, Barrage 583 is a bulky knife. Barrage 583’s blade has a very sharp tip, so you have to be careful when using it.

Overall rating – 4.4 out of 5

Conclusion

Due to its size and weight, the Barrage 583 can be a satisfying EDC tool, plus the fact that it fits perfectly in our pockets is a bonus.

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7. Mini-Crooked River 15085-2 Benchmade Knife

Mini-crooked River is a simple hunting knife that can take care of several tasks outdoors. This tool merges a clip point blade for easy and controlled cuts with a perfect wooden handle. Its 3.4 inches CPM-S30V steel blade is rust-resistant and sharp.

Its wooden handle is built using durable composite materials filled with resin. This handle is stronger than a normal wooden one and can survive a harsh fall. Mini-crooked River features a reliable and smooth axis locking system.

For versatile carrying options, this tool comes with both a lanyard hole and a reversible split-arrow clip. Its clip point blade is excellent for tasks that require the tip of the knife to penetrate first.

With an open length of 7.89 inches and a weight of about 3.29 ounces, this knife can be quite bulky for some people. It is a costly knife, but the amount of work it can handle and its strength makes it worth it.

Overall rating – 4.5 out of 5

Conclusion

The Mini-Crooked River knife is a great EDC tool that can handle a wide range of tasks.

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8. Adamas 275 Benchmade Knife

Adama 275 is a unique pocket knife that can serve as a tactical and everyday carry knife. Adama 275 features a plain D2 stainless steel blade and a black G10 handle.

Its handle is stable and durable enough for a wide range of climate, making it a perfect tactical knife. Adama 275 looks rugged, but yet very comfortable to use. Plus, its axis locking mechanism is exceptionally strong.

This manual knife can be closed and opened single-handedly. And it’s drop point blade can serve you well in a wide range of chores. For easy carry, Adama 275 comes with a Cordura sheath and reversible pocket clip.

Weighing about 7.68 ounces, Adama 275 can be a tad bulky for some people. Therefore it can be too heavy for an EDC, but just perfect for a tactical tool.

Overall rating – 4.7 out of 5

Conclusion

Adama 275 is a perfect tactical and everyday carry knife that you can never afford to leave at home.

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9. Benchmade Bushcrafter 162

Bushcrafter 162 is a robust fixed knife that was built to handle anything that can come up outdoors. This knife thrives in any environmental condition. Bushcrafter 162 features a 4.4 inches CPM-S30V steel blade and a G10 handle.

Its blade has a precision drop point design for versatility and strength. The resin-soaked fiberglass body of the G10 handle makes it impervious to moisture. Therefore, it can thrive under any climatic conditions. Bushcrafter comes with a leather sheath with a D-ring and belt loop.

Bushcrafter 162’s has a strong and sharp blade that can be quite difficult to sharpen. It is a fantastic and durable blade that can handle a wide range of tasks. Weighing about 7.72 ounces, this knife can be heavy for some users.

Overall rating – 4.7 out of 5

Conclusion

Bushcrafter 162 is a durable EDC knife that can survive in any environmental condition. It is the best option for rough users.

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About Benchmade Knives

Benchmade is a top knife producer that manufactures high-quality knives for everyone regardless of the price range. Therefore, if you need a beautiful knife for any purpose, Benchmade is the way to go.

Benchmade has manufactured several knife models for numerous markets, so you have a wide range of products to choose from.

When it comes to purchasing a Benchmade knife, there are several factors you must consider, such as the use, budget, and size, among others.

Whether it’s for EDC, tactical purposes, law enforcement, or cutlery, these knives incorporate a wide range of crucial features.

Benchmade Classes

Benchmade has grouped their knives into 3 classes: Gold, Black, and Blue.

Gold Class

Benchmade’s gold class, also referred to as collectors class, is composed of knives for collectors, and they are all limited editions. These knives are produced from exotic materials using unique techniques. These knives are purchased by people who rarely use them

Black Class

This Benchmade class of knives is also referred to as a professional class. These knives are made for public safety employees, law enforcement, and the military.

The knives in this class are designed for handling challenging tasks. The good thing is that most of the knives in this class are also available to everyone.

