Have some money burning a hole in your pockets and you need something that your buddies are sure to gawk at? I can see that each knife has some advantages and disadvantages, as evidenced by all the varying opinions here. I greatly appreciate that this slim and functional knife features a Tanto point blade. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. It also comes super sharp out of the box, boasting a full flat grind. Traditional hunting knives have been a lot larger, but short blades like this are becoming a lot more popular. The Bailout, however, is enhanced with a tanto blade. The north fork being my most number one carried knife of the 11 benchmades I have it just lends its self much better to hard work. If the knife doesnt feel comfortable, then it is apparent the knife isnt manufactured by Benchmade itself. All you might think you care about, as it pertains to a knife's edge, is "is it sharp?" 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. How To Make A Switchblade Learn With Five Steps, How to Hone a Straight Razor Use for Silky Smooth Shaving. Pick a Tanto tip, but remember its not good for prying. We can be brief when it comes to the similarities: the handles of both knives look alike. The. alain picard wife / ap calculus bc multiple choice / benchmade north fork vs bugout. I like the low visibility these EDC blades offer. Something I think youll notice right out of the box is how strong and sturdy the knife feels while appearing elegant and sleek. Traditional hunting knives have been a lot larger, but short blades like this are becoming a lot more popular. Benchmade is largely more expensive than a lot of other comparable knife options because of the incredible quality and unbeatable technologies theyve implemented into their knives. Let us know what your favorite Benchmade knife is in the comments section below or if you think there is a knife we should add to this list. Hiker's Dream Knife: Benchmade Bugout Review | GearJunkie Basically, if you click on a product link on this site and buy that product we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. It's extremely lightweight for a knife this capable, and due to the axis locking mechanism, it's very user friendly as well. It's always handy this way, and largely unobtrusive except in the most formal of situations. This uses an internal sprung bolt that locks into the rear of the blade when its opened. Benchmade 535 Bugout Drop-Point Fine-Edge Knife | REI Co-op [Easy] How to Clean Rust off of a Gun Without Damaging it? Its good for being used on a fishing boat where your hands and the grips are generally always going to be wet. Both knives are enhanced with a lanyard hole. 4.9 out of 5 stars 23. A: The Benchmade Knife Company is behind Benchmade knives. The Griptilian fits in just about any pocket you slide it into and after just a few minutes, it sits so lightly and comfortably that you may forget its even there until of course, you need it! If youre willing to pony up a little extra cash, and I do recommend this if you can, you can find the stylish carbon fiber version of the Benchmade Nakamura here. Imagine every little task you would expect an EDC knife to do, write it down if you need to. Stay on point with the latest products, offers and more! These are among the safest and most reliable locking mechanisms found in folding knives on the market thus far. The handle is simply just an extension of the D2 steel from the blade and although I personally like that, many Adamas owners actually wrap this bad boy up in some nice paracord. Now, just under two Benjamins for a 154CM blade does sound a bit pricey, but this blade encompasses a flavor in a pocket knife form factor that youll be hard-pressed to rival with anything else on the market today. The thinner spine near the tip on the reverse-tanto allows for quicker and more nimble cutting through tight spaces and thus makes this knife extremely versatile for precise tasks like carpentry, woodwork, etc. Blade Style: TantoBlade Composition: 154CMHandle Composition: Rib Textured 6061-T6 AluminumBlade Length: 4.5Total Length: 9.45Total Weight: 5 ounces. The opening notch and serrated thumb-rest are very efficient. Built on heavy-duty stainless steel liners, this is a knife to carry into the woods or around town for years to come. Opening and closing them is not a hassle because they have an excellent axis lock mechanism. My final thoughts are this: This knife is not worth the money if youre looking for a tough and durable do-it-all EDC knife. Mini-Grip, Bugout or North Fork? | BladeForums.com What kind of knife is Benchmade North Fork Drop-Point? Moreover, gripping a Benchmade knife is comfortable because the handles are made of durable glass-filled nylon and G10. Throw it in your truck, keep it in your bugout bag, use it with your survival kit, whatever, this knife is so light and compact that youll forget its there until you need it! North Fork! This Benchmade EDC is made of CPM-s30v American steel, which is quite impressive in a foldable pocket knife. These blades are insanely hard, much harder than what Benchmade usually uses such as CPM-S30V, 154CM, M390, etc. Benchmade Bugout Knife Family - 535 Knives Series | Benchmade Knife Company Three screws on each side hold the handle together, and a hex bolt acts as the blade pivot. Here you also see that the Bailout was intended for tactical use. I personally prefer the thumb hole over the harsher thumb stud. Portability, regarding size, is also at direct odds with ergonomics. It feels a lot like super high-quality Balisongs with how it flips effortlessly and the sound it makes. The knifes drop-point blade is ideal for the avid hunter. Due to the straight edge, it will be easier for you when you do need to sharpen the Barrage. Its not only suitable for hunting but also tackles utility tasks and performs well as a cord cutter. That good old homegrown quality and attention to detail dont come cheap and although I dont know the specifics, the information found here on Glassdoor indicates average wages that far exceed what Id expect most foreign knife manufacturers to offer their employees. Additionally, the variables are many. Some recommended products may use affiliate links. The Bailout has a separate backspacer. Benchmade North Fork 15031-2 8. Its long and slender with a very high-class elegant finish that really exudes craftsmanship without being over-engineered or snarky in appearance. While Ive tried to point out which knife in this list is good for which set of tasks, Im going to break things down a little bit more. 