Benchmade Contego 810 10. Great in case of an emergency, although you hope to never use it. Between those two even with the variants of the mini grip, I would still choose the northfork all day. I think the Bailout is amazing. Its small, but extremely well made, and packs in a lot of performance for a tool this size. The blade might seem unassuming and simple, with its plain edge and drop point, however, theres little it cant do. These were actually designed later than the others and were requested by Benchmade enthusiasts. However, that is not the whole story. Amazon.com: Benchmade I wont lie, it is a little heavy for those of you forgoing long treks, however, that weight is due to how solid and reliable the crooked river is while providing premium attributes such as that beautifully sealed wood grain handle and its ultra-strong AXIS lock. Benchmade Bugout Review - Knife Life - Blade HQ how to pass the achiever test; macavity: the mystery cat analysis Due to the straight edge, it will be easier for you when you do need to sharpen the Barrage. Benchmade OTF Knives for 2023 - We Review Our Favorites! Youd be amazed at how this knife would start to feel like an extension of your arm. Go with the Benchmade Bailout. Usually, locking mechanisms are good for around 50 to 100lbs of pressure but Benchmade, of course, took things many steps further and now their absolute minimum lock strength on any AXIS equipped knife is 200lbs, with most of their knives exceeding that. A little oiling also makes sure the axis locking joint is smooth as butter. 3. Probably youre looking for some recommendations so heres one: The North Fork by Benchmade. Moreover, users have said that the blade does not rust or corrode even if kept wet and used in rainy or humid weather conditions. Hiker's Dream Knife: Benchmade Bugout Review | GearJunkie Simply apply pressure to the thumb stud and boom, the blade flips into place almost effortlessly. It would need to be a fixed blade, and be more of a Survival knife type. Some of our team have accomplished amazing feats like climbing 6000 feet to the top of mountains, others have explored every dirt trail they could find and we even have some people that have backpacked solo on various continents. The Benchmade Knife Company is well known for creating superior blades, so I was eager to put the North Fork to the test. Most of the time youre better going with a stainless blade. My Review: The Super Freek is well-known by its ultra-hard and super tough CPM-M4 steel blades that are certainly not for a beginner knife owner. What sets the best of the best apart is their weight for the construction quality. Keep in mind that the warranty is valid when you buy from authorized sellers. I bought it to use around the farm (orange handles makes it easy to find if I lay it down somewhere). Those people are right when it comes to personal preference and I understand where theyre coming from, I really enjoy many of Benchmades premium handles that arent plastic-based. This particular steel is especially strong in terms of tensile strength which allows this knife to be heavily abused and put through the wringer whether youre a camper, fisherman, or using the knife to work. These knives are exceptionally dangerous and have very little utility value. Benchmade's Bugout Knife Is Still The Reigning EDC Champ - Gear Patrol This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. The Bugout was designed for the modern outdoor adventurer, incorporating the lightest, best performing materials in an extremely slim yet ergonomic package. Its lightweight and might feel flimsy at first. The knife is of a Sheepsfoot blade, and its quite useful in daily utility works. You would be hard-pressed to find a good EDC of this level that can perform utility tasks this well. But not completely stainless. Now, there is some controversy here as many people will cry and whine about how Valox is really just a fancy word for plastic and that it doesnt encompass that Benchmade solid quality feel. Imagine every little task you would expect an EDC knife to do, write it down if you need to. Benchmade Knives for sale - Knives Plus - Premium Plus Dealer Benchmade doesnt make a whole lot of spear-point folders but when they do, they cost an arm and a leg and probably result in a bit of hot temperament come checkbook balancing day with your significant other. These are not an EDC style utility knife but more so something to use as a last resort in a sticky situation. Overstatement? Some recommended products may use affiliate links. Weve already reviewed many Benchmade knives in other guides, including our favorite EDC knives here, camping knives here, and fixed blade knives here, but we have yet to truly focus on Benchmade alone. When opening, the user simply needs to start opening the blade and at around 30 degrees, the tension bars fling the blade open themselves the rest of the way, kind of like the assist but with more user interaction. Benchmade Bugout vs Bailout - Knivesandtools The full tang construction makes sure that the blade is more durable and steadier than folded knives. This knife is made to deploy when you really need it most, as opposed to being abused on the daily, so it makes sense why they swapped out S30V for 3V instead. Something that really sets the Axis mechanisms apart from the rest is how strong they are. Check them out on our Fire Starters page here. They will then sharpen the blade back to its original factory specs and then perform a deep clean and shine on each and every part. Its astonishingly functional for a knife this size, and it comes hair-splitting sharp out of the box. 