Blue Class

Blue class Benchmade tools are designed for everyday carry. They are made from high-quality materials, and they have admirable durability.

These knives can be quite costly, but the good thing is you get more than what you pay for. These knives are built for recreational purposes.

Before you start your search for the best Benchmade EDC, you must first decide which types of knife you need.

Blade Types

All Benchmade blades are not built equally, especially the pocket knives. So whether you are looking for an EDC or tactical knife, you must know the different blade styles and their uses.

Some of the most common blade styles among Benchmade knives include:

Clip Point

The clip point blade style is quite common among Benchmade knives. The back edge of this type of blade has a concave shape, and it is meant to make the tip seem sharper.

The cut-out area of clip point blades can be either curved or straight. Clip pointed blades are reliable EDC tools that can be great for hunting.

Drop Point

Another common all-purpose Benchmade blade type is the drop point. The upper section of drop point blades runs straight from the back and then slope as it approaches the tip to merge with the cutting edge.

Drop point knives are perfect for piercing and skinning since they have a controllable point and enormous belly.

Tanto Point

Tanto point is sometimes referred to as chisel point since it resembles a chisel. This blade type is well-liked because of its strength and great looks. This blade has a flat grind and a high point. This design is perfect for piercing sturdy materials.

The blade type dictates the main function of the Benchmade knife. Therefore, before even settling on the specific blade and handle material, you must select a blade style. Remember, the blade-style will be determined by what you plan to use the knife for.

Blade Material

Benchmade knives feature blades that are made from a wide variety of steel alloys. Some of the most commonly used steel alloys include CPM20CV, CPM S90V steel, SPM S30V steel, D2, 154CM, and M390.

Handle Materials

All Benchmade knives come with robust and high-quality handles. Most perfectly designed handles are light and have perfect grips.

Benchmade knife handles are made from a wide range of materials such as aluminum, wood, G10, rubber, and titanium, among others. The durability and strength of the handle vary with price, with the high-end ones having titanium handles.

Locking Mechanism

Benchmade owns patents to the lock mechanisms they use in a huge percentage of their knives. They also have a right to use the Williams/McHenry ‘’AXIS Lock’’. The axis lock is a sturdy, spring-operated system that is used in manual and automatic models.

AXIS lock is loved by many enthusiasts for its ambidexterity, strength, and single-hand operation. Automatic or switchblades are opened by pressing a switch or button.

So, look for a knife with a simple and effective locking mechanism. Benchmade has added a lock assist to some of their models to help you open and close your knife smoothly.

Blade Length

Benchmade has about 14 knife models with varying weight, length, and designs. Since all their blades have different sizes, you should choose something perfect for you.

The intended usage of the knife determines the blade length. If you are looking for an EDC tool that fits in your pocket, then look for a knife with a short blade.

The Knife Edges: Plain, Partially Serrated or Fully Serrated

Nobody can purchase a pocketknife without wondering what is the best knife edge (plain or serrated edge)? This decision can be quite challenging, especially since these knives have serrated or plain blades.

Most Benchmade knives have partially serrated blades. Plain edges are easy to sharpen and better for making clean cuts, but they can’t saw through things.

Serrated ones can cut through tougher materials easily due to the serrations. Serrated edges have thinner serrations, making it possible for them to cut even better than plain edged knives.

Final Thoughts

Benchmade is a top brand with a wide range of knives that vary in shapes, sizes, and designs. Benchmade knives can handle a wide variety of tasks.

Therefore, carrying your Benchmade knife everywhere you go can be a great thing. It can make a great difference in how your day turns out. A great Benchmade knife can skin, slice, and saw.

Nonetheless, most enthusiasts have a hard time when they are looking for a reliable Benchmade knife. That is because Benchmade has produced several models for a wide variety of markets.

But, most of these knives can be ideal for everyday carry. So we have researched and rounded up the standout pieces in this Benchmade knives review.

From our research, we concluded that the Griptilian 551 Benchmade knife is the best. It is a high-quality pocketknife that can handle tough jobs. Griptilian 551 Benchmade knife is an ideal EDC that can surprise you.