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. 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. The clip is textured just like the single-piece body of the Anthem which is a very nice touch, something Id expect from paying this much but despite the price, it still feels over the top and like they really took notice of the small details. In 1988, Benchmade rolled out a revolutionary locking mechanism dubbed the Benchmade Axis Lock. Our only wish with the North Fork knife is that it was assisted opening. Blade Style: Spear-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Skeletonized 6061-T6 Billet AluminumBlade Length: 3.95Total Length: 8.72Total Weight: 3.24 ounces. The manufacturing is based out of Oregon City, Oregon ever since the company moved to the place in 2010. Before we jump into discussing the beautiful pieces of sharp and pointy steel offered by one of our favorite companies, you need to know the pros and cons of each blade shape as well as the steel they are made of. MADE FOR HUNTING: The North Fork 15031-1's drop-point, recurved blade is ideal . While this one has a slightly shorter handle and will make your pinky finger dangle free, its expected for such a small knife. Which just about always also means pleasantly functional. That handle is a little squishy but you know what its good for? You can sharpen it in the field, but we recommend doing it at home and taking your time. Disclosure. 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. Okay, fine, I will, but only because I really enjoy saying the word triage. 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. Blade Style: Modified Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Ultra Ergo Slotted and Textured G10Blade Length: 3.45Total Length: 8.03Total Weight: 4.24 ounces. Benchmade Contego 810 10. Step 4 Materials:Finally, consider materials. It will cut well for years and years, and Benchmade will sharpen it in a process that is also, well, smooth. Benchmade Bugout 535 5. Something that really sets the Axis mechanisms apart from the rest is how strong they are. We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Related Gear: Benchmade Bugout ReviewBuild Your Ultimate Bugout for National Knife Day 2023Benchmade OTF Knives for 2023 - We Review Our Favorites! 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. Ideally, the knife suits anyone keen on getting a reliable folding knife.North Fork-1503 isnt ideal for knives buyers with a relatively small budget.Again, its razor sharp blade can potentially make it unsafe for inexperienced hunting knife users. The size is such that it clips relatively unobtrusively to your pants pocket. It encompasses everything we like to see in an EDC including a versatile drop-point, the super-strong AXIS locking mechanism, a good pocket weight to size ratio, a strong and tight clip, and an overall high-quality build design that should suit you through a variety of different tasks. The Bugout is available with Grivory, titanium and CF-Elite. The 15003-2 comes with a dark brown leather sheath that is of super high quality, however, it doesnt last long since its so good at hugging the blade that the blade actually tears into the leather. There are no other features on the Benchmade North Fork. For this reason, even though the price seems exorbitant, I consider that buying Benchmade is actually a money-saving move. (89.58g) Features You May Also Like Mini Crooked River Family As low as $300.00 10 Best Benchmade Knife Reviews: How to Pick the Best Amid a Superb EDC No, not you, youve chosen the Altitude because you have attitude. That exceptionally high hardness level allows this blade to retain its edge even when highly abused for an extremely long time, making this blade very low maintenance and ready to go when you need it most. I do have to say that the North Fork has really caught my eye. Benchmade North Fork 15031 Knife Drop-Point Review, Things to be aware of before making a purchase. 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. Benchmade doesnt use CPM-3V very often as they generally tend to prefer S30V for its overall versatility and exceptional performance across the board, however, the 3V steel provides a slightly harder and more rigid platform for a stronger and more shatter-resistant point while sacrificing a little wear resistance, which is what the Bailout is all about. If breaking folding knives is a concern of yours, look to Benchmade! Im a huge fan of small slender blades because they tend to lack the tensile strength required for a rugged lifestyle. 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 best Benchmade knife isnt the one with the most ratings or reviews, or the one thats the most pricey. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Benchmade North Fork 15031 Knife Drop-Point Review Top 10 Best Benchmade Knife Reviews in 2023, Benchmade Mini Griptilian Sheepsfoot knife. If you havent heard of Grivory handles before, never fear, I hadnt either until I came across this knife. 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. Is it worth it to pay extra for high-quality American made goods? Aside from one major variable, the ergonomics of the North Fork knife are virtually identical to those of the Benchmade Mini-Barrage 585. 