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. Suggested Alternatives to the Benchmade North Fork, Black Friday / Cyber Monday Camping Deals: Gear, Hiking, Survival, Outdoor Deals. Well, many of their knives have another feature called the Benchmade Nitrous. While you might be thinking this will be your next EDC of choice, Im thinking this would make a great gift! 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. 7 Benchmade Bugout Alternatives for a Pocket Knife - Knives Advisor This is one of the best customer care programs any knife company in the market has to offer right now. That means although it has a natural wood base it wont swell or warp its just as stable as the G10 version. This Benchmade EDC is made of CPM-s30v American steel, which is quite impressive in a foldable pocket knife. The price of a Benchmade is primarily based on three things. A drop-point blade is a classic and effective shape for a hunting knife, and the North Fork makes effective use of it. 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. The Grivory handles ensure the knife stays close to that ultra-light 2oz mark while still ensuring that the deadly Tanto blade is well supported when utilized. The drop-point blade makes North Fork 1503 a handy hunting tool for skinning and slicing wildlife. Not everyones going to find it perfect with a short blade the thumb studs might interfere with some cutting operations, so some users might have preferred a thumb hole instead. Bailout vs Bugout? : r/benchmade - reddit Fortunately we can discuss the types of steel used. Benchmade North Fork | Everyday Carry the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Incredible blade quality, assisted open, perfect combination of compactness/functionality, Light, simple, well-made, full size blade, full-function, Beautifully constructed, assisted open, good value, Pricey, blade lock mechanism not intuitive, Expensive, low profile handle, flexy plastic construction, Slender handle makes it hard to apply even pressure, thin blade is fragile, Immaculately constructed knife in a form-factor that is easy to carry and large enough for virtually every task, For a full-function, full-size pocket knife, this is as light as it gets, and is the premier option for all sorts of human-powered adventures, A slender, svelte pocket knife with great materials and a reasonable value, Proprietary Stainless (between 440A and 420), Assisted, ambidextrous thumb stud; back-of-knife finger tab, Scissors, nail file, small screwdriver, tweezers, toothpick, key ring. I would like to hear your thoughts and Im sure other readers would as well! Benchmade 15031 North Fork is a compact hunting knife that's also perfect for everyday carry. However, some users did complain that the axis locking mechanism on this model wasnt as good as expected, though a little tinkering usually takes care of that. However, we cannot call it a great value. The Bugout is a really great knife, but pocket jewelry it ain't. The Benchmade Bugout is pure 100% utilitarian practicality, and there wasn't any room to pack on the flash. I will say this, I do love assisted knives simply for the experience and although this knife is a manual two-handed opener, the blade is super heavy and the opening mechanism is so smooth that it delivers a very unique opening experience I have yet to see replicated by any other knife. Pick a Tanto tip, but remember its not good for prying. Posted by ; royal canin yorkie dog food reviews; parkland psychiatric hospital dallas, tx . Best Alternatives to Yeti Cooler | Coolers Like YETI. Keep a onein your pocket and a fixed blade in your pack. I will mention this about the clip, it isnt like the standard Benchmade deep carry clips and doesnt do well on exceptionally thin material like gym shorts but feels great and stays in place snuggly when used on thick materials like jeans or tactical pants. However, this one is my favorite since this is the so-called Super Freek, due to the upgraded CPM-M4 steel and handle material. The Griptilian doesnt exactly exude fashion or style but what it does do is get the job done. Any outdoor memories you plan to make should include this knife and hey, perhaps those memories can be passed down