Benchmade knives are for the most demanding customers, from special operations forces to elite outback hunters, and building for the best requires the best raw materials. We select premium blade steels and pair them with aerospace-grade handle materials to create premium-grade knives and tools that provide great value for our customers.
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The Benchmade brand is a commanding symbol in the world of knives. The instantly recognisable butterfly symbol is a mainstay of any knife enthusiast’s collection.
A brief history of Benchmade
The brand we know today as Benchmade actually originated as a one-man operation out of California, USA, in 1979. The founder, Les De Asis, started his own knife building company under the name Bali-Song. Named after the main knife product they produced at the time, the balisong or ‘butterfly’ knife. This early product line is reflected in the company’s contemporary butterfly logo.
1987 saw Benchmade take on its current name and three years later, in 1990, they moved the operation to Clackamas in Oregon before eventually moving to their current location in Oregon City, United States.
What makes Benchmade Knives so good?
Benchmade knives are for the most demanding customers, from special operations forces to elite outback hunters, and building for the best requires the best raw materials. We select premium blade steels and pair them with aerospace-grade handle materials to create premium-grade knives and tools that provide great value for our customers.
Benchmade knives are widely considered to be some of the best on the market. There are a few key factors that contribute to this reputation. First, Benchmade uses high-quality materials for their knives. The blades are made from hardened carbon steel or tough ceramic, and the handle scales are usually made from durable G10 or aluminum. This ensures that Benchmade knives can withstand heavy use and still stay sharp. Second, Benchmade knives are designed for ergonomic use.
The handles are contoured to fit comfortably in hand, and the blades are angled for optimal cutting power. This makes Benchmade knives not only durable but also easy and safe to use. Finally, Benchmade offers a lifetime warranty on all of their knives. This covers any damage that might occur during normal use, so you can be sure that your Benchmade knife will last a lifetime.
For many customers, the fundamentals put down by Benchmade in regards to their warranty and build quality is a major plus. For many of these same customers, their reputation is further bolstered by the fact that they are American-made, with all of their knives being assembled in their factory in Oregon City. While it may be more cost-effective to produce these knives elsewhere in the world, especially given many of the knives are eventually destined for the large emerging markets in the Asia-Pacific regions anyway. This commitment to home assembly is another nod to the uncompromising approach to quality that Benchmade possesses.
Materials
CPM-S90V
This powdered steel is made with the Crucible Particle Metallurgy (CPM) process in which vanadium and carbon have been added to the blade. The end result is very corrosion-resistant steel.
CPM-CRUWEAR®
This material is in air-hardening tool steel with a great emphasis on rugged use applications. The added vanadium carbides provide industry-leading edge retention. It has garnered a reputation for having great all-around properties.
CPM-M4
Another example of American-made powdered steel that has been leading the way in abrasion resistance and overall toughness. Due to not being stainless steel, this knife material is one that requires care in order to prolong its lifespan.
G10
A handle material made up of layered fiberglass that is soaked in resin before heating, this is a durable handle ideal for outdoor usage.
CARBON FIBER
A modern classic material that is known all over the world for its excellent strength relative to its minimal weight.
DYMONDWOOD
This material is basically manufactured wood. It has a look and feel of natural wood but has a far higher resistance to use than its nature-made counterpart.