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. My Review: This knife is hard to use, not because its not versatile or strong but because its so dang beautiful! If extra goodies are what you want, the Tactical Triage is worth a look. The assisted opening mechanism Benchmade uses is on a whole other level from the industry standard and the secondary locking mechanism ensures there is no accidental deployment of that ultra-sharp and ultra lethal spear point. The latter is layered from maple and Baltic birch laminations, pressure-bonded with resin into a wood-plastic composite thats completely moisture-resistant. Gerber Sharkbelly Folding Knife- this versatile folding knife boasts a 320HC stainless steel blade for both precision cutting and for cutting remarkably tough materials.The scratch-resistant pocket clip offers a tip down carry that prevents the knifes razor sharp blade from tearing your pockets. Its no secret that the Saddle Mountain series was designed to be a hunters best friend. A much smaller blade, somewhere not too far from three inches long, is the right size for most tasks. Another thing that contributes to making this knife a prime choice for hunting is the gut hook that folds into the handle. But what is it that makes Benchmade different from other makers of small knives? 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. When it comes to the handles ergonomics, this knife beats all the rest. 7 Benchmade Bugout Alternatives for a Pocket Knife - Knives Advisor Build Your Ultimate Bugout for National Knife Day 2023 Benchmade OTF Knives for 2023 - We Review Our Favorites! Its most noticeable trait is the Dymondwood scales. I think the blade deployment concerns are valid, depending on your application. The Freek was purpose-built to be a heavily abused EDC style knife. How to Identify a Fake or Counterfeit Benchmade Knife (7 Tips) The slim point is ideal for precision work and while its not as strong as a sheeps foot form its still tough enough for most everyday cutting jobs. This extends the blades longevity and ensures it doesnt lose its razor sharp edge. Between those two even with the variants of the mini grip, I would still choose the northfork all day. The Barrage is also available in either a partially serrated blade or a full plain edge and overall, the Barrage feels a lot like many of the other 3.6 EDC related pocket knives and it comes equipped with the Benchmade AXIS-ASSIST mechanism, meaning its perfect for quick one-handed operation. These two are just the right size, with smooth hinges, easy one-handed operation, and locks that work easier and more reliably than any other test. Now, Im really glad they chose to go with 154CM steel on this particular blade because for most people, resharpening this in one of the more premium steels like S30V would be a nightmare. Ever since childhood, Ive always loved to play with knives in my moms kitchen. If youre a fan of Benchmades assisted opening and stunning wood handles, this is it for you. I have had a ton of them. Many of these use their Monolock feature thats basically a regular locking mechanism but with the knife liner and the knife handle being made out of the same casting, thus increasing its strength and durability drastically. The differences are namely quite clear. Kershaw 1660 Review - The Ultimate EDC Knife? LifeSharp service from Benchmade means whenever you need to sharpen, hone, or fix your Benchmade knives, you just send them to their factory and they fix it for you. For the aluminium versions of the Bailout the backspacer is also enhanced with a glass breaker. While pondering this, your knifes intended use is a good place to start. Click, Skip to the beginning of the images gallery. 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. 2PCS Handle Patch G10 Micarta Blade Scales Fit For Benchmade North Fork First, the designers they employ and the complicated craftsmanship a lot of their knives consist of. Both models are excellent, youll just need to choose what fits you the best! Pick something with a slightly lower HRC rating. 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. The attribute that dubs it a hunting knife is the modified drop point blade. 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. I carried a mini grip of one variety or another for several years. The very first look convinces you that this knife would not slip from your grip. Benchmade Bugout vs Bailout - Knivesandtools If you think that 7.25 total length would be tough to conceal or a bit overkill, you can check out the Benchmade Mini SOCP here. Well, thats what this guide is for, to help you find the best Benchmade knife for your intended uses. If youre looking for a hunting/outdoors inspired knife for EDC, I highly recommend this particular knife. Its satin-finished drop point blade uses S30V steel and features two jimped sections one by the thumb grip and one closer to the tip for ultimate blade control. A Review of the Benchmade North Fork Knife - All Outdoors Guide However, if you dont want the hassle of opening a knife, no matter how smooth the action is, you can go for a sheathed fixed blade knife. Because everyone is different, Benchmade includes offerings for both the OTF (Out the Front) and OTS (Out the Side) lovers. Of course, what youre getting isnt even a full plastic design. This site contains affiliate links. 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. Youre paying some of that price tag as a royalty for them being well known and well respected within the knife community. If you want a light slicer to disappear into the pocket then the bug out is probably the way to go. A final note here, most Benchmade clips are not compatible with the Anthem and the Anthems clip is not compatible with any other Benchmade knife Ive reviewed. 1. I cant make a list of great Benchmade knives and skip on the Freek knife, can I? No sponsored content. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. The Benchmade Bailout, on the other hand, was designed for soldiers and other professionals who ask a lot from their tools. You can check out the full review of this knife here. 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. Naturally, a question arises: what is the best Benchmade knife? The All-Outdoors Guide team is comprised of enthusiastic experts that enjoy helping others that aspire to be better at outdoor fun.