through generations alongside the knife, as itll probably outlast your trekking legs. Many people choose fixed blades over the folding counterparts because they believe the fixed blade is less prone to failure and is stronger overall and while that was true for a very long time, its still true! Most people likely end up with a drop-point shaped blade when searching for an EDC and that makes sense, considering the drop-point is one of the most versatile blade shapes, however, the reverse-tanto can be just as versatile and when done correctly, as it is on the EDC 940. As a last note here, youll be getting a beautifully made stitched black leather sheath and you might be surprised when you get it. The North Fork's handle is made from wood that's been vacuum-impregnated with resin to increase durability. Yeah, I didnt miss the 3 or 4 for that 1, it really does weigh less than 2 ounces. 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. A: The Benchmade Knife Company is behind Benchmade knives. The S30V steel takes an excellent edge, almost as good as traditional carbon steel, and it doesnt need a lot of maintenance. The latter is layered from maple and Baltic birch laminations, pressure-bonded with resin into a wood-plastic composite thats completely moisture-resistant. Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Diamond Textured GrivoryBlade Length: 3.24Total Length: 7.46Total Weight: 1.85 ounces. In this respect the Bugout is a little more user-friendly for 'normal' users. A: Their amazing quality is what made Benchmade knives stand apart from other kinds of knives. Straight edges are great for versatile utility work. Alright, that was cheesy, but the Altitude is a seriously cool knife and as much as it is cool, its actually functional. 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. Its grippy and made of Valox, and though that gives this knife a sort of cheap feeling, it actually keeps the weight of the knife down. With the added strength from this treatment, theres no need to worry about the wood chipping, drying out, or getting wet. Consisting of CPM-S30V steel probably makes this one of the toughest and strongest little mini-tools you could possibly carry. All things considered, this is the best Benchmade pocket knife Ive come across. The Benchmade Bugout was originally designed as a lightweight pocket knife for hikers and others who prefer ultra-light knives. The handle is rubberized Santoprene, and the texture wraps around the entirety of it. Lets talk about some of the best technologies theyve designed and implemented over the years. 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. The Bailout has a separate backspacer. For the blade, you have a choice between carbon steel or stainless. Yes, it is a little expensive coming in at two Benjamins but this is a knife that can do it all and will do it all for many many many years to come. And lastly, Benchmade has a reputation and thats it. The Axis Lock comes integrated with three different action flavors: Axis Assist, Axis Automatic, and Axis Dual-Action Automatic. Benchmade Saddle Mountain 15003-2 or 15003-1, Here Are the Best Tactical Benchmade Knives, Unique Benchmade Knife Designs and Notable Mentions, 30. It's a more solid feeling knife than its bigger brother because the liners fill almost all of the handle area. JavaScript is disabled. The Freek was purpose-built to be a heavily abused EDC style knife. Im a huge fan of small slender blades because they tend to lack the tensile strength required for a rugged lifestyle. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Of course, blades consisting of M4 Tool steel do hold an edge for a really long time and can endure massive amounts of daily abuse before needing any care but its vital that you oil this bad boy up from time to time as CPM-M4 has traded in its protection from corrosion resistance for optimum strength. I love the bugout but will be upgrading the scales. This thing almost looks like a throwing knife and to be honest, when you first hold it, thats probably what your first impression would be. All others will prefer the Mini-Barrage. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Our test team (and likely you) like this feature. Step 4 Materials:Finally, consider materials. Speaking of sliding into your pocket, youll be getting a reversible pocket clip that will allow you to carry it on either side. For more information about us or joining the team, check out the About Us tab. Copyright All Outdoors Guide 2023 | About Us. Now, that is a simple question, with a complicated answer. The drop-point blade shape at its core is very versatile and poses a lot of use cases, especially for general outdoor activities. Its hard to explain, but this knife is pretty darn cool for the right person. $200 for probably the best spear-point assisted folder consisting of CPM-S30V steel is actually a pretty good deal if you really enjoy this type of thing. Its textured and large enough to get a comfortable grip. Where the blade meets the handles on the inside is covered by steel liners, ensuring the handles cant bow or bend and eliminating the flex you see in cheaper plastic-based handles. Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Textured G10Blade Length: 3.7Total Length: 8.6Total Weight: 5.81 ounces. Its not too much of a hassle to sharpen like some of the other premium steels but it still performs nearly as well in terms of durability, sharpness, and resistance to corrosion. Its very secure and positive. First, even right out of the box, there are different definitions of "sharp." My Review: This knife was designed to get down and dirty outdoors and survive just about any environmental situation. The Tanto blades make these appear quite aggressive but in my experience, these knives perform quite well as a daily use blade and can endure quite some abuse. I wouldn't call it a slicer like the bugout but it all depends on what your full purpose is farm work I believe you will enjoy the northfork the most and the wood scales are awesome plus full liners. It does feel small to me, and though the construction and blade are great, I'm not too happy with the closing and locking mechanism when the blade is closed. Security is provided by Benchmades trademark Axis Lock. Glass breaker, rescue hook, lanyard hole, drop-point with three different serrated or fine edge options, super light but durable G10 resin-soaked fiberglass body, and the ever so loved AXIS locking mechanism. However, make sure you dont go swimming with this in your pocket as the handle will expand and be unusable for a while. All in all, this is the best affordable Benchmade knife if a fixed blade is what youre after. TESTED: The New Benchmade Claymore and Shootout Automatic Knives That has now morphed into a love for studying and researching different aspects of knives. I feel like the other two are good options, but the northfork feels like it has a "soul". The Bugout is available with Grivory, titanium and CF-Elite. Whatever outdoor activity youre planning, the first item on your kit list should always be a knife. Check for Signs of Poor Workmanship and Defects. Benchmade North Fork | Badass Knife of the Week | Knife Depot If youre looking for a hunting/outdoors inspired knife for EDC, I highly recommend this particular knife. Benchmade North Fork 15031 Knife Drop-Point Review, Things to be aware of before making a purchase. 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. If breaking folding knives is a concern of yours, look to Benchmade! Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-20CVHandle Composition: Anodized Billet Titanium With Triangular Scale TextureBlade Length: 3.5Total Length: 8.06Total Weight: 3.66 Ounces. It's extremely lightweight for a knife this capable, and due to the axis locking mechanism, it's very user friendly as well. 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 don't like the flimsy scales. A premium type of steel that is corrosion resistant. Youre paying some of that price tag as a royalty for them being well known and well respected within the knife community. My Review: The Foray is a get the job done well rounded little pocket knife that I think anyone could get some seriously good usage and value out of. COMFORTABLE: The 15031-1's lightweight design and textured handle make it comfortable to hold, use, and take anywhere. Our only wish with the North Fork knife is that it was assisted opening. Alright, its not that bad. Blade Style: TantoBlade Composition: CPM-3VHandle Composition: GrivoryBlade Length: 3.38Total Length: 8.07Total Weight: 2.05 ounces. Normally you might find Benchmade blades coated or uncoated and typically the user will decide which version to buy based on personal preference, but the Freek only has one option and that is a nice matte black Cerakote. Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM S30VHandle Composition: Sealed Wood or Patterned G10Blade Length: 2.97Total Length: 6.97Total Weight: 3.41 ounces. My Review: This knife is hard to use, not because its not versatile or strong but because its so dang beautiful! Both models are excellent, youll just need to choose what fits you the best! My Review: The Puukko 200 is a Scandinavian inspired general use utility knife with a fixed blade consisting of CPM-3V. My Review: This knife isnt for everybody, thats for sure, however, if youre an avid hunter who would rather expend energy on the actual hunt itself as opposed to getting to your stomping grounds, this may be an alternative worth considering. Benchmade North Fork (Scott Murdock) The blade and frame are equally tough. The North Fork offers fully ambidextrous use options thanks to the AXIS lock mechanism, dual thumb stud deployment, and reversible pocket clip. But first, please take a few moments to sign up as a member of our EDC community below. 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! Theyre easier to sharpen, though. Blade Style: Drop-Point|Blade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Dual-Durometer Glass-Filled NylonBlade Length: 3.5Total Length: 7.84Total Weight: 3.77 ounces. If you like the frn handles of the Grip you have, you will like the g10 even more. Benchmade Scales North Fork - Etsy [wc_share_buttons class=][/wc_share_buttons]. benchmade north fork vs bugout. 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. BUT. it may be knocked off the throne by my mini crooked river. Now, the Fact wouldnt exactly end up at the forefront of an EDC list or really on any list, however, Im in love! Types of Rifles Every Shooter Should Know About, Rifle Vs. The New Benchmade Bugout 535BK-4 is a Striking Version of the Original The Benchmade Claymore and Shootout Two new knives in the Benchmade stable, the Claymore and Shootout represent two different actions. 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. Benchmade 15031-2 North Fork Folder Dp Axis Wood Hunting Knife Hi, this is Jason Rhodes. It does have a thicker heavier blade than the others but this in tun makes for a smooth balanced action and have little blade play. Despite that, I feel that this is quite a good Benchmade EDC. 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. If youre a fan of Benchmades assisted opening and stunning wood handles, this is it for you. The Bailout is available with fine 'tool steels'. 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. If you dont have a good sharpener, I recommend you buy one alongside your purchase as you will undoubtedly need one. This is definitely not the run of the mill Benchmade experience Ive known to expect but it is a refreshing design that gives the user plenty of deployability options. That passion has led me to build this site, Read on for my story. Both the Grizzly Creek and Saddle Mountain knives consist of S30V steel which is arguably one of the best stainless steels around for skinning due to their incredible tensile strength, ability to hold an edge even after heavy contact with joints and bones, and exceptional resistance to corrosion. Whats important is that you pick a knife according to what you need and you like, and youll definitely love what you end up buying. Standard, because it is great for daily tasks. It's always handy this way, and largely unobtrusive except in the most formal of situations. 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! If youre an avid outdoorsman looking for a knife you can carry to work with you and then head off into the fields after you clock out, this your knife. The Bugout has a fairly standard drop-point blade. Customize your 535 Bugout knife with a plain drop-point or serrated drop-point blade, coupled with a CF Elite or Grivory handle. benchmade north fork vs bugouthavelock wool australia. 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. For the g10 handles. 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 Which just about always also means pleasantly functional. These knives are easier to maintain than many premium level steels while offering ridiculously competitive pricing and an overall fantastic user experience. Here Are the Best Benchmade Knives for EDC 1. 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. The angle(s) at which the faces of the blade meet determines the function of that edge. 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. 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. :) Home Knives 30 Best Benchmade Knives in 2023 (Ranked by Category). The Nakamura hosts one of the most comfortable grips on any knife from any manufacturer I have tested and the M390 steel really shines through here as an EDC blade because of its well-roundedness. This uses an internal sprung bolt that locks into the rear of the blade when its opened. Thank you for your contribution. This makes the knife practical for everyday use. The Barrage family is a set of beautiful knives that are raw and dutiful by nature. Bugout. We are pocket knife experts that understand that you don't Pocket knife shopping is daunting. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. upenn summer research program for high school students. Both knives fit the same use case and both knives are of the same exceptional Benchmade quality. If you dont already have a nice EDC, check out the loads of fantastic EDC knives weve reviewed above from Benchmade. It opens smoothly, locks smoothly, and cuts smoothly. You can also check out the SOCP Rescue tool at this link here. 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. Strap this baby on with its included Boltaron sheath and youll hardly notice its there until you spring the Altitude into action. 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. My Review: First and foremost, the Saddle Mountain is more of a lineup of knives that just a single knife itself.